Machu Picchu Excursions logo

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley Trek to Machu Picchu

Perched atop the Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range, Ausangate – Cusco’s highest mountain – is a majestic mammoth standing vast and tall at an elevation of over 6,000 m.

Located 100 km south-east of Cusco, the trek to Ausangate offers a scenic view of the Andes of Peru. With snow-capped mountains that dip and rise into stunning peaks and valleys, glaciers melting into shallow pools of azure, expansive pastures dotted with wooly llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas – Peru’s national animal, this trek offers a mystical exploration of Peru.

Along this trek, we’ll also take you to another one of Peru’s must-see destinations, the highly instagrammable and truly magical Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, which sits 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. above sea level. As if Jackson Pollock ran his paintbrush across its topography, the Rainbow Mountain features deep and vivid streaks of mustard yellow, maroon, mauve, pink, turquoise, gold, and white, left by mineral and sedimentary deposits over time.

We’ll also traverse to the Red Valley which lies behind the Rainbow Mountain in the Pitumarca district at an elevation of 1,767 m / 5,797 ft. above sea level, where we will soak up the breathtaking vistas the valley has to offer.

This 4 day trek culminates in the awe-inspiring exploration of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas, where you’ll deep dive into the history and culture of the Incas, as our tour guide takes you on a 2 – 3 hour tour of the ancient Incan citadel.

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley Trek to Machu Picchu

4 days / 3 nights
From: $780 $702 Per Person

For treks and tours, the deposit is $200 + $10 service fee = $210 per person. The remaining balance must be settled before the tour.

booking with paypal
You need assistance?

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley Trek to Machu Picchu

Tour Info

Destination:Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Machu Picchu
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Difficulty:Moderate
Total Distance:31 km / 19 miles
Group Size:2 – 8 Persons
Price:$780.00p/p$702.00p/p
Payment Terms:Advance of US$ 210 through PayPal and Balance on Arrival
Price Includes:
  • Tour briefing, the night before you set off
  • All transportation provided including pick up and drop off at your hotel
  • Professional guides
  • Assistant tour guide (for groups of 9 or more)
  • Local chef, porters, horsemen, and mules to carry food and equipment
  • Hearty and wholesome meals to fuel you on your hiking tours (Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free meals available)
  • Daily water requirement
  • Daily snacks
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Entrance fee to Ausangate
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
  • Train tickets
  • Bus tickets
  • 1 night’s stay at a 3 star hotel in Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes
  • Equipment (Eureka Timberline tents)
  • Satellite phones, first aid kit, and oxygen tank
Not Included:
  • Rentals (can be hired from us)
  • Sleeping bags
  • Inflatable air mattresses
  • Walking sticks

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco, Pukini School, Upis

After a 5:30 am pick up from your hotel, we’ll drive you to the Pukutini school, where you’ll be greeted with a warm breakfast. We’ll then start the Ausangate Trek with a 4 hour gradual uphill hike to the base of Ausangate mountain, Upis. Along your journey, you’ll see fauna of all kinds from llamas, alpacas, guanacos, to vicuñas, you’ll be able to soak up the sweeping vistas of the Andes, all while our expert guides share insights into the life and culture of the locals.

Upon reaching Upis, you’ll find your campsite all set up and ready for you to dine on a warm scrumptious lunch and enjoy a short siesta. Then take a dip in the hot springs of the highlands. Immerse yourself in relaxation as the warm waters work their healing magic as you stargaze under the Andean night sky.

- Difficulty:Easy
- Distance:7 km / 4 miles
- Altitude:3,400 m / 11,154 ft. above sea level
- 4,140 m / 13,582 ft. above sea level
- Time: 6 hours
- Weather:Cold and windy
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation:Camping

Day 2: Upis, Condor Pass, Warmisaya Pass, Yanacocha

Wake up to a hot cup of tea brought straight to your tent. After a hearty breakfast prepared by our local chefs, we’ll start the day’s trek with a 2 hour uphill hike to Condor Pass where you’ll see llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas, exclusive to the Andean uplands. You’ll also see viscachas, or wild rabbits, Andean geese, and lovebirds frolicking amidst the sprawling greenery.

We’ll then descend down to Pucacocha for 2 hours and take in the ethereal beauty of the lake set against a backdrop of the Pucacocha Mountain. After a pit stop for lunch, we’ll set off for another 3 hour adventurous hike before reaching the snow covered summit of Warmisaya at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. above sea level. Along your journey to Warmisaya, you’ll be confronted with crystal clear water lakes trickling in from the Ausangate Glacier and sprawling views of the mountains.

A 30 min walk down from there will take you to Yanacocha, a gold mine in the Northern Highlands of Peru, which will be your campsite where you will enjoy teatime and dinner and a much deserved night’s rest and relaxation.

