Ausangate trek 2 days | Lala Peru Travel

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek

This two-day tour is perfect for camping and a short hike! Enjoy a peaceful night in the mountains and take in Rainbow Mountain!

Embark on the inspiring Ausangate trek from Cusco, filled with breathtaking scenery, serene nature walks, guided tours, local cuisine, and top-of-the-line camping equipment. Witness the sacred Ausangate glacier before exploring the stunning Rainbow Mountain.

We will explore:

Cusco & Checacupe Bridges
Quesiuno Village
Puka Pass Viewpoint
Anantapata Campsite
Warmisaya Pass & Surine Lake
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

⏳ Duration
2 Days / 1 Night

💲 Price
USD 320

⛰ Maximum Altitude
5,020 m (Vinicunca)

🏔 Minimum Altitude
3,399 m (Cusco)

👥 Group Size
8 or more

📍 Start
Cusco (5:00 AM)

🏁 End
Cusco (Late Afternoon)

🥾 Difficulty
Moderate – Challenging

🚐 Transportation
Tourist Vehicles

⛺ Accommodation
Camping (1 Night)

🥾 Activities
7h Hike (Day 1) / 5h Hike (Day 2)

🌈 Highlight
Ausangate Glacier & Vinicunca

Experience an authentic high-altitude Andean expedition combining the raw majesty of Mount Ausangate with the world-famous ridges of Rainbow Mountain. This trek avoids the heavy single-day crowds, allowing you to experience the landscapes in absolute peace.

Sleep under an incredibly clear starry night sky at our mountain campsite and wake up ahead of the massive tour groups to witness the unique mineral stripes of Vinicunca emerging from the morning clouds.

Marvel at the colossal, sacred Nevado Ausangate glacier up close.
Beat the crowds to the summit of the iconic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain at 5,020 meters.
Cross breathtaking high mountain passes like Puka Pass and Warmisaya Pass.
Camp under a pristine, unpolluted starry night sky in the heart of the Andes.
Discover historical engineering at Checacupe’s Inca, Colonial, and Republican bridges.
Enjoy fresh, nutritious Andean meals prepared daily by our professional chef.

An immersive alternative that splits the high-altitude trek into a deeply rewarding two-day experience.
Perfect balance of pristine glacier wilderness, peaceful camping, and famous photography spots.
A much more tranquil approach to Rainbow Mountain compared to frantic, rushing day tours.
Full support from local specialized guides and high-quality camping setups.

Full Description

DAY 1

Cusco – Checacupe – Quesiuno – Puka Pass – Anantapata Campsite

Today we’ll start early! Around 5:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel in our private transport and head to Checacupe, where we’ll enjoy a quick visit to three incredible historical bridges: Inca, Colonial, and Republican.

From here, we’ll continue driving to Quesiuno, the small village where we’ll begin our trek. This first part of the hike will take about 3 hours to reach Puka Pass. This is a breathtaking summit at 4,326 meters where we can admire all the sacred mountains and the massive Ausangate Glacier as a backdrop. Here we will build a traditional Apacheta stone cairn to show our respect to the mountains.

Next, we descend to Anantapata, where a table laden with fresh Peruvian dishes awaits us. In this scenic area, we’ll set up our tents, enjoy afternoon tea, and get ready for camping as a stunning mountain sunset bids us goodnight.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Accommodation: Mountain Campsite

DAY 2

Campsite – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Return to Cusco

It’s time to say goodbye to our campsite and venture out to discover a new wonder: Rainbow Mountain! After a warm breakfast, our next destination will be the majestic Vinicunca Pass at over 5,020 meters above sea level. It will take us a challenging 45-minute climb to tackle the final stretch. Step by step, the sharp air grows colder, and the colors appear beautifully among the clouds.

With a final push, you will stand before the stunning seven-colored natural wonder. We will take ample time to rest, celebrate, and capture incredible photographs from the highest viewpoints.

After witnessing this spectacle, we begin our easy return descent. Our transportation will be waiting at the trailhead to take us to a local restaurant for a well-deserved lunch before heading back to the city of Cusco, arriving later in the afternoon.

▪ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch