Ausangate: the Other Rainbow Mountain (and Why Few Know About It)
Ausangate: the Other Rainbow Mountain (and Why Few Know About It)
When people say "Rainbow Mountain" they almost always mean Vinicunca, but in the same Ausangate mountain range there are other equally colorful formations — and far less visited.
What is Mount Ausangate?
It's the highest mountain in the Cusco region, at 6,384 m, considered an apu (sacred mountain) in Andean cosmovision. Around it stretches a multi-day trekking circuit, with glacial lagoons, natural hot springs and alpaca herder communities.
Pallay Punchu: the "hidden" rainbow mountain
Near the route to Ausangate lies Pallay Punchu, a formation with colored stripes similar to Vinicunca, but with a fraction of its visitors — often you can have it almost to yourself. The name means "colorful poncho" in Quechua, for how its stripes resemble traditional textiles.
Differences from Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
- Altitude: the Ausangate circuit reaches altitudes similar to or higher than Vinicunca (5,000+ m at several points).
- Duration: while Vinicunca is a day trip, the full Ausangate circuit is usually 4-5 days of trekking, with nights in tents or lodges.
- Crowds: Vinicunca gets hundreds of daily visitors; Pallay Punchu and the Ausangate circuit, far fewer.
Can it be visited in one day?
Shorter versions exist (2 days/1 night) focused only on Pallay Punchu without completing the full Ausangate circuit, for those without a week to spare.
Necessary preparation
Like Vinicunca, it requires good prior acclimatization (see our altitude sickness guide) and warm clothing for below-freezing temperatures on camping nights.
Interested in something less crowded than the classic circuit? Contact us to plan the Ausangate trek around your dates and fitness level.
Ausangate, Vinicunca and Palcoyo: which to choose?
In the same region there are three ways to see rainbow mountains, and each suits a different kind of traveler:
| Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) | Palcoyo | Ausangate circuit / Pallay Punchu | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 day | 1 day | 2 to 5 days |
| Hike | About 2 h uphill | Short and almost flat | Several days of trekking |
| Max altitude | 5,200 m | Close to 4,900 m | Over 5,000 m on several passes |
| Crowds | Many | Few | Very few |
| Best for | Those after the iconic photo | Those wanting something easy | Experienced trekkers |
If you have one day and want the famous mountain, Rainbow Mountain (US$30, with breakfast and buffet lunch) is the option. If you'd rather walk less, Palcoyo has three rainbow mountains with a short hike; we explain it in our Palcoyo guide. The Ausangate circuit is for those who want several days in the range.
What a day on the Ausangate circuit looks like
Each route varies, but the days follow a similar pattern:
- Early breakfast at camp, very cold until the sun comes up.
- 5 to 7 hours of hiking, crossing mountain passes above 5,000 m.
- Changing scenery: colored lakes (turquoise, green, reddish), glaciers and valleys with herds of alpacas and llamas.
- Muleteers and horses carrying the heavy gear with most operators.
- Below-freezing nights, under a very starry sky with no light pollution.
Ausangate's cultural importance
For Andean communities, Ausangate is one of the most powerful apus in the region. Every year, during the Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage, thousands of people climb to its slopes for one of the most impressive religious festivals in the Andes, blending Andean and Catholic traditions. Walking this area also means entering a territory with deep meaning for the people who live there.
Recommended warm-up
Before a multi-day trek at this altitude, it's wise to test how your body responds with a day trip:
- Two easy days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Humantay Lake (4,200 m) as an altitude test.
- If you feel good, Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m).
If those days felt comfortable, you're in good shape to consider the long circuit. Also check our altitude sickness guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder than Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)?
The full Ausangate circuit, yes, due to its multi-day duration and sustained altitude. The short Pallay Punchu versions have a difficulty similar to Vinicunca.
Are there hot springs along the way?
Yes, there are natural hot springs at some points on the circuit, much appreciated after days of hiking in the cold.
When is the best season?
Same as the rest of the Cusco highlands: May to September, dry season.
