

If you’re looking for a short but unforgettable adventure from Cusco, our Ausangate Trek 2 days is the perfect opportunity to discover the incredible landscapes of the Andes. Travel with our knowledgeable guide and explore a remote area surrounded by spectacular mountains, colorful landscapes, and impressive natural scenery. Rainbow Mountain is one of the most remarkable geological formations in the region, while the Red Valley offers a dramatic landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet.
During the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 2 Days, you’ll also have the opportunity to admire the impressive views of majestic Apu Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), the highest and most revered mountain in the Cusco region. This 2-day trekking adventure combines breathtaking scenery with an exciting challenge, allowing you to explore the beauty of the Vilcanota mountain range and experience some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
Best time
Good time
Rainy season
Our exciting adventure begins early in the morning. We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and travel for approximately three hours to Quesiuno, the starting point of our hike.
Upon arrival, we will make final preparations before setting out. Meanwhile, our chef will prepare a delicious, nutritious breakfast to provide the energy needed for the challenging day ahead. Before departing, your guide will explain the itinerary, share important safety tips, and cover everything you need to know for the next two days.
We will begin the hike through a beautiful green valley, enjoying stunning views of the snow-capped Ausangate peak and its glaciers in the distance. Along the way, we will pass through small Andean communities and take in the serene landscapes that define the local way of life. You will also have the chance to see large herds of alpacas and llamas along the trail.
Our first challenge will be reaching the Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). From this spectacular vantage point, you will enjoy panoramic views of the crystal-clear Pukaqocha Lagoon and the majestic Ausangate glacier. The lagoon’s waters are fed by the melting ice of this sacred mountain, creating an unforgettable Andean landscape. Be sure to have your camera ready, as there will be plenty of incredible photo opportunities.
After a short break, we will descend for about an hour and a half to Anantapata, where we will stop for a well-deserved lunch. With renewed energy, we will begin a two-hour ascent to the highest point of the day: the Warmisaya Pass (4,955 m / 16,257 ft).
From the summit of the Warmisaya Pass, you will catch your first glimpse of the spectacular colors of the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. This is a truly memorable moment and the perfect opportunity to photograph this famous Andean landmark. Finally, we will descend for about 35 minutes to reach our campsite, located beside the beautiful Surineqocha Lagoon. Upon arrival, we will welcome you with snacks and hot drinks during happy hour. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner and relax under the peaceful Andean sky before getting some well-deserved rest.
This morning, we will wake you up early—at 4:00 a.m.—with a hot cup of coca leaf tea served right in your tent. This will help warm you up against the crisp mountain air and provide the energy needed for the day ahead. Next, you will enjoy a delicious, nutritious breakfast prepared by our chef. Get ready, because today you will discover the spectacular Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley!
We will begin with a one-hour ascent to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (5,036 m / 16,522 ft). Once there, you will have time to explore and take in the breathtaking views of the famous mountain, the imposing Ausangate glacier, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. From this vantage point, you will enjoy an incredible 360-degree panorama; thanks to our early start, you will have the chance to appreciate the landscape before the larger crowds arrive.
After exploring Rainbow Mountain, we will continue our hike toward the fascinating Red Valley. This spectacular landscape—with its intense reddish hues and striking geological formations—will make you feel as though you are on another planet. It is also a much quieter, less crowded spot than Rainbow Mountain. A short 30-minute walk will take us to the viewpoint, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the valley.
Finally, we will begin a one-hour descent through beautiful Andean landscapes and small local communities, accompanied by herds of llamas along the way. If we are lucky, we may also spot vicuñas, one of Peru’s most beautiful wild camelids. After enjoying our final lunch, our private transport will be waiting to take you comfortably back to your accommodation in Cusco, bringing this unforgettable two-day expedition to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain to a close.



























We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible. In this section, you will find quick answers to the most common questions about our 2-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain all in one place.
Please read the following information carefully, as it will help you prepare for your adventure and answer any questions you may have about our services.
Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Feel free to Contact Us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
All informational meetings are held at your hotel at 6:00 PM on the evening before your tour begins. If you are unable to attend, you will need to arrange an alternative meeting time at the Peru Trek office.
The meeting lasts approximately 30–45 minutes. During the meeting, you will also receive a small canvas bag for storing any belongings that you will not need to carry in your daypack during the trek.
ou’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 7 kg is allowed for each duffel bag that includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes and other personal items.
The trekking balance must be paid in full by 6:30 PM two days prior to departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, you must be at our office by 6:30 PM on Monday.
We appreciate cash payments, either in US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw cash from various ATMs on Avenida El Sol (in US dollars or Peruvian soles). Note: We recommend using ATMs (Banco de la Nación, withdrawals in soles are commission-free). You can also pay by credit card or PayPal online, but a 5% service fee will apply, charged by Visa and PayPal. We do not accept bank checks or traveler’s checks.
Of course! During your trip, you can store your main luggage at our office or your hotel free of charge.
You can safely store any equipment you won’t need during the tour at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Please don’t leave valuables with your suitcases; store them in the hotel safe and request a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt listing all items). For added peace of mind, store items like credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope.
Note: If you plan to leave your luggage at our office, please do so at least one day in advance. We will not be able to receive it on the day the tour begins, as our office closes at 8:00 a.m.
