Description
Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM Pickup window from your accommodation Details: Your exact pickup time or meeting details are sent via WhatsApp no later than the evening before departure.
A tour just for your group
Private 2-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain?
Choose your own departure date, travel only with your group, and enjoy a pace shaped around you.
What is included
Included
Staff & safety
- Professional chef for the entire trek
- English-speaking guide
- Radio communication
- Emergency oxygen
- First aid kit
Meals & drinks
- Meals (vegetarian, vegan, and special diets available)
- Afternoon tea or “happy hour” every day
- Wake-up tea each morning
- Snacks during the trek
- 1.5 liters of water every morning for the trek
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing
Camping equipment
- Tents for 4 people, used by 2 travelers
- Camping equipment provided
- Portable toilet
- 1 foam mattress per person
- 1 blanket per person
- 1 pillow per person
- 1 hot water bottle per person (for the night)
- Duffel bags (8 kg) carried by our staff to each campsite
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fee Ausangate
- Entrance fee Rainbow Mountain
- Entrance fee Red Valley
Optional rentals
- Sleeping bag (up to -20°C)
- Professional trekking poles
- LuxuryMap™ inflatable mattress
- Emergency horse
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pitumarca – Surine Qocha Camp
Morning
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM.
- 3-hour drive to the starting point of the trek.
- Enjoy a nutritious breakfast prepared by the chef.
- Begin the trek through a green valley with views of the Ausangate Mountain.
- Pass through local Andean communities, where you’ll see alpacas and llamas.
- Reach Pukaqocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft) for incredible views of the Pukaqocha Lagoon.
Afternoon
- 2-hour trek to Anantapata for a delicious lunch.
- Continue trekking for 3 more hours to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft), the highest point of the day.
- First glimpse of the Rainbow Mountain from a distance!
- Descend for 45 minutes to Surine Qocha Lagoon.
Evening
- Enjoy a hot drink (happy hour) upon arrival at camp.
- Warm dinner prepared by the chef.
- Rest under a stunning night sky full of stars.
Day 2: Surine Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Early morning
- Wake up with a hot coca tea in your tent.
- Nutritious breakfast before starting the trek.
- 45-minute hike to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.
- Enjoy breathtaking views before most tourists arrive.
Mid-morning
- Short trek to the Red Valley, a surreal landscape with deep red hills.
- 30-minute walk to a viewpoint with the best views of the Red Valley.
Afternoon
- 1.5-hour descent through ancient Andean villages.
- Observe vicuñas, wild relatives of llamas and alpacas.
- Final lunch before heading back to Cusco.
- Bus ride back to your hotel in Cusco.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Tour duration
- 2 days
- Average group size
- 6 people
Where you will stay
Tents
Campsite
Full tour description
The 2-day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain offers a mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences. This trek takes you through remote Andean villages, high-altitude mountain passes, and colorful valleys. Unlike the standard day trip, this trek follows quieter trails, allowing you more time to appreciate the scenery.
Experience the beauty of Ausangate Mountain
Ausangate, standing at 6,384 meters, is the highest sacred mountain in Cusco. The route passes through valleys, glacial lakes, and herds of alpacas, providing a deep connection to nature. In Andean beliefs, the mountain is considered an Apu, a sacred protector.
See Rainbow Mountain before the crowds on our 2-day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is one of Peru’s most famous natural wonders. Its colorful stripes are the result of mineral deposits in the soil. By taking this 2-day trek, you arrive early in the morning, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking landscape in peace before the larger tourist groups arrive.
Discover the hidden beauty of the Red Valley
The Red Valley is one of the highlights of this trek. Its deep red mountains create a surreal landscape, rarely visited by tourists. A short hike to the viewpoint offers breathtaking views of this lesser-known but spectacular area.
Activities on the 2-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
- High-altitude trekking through the Peruvian Andes
- Visiting Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley
- Exploring remote Andean villages and learning about local traditions
- Observing alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas in their natural habitat
- Camping next to a scenic mountain lagoon
- Enjoying traditional Andean meals prepared by a private chef
- Stargazing in one of the clearest night skies in the world
Interesting facts about this trek
- Ausangate is one of the most sacred mountains in Peru, worshipped by local communities as a spiritual protector.
- The trek crosses two high-altitude mountain passes, reaching nearly 5,000 meters.
- The region is home to thousands of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas, which have been an essential part of Andean culture for centuries.
- The colors of Rainbow Mountain are formed by natural mineral deposits over millions of years.
- The night sky at the campsite is exceptionally clear, making it a great place for stargazing.
The 2-day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain is a perfect choice for adventurers who want to explore untouched landscapes and experience Andean culture. This trek combines breathtaking mountain views, peaceful trails, and an unforgettable visit to Rainbow Mountain before the crowds arrive.
What to bring
- Passport or valid ID (copy or photo)
- Trekking boots with good grip
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Warm and waterproof clothing
- Hat, gloves, and scarf for cold temperatures
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm
- Small backpack for essentials
- Personal toiletries and wet wipes
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
- Snacks for extra energy
- Camera or phone for photos
- Cash in soles for personal expenses and tips