Hike to Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days combines scenic beauty and cultural immersion. Trek through majestic snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and colorful valleys before reaching the iconic Rainbow Mountain. Perfect for travelers seeking a short yet challenging Andean adventure near Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain is a breathtaking Peruvian Andes wonder, famous for its vibrant, multicolored slopes shaped by mineral-rich sediments. Nearby, Red Valley showcases dramatic crimson hills and panoramic views. This stunning landscape combines adventure, culture, and nature’s artistry, making Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley an unforgettable destination for hikers, photographers, and travelers seeking Peru’s most iconic highland scenery.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Packing List
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Fall in love with this 3-day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek for an adventure unlike any other. Traverse the majestic Peruvian Andes, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and rolling valleys dotted with alpacas and llamas. Feel the thrill of reaching the iconic Rainbow Mountain, where vibrant mineral-rich colors paint the landscape in surreal beauty.
Experience authentic Andean culture as you visit remote villages and meet welcoming locals. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker, this trek promises breathtaking views, unforgettable moments, and a journey that will stay in your heart forever.
Highlights:Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Hiking distance: 38km / 22.6miles
Considerations: Acclimatation is required
Season: April through November
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Upis - Arapa Pass - Yanacocha
Hike through herds of alpacas and spend a night in front of Apu Ausangate. -
Day02
Yanacocha - Condor Pass - Anantapata - Warmisay Pass - Surine
Be amazed with the stunning turqouise lakes and snow-capped mountains -
Day03
Surine - Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley - Cusco
Discover the beautiful Rainbow Mountain, vibrant natural colors, and surrounding area
Cusco - Upis - Arapa Pass - Yanacocha
Walking Distance: 12km / 7.4 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,100 meters / 13,451 feet
Highest Elevation: 4,850 meters / 15,952 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4,580meters / 15,026 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (tent)
Embark in the 3-day Ausagate Trek , we will collect from your hotel in Cusco and drive for three hours to Tinqui (3800 masl./ 12 464 feet). in Tinqui we rest for 20 minutes, this is the last town where you will find shops and purchase last items for the trek.
After, we continue driving to Rodeana 4,100m / 13,451ft. There is the beginning of our hike, the first three hours on the trail are wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota until we reach Upis 4,424m / 14,501ft, where we get the lunch with great views of Ausangate.
In the ofternoon, we continue our hike for two hours to reach the first pass Arapa 4,850 m (15,952 ft) enjoy the breathtaking views of Ausangate Mountain. After we descend down to our campground. We will camp here for the night.
Yanacocha - Condor Pass - Anantapata - Warmisaya - Surinicocha
Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,580meters / 15,026 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4,720 meters / 15,485 feet
Maximum Altitude: 4,960 meters / 16,272 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely
After the delicious breakfast, we will be heading to the second pass of our expedition, During a few hours of trek, we will cross the Condor pass (4,960 metres/ 16,272 feet). This is a great spot to enjoy the stunning landscapes down in the valley, have a look how the glaciar water milt and create turqouise lakes. From here, we continue down the valley, passing some herds of Alpacas, take a moment to capture cutes photos. Afterwards we continue hiking to Anantapata 4,570m/14,993ft. where we enjoy the lunch.
Later, after having enjoyed the lunch and rested, we continue our hike ascending to the next pass, Warmisaya 4,980 me, 16,338 ft. From here, you will have the best view of the Rainbow Mountain in the distance. Then, we descend for 20 minutes down to our campsite.
Surinicocha - Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley - Cusco
Walking Distance: 12km / 7-6 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,720 meters / 15,485 fee
Maximum Altitude: 5,036 meters / 16,522feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast
The third day begins early. Our team will greet you with a hot cup of tea, followed by an energetic breakfast to prepare for the day’s adventure. Afterward, we will begin our hike toward Rainbow Mountain. The trek takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with sections of gradual ascent. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to admire scenic lakes and observe native bird species. As you approach the mountain, the first vivid colors of Rainbow Mountain will come into view, heightening the anticipation of witnessing this natural wonder. From the base, you will enjoy a clear view of the mountain’s iconic stripes. A short additional hike leads to the classic viewpoint, where you can take in the most panoramic and breathtaking view of this remarkable landscape.
You will be amazed by the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain, each naturally formed by layers of mineral-rich sediment. Your guide will explain the geological history and the reasons behind the mountain’s distinctive coloration and growing fame. After exploring this remarkable site, we will continue our journey to the Red Valley, which is approximately a 20-minute walk away. Upon passing the checkpoint, you will be greeted by one of the most stunning reddish landscapes in the Andes. The valley’s unique color is the result of iron oxidation, giving it an otherworldly appearance—almost as if you have been transported to another planet. Take time to walk through this tranquil area and admire the towering red mountains that surround you.
Finally, we will make our way hiking down to the bus station, we will will board the bus and drive back to Cusco. Our service finalize at the door of your hotel.
At Cusco Climbing we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Ausangate Trek. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your Ausangate Trek 3 Days.
WE INCLUDE
Cusco Climbing Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Ausangate trek 3 days departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the trek. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will be carried by the horses while you are hiking
Professional Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service, our tour guide have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through to their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Andes.
