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The Rainbow Mountain of Peru, also known as Vinicunca, are stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate Trek. Ausangate mountain itself is considered a holy mountain (or mountain spirit) by local Peruvians and is the deity of Cusco. Since pre-Inca times the mountain has been a place of worship and offerings and this tradition continues today. Most trips that allow you to see the Rainbow Mountains require a trek of at least 6 days. That has changed with this brand new itinerary. We have designed this hike so that it can be done as a day trip!
On this trek you will see quaint villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas and you will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Glacier (6,385 m / 20,945 ft), the highest mountain in the Cusco region. With uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.
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2 Days | 1 Night
15 km
Advanced
5100 m.a.s.l
Trekking Nature & Culture
02 Min - 10 Max
STARTING POINT: Pick-up from Cusco & Sacred Valley Hotel/Airbnb. From 4:00 am to 4:30 am
ENDING POINT: Drop-off in Cusco at Hotel/Airbnb
DEPARTURE: Daily. If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as a large group service). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in Cusco.
HIKING DISTANCE: 2 Days Time
PHYSICAL LEVEL: Level 4. we Also recommend Aclimatize 2 days before we begin the trek
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 5200 m.a.s.l
TRANSPORTATION: Bus Round trip Cusco – Quesiuno – Cusco
ACCOMMODATIONS: Camping Tent & Aguas Calientes Hotel
MEALS: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Your day starts in Cusco where you are picked up at 5:00 am for a 4-hour trip via private Kondor van to the start of the trail, along the way we will stop at Checacuppe village to enjoy the old Inca/Colonial bridge, also on the way we stop at nice Andes location for taking full pictures. Rainbow Mountain Hiking Trail Peru Already at Quesiuno 4,326 m / 14,189 ft. Rainbow Mountain Hiking Trail Peru begins our hike to Hampatuyoc (1 ½.hour hike to lunch area). After about 3 hours and a half hiking up, we reach Pampa base camp 4,885 m / 16,026 ft. You will have a nice afternoon tea and popcorn close to a glacial peak and the Rainbow mountain chain “Rainbow Mountain Hiking Trail Peru”.
Meals: Lunch, Afternoon tea, Dinner
Early morning pickup from your hotel (5:00 am)
Private transfer to the trailhead “Quesiuno”
On the way by Kondor Transport, we explore Checacuppe Inca/Colonial bridge, Uchulluqllo lookout, Ocefina Andes Cañon view, and others!
Lunch at Hampatuyoc Rumi
Walking distance: 6 km / 9.6 miles approx.
Estimated duration: 4 hours trek
Highest point: Pampa base camp 4,885 m / 16,026 ft.
Campsite elevation: Pampa base camp 4,885 m / 16,026 ft Rainbow Mountain Hiking Trail Peru.
Weather: Cold, and very cold!
Difficulty: Challenging!
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will be ascending through dark red mountains to Vinicunca Pass 5,020 m / 16,466 ft. for the first spectacular views of the Psychedelic Rainbow Mountains of Peru “The Ausangate region is incredibly colorful with a magical landscape”. Rainbow Mountain Hiking Trail Peru Then we will begin to descend to Andes meadows with incredible views of glacial peaks, lakes, mounts, and others). Rainbow Mountain Hiking Trail Peru Our Kondor van will meet us to transport you to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Wake up with tea in your tent, Breakfast, and Lunch.
Today we will enjoy the full Vistas of the Rainbow Mountains Peru
Walking Distance: 8 km / 12.8 miles approx. “up and downhill trek” trekking poles are recommended!
Estimated duration: 5 hours.
Highest point: Rainbow Pass 5,020 m / 16,466 ft.
Early afternoon we return to Cuzco by Kondor van.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DISCOUNTS (to apply discounts. Please send us an email at info@quechuasexpeditions.com)
RENTALS
ADITIONAL INFO:
We need at least 02 of you and Leave any day you suit. All Departures 100% Guaranteed If You’re Booked, You are Going !!! To Confirm and Secure the Permits. Send us the filled out booking form
Availability: Daily Departures All Departures are 100% Guaranteed. If You’re Booked, You are Going, We wont Cancel your Trip !!!
How to Book?: Send us all Your Personal information as well as a Deposit of 30% and the Final Balance will be paid once you are in Cusco.
