Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley – 2 Days

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. and begin your unforgettable 2-day adventure through the Vilcanota Mountain Range. After about 3 hours of travel, we’ll arrive at the town of Cusipata (3,310 m / 10,860 ft) to enjoy a buffet breakfast at a local restaurant with fresh Andean ingredients and hot drinks to start the day.

After breakfast, we continue driving for about one more hour to reach Alccatauri (4,300 m / 14,108 ft), the starting point of our hike. From here, we begin our ascent through high Andean valleys filled with alpacas, llamas, and traditional Quechua communities living under the shadow of the majestic Ausangate Glacier (6,384 m / 20,945 ft).

During the hike, we will ascend to the Apacheta Viewpoint (4,917 m / 16,130 ft), one of the most scenic spots of the Ausangate trek, offering a stunning view of the Pucacocha Lakes, whose turquoise waters reflect the nearby glaciers.

Afterward, we continue to our Ananta campsite (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), where our mountain chef will prepare a delicious hot lunch. In the afternoon, you can rest and enjoy the mountain scenery. As the night falls, dinner will be served, and you’ll rest under a sky full of stars surrounded by the silence of the Andes.

• Maximum altitude: 4,917 m / 16,130 ft (Apacheta Viewpoint)
• Minimum altitude: 3,310 m / 10,860 ft (Cusipata)
• Elevation gain: 617 m / 2,024 ft
• Elevation loss: 217 m / 712 ft
• Hiking distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Hiking time: Approx. 5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Campsite elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft
• Accommodation: Ananta campsite

Your second day begins very early, around 5:00 a.m., with a hot cup of coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent. After a nutritious breakfast, we start the gradual climb toward the Warmi Saya Pass (4,960 m / 16,273 ft), where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Ausangate peaks.

From this point, we descend slightly and continue hiking toward the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,036 m / 16,522 ft). Once at the summit, enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Vilcanota mountain range and the spectacular mineral colors that make this place one of Peru’s most iconic destinations. You’ll have time to rest, explore, and take amazing photos.

We then continue to the nearby Red Valley (Valle Rojo), a hidden gem known for its dramatic crimson hills and peaceful atmosphere. After the visit, we descend to the trailhead, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

On the return trip, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch in Cusipata, freshly prepared by our chef, before continuing the drive back to the city. Arrival in Cusco is around 3:00 p.m., marking the end of this unforgettable two-day adventure.

• Maximum altitude: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft (Rainbow Mountain)
• Minimum altitude: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft (Ananta campsite)
• Elevation gain: 336 m / 1,102 ft
• Elevation loss: 466 m / 1,528 ft
• Hiking distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Hiking time: Approx. 6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult