2 Days 1 Night
Challenge
Min: 2 - Max: 8 people
Cusco - Perú
Peru is a country where you can experience everything: history, nature, culture and adventure. It’s one of the world’s megadiverse countries, home to an extraordinary variety of landscapes and wildlife. One of its most spectacular natural wonders is Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, and our Rainbow Mountain 2 trek takes you there in a unique way.
This colorful peak lies in the heart of the Andes, near the sacred Ausangate glacier, which towers over the region like a guardian of the skies. Unlike the one-day tour, this 2-day trek lets you explore the area slowly, spend a night in the mountains and reach the summit before the crowds arrive.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Departs from | Cusco, Peru |
| Highlights | Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Ausangate views |
| Max altitude | 5,036 m / 16,522 ft |
| Hiking distance | Approx. [X] km total |
| Accommodation | [Camping / lodge] |
| Difficulty | Challenging (high altitude) |
| Group size | Small groups (max. 8) |
| Price | $[XX] USD per person |
Next to Rainbow Mountain lies the Red Valley, a breathtaking landscape of deep red hills and slopes. Its intense color comes from iron-rich minerals in the soil, creating a scene that looks like another planet. Far fewer travelers visit the Red Valley than Rainbow Mountain, so you’ll enjoy it in peace, with wide views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley trek is one of the most unforgettable high-altitude hikes in Peru. It combines natural beauty, cultural immersion and a real physical challenge. Along the way, you’ll pass through remote Andean villages, meet local communities and see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely across the open plains.
Day 1: You’ll hike through scenic valleys surrounded by colorful mountains. The closer you get to Ausangate, the more surreal the scenery becomes.
Day 2: You’ll rise early to be one of the first groups at the summit of Rainbow Mountain, at over 5,000 meters above sea level. With no crowds around, you can take in the panoramic view, take photos and enjoy the moment in peace. Then you’ll continue to the Red Valley.
One or two days before your departure, your guide will meet you to explain the full trek schedule. At the end, you can ask any questions you have.
This trek reaches over 5,000 m, so spend at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco before starting (learn more about altitude sickness). Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and dress in warm layers, because nights near Ausangate are very cold.
Short on time? Visit Vinicunca in one day with our Rainbow Mountain full day tour, or combine it with the Inca citadel on our Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour. If you love trekking, continue your trip on the Inca Quarry Trail Trek or the 5-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. For another turquoise gem of the Andes, see the Humantay Lake tour.
05:00 am – Pickup in Cusco. We pick you up at your hotel and drive about 3 hours toward Pitumarca, in the Ausangate region, until we reach the community of Alcataury.
Breakfast in Alcataury. Our professional cook prepares a hot, delicious breakfast, served in our dining tent with tables and chairs.
Hike to the Ausangate viewpoint (4,925 m). We start walking uphill for about 3 hours. Along the trail, you’ll see herds of llamas and alpacas and meet local alpaca farmers who live in these high mountains. At the viewpoint, at 4,925 m (16,158 ft), you’ll stand in front of the majestic Ausangate glacier, which rises to 6,384 m (20,945 ft). Take your time to enjoy the 360° view and take photos.
Lunch in Ananta Pata. We descend for about 2 hours to Ananta Pata, where our chef serves a hot lunch made with fresh local products.
Minasniyoc Pass (5,020 m) and camp at Surine Cocha. After lunch, we hike about 2 more hours up to the Minasniyoc Pass, at 5,020 m (16,470 ft). From here, you’ll already see our camp next to the Surine Cocha lagoon, where we spend the night under a sky full of bright stars.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Camping at Surine Cocha lagoon |
| Min altitude | 4,380 m / 14,370 ft |
| Max altitude | 5,020 m / 16,470 ft (Minasniyoc Pass) |
| Walking distance | 14 km / 8.7 mi |
| Walking time | Approx. 8 hours |
| Weather | Cold and windy; freezing at night |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| Difficulty | 4 – Challenging |
| Start time | 05:00 am |
| End time | Approx. 06:00 pm |
