Machu Picchu Excursions logo

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley Trek

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, the 3 day Ausangate 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.

Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley Trek

3 days / 2 nights
From: $480 $432 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

Tour Info

Destination:Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley
Duration:3 days / 2 nights
Difficulty:Easy
Total Distance:31 km / 19 miles
Group Size:2 – 8 Persons
Price:$480.00p/p$432.00p/p
Payment Terms:Advance of US$ 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)
  • Our 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)
  • Entrance fee to Ausangate
  • Drinking water
  • Daily snacks
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • 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, Pukuni School, Upis

After a 5:30 am pick up from your hotel, we’ll drive you to the Pukuni 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 Peru.

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, as the day draws to a close, you’ll take a dip in the hot springs of the highlands. Immerse yourself in relaxation with the warm waters working their healing magic as you stargaze under the Andean night sky.

- Difficulty:Easy
- Distance:7 km / 4 miles
- Altitude:3,400 m / 11,155 ft. above sea level
- 4,140 m / 13,583 ft. above sea level
- Time:6 hours
- Weather:Cold and windy
- Meals:Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping

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

On day two, we’ll wake you up with 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 quick pit stop for lunch, we’ll set off for another 3 hour adventurous hike before reaching the snow-capped 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 a stunning view of the mountains.

A 30 minute walk from Warmisaya will take you to Yanacocha, a gold mine in the Northern Highlands of Peru, which will be your campsite for the night. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy teatime and dinner followed by a much deserved night of 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 in 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 ascend Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca which lies 5,036 m / 16,522 ft. above sea level, amidst the Andean mountain range.

The Rainbow Mountain Peru, 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 Andes.

We’ll then gradually descend downhill to Phulawasipata, the last stop on your itinerary, which lies 4,626 m / 15,177 ft. above sea level, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch before our private transportation whisks you back to Cusco.

- 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

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

- 2-3Wicking t-shirts
- 2-3Hiking pants
- 3 setsUndergarments
- 3 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 banks (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)
  • Flipflops

Travel Accessories

  • Reusable water bottle
  • 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 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

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
For reservations or more information please fill up the following client/guest form: