
The Ausangate circuit to the rainbow mountain is one of the most famous mountain routes in the Cusco region. The natural geography of the territory and the warmth of its people will make this tour a unique and unforgettable experience. The endless glaciers, colorful lagoons and picturesque valleys are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including chinchillas, vicuñas, Andean foxes and condors, as well as the famous rainbow mountain of Vinicunca.
You will also be able to capture the stunning views of the majestic Apu Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), which is the highest and most powerful mountain in the entire Cusco region. This 2-day tour allows you to enjoy a stunning natural environment while challenging yourself during the hike and exploring the best that the Vilcanota mountain range has to offer.
Our exciting adventure begins very early in the morning. We will pick you up at your hotel at 4:30 am, and we will drive for two hours to Pitumarca and then another hour and a half to Quesiuno – Alcatarwi, the starting point of the day’s walk.
While we make our last preparations before setting off, our chef will prepare the delicious and nutritious breakfast that will give you all the energy you need to face the challenge ahead. Before starting the tour, you will need to pay close attention to your guide, who will share with you all the details of today’s itinerary, as well as safety tips that will be useful for the next two days.
We will begin this impressive and little-known hike through a green valley from where you can see the majestic Ausangate glacier in the distance, the highest peak in the entire Cusco region. Along the way you will observe several peasant communities and discover the deep connection with nature that characterizes the Andean culture. Hundreds of alpacas and llamas will watch you every step of the way!
We will continue our journey to the first pass known as Pasoqocha pass (4,870 m / 15,978 feet). From there, you will enjoy a truly impressive panorama where you will see the crystal-clear waters of the Pukaqocha Lagoon and the gigantic Ausangate glacier right in front of you. You are sure to be impressed! You will see how the waters of the lagoon originate from the snow of this sacred glacier. This show will awaken your senses and you will feel a deep energy deep within your being. Don’t forget to charge your camera! There are many spectacular photo opportunities along the way.
After a short rest, we will continue walking for another hour and a half downhill to Anantapata, where we will stop for lunch. Once we have regained our energy, we will ascend for two more hours until we reach the highest point of the day’s route called Warmisaya Pass (4,955 m / 16,257 ft). From there you will be able to contemplate, for the first time and from a distance, the spectacular colors and dreamlike image of the Rainbow Mountain known as Vinicunca.
We will descend for a final 35 minutes until we reach our camp located next to the Surineqocha Lagoon. Later you will enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved night’s rest.
We will wake you up very early this morning, specifically at 4:30 am, with a hot coca leaf mate in your tent. This will give you the boost of energy you need to get going and warm up in the middle of the cold mountains. You will then enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast prepared by our chef. Get ready because you will soon discover Rainbow Mountain and the spectacular Red Valley!
We will ascend for 2 hours to the viewpoint of the beautiful 5,100 m / 16,732 ft Rainbow Mountain. You will have time to explore on your own and witness mind-blowing views of not only Rainbow Mountain but also the mighty Ausangate Glacier. And other snow-capped peaks that surround that area. The 360° from here is fantastic, and you will enjoy it before the big groups arrive. Open your heart to the mountains. They will know how to reward you for all your efforts.
After enjoying this jewel in the middle of the Peruvian Andes, we will begin our hike towards the fascinating Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 feet). This is a place that seems to have set foot on another planet and is visited by very few tourists. You will be surprised not only by its amazing beauty, but also by the immense tranquility that will surround you.
Finally, after having visited the red valley, we will return to our lunch point and our car is also waiting for us to return to our hotels in Cusco.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and easy as possible. In this section you will find quick answers to all those questions you had about Ausangate Trek 2 Days in one place. Please read the following information carefully; will help you with any questions about our services.
All briefings take place at your hotel at 6:30 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another schedule at the (Peru Travel Luxury) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there they will give you a small canvas bag, in which you will store all the belongings that you intend to take on the walk and that will not be in your backpack.
You will receive a canvas case or duffle bag during the briefing. The muleteers will carry them along the road and deliver them to you when you arrive at each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 feet long x 36 cm / 1 foot wide.
A maximum of 8 kg is allowed per canvas bag, in which you can put your clothes or personal items that you need to do this hike.
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 8% 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(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.
Peru Travel Luxury 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.
My partner and I have done this 2-day hike, I would simply say that everything is spectacular, the company staff are very friendly and professional. And even more so the landscape is from another planet, it is simply worth doing this tour.