Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am in Cusco, ready to start your adventure into the Andes. First, we’ll drive for 2 hours to the traditional village of Pitumarca, then continue for another 1.5 hours to Quesiuno, the starting point of our trek.

At Quesiuno ( 4,300 m / 14,108 ft), we’ll enjoy a breakfast freshly prepared by our trekking chef. Meanwhile, our guide will brief us on the day’s journey and share essential tips for high-altitude hiking.

We begin trekking through a stunning green valley with views of the mighty Ausangate Glacier, the highest peak in the Cusco region. Along the way, we’ll see herds of alpacas and llamas and experience life in small Andean communities—an authentic glimpse into Peruvian mountain culture.

Next, we reach Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the vibrant Pukaqocha Lagoon and towering snow-capped peaks. From there, we descend gently for about 1.5 hours to Anantapata, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by majestic mountain views.

After lunch, we continue with a steady 2-hour climb toward Warmisaya Pass (4,955 m / 16,257 ft). At the top, we’ll enjoy our first distant glimpse of the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), with its colorful slopes peeking out between the rugged Andean peaks.

Finally, we descend for 45 minutes to our campsite next to the Surineqocha Lagoon. Here, we’ll enjoy hot drinks and snacks to relax and recharge after the hike.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner before resting in our tents, surrounded by the serenity of the Andes.

We’ll rise early with a steaming cup of coca tea served in your tent, a perfect way to warm up and prepare for the day ahead.

After breakfast, prepared by our trekking chef, we begin the highlight of our adventure. First, we’ll hike for about 2 hours to the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), at 5,100 m / 16,732 ft. Arriving early before the crowds, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of its colorful mineral stripes and the surrounding Andes, including the imposing Ausangate Glacier.

Next, we continue with a short 30-minute hike toward the Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft). From the viewpoint, we’ll admire its dramatic landscape of deep crimson and rust tones, a spectacular and less-visited corner of the Andes.

Afterward, we begin our descent toward Llactoc, passing remote Andean communities, herds of alpacas, and possibly spotting vicuñas, the wild relatives of llamas.

Finally, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, celebrating our incredible high-altitude adventure. After lunch, we board our private transport for the drive back to Cusco.

We’ll arrive at your hotel around 5:00 pm.