Discover the high Andes and the Rainbow Mountain
The Nevado Ausangate The 6385 m (20948 ft) summit of the Cordillera Vilcanota, one of the tallest mountains in the Cusco region, is revered as the deity guardian of the Andean people. It is one of the most spectacular peaks in the southern region of Peru and the fifth-highest mountain in the country. Hiking through our 2-day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, you will discover beautiful high-altitude landscapes.
Nowadays, Ausangate Mountain is part of a conservation area that protects some important sectors of this beautiful natural wonder. Snow mountains, glaciers, lakes, villages, and a lot of species of flora and fauna are protected with the purpose of conserving them for our future.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Would you like to explore the best of the Peruvian Andes? Stunning landscapes, snowy peaks, colored mountains, Peruvian wildlife, small Andean communities high in the mountains, and much, much more… With our short version of the 2-Day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, we have created the perfect package to experience all of this in just two days. On this 2-day Ausangate Trek, you will also visit the incredible 7-color mountain and spend the night under millions of stars away from the crowds, feel the energy of the mountains, and enjoy the beautiful Andean landscapes!
Highlights: Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
Hiking distance: 13km/8 miles
Considerations: Acclimatization is required
Season: April through November
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day01
Cusco – Pitumarca -Quesiuno- Anantapata -Surineqocha
Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Ausangate area, imposing snow peaks, stunning glacial lakes, and herds of alpacas.
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Day02
Surineqocha - Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley - Cusco
Hike to the iconic Rainbow Mountain before the large groups. Explore the Red Valley.
Cusco – Pitumarca -Quesiuno- Anantapata -Surineqocha
We depart from Cusco early in the morning, at 5:00 a.m. We drive for approximately two hours in private transport to the small village of Pitumarca (3,570 meters/11,712 feet). Here we will stop for 20 minutes, and you will have the option to buy some last-minute items that you could need along this trek. Then, we will keep driving for another hour to reach Quesiuno 4,370m (14,337 ft). We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages.
Quesiuno is the trailhead where our hike starts. After repacking our items, we hike to the first spot called Inca Pass 4,920m (16,141 ft), where you will have incredible views of Apu Ausangate, see how the glaciers are melting and forming the rivers, and feel the energy of the deity of the Andes, and your guide will do an offering ceremony to ask for permission.
After you have enjoyed and recharged your energy, we will continue our hike towards Anantapata, where our delicious lunch awaits us. After a well-deserved rest, we continue our hike to Warmisaya Pass 4, 830 m. (15,846 ft) From here, you will have an impressive view of the natural colors of Rainbow Mountain. Then, we just descend for half an hour to reach our campsite in Surine Qocha 4,650m (15,255 ft).
Surineqocha - Rainbow Mountain - Red Valley - Cusco
This is the most important day. We will wake up early, have a delicious breakfast at 4:00 am, then hike for 2 hours to reach the famous Seven Colors Mountain. Along the way, we will see several lakes where we have a chance to see different types of birds and alpacas in their natural habitat. Finally, we arrive at Rainbow Mountain before the crowds arrive. You will be amazed by the stunning views and natural colors. Your guide will explain to you how each color is formed. You will take your time to explore and capture the best angles while the sun rises over the mountain.
Then, we continue our hike to the Red Valley, a place that seems unreal. You will see the Red Colored Mountains with incredible landscapes, and you will hike through the valley and enjoy all the stunning views.
Then we will hike down to the bus station, where we will board our bus and drive to our lunch spot. After enough rest, we drive back to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our 2-day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your 2-day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek.
WE INCLUDE
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provides
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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 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
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Professional Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service; our tour guides have graduated with tourism careers from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, and 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 amazing Ausangate.
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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.
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Accommodations
At Machu Picchu by Locals we include accommodations for 1 night along the Ausangate trek, with suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of a lifetime. Our tents are Mountain Gear or Doite Pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only by 2 people to ensure your comfort and enough place for your luggage. The same way we include an inflatable mattress. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal along this tour.
