Escape early from Cusco for a two-day hike along the Ausangate circuit to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), camping overnight at high altitude. Expect glacier views, quiet highland nights and a strenuous but rewarding summit to Rainbow Mountain before returning to Cusco.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You wake before dawn in Cusco, the city lights dwindling as a van climbs into the high Andes. By sunrise the valley opens—alpacas graze, wind scours terraces, and Ausangate's glacier sits cold and immovable above you. This two-day route follows parts of the Ausangate circuit, moving from green valleys to the thin air of Puccacocha Pass, then into a high camp where stargazing replaces the usual tourist bustle.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Requires high aerobic fitness and prior day-hiking experience; comfortable on sustained climbs at altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Ausangate region is sacred in Andean cosmology and has long been a seasonal grazing route for Quechua communities.
Conservation
High-altitude puna is fragile—stick to trails, avoid campfire impacts and minimize single-use plastics to protect water sources.
Reserve your spot on the 2-Day Hike: Rainbow Mountain from Cusco with Exclusive Camp today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Arrive 2–3 days early, keep activity light and drink extra fluids to lower altitude sickness risk.
Pack a warm sleeping layer
Night temps at camp can drop well below freezing even in summer; bring an insulated liner or rated sleeping bag.
Footwear matters
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support will make steep, uneven trails and muddy sections manageable.
Carry a small daypack
Keep sunscreen, camera, snacks and a rain shell close; larger duffels are transported by pack animals.
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction for steep, rocky, and often muddy trails.
Insulated sleeping bag (rated to -10°C)
Keeps you warm during freezing high-altitude nights in the communal tents.
winter
Layered clothing system
Base, insulating, and waterproof layers let you adapt to rapid weather changes.
30–50 L daypack
Carry water, snacks, camera, and rain shell while pack animals transport main gear.