REVIEW · CUSCO
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights
Book on Viator →Operated by Salkantay Trekking · Bookable on Viator
Your trek day begins before dawn.
I love how this route ties together Ausangate crystal lakes with big-altitude passes like Warmisaya Pass in just 3 days. I also like the practical ease: hotel pickup and drop-off, plus round-trip transfers from Cusco, so you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time on the trail.
The main thing to consider is the effort and altitude. This trek is challenging, and it’s smart to plan altitude adjustment in Cusco ahead of time and keep a steady pace from the start.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain fit together so well
- Cusco transfers, early starts, and the comfort of a tight crew
- Day 1: Upis to Arapa Pass and camp at Hatun Pucacocha
- Day 2: Puca Pass, glacial lagoons, Warmisaya Pass, and Surinecocha camp
- Day 3: Vinicunca early arrival, Rainbow Mountain time, then back to Cusco
- Camping comfort and meals: why the nights feel more manageable
- Altitude, oxygen, and cold-night reality checks
- Price and value: what $535 covers (and what doesn’t)
- Who should book this Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trek
- Should you book Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain (3 Days / 2 Nights)?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How many people are in a group?
- What’s included for meals?
- Is camping gear included?
- Do you carry luggage during the trek?
- Which passes and peaks do you hike?
- Is first aid or oxygen provided?
- Is horse assistance included?
Key things to know before you go
- 5:00 am departures mean you’ll get to the high country early, with more time to enjoy the views.
- Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain in one short itinerary: crystal lagoons, then Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain).
- Two big passes on the second day: Puca Pass and Warmisaya Pass, plus an additional Arapa Pass on day 1.
- Camping support is real: tent, air mattress, sleeping bag, and a dining setup, not just a basic overnight.
- Safety gear is included with a first aid kit and an oxygen supply for altitude concerns.
- Small group cap (max 12) helps the trip feel more personal and easier to manage on steep sections.
Why Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain fit together so well
Most people chase Rainbow Mountain because the color is the headline. I like that this trip earns Rainbow Mountain by building up to it with Ausangate first. You start in the high Andes around Nevado Ausangate, then hike passes that feel like they belong to a serious mountain journey, not a quick photo stop.
Day 1 and Day 2 focus on altitude scenery that doesn’t need perfect marketing. You’re walking around alpine water and crossing high points where the views stretch wide and sharp. Then Day 3 shifts you into Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) mode, with an early arrival strategy so you can take your time instead of rushing.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants one trip that feels like both: the wild Andes and the famous peak, this combination makes sense. It’s also efficient. Three days is long enough to feel you’re really in the mountains, but short enough that you’re not stuck away from Cusco for a week.
You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Cusco
Cusco transfers, early starts, and the comfort of a tight crew
This tour is designed to reduce decision fatigue. You get hotel pickup and drop-off and private transport and transfers during the tour, which matters when you’re heading out before sunrise. The meeting time is 5:00 am, so you’ll want to be ready the night before.
The group size is capped at 12 travelers. In practice, that usually means less crowding at key moments—especially when you’re moving slowly uphill. It also helps with pacing, like when a guide adjusts the day’s route for faster hikers or keeps a careful eye on anyone who needs extra check-ins.
That small-group setup shows up in the way people talk about the guides and team. Names that come up often include Nestor (guide), Marco (guide), and Fredy Apaza (guide). You’ll also see chefs and horsemen credited—Heber, Juan Carlos, and Jesús among them. The pattern is consistent: an organized plan, plus human attention when the air gets thin.
Day 1: Upis to Arapa Pass and camp at Hatun Pucacocha
Day 1 starts with a drive to Upis, then a hike that ramps up early. You walk for about 3 hours toward the lunch spot, taking in scenery that includes the imposing Nevado Ausangate. This is the day where you’ll feel the trek’s rhythm: steady climbs, rests at the right moments, and frequent opportunities to stop and look back.