Transportation
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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.
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Horses
We include horses to transport all the duffle bags and equipment during this tour also will be a horse man. At Machu Picchu by Locals we know safety is first is for that we include an emergency horse in case someone feels tired or get altitude sickness.
Equipment
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Personal Duffle bag
We included a personal duffle bag for your 2 days Ausangate trek. You will get this duffle bag at Machu Picchu by Locals 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.
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Toilet Tents
During our 2-Day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek, 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.
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals 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
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Meals
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 1 breakfast, 2 lunch and 1 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.
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Water
Machu Picchu by Locals 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
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Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the 2-Day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain 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.
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Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits: they protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially in remote areas, which are mostly up and downhill. Trekking poles help you during the ascent and increase stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office.
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First Breakfast
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotels offer breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near Ocongate where you will be able to purchase a breakfast.
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Travel Insurance
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We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.
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Tips for our team
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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’s hard work.
AUSANGATE TREK 2 DAYS PACKING LIST
At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details that you need to know before you leave your country and start the Ausangate Trek 2 Days.
What do you need to pack? Important
- 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)
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you bring/rent one). From us, these two items weigh 3 kg.
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- 2 wicking t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 2 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:
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- There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags:
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- to help organize and keep clean from dirt.
Sleeping bag:
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- Recommend down bags for at least -10°C.
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.
FAQs 2-DAY AUSANGATE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK
What to know before hiking the Ausangate Trek for 2 days?
Hiking in the Andes requires proper preparation; the Ausangate Trek 2 Days is a stunning but challenging high-altitude hiking experience. Below you will find the essential FAQs about this trek.
Is Machu Picchu by Locals Organizing Everything for the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek?
Yes, once you have confirmed with us the reservation for the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days, the Machu Picchu by Locals team will organize everything for you. We will contact you a few days before the tour and let you know about the meeting time where you will get the predeparture information.
Where should I stay in Cusco before the Ausangate 2-Day Trek?
Cusco is a big enough city 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 notification for the pickup if it is not possible to access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop you off. Also, the 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 the Machu Picchu by Locals sales team.
How to Prepare for 2-Day Ausangate Trek?
The best way to prepare for the Ausangate Trek 2 Days is to exercise a few times per week before flying to Peru. Running and swimming will help you a lot to have excellent performance during the trek. It is well recommended to have a few days to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco.
Important Information about the Ausangate 2-Day Trek?
Is Electricity Along the Trek?
Not because Ausangate Trek is located in a remote place where there is no electricity; some local villages located along the trek have solar panels. Your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cell phone. We recommend bringing your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains.
How Challenging Is the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek?
This trek is particularly challenging, especially for people who does not has experience hiking on the mountains. we recommend to training with some exercises a few times per week to not have problems. It also is recommendable to spend some days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude because part of the segment along this trek are located over 4000m/13123ft
What happens if I get altitude sickness on the trek?
No worries, 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, and there will also be an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recover. Our team always has a radio, and they are trained for any emergency that happens during our tours.
Do I Need Hiking Boots for the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek (2 Days)?
Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas and crossing some rivers, especially on day 2, some of them are slippery, now uneven, and at varying heights; the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.
Should I Use Walking Sticks?
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.
Where Do I Store My Luggage During the 2-Day Ausangate Trek?
In case you have extra luggage that you do not need to bring to the trail, all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free. If you will change your hotel after the trek, we have available our storage in Machu Picchu by Locals office. Get more info from our office team.
What should I expect as far as weather?
The weather in the Cusco region and parts 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 are 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 with the mosquitos, which can be a nuisance in some parts of the trail.
From: USD 280.00 per person
USD 230.00: from 4 people to more
* Additional single tent: $10USD
*Sleeping bag -15°C / 5°F for the entire trip: $10USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. 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.
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2 Days / 1 Night
2-Day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek
Map of 2-Day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals 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 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
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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 Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals 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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