Tunqui Expeditions is the only original operator and pioneer in creating breathtaking trekking routes—and now, we invite you to experience one of our most exclusive adventures: the Ausangate Trek with a magical connection to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the Red Valley.
Our unique itinerary allows you to hike through the Ausangate region, watch the sunset and sunrise over the famous Rainbow Mountain, and explore the stunning Red Valley—all in just two unforgettable days. You’ll camp near the mountain, under the stars, surrounded only by nature and your Tunqui Expeditions team. This special experience is reserved exclusively for our groups, guided by expert local adventurers.
If you’re a strong and passionate trekker, this journey is for you. Get ready to explore the most impressive highlights of the Ausangate Trail, surrounded by majestic mountains, lakes, glaciers, and the mighty Andes range. Every step will captivate your senses, and you’ll find yourself in awe-inspiring landscapes with very few tourists.
This is more than just a trek—it’s a spiritual and personal challenge. Along the way, you’ll connect deeply with the sacred energy of Ausangate, one of the most revered mountains in Andean culture. Once completed, you’ll carry the powerful sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering one of Peru’s most sacred and remote adventures.
This unforgettable experience brings you the most spectacular natural display of colors in the sacred Vinicunca Mountain—Rainbow Mountain!
We’ll embark on a fantastic trek through mountain passes and awe-inspiring Andean landscapes. Whether or not you believe in a higher power, you’ll feel the urge to give thanks for this breathtaking work of natural art.
Our first night will be spent camping near Surinecocha, wrapped beneath a magical blanket of stars. Get ready—you’re about to witness one of the most extraordinary places on Earth: Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors.
No photo can truly capture its beauty—your best lenses will be your own eyes. And keep your energy up, because there’s more: we’ll visit the Red Valley, a surreal Mars-like landscape that will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Our adventure begins early with a drive south from Cusco to Quesiuno, the starting point of our hike.
We’ll trek through spectacular Andean landscapes, reaching Surinecocha around midday, where a delicious lunch awaits.
In the afternoon, we continue to Rainbow Mountain to admire it in the golden sunset light, without the usual crowds.
Camping: Near Surinecocha
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
We wake up early to witness the first light of dawn over Rainbow Mountain, a once-in-a-lifetime view without the rush of tourists.
After taking in this magical moment, we continue on to the Red Valley, a vast and dramatic landscape resembling Mars.
In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy lunch surrounded by the mountains before heading back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Highlight of the Day: Hike through breathtaking Andean landscapes and witness your first sunset at Rainbow Mountain.
Your unforgettable journey begins early in the morning. We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am, then travel for two hours to Pitumarca, and another 1.5 hours to Alqatari, our starting point.
As you get ready with your gear, our super chef will prepare a nourishing breakfast in the middle of the Andes, fueling you for the adventure ahead.
Before setting off, your expert guide will give a full briefing, including safety tips and today’s itinerary highlights. Then we begin our exclusive 2-day Ausangate Trek, walking through a lush green valley with stunning views of the towering Ausangate Glacier, the highest peak in the Cusco region.
Along the trail, you’ll pass traditional Andean communities and encounter dozens of alpacas and llamas along the way—an authentic glimpse into the Andean world.
We’ll ascend to Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft) for our first panoramic view of Pucacocha Lagoon and the imposing Ausangate Glacier, a sacred and powerful sight.
After a short rest, we descend for about 1.5 hours to Ananpata, where a scenic lunch awaits.
Fed and energized, we continue uphill for two hours to the highest point of the day: Warmisaya Pass (4,955 m / 16,257 ft). From here, you’ll catch your first distant glimpse of Rainbow Mountain, glowing softly in the afternoon light.
A final 45-minute descent brings us to our campsite beside the peaceful Surinecocha Lagoon, where your private tents will be ready. You’ll be welcomed with warm water to wash, and then we’ll hike a short distance to Rainbow Mountain, arriving in time to enjoy the sunset in near solitude.
Your guide will lead you to the perfect photo spots, ensuring you capture the magic of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Later, enjoy afternoon tea with hot drinks, popcorn, and snacks, followed by a delicious dinner under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Private campsite near Surinecocha
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,376 m / 14,357 ft
Max Elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Camp Elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Highlight of the Day: Be the first to reach Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, and hike through the surreal Red Valley.
At 4:00 am, your support team will gently wake you with a warm cup of coca tea in your tent. Then, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for another epic day.
Today’s main objective: watch the sunrise over Rainbow Mountain!
We hike for about 2 hours to the summit of Vinicunca (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), also known as Rainbow Mountain, in time to see the first golden light illuminate the colorful ridges. You’ll have time to explore the area at your own pace, taking in panoramic views of the Ausangate Glacier and surrounding snow-capped peaks before the crowds arrive.
Let your heart open to the mountains—they always reward the effort.
Next, we continue on a gentle trail to Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), a dreamlike landscape often compared to planet Mars. Only a few travelers venture here, and the peaceful silence is part of the magic.
A short 30-minute hike brings us to a panoramic viewpoint with the best views of the Red Valley and its dramatic red terrain.