Group Service: Price per person: US$250
(You will be joined into a formed group of people who come from different countries/Nationalities): (Group Size: 04 Minimum – 12ppl Average – 16ppl Maximum)
Private Service:
A personalized experience for your group:
Recommended for Honeymooners, Families with children & Groups of Friends (02 Persons Minimum)
If you are a group of 02 we depart (No matter if you have paid as GROUP SERVICE). We NEVER pass our people onto another operator as most agencies do here in cusco.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
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Sara D2025-07-07Verified 10/10 Experience - Would Recommend! We had an amazing time on the Salkantay 5 Day Trek. Before the trip started, Quechuas had great communication and was very accommodating to our travel schedule, including adjusting our briefing time with our guide.The skydome accomodations were great (all fairly spacious, with exception of night 2, which was fine as we didn’t spend much time there), the food was delicious (a great variety and always more than enough to go around) and the trek itself was beautiful. Our guide Steven, as well as second guide Jorge, were very patient, knowledgeable and kind to us and the others in our group - not only did we get to see incredible scenery but we also learned a lot about the local landscape and culture.We rented sleeping bags, which we would highly recommend. We brought our own hiking poles but would recommend renting if you don’t bring your own.Overall, an amazing experience and we would highly recommend this company. Matthew W2025-07-02Verified Seamless and Supportive Inca Trail Experience – Highly Recommend We recently completed the 4-day Classic Inca Trail trek with Quechuas Expeditions in June 2025, and overall had a fantastic experience that struck the perfect balance between physical challenge and logistical ease.Our guide, Fernando (“Nando”), was outstanding—passionate, deeply knowledgeable about the trail’s rich history, and highly supportive throughout. He kept our group motivated and informed, and managed different paces and needs with professionalism and care. His English was great, and he always made time to answer questions or share interesting stories along the way.The porter and chef team were phenomenal. Every meal was different, delicious, and plentiful—we were never hungry, and dietary needs (including vegan and vegetarian) were handled without issue. They even baked a custom cake on the trail for a couple’s anniversary, which speaks volumes about their care and capability. The porters themselves were friendly, warm, and constantly going above and beyond to support us.Quechuas provided tents, sleeping bags, a toilet tent, and hot water for face washing each morning, plus coca tea as a wake-up touch. The duffel service was useful, though we did find the weight limits a bit tighter than expected once you factor in the sleeping bag. In the end, we paid for an extra porter—which was easy to arrange but worth noting for those planning their packing. One thing we didn’t know in advance: the porter bags aren’t waterproof, so future trekkers may want to use dry bags or line the inside with plastic.Another small consideration: due to how campsites are assigned (by the government, not the tour company), some days ended up being longer than the traditional day-by-day breakdown you might read online. While not Quechuas’ fault, for myself, as much heads-up as possible would’ve helped with my own mental preparation.All said, Quechuas Expeditions delivered where it mattered most. The logistics were smooth, the staff was superb, and their support allowed us to focus on enjoying the trail and the breathtaking views without worrying about the rest. This is a company that knows what it’s doing.Would I recommend them? Absolutely—whether you’re a first-time trekker or experienced hiker, they make an unforgettable journey that much more seamless and enjoyable. If I ever do this again, I would book with them without question, and if possible, request the exact same team. Thank you Fernando and team for a trip of a lifetime and memories that will stay with me forever 🙏 Arianna O2025-07-01Verified Amazing trip on the Inca Trail with Quechuas Expeditions I never imagined that the Inca Trail could be so transformative. My partner and I decided to do the classic 4-day trek with Quechuas Expeditions and, honestly, it exceeded all our expectations. From the very first moment we felt very welcome. The service was impeccable, they were always attentive to our needs, solving all our doubts before and during the trek.The hike was not easy, but the views, the fresh mountain air and the energy of the group kept us going without thinking about how tiring it was. The meals at the campsites surprised us pleasantly, we really did not expect so much variety and flavor in the middle of the mountain. And the end, reaching Machu Picchu through the sun gate (Inti Punku) was simply magical, there are no words to describe that moment. It is definitely a unique experience that connects you with the history, culture and nature of Peru. Thank you Quechuas Expeditions for making this trip so special! naomiammar2025-06-28Verified Hardest challenge of my life but worth it One of the hardest things I have ever done (definitely underestimate the difficulty level), and I don’t know if I would have made it if it wasn’t for our awesome guide Frenando and all the amazing staff we had. What a fantastic group of people. The porters are so hard working, it’s so humbling. The chef Taco was fantastic! I am vegan and he made me the most amazing food the entire time. I couldn’t believe it. And then our guide Fernando topped it all. Knowledgeable, professional yet fun, very personable, very patient (we were slow!) and very encouraging. If you are considering taking on this challenge, I highly recommend Quechua’s Expeditions and if you can request Fernando. E sure to do so. He’s been doing this for 19yrs! cade c2025-06-27Verified Awesome trek We really enjoyed our trip. It was challenging and also rewarding. Beautiful views and even better food. I can’t rave enough about our cook Santiago! Food was unbelievable. Jose did a fantastic job leading us along the way. He did a good job of explaining what we are seeing! Looking for a physical challenge with beautiful views this is the trek for you. Lola U2025-06-20Verified Demanding, enriching and unforgettable thanks to the human team I will always be grateful to the rich food and attentions of Santiago, the cook, the professionalism and good advice of José, the guide, the kindness of the helpers, who have made it possible to improve the experience. Julia C.2025-06-16Verified Amazing trek, amazing guide and staff The Salkantay Trek was absolutely stunning, domes and the views were great with hot water available. What the trek made very special was our guide Nildo. Also, the chef Julian, horseman and second guide were incredible too. Nildo was knowledgeable, caring and passionate about everything he shared. I cannot imagine a better guide :-) Everything was very well organized. Emelie A2025-06-15Verified Hike of a lifetime! We had the most amazing time! The different sceneries along the trek are just unbelievable and although being two fairly unfit persons we could enjoy it all the way. Fernando and Steven are terrific guides making sure we were all comfortable and happy at all times. The food and accommodations along the way were also a lot more luxurious than what we’d expected. Would 100% recommend this to anyone who’s up for a hike!!
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