Summary Information Ausangate to Rainbow mountain

Day 1: Cusco | Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Puka Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surineqocha

04:00 am – We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, ready to start your epic adventure into the Andes. The first stretch is a scenic 2-hour drive to the traditional village of Pitumarca, then another 1.5 hours to Quesiuno, the starting point of your trek.

07:30 am – At Quesiuno (around 4,300 m / 14,108 ft), enjoy a nourishing breakfast freshly prepared by our trekking chef. Meanwhile, your guide will brief you about the day’s journey and share essential tips for high-altitude hiking.

08:30 am – Begin trekking through a stunning green valley with views of the mighty Ausangate Glacier, the highest peak in the Cusco region. Along the way, spot herds of alpacas and llamas and witness life in small Andean communities—an authentic glimpse into Peruvian mountain culture.

10:30 am – Reach Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft) for a breathtaking panorama of the vibrant Pukaqocha Lagoon and towering snow-capped peaks. Get your cameras ready—this is pure magic!

11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Descend gently for about 1.5 hours to Anantapata, where a delicious hot lunch awaits, surrounded by majestic mountain views.

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Begin a steady 2-hour climb toward Warmisaya Pass (4,955 m / 16,257 ft). At the top, enjoy your first distant glimpse of the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)—its colorful slopes peeking out between the rugged Andean peaks.

3:30 pm – 4:15 pm – Descend for 45 minutes to your campsite beside the tranquil Surineqocha Lagoon. Here, you’ll be welcomed with hot drinks and snacks during our traditional trekking “happy hour.”

Evening – Indulge in a well-deserved dinner under a star-studded sky before resting in your tent, surrounded by the serenity of the Andes.
 

Day 1Cusco | Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Puka Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surineqocha.

Your adventure begins bright and early in the imperial city of Cusco. At 4:00 am, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and set off on a scenic drive. After about two hours, we’ll reach the small town of Pitumarca and continue another hour and a half to Quesiuno, our trailhead nestled amidst towering peaks.

While our trekking team prepares everything for the hike, our chef will serve a hearty and nourishing breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead. Before we hit the trail, your expert guide will brief you on the day’s journey, the stunning sights you’ll encounter, and essential safety tips for trekking at high altitude.

From Quesiuno, we’ll begin our hike through a gorgeous green valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the magnificent Ausangate Glacier, the highest mountain in the Cusco region. Along the way, you’ll pass small Andean communities where locals tend their alpacas and llamas. These serene landscapes offer a window into the timeless way of life in the Peruvian Andes.

After a steady climb, we’ll reach Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). From this vantage point, marvel at the crystal-clear waters of Pukaqocha Lagoon, set against the backdrop of Ausangate’s icy slopes—a view guaranteed to leave you awestruck. The glacial waters shimmering in the sun make this a perfect spot for unforgettable photos.

Following a brief rest, we’ll continue downhill for around 1.5 hours to reach Anantapata, where a delicious lunch awaits. Refreshed and re-energized, we’ll press on for another two-hour ascent to Warmisaya Pass (4,955 m / 16,257 ft), the highest point of today’s trek. Here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) in the distance—a kaleidoscope of colors stretching across the mountain slopes.

The final stretch is a 45-minute descent to our campsite beside the serene Surineqocha Lagoon. On arrival, we’ll welcome you with a cozy “happy hour” featuring hot drinks and snacks to warm your spirits. Later, savor a well-earned dinner prepared by our chef before settling in for a restful night under a canopy of stars.

Day 2Surineqocha | Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – Red Valley – Llactoc – Cusco.

Awaken at 4:00 am to the soothing aroma of hot coca tea delivered to your tent—a traditional Andean remedy to help with the high altitude. After breakfast, gear up for the unforgettable day ahead.

We’ll begin our two-hour ascent toward the spectacular viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). As the sun illuminates the vibrant mineral bands across Vinicunca’s slopes, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views. From this vantage point, the surrounding peaks—including the mighty Ausangate—tower dramatically against the deep blue sky. The vistas here offer some of the most Instagram-worthy views in Peru.

