Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights worth booking?
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights is a 72-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $535 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 43 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (43)
- Duration
- 72 hours
- From
- $535 per person
Discover Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in just 3 unforgettable days. This trek takes you beyond the classic day trip, through turquoise lagoons, glacier views, red valleys, and remote Andean landscapes with fewer crowds
What you get
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance fee to the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- Backpack rain cover and Sleeping pillow
About this experience
Discover Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain in just 3 unforgettable days. This trek takes you beyond the classic day trip, through turquoise lagoons, glacier views, red valleys, and remote Andean landscapes with fewer crowds. You’ll hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain, visit the iconic Rainbow Mountain, and experience the culture of local Andean communities along the way. It’s the perfect short trek for active travelers who want adventure, nature, and authenticity in one powerful experience. Highlights - Trek through the Vilcanota Mountain Range - Visit Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca - Hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain - See turquoise lagoons, glaciers, red valleys, and alpacas - Enjoy a less-crowded route through remote
What's included
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance fee to the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain
- Experienced Mountain Guide
- Lunch
- Backpack rain cover and Sleeping pillow
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Private transport and transfers during the tour
- Walkie-talkies, satellite phone, oxygen, and first-aid kit available at all times
- Morning tea service and afternoon happy hour
- Porter team and pack mules
- Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb)
- Basic personal hygiene items (soap and small towel)
- Private Camping Facilities & Equipment (dining rooms, kitchen, tables, and chairs)
Not included
- Meals not mentioned (dinner on Day 3)
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities (optional)
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Salkantay Trekking
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 3 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
- Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
- Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
- Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
- Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
43 verified traveler reviews for Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Marco Is an Exceptional Guide
Our experience with Salkantay Trekking was a mix of highs and lows. Unfortunately, the company’s communication and organization fell short of expectations. What was advertised did not fully match our experience, and we ran into issues before the trek that management did little to resolve. That being said, our time on the Ausangate Trek was still incredible, even though we were unable to complete the full route due to several members of our group developing altitude sickness. Our guide, Marco, made the experience truly memorable. He was incredibly knowledgeable and taught us so much about the mountains, local culture, history, and wildlife throughout the trek. One of our favorite parts was getting to meet local families along the trail and learn about their way of life, which made the experience feel much more authentic. When my mom began experiencing altitude sickness, Marco was attentive, calm, and compassionate. He checked on her frequently, made sure she was safe, and always put the well-being of the group first. His professionalism and genuine care never went unnoticed. Although the company’s organization could be greatly improved, the guides are what make this experience worthwhile. Marco’s passion, knowledge, and kindness turned what could have been a disappointing situation into a trip we’ll always remember. We are incredibly grateful to have had him as our guide.
via Tripadvisor
thank you Marco for an unforgettable adventure!
Overall, our experience with Salkantay Trekking was mixed. Unfortunately, the company’s organization and communication were disappointing. The advertising did not accurately reflect the experience we received, and when we arrived there was no hotel room reserved for us despite our booking. We spent hours trying to get answers from management, but they were unhelpful and never actually resolved the issue. In the end, it was one of the guides who stepped in to help while management failed to take responsibility. The guides, however, were the complete opposite of management. They were professional, compassionate, and genuinely cared about their guests. Our guide on the Ausangate Trek, Marco, was exceptional. My mom experienced altitude sickness during the trek, and Marco took incredible care of her. He constantly checked on her, adjusted the pace when needed, and made sure she felt safe and supported throughout the journey. His knowledge, kindness, and genuine concern for everyone’s well-being made the trek an unforgettable experience. The guides are the reason we still have positive memories of our trip. Marco was outstanding and is a true credit to the team. I hope the company improves its communication, organization, and customer service because the guides deserve management that matches the quality of care they provide.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Experience at Ausangate
We had an amazing experience and we had a very helpful, professional and knowledgeable tour guide Marco. He know first aid and he make sure that we are safe. Also the food is freshly cooked. This is one of our unforgettable experience.
via Tripadvisor
A Trek Through the Andes That Makes You Feel like Family
Marco was the best guide and he truly made us feel like family!!! From taking our pictures to encouraging us to speak Spanish and joking about el chupacabra or educating us about Inca culture - he made our experience wonderful! While this trek is more on the challenging side, due to the short period and high altitude gain, all of the staff - from Marco to our cooks and horseman - made sure we were safe and comfortable the entire time. Despite the challenge, the landscape was so rewarding - peaceful campsites near lakes, rolling green hills dappled with alpaca, and meeting many locals. This was my first experience with overnight trekking, and while I was dubious at first, I will definitely seek out more of these trips - in Peru or elsewhere! Additionally, our chefs should get a Michelin star! I don’t think I eat that well at home. Every meal was at least 3 courses plus an afternoon tea time to encompass all the flavors the Andes had to offer. Overall, the cost was amazing for an all inclusive trek. Just make sure to have extra currency to tip your team for their time and work!!!
via Tripadvisor
Ausangate with Marco
Our trip with Marco was amazing! He made us laugh a lot and showed us some authentic mountain traditions he has! He never rushed us and helped us take some great pictures. Ausangate was beautiful especially with fresh snow over night. The food cooked by our chef rivaled actual resturants. 10/10 would recommend for anyone looking for a challenging 3 day hike in the Andes.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 72 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 15+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights cost?
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Prices start at $535 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights take?
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Plan for about 72 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 43 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 15. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 72-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 72-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek – 3 Days / 2 Nights start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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