Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 Days is one of the most impressive short treks in Peru, combining high-altitude adventure, breathtaking scenery, and authentic Andean culture. This unique Ausangate Trek connects the sacred landscapes of Ausangate Mountain with the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the spectacular Red Valley, creating an unforgettable trekking experience in the Andes.The Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain starts in Cusco and takes you deep into the Ausangate region, one of the most beautiful and less crowded areas in Peru. Along the route, you will hike through remote valleys, pass herds of llamas and alpacas, and enjoy incredible views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and turquoise lakes. This Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days offers a perfect balance between adventure and nature, ideal for travelers looking for a short but powerful trek.
One of the main highlights of the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 Days is reaching Rainbow Mountain early in the morning, when the colors are at their best and the crowds are minimal. The experience continues with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, a hidden gem known for its dramatic red landscapes and panoramic views.
Unlike the classic day tour, this Ausangate Trekking route follows quieter paths, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Ausangate Peru. Along the way, you will also encounter traditional Andean communities, offering a deeper cultural experience and a true connection with the mountains.
This Rainbow Mountain Trek is one of the best options for those who want to explore Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in just 2 days, combining stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and one of the most iconic hikes in South America.
Your adventure begins very early in the morning in Cusco. At 3:30 AM, our professional guide will pick you up directly from your hotel. We then begin a private drive of about 3 hours toward the beautiful Ausangate region.
During the journey you can rest comfortably in our vehicle. We provide warm blankets so you can relax or sleep, allowing you to arrive well rested before starting the trek.
Upon arrival in the Upis area, we reach our private campsite near the Upis Hot Springs, located at about 4,400 m (14,435 ft). Here we meet the rest of our trekking team and enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with spectacular views of Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,900 ft).
After breakfast we begin hiking along our exclusive private trail toward Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). This route offers incredible views of Ausangate and Upis Lake, and unlike other companies, our groups follow a quieter path that allows us to enjoy the scenery without crowds.
From Arapa Pass we enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, valleys, and colorful Andean landscapes. We then continue along a scenic trail to Hatun Pucacocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), where we stop for a delicious buffet lunch beside a beautiful lake with the impressive Ausangate glacier rising in front of us.
After lunch we hike uphill to Pucacocha Pass (approx. 4,900 m / 16,076 ft), where some of the most spectacular views of the entire Ausangate region await us, surrounded by glaciers and turquoise lakes.
From there we descend for about one hour to reach our campsite at Anantapata, a peaceful valley often called the paradise of alpacas, where hundreds of alpacas graze freely.
At camp you can relax during happy hour with hot tea and snacks while enjoying the quiet beauty of the Andes. Later, we share a delicious dinner prepared by our trekking chef before resting for the night.
The day begins very early in the morning when our staff wakes you with a hot cup of tea or coffee delivered directly to your tent. This is a traditional service during the Ausangate Trekking experience.Afterward we enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast before beginning our hike toward one of the most famous landscapes in Peru.
The first section of the trek is a 40 minute uphill hike to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft). From this spectacular viewpoint we will have our first incredible view of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca.
From the pass we descend toward the beautiful Comercocha Lake, surrounded by dramatic Andean scenery. After passing the lake we begin a final uphill hike of about one hour toward the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m / 16,522 ft).
Thanks to our carefully planned itinerary and early start, our groups arrive very early, allowing us to be among the first visitors of the day and enjoy the magical moment of sunrise at Rainbow Mountain before the crowds arrive.
After exploring the colorful landscapes and taking photos, we continue toward the impressive Red Valley, one of the most spectacular hidden landscapes of the region. This valley is known for its deep red mountains and dramatic scenery that few visitors experience.
After visiting the Red Valley we continue hiking through a beautiful valley filled with alpacas until we reach Llactoc, where our trekking chef will be waiting with a delicious final lunch.
Following lunch we say goodbye to our trekking team and begin our private drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at approximately 4:00 – 4:30 PM.
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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I loved every moment of this trek. It’s challenging but so rewarding. The landscapes are something you won’t see anywhere else. Definitely a must-do if you’re visiting Peru.
Such an amazing experience! Way better than just doing a one-day Rainbow Mountain tour. The Ausangate scenery is breathtaking and much less crowded. Highly recommended.
This 2-day trek was absolutely incredible. The views of Ausangate are just unreal, and reaching Rainbow Mountain on the second day was the perfect ending. Everything was well organized and the guide was very professional.
Everything was perfectly organized. The landscapes around Ausangate are just spectacular. It’s a bit tough due to the altitude, but totally worth it.
Absolutely loved this trek. It’s a great combination of adventure and amazing views. Seeing Rainbow Mountain after hiking through Ausangate made it even more special.
