Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 days / 1 night
Ausangate Trek 2 days To Rainbow Mountain is one of the most amazing adventures that exists in the Cusco region, for its wonderful landscapes and impressive snowy mountains, decorated with colorful lakes and rainbow mountains.
Ausangate Trek plus Rainbow Mountain 2 days / 1 night, is one of the shortest treks we offer and is one of the best treks in the Andes. This is not a walk for everyone, but those who want to get off the beaten track will find this a once in a lifetime experience. We will cross 2 different mountain passes, experience diverse landscapes, enter the remote Andean culture and see an unforgettable night sky. Of course, we will also experience the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and Red Mountain valleys, one of the most beautiful and timeless natural landscapes in all of South America and the world. Come and explore the Andes with us!
Show more +Inclusions
What’s included
High Quality Service & Safety
Private Camping Equipment
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Transportation
Meals
Accommodation
Additional Included
Show more +Not included
What to expect
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco, Pitumarca To Surina Qocha Camp
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 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.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks.
- Accommodation:camps
- Difficulty:challenging
- Walking distance:12 km / 39,370 ft
- Minimum elevation:4,376 m / 14,356 ft
- Highest elevation:4,985 m / 16,354 ft
Day 2: Surine Qocha, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley To Cusco
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.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks.
- Difficulty:moderate
- Walking distance:7 km / 4.35 mi
- Minimum elevation:4,700m / 15,419 ft
- Highest elevation:5,100 m / 16,732 ft
- Activity duration: 4-5 hours hiking
Additional information
What to bring
Everything you need for the day should be kept in your daypack that you carry because all the items you leave with your porter will not be available to you until the evening at the campsite. It is recommended not to hike in cotton or jeans in the event of rain as cotton takes a very long time to dry. It is also recommended to bring true hiking boots or trail running shoes as regular running shoes do not get very good traction, especially when it has rained.
- Sunscreen: the sun is very strong in Cusco
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Lip balm
- Hiking shoes/boots with good, grippy tread
- Hiking pants (or shorts) and shirts (layers)
- Layers – long underwear and/or warm sleep pants for cold nights
- Hand warmers if you wish
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf and thick warm socks (or you can buy a traditional Peruvian hat and scarf – they are beautiful!)
- Daypack and rain cover
- Rain gear – rain jacket and rain pants (optional for the pants), can buy an inexpensive poncho before the trek
- Cash for tipping porters (USD or Peruvian Soles are fine), cooks, horsemen, guides, buying items along the trail, for in town, emergencies, etc. Note: Cash should be in perfect condition (ripped, damaged bills of any kind are NOT accepted anywhere in Peru)
- Swim suit, flip flops, towel for any hot springs you may visit (not every trek/trip has this) if you wish to go
- Sandals
- Torch/flashlight/headlamp (and batteries)
- Insect repellent if you visit Machu Picchu
- Hand sanitizer and face covering (for COVID-19 Pandemic)
- Extra snacks if you wish (beyond snacks provided by us)
- First aid kit, including blister protection (though your guide will have one, you may wish to carry one of your own)
- Personal medication and toiletries you might want/need
- Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and solar panel/power bank
- Water bottle or water bladder to refill
- Passport (must be valid 6 months past your final travel dates for most countries)
- Copies of passport (keep copies separate, give to travel friends to keep, etc.)
- Power plug adapter
- Any medications you currently are taking or need/may need
- Small quick-dry pack towels and/or compostable wipes for a quick wipe down at the end of the day.
Please note
Briefing or informative meeting
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 with (TREKS AUSANGATE). 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.
Duffel bag or canvas case
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
Payment of Trek Balance (in Cusco)
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.
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) 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
Pick up of guests
Treks Aunsangatecan 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
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
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
Lost objects
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.
Price
Price varies by group size. Click on the link to see our rates.
24/7 Assistance
We will contact you as soon as possible, approximately 10 minutes by WhatsApp and up to 5 hours by email.