Take your time exploring, capturing photos, and soaking up the ethereal atmosphere before the larger crowds arrive. Few experiences compare to standing on this ridge, gazing over a landscape painted in surreal colors.

From Rainbow Mountain, we’ll venture toward the mesmerizing Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft)—an extraordinary place that feels like stepping onto another planet. A short 30-minute hike leads to a stunning viewpoint where the rolling hills and valleys glow in countless shades of deep red and burnt orange, sculpted by iron-rich soil and centuries of wind and rain.

After soaking in the silence and beauty of this less-visited marvel, we’ll begin a two-hour descent through remote Andean terrain, passing traditional villages and crossing paths with grazing alpacas, llamas, and if fortune smiles, the elusive vicuña, a graceful relative of the llama treasured since ancient times for its fine wool.

We’ll gather one last time for a celebratory lunch before our private transport takes you back to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel’s doorstep in the late afternoon—tired but brimming with memories from an incredible high-Andes adventure.

 

Includes

• Private transport from hotel to Upis   
• Return Private Transport from rainbow mountain to your hotel in Cusco   
• Entrance to the Ausangate park, red valley and rainbow mountain   
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)   
• High quality camping equipment (professional tents, Doite model Cima 4, extra light/4,5kgs for two persons   
• Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent)   
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/option vegetarian)   
• Cook and cooking equipment 
• Horseman and mules, for all our participants (7kg) and camping equipment   
• Emergency horse   
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle   
• Extra polar blankets

Excludes

• Breakfast on the 1st day   
• Sleeping bag (If you do not have this, we offer you for rent 10 dollars)

What Do I Need To Bring?

• Backpack with rain cover (35- or 45-liter capacity is sufficient)
• Clothing for both warm and cold climates
• Original passport, original ISIC student card (to receive the student discount
• Sun hat to protect neck and face (01)
• Woolly hat for the cold (01)
• Long- and short-sleeved T-shirts (04)
• Fleece jacket (01)
• Hard shell jacket (01)
• Trekking pants and shorts pants (03)
• Pajama pants (01)
• Under wears (04)
• Trekking shoes/boots.(01)
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and hot springs) (01)
• Woolen/synthetic socks (04)
• Flashlight or Headlamp (02)
• Water bottle or camel back (01)
• Trekking towels (01)
• Toilet paper (01)
• Bathing suit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes) (01)
• Sunscreen with UV protecction, insect repellent, toilet paper, hand cleaner/disinfecting alcohol gel
• Camera (with rain protection), a flash light/headlamp and extra batteries
• Snacks (e.g. chocolate bars and dried fruit)
• Money cash in soles / approx. 400 soles (100 dollars)
• Small lock and plastic bags
• Rain Poncho
• Since the weather can be very cold and rainy, your clothes – once wet – won’t dry at night. It’s best to take some clothes to change

Travel Info - Important Details Before You Go

1. Briefings

   All briefings are done at our office at 5:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

2. Pickups

   Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

   Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.

   They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.

3. Health Concerns

   You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

   You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

   Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

   If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

   If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

4. Group Tours

   Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.

   Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

5. Strikes

   Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.

   Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

6. Lost Items

   You are responsible for your items throughout the tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.

   Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whose it is.

7. Tips

   Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

   Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is $20 USD per person per trek.

   For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.

8. Travel Insurance

   Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.

   Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

9. Weather

   Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.

   No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

   Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

   It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

   More Information About the Weather (BOTÓN)

10. Altitude Sickness

    As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

    Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.

    With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.

    Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea.

    Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

    Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

    Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

    You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea.

    If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.

11. Getting To Cusco

    The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

    The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LATAM tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any inclement weather will stop air traffic.

    Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

Our Hotels

To begin, we’d like to suggest some accommodation options throughout Cusco. Although it’s a small city, more and more streets are becoming traffic-free pedestrian zones.

Therefore, we’ve selected comfortable and well-located hotels that also allow us easy access to pick you up. These are just ideas; you’re free to choose your accommodation.

Check out our hotels (BUTTON)