“Go on this once in a lifetime experience”
2 Day Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain Hiking Holiday in Cusco, Peru
Surina Qocha Camp, Peru
Trekking Holiday in Peru
Ausangate Trek two days to Rainbow Mountain is one of the most amazing adventures that exists in the Cusco region, known for its wonderful landscapes and impressive snowy mountains, decorated with colorful lakes and rainbow mountains.
Highlights
- Trek through one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world
- Avoid most crowds and follow little-trodden trails to reach the colorful summit
- Have time to view the mighty Apu Ausangate and the other snowy peaks
- Get the chance to encounter llamas and vicuñas
- 1 duffle bag provided per person
- Expert guides and cooks for the group
- 1 night accommodation in a large tent
- Vegetarian and vegan meals with tea time or happy hour in the afternoon
2 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Spanish
Group size: Maximum of 12 participants
Accommodation
You will sleep in a large tent with table and chairs for you to enjoy your meal worry-free, provided by Peru Hike. They will also include all the cooking equipment, carried by their porters and horses. They also have a portable toilet.
- Private campsite near Surine Qocha Lagoon
- 4-person four-season tents, destined for two travelers
- 1 polar sheet per person
- Pillows throughout the tour
- Rubber warmers, for the night
Program
Ausangate Trek plus Rainbow Mountain is one of the shortest treks that Peru Hike offers and is one of the best treks in the Andes. It is not a walk for everyone, but those who want to get off the beaten track will find it a once in a lifetime experience.
Participants will cross two different mountain passes, experience diverse landscapes, enter the remote Andean culture, and see an unforgettable night sky.
Of course, you will also experience the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and Red Mountain valleys, two of the most beautiful and timeless natural landscapes in all of South America and the world.
Come and explore the Andes with Peru Hike!
Why take the Ausangate plus Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley?
The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is in the midst of a land full of wild desert landscapes, snow-capped glaciated peaks, herds of alpaca, and pristine beauty. It is close to the highest sacred mountain in the Cusco region, Ausangate.
You will trek through one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world and take in beautiful mountain views and wildlife in its natural habitat for two days. This two-day route will allow you to avoid most crowds and follow little-trodden trails to reach the colorful summit.
Sleeping relatively close by to Rainbow Mountain in a comfortable tent also avoids the need for a painfully early departure time pre-sunrise from Cusco as a day trip. You will be able to reach Rainbow Mountain before most of the crowds descend on the peak.
Briefing or informative meeting
All information meetings will be held in your hotel at 18:00 one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the (Peru Hike) offices. 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
You’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 five kilograms is allowed for each duffel bag. This includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes, and other personal items.
Day 1 - Cusco, Pitumarca to Surina Qocha Camp
Places to visit:
- Cusco
- Pitumarca
- Quesiuno
- Pucacocha Pass
- Anantapata
- Surina Qocha Camp
The excursion starts very early in the morning. Peru Hike will pick you up from your hotel at 04:00 and will drive for three hours to the starting point of the walk. While you make your final preparations before starting, their chef will be preparing a delicious and nutritious breakfast that will give you all the energy you need to face this adventure.
Before starting the tour, pay attention to your guide who will share with you details of the day’s itinerary, as well as safety tips that will serve you for the following days.
You’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!
You’ll continue your 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, you’ll go for two hours to Anantapata, where you’ll stop for lunch. Once you have recuperated your energy, you’ll ascend for three hours until you 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 colors of the Rainbow Mountain - a view that seems to have been taken from a dream!
You’ll descend for 45 minutes to your camp located next to the Surine Qocha Lagoon. Upon your arrival, Peru Hike will welcome you with a 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
Places to visit:
- Surine Qocha
- Rainbow Mountain
- Red Valley
- Cusco hotel
Peru Hike will wake you up very early with a hot coca leaf tea in your tent. Then, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by their chef. Get ready because you’ll soon discover the Rainbow Mountain and the spectacular Red Valley! You’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, you’ll begin your 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 tranquility that’ll surround you.
Breathe and feel the joy of being alive. It will only take 30 minutes of walking to reach the viewpoint, from where you will get the best views of the valley.
Finally, you’ll make a one and a half-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, which 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 to five hours' hiking
Location
The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is in the midst of a land full of wild desert landscapes, snow-capped glaciated peaks, herds of alpaca, and pristine beauty. It is close to the highest sacred mountain in the Cusco region, Ausangate.
Food
- Meals: two breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner
- Meals: vegetarian and vegan
- Water to drink on the trail every day
- Wake up tea, every morning
- Tea time or happy hour, every afternoon
- Snacks on the trail daily
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Experienced guide who speaks English and Spanish
- A professional cook only for the group
- Motorola Talkabout radio, for communication
- Medical kit - first aid kit
- 1 duffle bag per person
- Customer service 24/7
- Extra oxygen
- Large tent with table and chairs for you to enjoy your meal, carried by porters and horses
- Cooking equipment, carried by porters and horses
- Entrance ticket to Ausangate Trek
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain
- Horses and muleteers horses to carry your 8-kg / 16-pound personal items
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the trek
- Private transportation from the end of the trek to Cusco to your hotel
- Meals: two breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner (vegetarian and vegan)
- Water to drink on the trail every day
- Wake up tea, every morning
- Tea time or happy hour, every afternoon
- Snacks on the trail daily
- Products for hygiene
- 1 night accommodation in private campsites
- 4-person four-season tents, destined for two travelers
- 1 polar sheet per person
- Pillows throughout the tour
- Rubber warmers, for the night
- Portable toilet
- Emergency horse to ride
- PRO Air sleeping pad, Therma-Rest brand
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking stick
What's not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the staff
- Additional costs or delays out of control of the management
How to get there
Recommended Airports
LIM
Jorge Chávez International Airport
389 km
Transfer not provided
Peru Hike will pick you up at 04:30 from your hotel.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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