Lunch comes before the higher work begins. In the afternoon, you continue with an uphill climb toward Arapa Pass, then descend to camp at Hatun Pucacocha. The transition is classic high-mountain trekking: you earn the pass, and then you get the satisfying relief of dropping into the valley.
What makes Day 1 special is the emotional tone. People talk about sleeping with the mountain looming nearby, and this itinerary leans into that. At camp, you get hot drinks and dinner, then sleep at the foot of Ausangate. If you’re worried about being cold at night, the trip includes sleeping gear (tent, sleeping bag, and air mattress). Reviews also mention extra help like added warmth items, which lines up with the general idea that this is a supported camping trek, not a survival test.
Practical note: your luggage is handled for you, with 7 kg luggage transport included. You still carry what you need day-to-day, but you’re not hauling everything uphill.
Day 2: Puca Pass, glacial lagoons, Warmisaya Pass, and Surinecocha camp
Day 2 is where the scenery gets punchy. You start with hot coca tea and a solid breakfast, then head toward Puca Pass. This is a great day for photos because the route is framed by glacial lagoons and big viewpoints. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a condor in the sky—this itinerary explicitly leaves room for that possibility.
You continue up to a lunch stop at Anantapata. After lunch, it’s time for the second pass: Warmisaya Pass. From here, you get a 360-degree view, and this is where the day turns into a Rainbow Mountain build-up. You’ll get the first view of Rainbow Mountain before you head down.
Then you descend to camp at Surinecocha for dinner and rest. The descent matters more than people think. On these treks, the legs take a beating even when the climbs are the main story. A well-managed day balances effort with recovery time, and this itinerary keeps moving without ignoring the downhill cost.
If you’re unsure about altitude, Day 2 is also a moment where a good guide earns their pay. People highlight guides who are patient with pacing and attentive to group members who need extra encouragement. One example from the names shared is Franklin, who’s described as organizing the trek well while staying flexible for viewpoints and keeping safety front and center.
Day 3: Vinicunca early arrival, Rainbow Mountain time, then back to Cusco
Day 3 is short and sweet by mountain standards, but it’s not rushed. You wake up early to reach Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) before crowds arrive. That matters because the mountain isn’t just a quick “walk up and leave” stop. The itinerary includes time to take in the place and learn why it’s important, not just what it looks like.
You’ll stop along the first section for early views, then continue to the main area of the mountain. After your time there, you head back down to your private transport, then enjoy lunch. Finally, you’re returned to Cusco with drop-off at your accommodation area for rest.
What I like about this approach is that it protects your experience. Early access means you can linger at your pace. And since Day 3 is less about pass-crossing and more about the peak itself, you’re not constantly switching between climb and descent the whole time.
Also, the itinerary lists Rainbow Mountain’s admission as included/free on the schedule for this day, which helps keep the trip streamlined compared with DIY planning where fees and timing can become a mess.
A few more Cusco tours and experiences worth a look
Camping comfort and meals: why the nights feel more manageable
On paper, this is “only” 3 days, 2 nights. In the mountains, that can still feel intense. That’s why the included camping setup is a big part of the value.
You get camping equipment including sleeping tent, air mattress, sleeping bag, plus dining room setup with tables and chairs. That reduces the mental load at the end of the day. You’re not spending your energy figuring out where to sit, where to set up, or how you’ll keep warm.
Food is another standout feature. The trip includes breakfasts and lunches across the days and two dinners at camp. In the stories attached to this experience, people credit the chef team for keeping meals both plentiful and surprisingly good for remote conditions. Names that come up include Heber and Juan Carlos, with frequent praise for how hard the team works: planning routes, setting up camp, and cooking while also doing mountain work themselves.
A bonus detail worth paying attention to: the trek includes water and snacks. That sounds basic, but it’s exactly the kind of small support that keeps you from getting behind when you’re exerting yourself at altitude.
Altitude, oxygen, and cold-night reality checks
Let’s talk about the part that can’t be ignored: altitude. The itinerary doesn’t pretend it’s easy. It recommends arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek to adjust. It also says you should have a strong physical fitness level.
