Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate Trek 2 Days | Cusco Adventures - Happy Gringo Tours
Start planning your Inca Trail 2026 adventure with Happy Gringo Tours. Reserve your spot today!
Start planning your Inca Trail 2026 adventure with Happy Gringo Tours. Reserve your spot today!

Ausangate Trek an Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

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Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain 2 Days – Group Service

Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

The Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days is a short but unforgettable high-altitude adventure in the Peruvian Andes. This trek takes you through colorful valleys, glacial landscapes, and remote mountain trails, leading to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the stunning Red Valley.

During the journey, you’ll hike along ancient Andean paths, see llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lagoons. Camping near Rainbow Mountain allows you to experience peaceful nights under starry skies and a spectacular sunrise over the colorful mountains.

This 2-day trek is perfect for travelers looking for adventure, nature, and culture in a short itinerary, away from the crowds, with some of the most iconic scenery in the Cusco region.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

What’s Included?

High Quality Service & Safety

  • Pre-departure briefing

  • Professional guide speaking English & Spanish

  • Dedicated private cook for our group

  • Motorola Talkabout radio for communication

  • First aid & medical kit

  • One duffle bag per person

  • 24/7 customer support

  • Extra oxygen for high-altitude safety

  • Private camping equipment

  • Large dining tent with table and chairs

  • All cooking equipment carried by horses and muleteers

  • Portable toilet included


Permits & Entrance Tickets

  • Ausangate Trek entrance ticket

  • Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) entrance ticket

  • Red Valley entrance ticket


Transportation & Horses

  • Private transportation from your Cusco hotel to the trailhead

  • Horses and muleteers to carry up to 8 kg / 16 lb of personal gear

  • Private transportation from the end of the trek back to your Cusco hotel


Meals Included

  • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

  • Vegetarian and vegan options available

  • Drinking water provided every day

  • Morning wake-up tea

  • Afternoon tea time / happy hour

  • Daily snacks during the trek


Accommodation

  • Private campsites

  • 4-season tents (4-person tent for 2 travelers)

  • Polar sleeping sheet per person

  • Pillows provided

  • Thermal rubber warmers for cold nights

What’s Not Included?

  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for our staff

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND AUSANGATE ITINERARY

Day 1Cusco – Pitumarca – Surina Qocha Camp

We begin very early in the morning with a 4:00 a.m. pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive of around three hours to the trailhead near Pitumarca.

After arrival, our chef prepares a fresh breakfast, and your guide gives a detailed briefing about the trek and safety information. We then start hiking through a beautiful green valley with stunning views of Ausangate Mountain, passing small Andean communities and herds of llamas and alpacas along the way.

Our first major highlight is the Pukaqocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft), where you’ll enjoy incredible views of the turquoise Pukaqocha Lagoon fed by Ausangate’s glaciers. We continue hiking toward Anantapata, where we stop for lunch and a short rest.

In the afternoon, we climb to the highest point of the day, Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,354 ft). From here, you’ll get your first distant view of Rainbow Mountain, a truly unforgettable moment. We then descend to our campsite beside Surina Qocha Lagoon, where you’ll enjoy happy hour, dinner, and a peaceful night under the Andean sky.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Accommodation: Campsite
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.45 mi
  • Highest Elevation: 4,985 m / 16,354 ft
  • Camp Elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft

Day 2Surina Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

We wake you early with hot coca tea served in your tent, followed by breakfast. Today is the highlight of the trek.

After a 45-minute hike, we reach Rainbow Mountain, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy panoramic views of the colorful slopes and the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Ausangate. Thanks to our early start, we arrive before most visitors.

We then continue toward the stunning Red Valley, one of the most impressive and less-visited landscapes in the region. A short walk leads to the viewpoint, offering dramatic red-colored scenery and a deep sense of tranquility.

