Trek · 2 days

Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain

A 2-day trek through the Ausangate region, with a night of camping at 4,885 m and a sunrise walk toward Vinicunca pass (5,020 m), in front of Rainbow Mountain. It is demanding and high-altitude, designed for acclimatized hikers who want more than a one-day tour.

2 days / 1 nightVinicunca pass at 5,020 mCamping in the AndesSpanish / English guide

Duration2 days / 1 night

GuideBilingual, Spanish / English

PickupCusco hotel, 5:00 a.m.

Maximum altitude5,020 m (Vinicunca pass)

Highlights

What you’ll experience

ChecacupeStop at the old Inca and colonial bridge on the way to Quesiuno.
Hampatuyoc RumiFirst stretch of the hike, from Quesiuno (4,326 m) to the lunch area.
Pampa CampNight at 4,885 m, with afternoon tea near a glacier peak and the Rainbow Mountain range.
Vinicunca PassAt 5,020 m, full views of Rainbow Mountain, glaciers, and lakes.

Itinerary

Day by day

It is very cold at camp, and the difficulty is demanding: arrive in Cusco with days to acclimatize, and bring trekking poles.

Day1

Cusco – Quesiuno – Pampa Camp

LunchDinner

We pick you up in Cusco at 5:00 a.m. for a drive of about 4 hours to the start of the trail. On the way we stop in Checacupe to see its old Inca and colonial bridge, and at Andean viewpoints such as Uchulluqllo for photos.

In Quesiuno (4,326 m) the hike begins: an hour and a half to Hampatuyoc Rumi, where you have lunch. Then come about 3 and a half hours of climbing to the Pampa base camp (4,885 m), where afternoon tea with canchita (toasted corn) awaits you near a glacier peak and the Rainbow Mountain range. Approximate distance for the day: 6 km. Difficulty: demanding. Weather: very cold.

Overnight: Pampa Camp

Day2

Vinicunca Pass – Cusco

BreakfastLunch

We wake you with tea in your tent and, after breakfast, you climb between reddish mountains to Vinicunca pass (5,020 m), with the first full views of Rainbow Mountain and the Ausangate landscape.

Then you descend through Andean meadows with views of glacier peaks and lakes, to where the transport waits. You return to your hotel in Cusco early in the afternoon. Approximate distance: 8 km up and down, about 5 hours; trekking poles are recommended.

✓Included

Transport from Cusco to Quesiuno and back
Bilingual professional guide throughout the experience
Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket
Camping equipment (tents and sleeping pads)
Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner

✕Not included

Extra snacks and drinks
Tips for the guide and the support crew

Frequently asked questions

About Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain

How hard is this trek?+

It is demanding. You sleep at 4,885 m, and the highest point is Vinicunca pass at 5,020 m. We recommend arriving acclimatized after several days in Cusco. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people in poor physical condition.

Where do you sleep?+

In a tent at the Pampa base camp (4,885 m). Tents and sleeping pads are included. It gets very cold at night, so bring thermal clothing and a warm sleeping bag.

What time is pickup?+

At 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. The return is early in the afternoon on the second day.

Which meals are included?+

One breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner, plus afternoon tea at camp.

How is this different from the one-day Rainbow Mountain tour?+

You hike through the Ausangate region, sleep near the mountain, and reach Vinicunca pass in the morning from the camp side.

What is the cancellation policy?+

A refund of 70% is given with 45 days or more notice; 50% between 30 and 44 days; with fewer than 30 days or if you do not show up, there is no refund.

No-obligation quote

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