Entrance Fees to Ausangate park
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek it will be for a specific date and will be in your name.
Accommodations
At Cusco Climbing we include accommodations 2 nights along the Ausangate 3 day trek, with a suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of the life time. Our tents are Mountain gear or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only for 2 people to ensure you comfort and enough place for your luggage. The same way we include Inflatable mattress for your comfort. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal along this tour.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, the bus returning from Ausangate to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.
Horses
We include horses to transport all the duffle bags and equipment during this tour also will be a horse man. At Cusco Climbing we know safety is first is for that we include a emergency horse in case someone feels tired or get altitude sickness.
Equipment
Personal Duffle bag
We included a personal duffle bag for your 3 day Ausangate trek. You will get this duffle bag at Cusco Climbing office during your pre-departure briefing the night before of your trek. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon you arrive to the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag and mattress but the maximum allowable weight is 7kg/17lb. The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
Toilet Tents
During our trek to Ausangate we bring our own portable toilet tent because we know how important is to protect our environment and we are trained to don’t leave no traces along the route.
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Cusco Climbing are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Cusco Climbing , we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 2 breakfast, 3 lunch and 2 dinner. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients.
Water
Cusco Climbing will provide you water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled and cooled by our Chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the Ausangate trek needs a proper sleeping bag which has to be for -20°C / 2° F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or you don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.
Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits, protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially on the remote area which are many up and downhill, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increased stability, if you don’t have a pair of trekking poles you can rent them from our office.
First Breakfast
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotel offers breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Ocongate where you will be available to purchase a breakfast.
Travel Insurance
Tips for our team
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Ausangate, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
AUSANGATE TREK 3 DAYS PACKING LIST
At Cusco Climbing we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?
Essential Items
- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- Trekking poles
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3 kg.
- 3-4 wicking t-shirts
- 3-4 hiking pants
- 3-4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
- Small towel
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible. Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) 3-DAY AUSANGATE TREK
What you should know before booking the Ausangate Trek 5 Days
At Cusco Climbing, we make the best of us to create unforgettable experience. For this we provide all the details what you should know about this Ausangate Trek before heading there. Have a read below the most frequently asked question of this trek.
What is Ausangate Trek Peru?
The Ausangate Trek in Peru is one of the most challenging hiking tours in the high Andes mountains. It takes hikers to high-altitude passes where the air is tick, but the views are amazing. This trek combines some of the highlights in Cusco, Ausangate 7 Lakes, Rainbow Mountain, and Andean communities. Perfect for those looking for remote and less crowded trails.
How Difficult is the Ausangate Trek 3 Days?
Ausangate Trek 5 Days is a very challenging trek; the different factors, such as high altitude, cold, and wind makes it one of the toughest treks in the world. It is well recommended to have proper preparation before heading to the trek.
Can I ride a horse in Ausangate Trek?
Yes, there are som companies who includes emergency horses for their customers, also you can hire more horses during the hike.
Where yo stay in Cusco before the trek?
Cusco is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow especially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, we will send you a notify for the pick up if is not possible the access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop off also a night before your tour you will meet with your tour guide who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Cusco Climbing sales team.
What to know about the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek
Essential information about the 3-Day Ausangate Trek
Is there electricite along the Ausangate Hike?
Not, because this trek is located in remote place where there is not electricity some local village located along the trek has solar panels your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone, we recommend to bring your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains.
Are bathrooms facilities during this 3 day trek?
Well, some campgrounds have a basic toilets, but Cusco Climbing teams brings own portable toilets and this will be set up in each camps and lunch spots. You need to bring your own papper.
What happen if I get altitude sickness?
No worry, our guide and team are professional and they know how to solve any issue during your trek, your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these, also will be there an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recovery. Our team always has radio and they are trained for any emergency happen during our tours.
Which day is the toughest in Ausangate Trek?
The most difficult day along the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek is the Day 2, due to this day you will reach two highest pass above 4,980 meters, this is where the air is thicker.
Should I use walking sticks for this trek?
Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well.
Do I need previous high-altitude trekking experience?
While not strictly required, it is strongly recommended. Having experience hiking above 4,000m (13,123ft) will help you understand how your body reacts to low oxygen levels and prepare adequately.
What is the best time of the year to hike in Ausangate Trek?
The dry season is the best time, running from April/May to September/October. This period offers clear skies and less rain, although nights are very cold, especially from June to August. The rainy season (November to March) makes the trails muddy and difficult.
Can I store my luggage in Cusco Climbing office during the trek?
In case you have extra luggage which you not need to bring to the trail all the hotels in Cusco has storage where you can leave your luggage completely free, if you will change your hotel after the trek we have available our storage in Vidal Expeditions office, get more info with from our office team.
What should I expect as far as weather?
The weather in Cusco regions and part of the Andes is unpredictable even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months - a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year.
Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in some part of the trail.
From: USD 320.00 per person
USD 300.00: from 4 people to more
*Sleeping bag -15°C / 5°F for the entire trip: $20USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Cusco Climbing. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Cusco Climbing will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at cuscoclimbingperu@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
3 Days / 2 Nights
Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain
Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 3- Day Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Cusco Climbing we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Climbing & Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art climbing and camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Climbing team: At Cusco Climbing we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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