Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley in 2 days / 1 nights

Physical Level:
Moderate

Max group size:
2 - 12 people

Distances:
18 km / 11.2 miles

Max. Altitude:
5,065 m / 16,617

Trip Details – Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days / 1 Night

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Andes. Here we present all the crucial details for your 2-day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain expedition. Discover everything you need to know to live this Andean experience.

General Trip Information

Duration: 2 days / 1 night.
Activities: Hiking, Camping.
Average group size: 08 people.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Tour languages: English, Spanish.
Hiking distance: Approximately 18 km / 11.2 miles.
Start/Finish: Cusco/Cusco (Hotel to hotel).

Logistics and Accommodations

Meals: 2 breakfasts / 2 lunches / 1 dinner.
Accommodations: 1 night in camping tents.

Important Permits and Elevations

Entry Permits:Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley included.
Starting Elevation:4,375 m / 14,357 ft.
Maximum Elevation, including Rainbow Mountain:5,065 m / 16,617 ft.

OVERVIEW

If you are thinking of an unforgettable excursion from Cusco, our Ausangate Rainbow Mountain 2 days and 1 night experience is ideal for you. This trip will take you to discover the incredible Rainbow Mountain and the mysterious Red Valley, settings that seem taken from another planet.

Accompanied by our expert guide, you will explore the Andes and contemplate the multicolored geological formation of Vinicunca in all its splendor. During the hike, you’ll also enjoy unique views of the imposing Apu Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), the highest and most sacred mountain in the Cusco region.

This challenging yet rewarding hike will allow you to admire unforgettable landscapes, be surrounded by alpacas and llamas, and consequently feel the energy of the Vilcanota mountain range. Allow yourself to experience a unique journey where nature, Andean culture, and adventure come together to create a memory that will last a lifetime.

TRIP ITINERARY

Our exciting adventure to Ausangate Rainbow Mountain 2 days and 1 night starts early. We will pick you up at 4:00 am at your hotel and travel two hours to Pitumarca. Then we will continue for another hour and a half to Quesiuno, the starting point of the route. While we make the final preparations, our chef will prepare a nutritious breakfast that will give you the necessary energy for the hike. Before leaving, your guide will go over the day’s program and safety recommendations with you.

The ascent begins through a green valley, with the majestic Ausangate Glacier in the background. During the hike, you’ll observe rural communities and learn about the strong connection between Andean culture and nature. Hundreds of alpacas and llamas will accompany you along the way.

Later, we will reach Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), which offers breathtaking views. From there, you will see Pukaqocha Lagoon and the Ausangate Glacier. This natural setting will fill you with energy and wonder.

After a short rest, we will descend for an hour and a half to Anantapata, where we will have lunch. Afterwards, we will ascend for two hours to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From this point, you’ll be able to see the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) in all its beauty for the first time.

Finally, we’ll descend 45 minutes to the camp at Surineqocha Lagoon. There, snacks and hot drinks will await you, followed by a delicious dinner before resting in your tent.

Total hiking distance:

11 km / 6.84 ml

Walking time:

6-7 hours

Campsite altitude:

4,800 m / 15,478

Area:

Andes

Difficulty:

Moderate

Meals:

breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

camping tents

Weather:

sunny and dry

At dawn, we’ll wake you up with a cup of hot coca leaf tea in your tent. After a nutritious breakfast, we’ll begin the hike to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. The ascent will take about two hours, so arrive early to enjoy the scenery without the crowds. From there, you’ll have a 360° panoramic view of Ausangate, the glaciers, and snow-capped peaks of the mountain range.

We’ll then continue to the Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), a unique place that seems like something from another planet. This site, rarely visited by tourists, offers a peaceful atmosphere and spectacular views of the entire region.

After exploring, we’ll descend for an hour, passing through small Andean villages and, with luck, seeing alpacas in their natural habitat. After a final lunch, our private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco, completing the unforgettable experience of the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Trek.

Total hiking distance:

7 km / 4.75 ml

Walking time:

4-5 hours

Area:

Andes

Difficulty:

Challenging

Meals:

breakfast and lunch

Weather:

sunny and dry

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

Pre-departure Brieﬁng
You’ll meet your tour guide and group for an orientation before the trek.
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Entry to vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Experienced Tour Guide
The official tour guide speaks both English and Spanish. All of our guides have finished a professional tourism program. We chose them for their knowledge, experience, responsibility, seriousness, boundless excitement for inquiry, and real desire to proudly share our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable throughout your travel, allowing you to enjoy yourself without worry!
Accommodation
Personal Accommodation in Private Campsites
01 Night Camping tents, spacious 4 season mountain cuadruple tents only for a double occupancy
*Accommodation is double
Sleeping bag
Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect you from temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). They are mummy-form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
Hiking sticks
1 pair per of professional hiking sticks
Meals
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 1 dinner
Our chef makes the most delicious meals in the midst of the mountain. Our passengers absolutely appreciate our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, and special menus are available for no additional charge), so please specify any specific allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served, along with hot drinks and snacks.
Duffle Bag Service for 7 Kg
During the informational session, you will be issued a duffel bag that can hold up to 7 kg of personal gear. Our personnel will transport these duffle bags on horses during the trek, and you will have access to them at each campground. This allows you to hike comfortably using only a daypack. When you finish your trek and return to Cusco, you can conveniently leave the duffle bags at your hotel.
Water on the trail
From the first lunch to the last breakfast, we will offer you plenty of water. We will give boiled water that has been filtered and cooled. You should bring a camel bag or an empty bottle. We propose a 2-liter capacity. You will be able to refill your bottles at each meal.
Wake up tea
Every morning at the campsite, you will be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our crew will bring the tea to your tent, ensuring that you are warmed from the inside out before beginning your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before supper, the kitchen will give you with popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, and hot water. After a long day of trekking, you won’t have to wait until evening to unwind, warm up, and eat!
Products for hygiene
You’ll be provided with a small towel and soap before each meal to clean your hands.
Transportation
All transportation is included in this tour. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and after the end of the trip, we’ll drop you back at the door of your hotel in Cusco.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
Our guides have all had specialised first-aid training. We have mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. In the event of a minor emergency, your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen on hand. If necessary, we will immediately evacuate you from the path and bring you to a clinic for treatment.
24/7 customer service.

What is not included?

Tipping for our Staff
Tipping is customary on all trips to Machu Picchu. Although we pay all our staff well, any additional compensation is always welcome, especially considering how hard we work. Group members typically pool tips and give them to porters and cooks as a group.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Expenses caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as:
- Landslides.
- Adverse weather conditions.
- Itinerary changes due to safety reasons.
- Illness.
- Pandemic.
- Changes in government policy.
- Political instability.
- Strikes.
- Fortuitous events, etc.

What to Pack?

If you plan to tackle the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, you will need to pack appropriately for the two-day journey. Here are some important items to consider bringing.

CLOTHING:

Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
Moisture-wicking hiking socks
Quick-drying pants
Lightweight t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirt
Fleece jacket or sweater
Rain jacket and pants
Hat or cap
Gloves

SLEEPING GEAR:

Sleeping bag (rated for cold weather) if you do not have you can rent one from the company
Pillow (optional)

TREKKING GEAR:

Backpack of 30 to 40 liters
Hiking poles
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Water bottle or hydration system
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)

MISCELLANEOUS:

Passport and necessary documents
Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
Portable charger for electronic devices
Lightweight towel

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Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley in 2 days / 1 nights

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Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley in 2 days / 1 nights