The Ausangate Trek 2 Days is one of the most impressive short adventures you can experience in Peru, specially designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the majesty of the Andes in just a couple of days. This unique itinerary brings together the highlights of the Vilcanota mountain range, combining breathtaking natural beauty with cultural encounters that will stay with you forever.
During this journey, you will explore the sacred Ausangate Mountain, considered the spiritual protector of the region and admired for its snow-capped peaks that rise above 6,000 meters. The trek also takes you to the world-renowned Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), famous for its vibrant mineral colors that paint the slopes like a natural rainbow. To complete the adventure, you will hike through the surreal Red Valley, a hidden gem with deep crimson landscapes that few travelers get to witness.
Even though the Ausangate Trek 2 Days is short, it offers an intense and unforgettable adventure. Along the way, you will cross high Andean passes, walk beside turquoise glacial lakes, and be surrounded by herds of llamas and alpacas that roam freely in their natural habitat. You will also encounter small Andean communities that still maintain their ancestral traditions, giving you a glimpse into the living culture of the Peruvian highlands.
This trek is ideal for those who want a challenging yet highly rewarding experience in a limited time frame. It is perfect if you are seeking to connect with nature, enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain views in Peru, and still have time to continue exploring Cusco or Machu Picchu. With its combination of dramatic landscapes, rich Andean culture, and short duration, the Ausangate Trek 2 Days is truly one of the best options for adventurers looking for an authentic and memorable trekking experience in Peru.
Your Ausangate Trek 2 Days adventure begins early with a 4:00 am hotel pickup in Cusco. After a scenic three-hour drive through traditional Andean villages, we arrive at Alcatarwi trailhead, the starting point of our trek. Here, you’ll meet our professional mountain team, including your expert guide, cook, and horseman, who will provide a delicious breakfast to energize you before setting off.
The hike starts with a gentle uphill walk of about 1.5 hours, leading to the breathtaking Puka Cocha Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From this vantage point, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic Andean landscapes: snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and rolling valleys dotted with llamas and alpacas. Our guide will share fascinating insights into the geology, flora, fauna, and cultural traditions of the Ausangate region, enriching your experience.
Continuing on, we follow a pleasant one-hour trail across open highland terrain to reach Ananta (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), where we pause for a freshly prepared lunch. Afterward, the route becomes more challenging with a steady two-hour ascent to the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From here, you’ll be rewarded with your first distant glimpse of the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), a highlight of the trek.
Our descent then takes about one hour to the tranquil Surine Cocha Lagoon, a hidden gem at the base of the mountains. This will be our campsite for the night, offering an unforgettable setting to relax after a rewarding day of trekking. As night falls, the high-altitude skies reveal a dazzling view of the Milky Way, making this one of the most magical experiences of your short Ausangate hike.
Wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy a nourishing breakfast prepared by our trekking chef. With renewed energy, we begin the final stretch of your Ausangate Trek 2 Days adventure. A gentle one-hour hike across the Andean plains takes us closer to the highlight of the journey: the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
Arriving early gives us the privilege of experiencing this natural wonder before the crowds, allowing you to take in its vibrant mineral colors under the soft morning light. At 5,100 m (16,732 ft), the views are nothing short of breathtaking, with the surrounding glaciers and vast Andean landscapes creating an unforgettable backdrop.
After plenty of time to explore and capture photos, we continue with a 90-minute hike into the surreal Red Valley, one of the hidden gems of the region. This less-visited area offers dramatic red-hued mountains and a peaceful atmosphere far from the busy trails. Along the way, your knowledgeable mountain guide will share insights about the unique geology and history behind these striking formations.
Following this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before starting our return journey. A scenic drive brings us back to Cusco in the late afternoon, where you’ll carry lasting memories of the spectacular Rainbow Mountain trek and the enchanting Red Valley hike, a perfect conclusion to your short Ausangate hike.
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