The tour includes a first aid kit and oxygen supply. That matters because altitude issues can show up quickly for some people, especially if they haven’t acclimatized well. If you needed oxygen on your first night, the trip is set up so your guide can respond with the gear they bring.
Cold is the other reality. Even with proper sleeping bags and tents, night air at high altitude can still surprise you. What helps here is the combination of included sleeping gear and the way the team supports comfort. People mention feeling warm in the sleeping system they’re given, and some also mention extra warming items at night.
Practical tip for your planning: bring your expectations down to earth. This trek can be hard, but it’s also designed to keep you moving safely. If you go in rested, acclimatized, and ready for an uphill grind, you’ll likely feel more in control from the start.
Price and value: what $535 covers (and what doesn’t)
At $535 per person for a 3-day / 2-night trek, the value is in what’s bundled. You’re not just paying for a guide and a hike. You’re paying for:
- Experienced mountain guide
- Entry fees for Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bag, air mattress, and camp dining setup)
- Luggage transport (7 kg)
- Private transport and transfers, plus hotel pickup and drop-off
- Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
- First aid kit and oxygen supply
- Hiking poles and rain poncho
On top of that, the trip has a pre-departure briefing and includes water and snacks. For many travelers, those extras are the difference between feeling organized and feeling stressed.
What’s not included: horse assistance is optional, and travel insurance is recommended. Gratuities are also optional. If you’re doing this as part of a larger Cusco plan, it’s also smart to think about timing for other big-ticket items. Machu Picchu spots sell out quickly, so the general advice is to book it early.
One more useful note: the tour is weather-dependent. If poor weather cancels it, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the kind of clarity you want when trekking in high country.
Who should book this Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trek
This is a strong fit if you want a real mountain experience without a multi-week grind. It’s also a good choice for people who care about organization and comfort at night. The combination of included camping gear, oxygen support, and meals helps this feel like a guided adventure rather than a rough DIY hike.
It’s also a reasonable option for first-time trekkers, as long as you respect the altitude and training needs. One person highlighted it as their first trek and still described it as unforgettable, which tells me the guide team can manage the experience so you’re not overwhelmed—assuming you bring determination and follow pacing advice.
It may not be for you if you hate early mornings or if you’re not comfortable with challenging climbs. This trek asks for strong fitness. There’s no promise of flat walking. You’ll cross Arapa, Puca, and Warmisaya and then finish with Vinicunca.
If you eat vegetarian or vegan, the tour says options are available—just tell them when booking.
Should you book Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain (3 Days / 2 Nights)?
Book it if you want the smartest short itinerary in the area: Ausangate lakes + two pass days + Rainbow Mountain at sunrise with support that handles transport, camping gear, fees, and key safety items. The price makes sense when you total the inclusions, especially the camping system and the altitude support.
Consider another option if you’re not prepared for a challenging trek or if altitude worries you without a real acclimatization plan in Cusco. And if you’re the type who wants long free time at the peak with no schedule pressure, this 3-day format may feel tight—though the early Rainbow Mountain timing is built to give you breathing room.
If your goal is one memorable trip that mixes famous Vinicunca views with the tougher, more atmospheric Ausangate side, this one is a practical choice.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 5:00 am.
How many people are in a group?
This tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.
What’s included for meals?
Breakfast is included for 3 days, lunch is included for 3 days, and dinner is included for 2 days.
Is camping gear included?
Yes. You get sleeping tent, air mattress, sleeping bag, and dining room setup with tables and chairs.
Do you carry luggage during the trek?
Yes. Luggage transport is included for up to 7 kg.
Which passes and peaks do you hike?
You hike near Nevado Ausangate (Day 1), pass Arapa Pass, then hike Puca Pass and Warmisaya Pass (Day 2), and reach Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) on Day 3.
Is first aid or oxygen provided?
Yes. The tour includes a first aid kit and oxygen supply.
Is horse assistance included?
Horse assistance is listed as optional, and it is not included.
