Rainbow Mountain 2-Day Trek via Ausangate and Red Valley

Early in the morning (around 4:00 am), you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and driven approximately three hours to the trailhead at Alqatari. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a hot breakfast prepared by a professional cook before beginning the trek.

The hike starts by passing through local villages, wide pampas, and herds of llamas and alpacas. As you gain altitude, the landscape becomes more dramatic, leading you to panoramic viewpoints near Pucacocha Pass, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Ausangate Glacier (6,370 m / 20,000 ft) and colorful high-altitude lakes.

After descending, you will arrive at the Ananta campsite, where a warm lunch will be served in the dining tent. In the afternoon, you can relax, explore the surroundings, or observe local wildlife while the staff sets up camp. As night falls, dinner is served, followed by an unforgettable experience under a clear Andean sky filled with southern constellations.

You will be awakened early with coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent, followed by a hot breakfast to prepare for the most important day of the trek. The hike begins with a steady ascent to Warmi Saya Pass (5,150 m / 16,896 ft), the highest point of the journey.

After reaching the pass, you descend toward a circular lake and continue walking alongside two beautiful high-altitude lakes until reaching Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain. Here, you will have ample time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the vibrant natural colors with your guide.

The trek continues downhill through the stunning Red Valley, offering a different and equally impressive landscape. After about two hours of descent, you will reach the endpoint of the hike, where a celebratory lunch will be served. Finally, you will be driven back to Cusco, arriving around 3:00 pm.

The highest point is Warmi Saya Pass at 5,150 m (16,896 ft) on Day 2. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 2 days, being in good physical condition, staying well hydrated and dressing in layers. Your guide carries a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.

You sleep in camping tents (shared according to group size), with a dining tent with table and chairs. A professional cook prepares two breakfasts, two lunches, one dinner and snacks. A sleeping bag is not included but can be rented, and the duffle bag carries up to 7 kg including the sleeping bag.

On Day 1 you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 am and driven about three hours to the trailhead at Alqatari. On Day 2 you finish the hike through the Red Valley and are driven back to Cusco, arriving around 3:00 pm. Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley entrance tickets are included.