Everything you need to know before hiking Rainbow Mountain Peru 2 day trek

On this Rainbow Mountain Peru 2 day trek, you will hike through some secluded villages, in which you may interact with the indigenous people who are still keeping the culture alive! You will see snowcapped peaks, herds of alpacas, glaciers, and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly colorful mountain range.

The Rainbow Mountain Peru 2 day trek offers a selection of wildlife including soaring condors, vicuñas, Chinchillas, bobcats, and pumas. The colorful sandstone mountains in the area are probably the coolest and most unique natural phenomenon you will ever see.

This is an adventurous overnight trip, with comfort camping under the starry skies of the southern hemisphere.

Note: Each travel company offers a different itinerary. There are more than 2 itineraries, the most popular are 3. Ask your travel company which you are taking because each itinerary offers different landscapes.  Below we will explain what is the difference. 

Itinerary 01: Cusco – Alqatari – Ausangate – Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley.

If you are up to challenge, you should try this one for sure!!! Our only suggestion, make sure you are strong enough and determined enough to take this challenge. If you never climbed or hiked before, educate and physically prepare yourself, read some articles and recommendations for trips like this, start doing cardio and breathing exercises, get on a diet and quit smoking.

• Pick up: 04:00 am from Cusco
• Hiking time: 5 hours roughly on day 1  and 5 hours roughly on day 2.
• Places to see: Ausangate glacier, Torquoise lakes, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley
• Campsite altitude: 4700 meters.
• Departure time on day 2: 04:00 am

Itinerary 02: Cusco – Kayrawriri – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley

On this option, you will walk short distance everyday and you wont wake up early because you will sleep close the Rainbow Mountain. On this itinerary, you will sleep at a lower altitude than the other options.

• Pick up: 06:00 am from Cusco.
• Hiking time: 2 hours roughly on day 1  and 3 hours roughly on day 2.
• Places to see: Rainbow Mountain,  Red Valley, and Ausangate glacier from a distance
• Campsite altitude: 4500 meters.
• Departure time on day 2: 05:00 am

 Itinerary 03: Cusco – Kayrawiri –  Qeulla qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley

On this option, the campsite is 45 minutes away from the campsite so you can visit Rainbow Mountain the first day for the sunset and the second day for the sunrise.

• Pick up: 06:00 am from Cusco
• Hiking time: 2 hours roughly on day 01  and 3 hours roughly on day 02.
• Places to see: Rainbow Mountain,  Red Valley, and Ausangate glacier from a distance
• Campsite altitude: 4900 meters.
• Departure time on day 2: 06:00 am

Important Information for the Rainbow Mountain Peru 2 Day trek

• By opting for the 2-day trek, you will be able to ascend Rainbow Mountain and visit the peak in complete solitude- before any other trekkers arrive. In addition, we follow a unique route that allows for a more remote experience and avoids the environmental damage associated with standard Rainbow Mountain day tours.
• If you take this trip, realize it is very cold at the top of Rainbow Mountain with strong winds. You should bring two sets of gloves (inner gloves and outer ski mittens).
• AB Expeditions owns a small campsite with a permanent kitchen, Huts, and dining room, plus a nice and outdoor bathroom.
• Choosing the Rainbow Mountain 2 day trek, you will not see another human along our trek. Only llamas, alpacas, sheep, horses, and several wild dogs!

What to bring for Rainbow Mountain  2 Day trek

• Day pack with a Rain Cover.
• Torch/ headlamp.
• Extra socks (wool is best).
• Hiking pants and shirts- layers.
• Rain pants.
• Camping shoes/ sandals- to wear in the evenings.
• Camping pillow.
• Water-resistant trekking shoes.
• Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, and gloves).
• Waterproof clothing (poncho).
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (trousers, shorts, t-shirts).
• Sunhat and sunglasses.
• Sun cream.
• Lip Balm.
• Camera/ extra battery.
• Water bottles such as Nalgene.
• Basic medications.
• Walking sticks.
• Personal items.
• Personal snacks.
• Cash (if you’d like to purchase souvenirs)