Afterward, we descend for about 1.5 hours, passing traditional villages and herds of llamas, with the chance to spot wild vicuñas. After our final lunch, private transportation will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Walking Distance: 6.5 km / 4.04 mi
  • Highest Elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
  • Minimum Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,419 ft
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

WHAT TO BRING FOR AUSANGATE TREK AND RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

  • Original passport – Required for identification and travel during the trek.

  • Walking boots – Comfortable, well broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support.

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho – Essential protection against rain and changing mountain weather.

  • Warm jacket – A thermal or down jacket for cold mornings and nights at high altitude.

  • Hat and gloves – Important for protection against cold winds, especially at campsites and passes.

  • T-shirts – Lightweight, breathable shirts for hiking during the day.

  • Comfortable trousers – Trekking pants recommended for comfort and flexibility.

  • Sun hat – To protect your face and neck from strong Andean sun.

  • Sun cream (SPF 35 or higher) – High-altitude sun can be intense even on cloudy days.

  • Insect repellent – Useful in lower areas and around campsites.

  • Toiletries & hand sanitizer – Personal hygiene items for the trek.

  • Personal medication – Bring any required prescriptions or personal medical supplies.

  • Camera with extra batteries – To capture the stunning landscapes (cold drains batteries faster).

  • Torch or headlamp with spare batteries – Useful at night around camp.

  • Daypack – A small backpack to carry your daily essentials while hiking.

Information Before Leaving – Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain tour 2 Days

We want to make your Ausangate Trek 2 Days as smooth and memorable as possible. Below you’ll find the most important information to help you prepare for the trek and understand how everything works. Please read it carefully, as it answers many common questions about our service.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us anytime—we’re happy to help.


Pre-Departure Briefing

The briefing meeting takes place at 6:00 p.m., one day before the trek, at your hotel.
If you are unable to attend, another time can be arranged at our office.

The meeting lasts approximately 30–45 minutes, during which your guide will explain the itinerary, safety information, and answer any questions. You will also receive your duffel bag for the trek.


Duffel Bag

During the briefing, you will receive a duffel bag or canvas bag, which will be carried by our horses to each campsite.

  • Size: 66 cm (2 ft) long x 36 cm (1 ft) wide

  • Maximum weight allowed: 5 kg / 11 lb

  • This includes your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothes, and personal items

Anything you need during the day should be carried in your daypack.


Payment of Remaining Balance (Cusco)

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 7:30 p.m., two days before departure.
Example: If your trek starts on Wednesday, payment must be completed by Monday evening.

  • Preferred payment: Cash (USD or Peruvian Soles)

  • ATMs are available along Avenida El Sol

  • Credit card or PayPal payments are accepted with a 6% service fee

  • We do not accept checks or traveler’s checks


Luggage Storage

Yes, absolutely. Your main luggage can be stored free of charge at our office or at your hotel while you are on the trek.

Items not needed during the trek should be left at your hotel. Most hotels offer secure storage. We recommend placing valuables in the hotel safe and requesting a receipt when possible.


Hotel Pick-Up

We provide hotel pick-up from accommodations located within the Historic Center of Cusco.
The exact pickup time will be confirmed during the briefing and may vary slightly due to traffic.

Cusco has many narrow streets and steep slopes, and some hotels or Airbnbs may not be accessible by vehicle. For this reason, we strongly recommend booking accommodation with good vehicle access.


Group Tours

Group tours include travelers of different ages and fitness levels. Everyone is welcome to hike at their own pace. Your guide will manage the group to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Any changes to the itinerary will be decided by the guide, in coordination with the group, always prioritizing safety.


Strikes & Demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations can occasionally occur in Peru and may affect transportation routes. If this happens, our operations team will coordinate with you to adjust the plan when possible.

Your safety is our top priority, and any decisions will be made with this in mind.


Lost Items

Each traveler is responsible for their personal belongings during the trek. Please double-check that you have all your items when leaving vehicles, campsites, or restaurants. We recommend keeping valuables with you at all times.

Short Inca Trail 2 days Photos

OUR SHORT VIDEO OF RAINBOW MOUNTAIN AND AUSANGATE TOUR

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