Afterwards, we descend for about 2 hours, passing remote Andean communities, herds of llamas, and, with luck, even wild vicuñas, a sacred animal of the Andes.
By midday, we’ll enjoy a final lunch surrounded by the mountains, then return to Cusco in our private transport. We’ll drop you off at your hotel around 4:00–5:00 pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: —
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Max Elevation: 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
At Tunqui Expeditions, we provide detailed information about what’s included in all of our tours. We take care of all logistics, but we kindly ask you to review the inclusions carefully so you don’t miss anything important.
Pre-Trek Briefing:
Meet your guide and group at our main office (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm the night before your trek. You’ll receive a duffel bag (max. 7 kg / 15.4 lb), which will be carried by our muleteers and must include your sleeping bag and inflatable mat (if bringing or renting).
Expert Local Guide:
Bilingual (English–Spanish) certified guide, graduate of the Tourism program at the National University of Cusco. All our guides are passionate locals with deep knowledge of Andean history, culture, and nature.
First Aid & Oxygen Kit:
All guides are trained in first aid. They carry a first-aid kit and portable oxygen for altitude-related issues and other basic emergencies. In serious cases, we will coordinate the fastest possible evacuation and transfer to a medical center.
Private Camping Equipment:
24/7 Support & Satellite Phone:
You’ll have 24/7 support from our team. All guides carry a fully charged satellite phone in case of emergency or personal calls (fee applies if used by passengers).
All taxes and entry fees are included in the tour price. No hidden costs.
While we pay fair wages, tips are a great way to thank your guide, cook, and muleteers.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your journey to Peru and the Ausangate Trek to be as memorable and worry-free as possible. In this section, you’ll find answers to the most common questions from our travelers. Please read carefully—it may answer everything you need to know before your trek.
Still have questions? Send us a message, and we’ll be happy to help!
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before taking on a mountain trek. We strongly recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before the start of the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Even if you’ve already been in a high-altitude region of Peru, we suggest spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from travel, and enjoy the city before heading out.
Great pre-trek activities near Cusco:
All briefings take place at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 5:00 pm, one day before your trek. They last about 30–45 minutes.
If you’re unable to attend, please contact us via email, phone, or in person to reschedule.
If you still owe a balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before your trek. Otherwise, your reservation will not be confirmed.
Preferred method: Cash payment in USD or Peruvian soles at our Cusco office.
Nearby ATMs on Avenida El Sol allow withdrawals in both currencies.
You may also pay by credit/debit card or PayPal, online or in person. However, note that a 5% service fee applies via PayPal or our payment gateway (Niubiz).
We do not accept bank checks or traveler’s checks.
Yes! During your pre-trek briefing, we’ll give you a duffel bag (60 x 24 x 22 cm / 23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
You can pack up to 7 kg (15.4 lb), including your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, and personal items. This will be carried by our muleteers.
Absolutely!
We offer free luggage storage at our office during your trek. You may also store items at your hotel—most offer this service at no cost.
Important:
Do not store valuables in your luggage. Use your hotel’s safe and request a detailed receipt, which may be required for travel insurance in case of loss or theft. We recommend sealing credit cards or valuables in a signed envelope for peace of mind.
We’ll pick you up directly from your hotel as long as it’s located in the Historic Center of Cusco.
Your guide will confirm the exact pick-up time during the pre-trek briefing. Please allow for a 30–45 minute window due to traffic and shared pick-ups.
Note: Some hotels or Airbnbs may be on narrow, steep streets where vehicles cannot reach. We strongly recommend booking accommodation with easy vehicle access.
Group treks include hikers of various fitness levels and ages. By joining a group, you accept that some may hike faster or slower than you.
Each participant can hike at their own pace. If a group requests changes to the itinerary, the final decision will be made by the guide, after consulting everyone.
Strikes and protests are common in Peru and may disrupt tours, especially by blocking roads or railways.
If needed, we may adjust your itinerary to keep your adventure on track, even departing one night early if required. In rare cases, tours may be cancelled for safety.
All decisions will be communicated by our operations team—your safety is our top priority.
Please be mindful of your belongings during the trek. Once you leave our transport, campsites, or restaurants, you are fully responsible for your items.
Double-check your space before departing!
Here’s what you should bring to fully enjoy your adventure in the high Andes. Be prepared for cold nights, strong sun, and spectacular views.
Our muleteers will carry up to 7 kg (15.4 lb) of your personal belongings, which must include your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (total weight approx. 3.5 kg).
This trek is available any day of the week, year-round—from January to December. We operate this itinerary in all seasons with full service and logistics.
This small-group trek is guaranteed to operate with only 2 participants.
Please note: PayPal charges a 5% service fee for online deposits. The remaining balance can be paid in cash in Cusco with no extra charges.
Upgrade your Peru adventure with these additional experiences:
Add comfort to your journey with the following rentals:
Once your booking is confirmed, your price is locked—it will never increase, no matter the circumstances.
Before reserving, please make sure to review all the important details of the trek.