The Trek Ausangate company can pick you up at your hotel, as long as it is located in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pick-up time will be coordinated with your guide during the briefing. Pick-up time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, so it has many narrow, cobblestone streets. Some hotels and Airbnb accommodations may be located on streets without vehicle access or on long, steep inclines, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend booking accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of people with diverse backgrounds. Physical abilities and ages may vary. By agreeing to participate in a group tour, you also accept that some people may walk faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone can follow the tour at their own pace. A group may wish to modify the tour; however, the guide will decide, after consulting with all participants, whether such modifications are feasible.
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.
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Eve' LVerified
La plus belle randonnée de ma vie J’ai passé un séjour magnifique et inoubliable ! Les guides sont d’une gentillesse incroyable, les paysages époustouflants et la nourriture délicieuse ! Les cheveux sont très bien dressés, les débutants peuvent pratiquer mais il faut être prêt à faire plusieurs heures de cheval dans la journée ! Il fait cependant très froid la nuit donc il faut des vêtements vraiment très chauds car les températures peuvent être négatives, même si la journée il fait bon. Je recommande !Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
quentin rVerified
Just go ! We were looking for adventures, beautifull landscapes, wild nature and horse riding. We had much more, probably one of the best hiking of my Life. The staff was helpfull, friendly and so kind ! You are hesitating ? Do notPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Dianne AVerified
Top 5 Trip in a Lifetime of Travel Our family did a private tour with Peru Trek that included 4 nights on the Inca Trail, plus two days prior of acclimating hikes in Cusco and a day in Machu Picchu. Everything was WONDERFUL!! Food, glamping, guide, information along the trail, safety. Peru Trek made this one of our top trips in a lifetime of travel!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Justin LVerified
Highly recommended The whole tour was just amazing. The guides were very knowledgeable and supportive. My friend had some altitude sickness but the guides handled it very well. Views were spectacular as well. Highly recommended.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Ahmad AVerified
Great, reliable Local company! We did the Ausangate trek with Perutrek and had an excellent experience from start to finish. Communication was smooth the entire time. They were very responsive and easy to deal with, and they also offered the best price compared to other companies we looked at. The trek itself was amazing. Transportation was comfortable, and our guide Cecelio was one of the best we have had in Peru. He was very knowledgeable, supportive, and always looking out for the group. When I started feeling altitude sickness, they handled it really well by providing oxygen and arranging an emergency horse, which was included. The food was another highlight. The chef prepared some of the best meals we have had on any trek. Overall, I would 100% recommend Perutrek. They are local, professional, and very reliable.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
SulaimanVerified
“Whispers of the Andes — A Journey with Peru Trek "There are trips you take, and then there are journeys that touch your soul — Peru Trek gave me the latter. From the first step on the mountain trails to the quiet dawn over the Andes, everything felt like poetry written by nature itself. Our guide was more than just a professional; he was a storyteller, a friend, and a calm spirit who made every path feel safe and meaningful. Each sunrise felt like a blessing, and each shared laugh along the trail turned into a lasting memory. Peru Trek isn’t just about trekking — it’s about feeling the heartbeat of Peru through every step, every view, and every smile. I left with tired feet but a full heart, grateful for an experience that felt timeless and beautifully human. 🌄💫"Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Jelle KVerified
Amazing 3 day Ausangate hike We had such an amazing experience with Cecilio on our 3 day Ausangate hike! It turned out to be a private tour for the two of us, all taken care off by Cecilio as the guide and his chef and horseman. They do everything to make you feel comfortable and to have the best experience. Cecilio speaks fluent English and is very easy going and professional at the same time. He adjust to your pace and often walks behind so you can set your own pace. He knows how to balance his involvement and give you privacy. We learned so much about the landscape, the culture and local way of life. The hike itself was incredible with the most beautiful scenery. The conditions were extreme with freezing nights, snow, hail, rain, but also plenty of sunshine. We barely saw other people on our hikes wich contributes to the adventure. The rainbow mountain was very busy with all the group tours. If these people only knew the true beauty of the region is actually right around the corner! For us this 3 day tour was the ideal length. It's a great alternative for the Huaraz region which is very remote or even Patagonia. And if you decide to go, you won't regret going with Cecilio and his Peru Trek crew!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Dominique GVerified
Nous recommandons chaleureusement cette agence agence Nous avons vécu une très belle expérience lors de notre trek de Lares qui nous a menés au Machu pichu.Pendant 4 jours nous avons randonné léger nos bagages étant portés par des mules,les repas étaient variés et de qualité.Pour une situation de bivouac,c'était remarquable.Cecilio, a été un guide sympathique et à l'écoute, attentionné au rythme de chacun.nous avons beaucoup appris sur la culture Quechua grâce à lui.Tout a été minutieusement organisé et correspond parfaitement à ce qui est annoncé sur le site.Le chauffeur a également toujours été a l'heure. Cécilio nous a également organisé un séjour en Amazonie qui s'est très bien passé.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Cooper SVerified
Definitely Worthwhile! I just finished the 4-day Inka Trail hike with Peru Treks, and it was an incredible journey. Our guide, Herbert, was exceptional—knowledgeable, kind, and always looking out for the group. The cook and porters were the true heroes of the trek. Their dedication, hard work, and warmth made all the difference—delicious meals, smooth campsites, and constant support throughout.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Jai SVerified
Great 4 day trek! I recently completed the 4-day Inca Trail hike with Peru Treks, and it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, Herbert, was outstanding—knowledgeable, encouraging, and passionate about the trail and its history. Huge thanks as well to our amazing cook and five porters, whose hard work, kindness, and care made the trip comfortable and memorable. The meals were excellent, the campsites well prepared, and the support unmatched. Peru Treks runs a professional and heart-driven operation.