Get ready for a truly unique and unforgettable experience with our 2-day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain, a magical adventure deep into the heart of the Peruvian Andes. This journey is designed for travelers who seek to connect with nature, challenge themselves physically, and witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth — including the sacred Ausangate glacier and the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
Over two incredible days, you’ll hike through remote Andean valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks, vibrant glacial lakes, surreal rock formations, and herds of alpacas grazing freely in the wild. You’ll sleep under a sky full of stars at a scenic campsite, far from the noise of the city, where the silence of the mountains allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the highlands.
This trek is ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds and experience Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, when its vivid colors are at their most stunning and the peaceful morning light reveals every stripe of red, yellow, green, and blue — all without the usual tourist rush.
Our excursion starts very early in the morning. We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am and will drive for 3 hours to the starting point of the walk. While we make our final preparations before starting, our chef will be preparing the delicious and nutritious breakfast that will give you all the energy you need to face this adventure. Before starting the tour, pay attention to our guide who will share with you details of today’s itinerary, as well as safety tips that will serve you for the following days.We’ll start this impressive and little-known walk in a green valley from where you can appreciate the majestic Ausangate Mountain in the distance. Along the way you’ll observe several peasant communities and discover the deep connection with nature that characterizes the Andean culture. Hundreds of alpacas and llamas will watch your every step!
We’ll continue our journey to the first pass known as Pukaqocha (4,870 m / 15,977 ft). From there you’ll enjoy an impressive panorama: the crystal clear waters of the Pukaqocha Lagoon and the gigantic Ausangate Mountain right in front of you. You’ll see how the waters of the lagoon originate in the snows of this sacred glacier. Without a doubt, it’s a show that will awaken all your senses. Don’t forget to charge your camera!
After a short break we’ll go for 2 hours to Anantapata where we’ll stop for lunch. Once we have recuperated our energy, we’ll ascend for 3 hours until we reach the highest point of the route called Abra Minasniyuc or warmisaya pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft). From there, you’ll witness, for the first time and in the distance, the spectacular colours of the Rainbow Mountain. A view that seems to have been taken from a dream!
We’ll descend for 45 minutes to our camp located next to the Surine Qocha Lagoon. Upon your arrival we will welcome you with our happy hour. Later, you’ll enjoy dinner before a well-deserved night of rest.
We’ll wake you up very early with a hot coca leaf tea in your tent. Then you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. Get ready because you’ll soon discover the Rainbow Mountain and the spectacular Red Valley!We’ll ascend for 45 minutes to the viewpoint of the Rainbow Mountain. You’ll have time to explore on your own and dive into mind-blowing views not only of the Rainbow Mountain itself, but also of the mighty Apu Ausangate and the other snowy peaks that surround that area. It’s a truly fantastic place that you’ll be able to enjoy before the crowds of tourists arrive.
After enjoying this gem from the Peruvian Andes, we’ll begin our trek towards the spectacular Red Valley. A place that seems to be taken from another planet and that’s visited by very few tourists. You’ll be surprised not only by its amazing beauty but also by the immense tranquillity that’ll surround you. Breathe and feel the joy of being alive. It only takes 30 minutes of walking to reach the viewpoint from where you will get the best views of the valley.
Finally, we’ll make a 1,5-hour descent between ancient Andean communities and herds of llamas. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to come across some vicuñas, a beautiful non-domesticated animal that has coexisted with the inhabitants of Peru since pre-Inca times. After the delicious final lunch, a bus will wait for you that will take you back to the doors of your hotel in the city of Cusco.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about Ausangate To Rainbow Mountain 2 Days in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the (Peru Hike) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.
ou’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will take them on the way and will deliver them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 ft. Long x 36 cm / 1 ft. Wide.
A maximum of 5 kg is allowed for each duffel bag that includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes and other personal items.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 6% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike Company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
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Highly recommend the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 Days! From the high-altitude challenge to the magical landscapes and professional guidance, everything was top-notch. The highlight was watching the sunrise over the Ausangate range — something I’ll never forget. Don’t miss this trek!
I loved every second of the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 Days! It was challenging but so rewarding. We camped under the stars, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and woke up to spectacular views. Reaching Rainbow Mountain on the second day was the perfect ending. I highly recommend this tour for nature lovers and hikers looking for a more remote and authentic experience.
The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 Days exceeded all my expectations. It was well-organized, safe, and absolutely breathtaking. Seeing the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain after trekking through such raw, untouched nature made me feel so alive. Huge thanks to the team for such a memorable journey!
Unforgettable experience on the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 Days! The landscapes were beyond anything I could have imagined — glaciers, turquoise lagoons, herds of alpacas, and of course, the stunning Rainbow Mountain. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and the food on the trek was amazing. Definitely one of the best adventures I’ve ever had in Peru!
If you’re looking for something more than just the usual Rainbow Mountain day trip, the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 Days is the way to go! The scenery is out of this world, and the peacefulness of the trail is unmatched. It felt like we had the Andes all to ourselves. An unforgettable adventure!
