Spend two days above 4,000 m exploring Ausangate’s glaciers, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the secluded Red Valley. This guided trek combines high passes, lakeside camping, and encounters with Andean communities.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A pre-dawn van slips away from Cusco, the highway thinning as clouds lift off Andean ridges and the first light paints the glaciers on Ausangate. By the time hikers step onto the trail at Quesiuno, the mountains feel alive—snowfields watching, moraine streams daring you forward, and alpaca herds scattering like quiet punctuation.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and prior high-altitude hiking experience recommended; must tolerate long days and steep, uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Trails link ancient pastoral routes used by Quechua communities and pre-Columbian herding economies; Ausangate is also an important sacred mountain (apu) in Andean cosmology.
Conservation
High foot traffic and fragile soils make staying on established paths and packing out waste essential; local guides support community conservation and low-impact camping practices.
Reserve your spot on the Ausangate 2 Days Trek Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco (3,300 m) to reduce acute altitude effects before tackling passes above 4,800 m.
Layer for big temperature swings
Days can be warm with strong sun, while nights and early mornings drop well below freezing—pack insulated and moisture-wicking layers.
Protect against UV
High-altitude sun is intense—use a wide-brim hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use trekking poles for stability
Poles ease steep ascents and long descents and reduce knee strain on rocky sections and switchbacks.
Sturdy hiking boots (water-resistant)
Support and grip on rocky, boggy and uneven trails at altitude.
Insulated down jacket or parka
Cold nights and high passes often drop below freezing—essential for camp and early starts.
winter
Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
Strong UV radiation at 4,000–5,100 m makes sun protection non-negotiable.
summer
Trekking poles
Improves balance on steep sections and reduces impact on knees during descents.