Quick Summary: What to Expect from the Ausangate Trek, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Tour

This 2-day, 1-night adventure takes you through some of Peru’s most stunning natural sights, starting from Cusco. For $419 per person, you’ll explore the vibrant slopes of Rainbow Mountain, trek along the untouched beauty of Ausangate, and witness the surreal colors of Red Valley. With a focus on small group and personalized service, guides like Mario will lead you through these iconic landscapes.

We especially love how this tour combines visiting multiple natural wonders in one swift trip, making it a compact yet comprehensive experience. The inclusion of horses to carry your gear allows you to enjoy the hikes without the burden of heavy packs—this small detail makes a big difference. Another highlight: the informative pre-departure briefing helps set expectations and prepares you for the adventure ahead.

A potential consideration is the high altitude, which can be challenging if you’re not acclimated. The tours are suitable for active travelers who enjoy hiking and are prepared for the physical effort. Perfect for those looking to combine spectacular scenery with authentic trekking—this tour caters well to adventurous spirits eager for photo-worthy vistas and a taste of local wilderness.

Key Points

Stunning landscapes: From Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant hues to the Red Valley’s surreal reds, each stop offers extraordinary scenery.
All-inclusive value: Entrance fees, transportation, meals, and gear transport are covered, making it straightforward and stress-free.
Guided experience: Bilingual guides share insights into local geography and culture, enriching your understanding.
Gear and logistics: You get a duffle bag for your belongings, and horses carry your gear, making the hikes more manageable.
Time-efficient: In just 2 days, you cover multiple highlights that would take longer to visit independently.
Limited group size: Private tours provide personalized attention and flexibility in itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Ausangate Trek, Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley: An In-Depth Look

When considering a trip that combines stunning natural scenery with active adventure, this tour offers a compelling option. It balances adventure, comfort, and value—a wise choice for travelers wanting more than just a quick snapshot of Peru’s landscapes.

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Why Choose This Tour?

The Journey Begins with Transportation and Preparation
Your experience starts with a door-to-door pickup in Cusco, a convenience that saves you the hassle of figuring out your way to the starting point. Once there, your guide—like Mario—will provide a pre-departure briefing, ensuring everyone is primed for the journey. The tour includes a duffle bag to store up to 7 kilos of personal belongings, which horses will carry ahead of you. This thoughtful detail means you can focus on the scenery without worrying about lugging your gear.

The Trekking Experience: Active, Authentic, and Accessible
The core of this adventure is trekking through raw, untouched landscapes. First, you’ll venture to the starting point of the Ausangate Trek, a route famed for its untouched beauty and hidden gems. The hikes are physically engaging but manageable, thanks to horses carrying your gear, and they promise breathtaking views at every turn.

Rainbow Mountain: A Must-See Highlight
The iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) has become a global sensation for its vivid, multi-colored strata that run across the mountain face. The climb to the viewpoint is challenging but rewarding, with spectacular vistas that make every step worth it. Many reviews praise the “vibrant colors and surreal landscapes”—a perfect backdrop for photos. The high altitude can be a factor, so some walkers might need to pace themselves.

Red Valley: An Understated Gem
Less crowded than Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley offers a different palette of deep reds and ochres, with fewer travelers and more solitude. As one reviewer put it, witnessing these surreal landscapes ignited a sense of wonder. It’s a remarkable contrast to the multi-colored stripes of Rainbow Mountain and provides a quieter, contemplative moment.

The Ausangate Glacier and Hidden Gems
The Ausangate area itself is known for untouched beauty and the possibility of spotting wild llamas or alpacas. The trek offers an authentic experience of high-altitude wilderness, with some parts being a bit rugged but manageable with good guides.

Practical Details: Logistics, Comfort, and Cost

Transportation and Timing
Your adventure starts early in Cusco, with transportation to the trek’s starting point. The entire experience is designed for efficiency, so you can make the most of your two days. Returning to Cusco at the end is included, and guides ensure smooth logistics.

Meals and Dietary Options
Meals are included, with vegetarian options available at no extra charge—an appreciated touch. The food, prepared by professional cooks, sustains you after long hikes. You might find the local cuisine simple but hearty, perfect for refueling.

Gear and Equipment
While the tour includes tents, cooking gear, and horses for carrying heavy items, you’ll need to bring or rent personal hiking gear, including sleeping bags and walking sticks—crucial for comfort and safety at altitude.

Pricing and Value
At $419, this tour offers a solid value considering everything included: entrance fees, gear transport, guides, meals, and transportation. Compared to planning independently, it spares you the hassle and potential extra costs, making it a good deal for those wanting a stress-free, all-in-one experience.

Limitations and Considerations
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 10, or those with heart or mobility issues. The high altitude can cause discomfort; hikers should be prepared and acclimated for the best experience.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Reviews

Many travelers appreciate the personalized attention from guides like Mario, who explain the landscapes and their significance. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way our guide shared insights about the local flora and fauna, which made the landscapes come alive.” Others highlight the stunning views: “Every turn offered a new burst of color or a panoramic vista—it’s hard to believe this is real.”

Some minor complaints include the early start times and the high altitude, which can be tough for some. But overall, the consensus is this tour provides a memorable, visually spectacular journey that balances adventure and comfort.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 2-day trek is ideal for active travelers eager to see multiple iconic landscapes in a short period. If you enjoy hiking, photography, and discovering lesser-known areas like Red Valley, this tour suits you perfectly. It’s also suited for those who want a guided experience with all logistics handled—no need to worry about booking transportation or entrance fees separately.

However, it’s less suitable for those not comfortable at high altitude or with limited mobility. If you’re traveling with young children or pregnant, it’s best to consider other options.

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $419, you get a well-rounded, expertly guided tour that takes you through some of Peru’s most breathtaking landscapes. The combination of Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant colors, the quiet majesty of Red Valley, and the rugged beauty of Ausangate makes this a standout experience. The inclusion of gear transport, meals, and close guidance makes it a good value for anyone wanting an authentic, active adventure.

Travelers who love picturesque vistas, challenging hikes, and off-the-beaten-path scenery will find this tour rewarding. It balances adventure and comfort nicely, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without being overwhelmed by logistics.

If you’re prepared for early mornings, high altitudes, and active days, this tour promises memories to last a lifetime—and plenty of incredible photos to prove it.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, your pickup in Cusco and return transportation are included, making travel logistics hassle-free.

What’s the maximum weight allowed for gear?
You can bring up to 7 kilograms of personal belongings, which will be carried by horses ahead of you.

Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available at no extra charge.

How difficult is the trek?
While the hikes are physically engaging, the use of horses for carrying gear makes it more manageable. Still, be prepared for high-altitude walking.

What should I bring?
Bring personal hiking gear, a sleeping bag if you have one, and walking sticks (rentals available). Be sure to dress in layers and prepare for altitude.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 10 or pregnant women due to the physical demands and altitude.