- Difficulty:Moderate
- Distance:16 km / 10 miles
- Altitude:4,140 m / 13,582 ft. above sea level
- 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. above sea level
- Time: 9 hours
- Weather:Cold and windy
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation:Camping

Day 3: Yanacocha, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Phulawasipata, Cusco

On the last day of your Ausangate Trek of Peru, you’ll be woken up with a hot cup of tea. Breakfast will be served once you are ready. Then we’ll start the day’s adventure with a 1 hour gradual uphill hike and take the ascent up to Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca which lies 5,036 m / 16,522 ft. above sea level upon the Andean mountains.

The Rainbow Mountain, looking as though adorned in Joseph’s technicolor dreamcoat, is a truly spectacular sight. Once we arrive, your guide will show you the best spots for taking photos. We’ll then traverse across Rainbow Mountain over to the lookout of the Red Valley which offers incredible terracotta views of the Red Valley. Afterwards, we will gradually descend downhill to Phulawasipata which lies 4,626 m / 15,177 ft. above sea level, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we’ll set off to Ollantaytambo town, now known as the ‘Last Living Inca Village’. The Incan built town features some interesting infrastructure with a maze of water channels built beneath the houses of Ollantaytambo town.

You’ll then get to enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant in Ollantaytambo, made with ingredients that celebrate the town’s agricultural and gastronomical identity. After dinner, we’ll catch the 90 minute train ride to Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes. We’ll spend the night at a hotel. We recommend an early bedtime so you can fully enjoy your exploration of the Machu Picchu citadel, the following day.

- Difficulty:Easy
- Distance:8 km / 5 miles
- Altitude:4,626 m / 15,177 ft. above sea level
- 5,036 m / 16,522 ft. above sea level
- Time: 8 hours
- Weather:Cold and windy
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation:Hotel

Day 4: Citadel of Machu Picchu, Cusco

With an early wake up call to kickstart the day, you’ll check-out of the hotel after enjoying a nutritious breakfast. Then it’s off to catch the bus so we can make it to Machu Picchu in time to witness the spectacular sunrise.

You’ll then get to enjoy the tour of Machu Picchu for 2 – 3 hours as our tour guide sheds light on the ancient Incan ways and the history behind the magnificent citadel. You’ll then get to explore Peru’s urban areas independently and enjoy a little spontaneous exploration of Peru’s famed archeological site.

You’ll then hop on the bus and head down to Machu Picchu town, also known as Aguas Calientes, where you will reunite with our tour guide.

You may then take a pitstop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the tour package) before hopping on a 2 hour train ride to Ollantaytambo. From here you will be chauffer driven to Cusco and dropped off safely at your hotel.

- Difficulty:Easy
- Altitude:2,000 m / 6,561 ft. above sea level
- 2,400 m / 7,874 ft. above sea level
- Time:2 - 3 hours
- Weather:Warm and humid
- Meals:Breakfast

Packing List

Day Pack

  • Backpack for hiking (25L to 30L)
  • Water (we provide water with every meal)
  • Sun hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (phone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste

Official Papers

  • Valid and Original Passport (same passport used for booking your trek)
  • Travel Insurance (we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for your trip)

Duffle Clothing

- 3-4Wicking t-shirts
- 3-4Hiking pants
- 4 setsUndergarments
- 4 pairsHiking socks
- 1Fleece
- 1Warm down jacket (for the chilly night air)
- 1Rain jacket and pants
- 1Sun hat
- 1Woolen hat
- 1Swimsuit
- 1Headlamp (essential)
- 1 pairWaterproof gloves
- 1Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- 1Large towel (we will be providing a small towel)
- 1Sleeping bag (we recommend down bags for 14 °F (- 10 °C) at least)
- Large plastic bags (to help organize and keep clean)
- Power bank (no outlet to plug in battery chargers while trekking)

Footwear

  • Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof, lightweight, broken-in with aggressive tread)
  • Comfortable shoes (walking shoes, sandals or other comfortable footwear to wear on campsites)

Travel Accessories

  • Bottle of water
  • Flashlight
  • Watch with alarm or travel clock
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Sunblock and lip balm
  • Toiletry kit
  • Small washcloth
  • Earplugs
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Several ziploc bags

Extra Money For

  • Drinks
  • Tip or gratitude
  • Souvenirs

Reviews

Important Info

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley Trek to Machu Picchu Map

Map Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
Share

Related Tours

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and Short Inca Trail

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and Short Inca Trail

  • 5 days / 4 nights
  • Moderate
From:
$890 $801
Chinchero, Maras Salt Mines, and Moray Excursion

Chinchero, Maras Salt Mines, and Moray Excursion

  • ½ day
  • Moderate
From:
$110 $99

Related Articles

cusco june festival - Machu Picchu Excursions

Complete guide Cusco june festival 2024

Hello Travel Friends At Machu Picchu Excursions, we are ready to welcome June with the celebrations for the Cusco June Festival and Inti Raymi. This historic city is always alive…
Read more

Get in touch

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley Trek to Machu Picchu
For reservations or more information please fill up the following client/guest form: