Adventure in the Rainbow Mountain and Warmisaya Adventure in the Rainbow Mountain and Warmisaya
Vinicunca | Winicunca | Warmisaya pass

Rainbow Mountain - Warmisaya pass

US$ 100.00 per person
1 Day Duration
5,100 m / 16,732 ft Max. Altitude
4,750 m / 15,583 ft Min. Altitude
8.5 km / 5.28 mi Walking Distance
  • Checacupe
  • Pitumarca
  • Pampachiri
  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Warmisaya Pass

Adventure in the Rainbow Mountain and Warmisaya

On this hike, you’ll experience one of the most breathtaking places in the Andes: the majestic Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). You’ll also visit the Warmisaya Pass, where you’ll witness the Ausangate glacier in all its splendor. There, you’ll understand why this Apu —a sacred mountain to the Andean people— is so deeply revered. Gaze upon it with respect: it holds more life than any human being. If mountain adventure is your thing, you can’t miss the chance to explore these dreamlike landscapes that will stay with you forever.

On this hike, you’ll experience one of the most breathtaking places in the Andes: the majestic Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). You’ll also visit the Warmisaya Pass, where you’ll witness the Ausangate glacier in all its splendor. There, you’ll understand why this Apu —a sacred mountain to the Andean people— is so deeply revered. Gaze upon it with respect: it holds more life than any human being. If mountain adventure is your thing, you can’t miss the chance to explore these dreamlike landscapes that will stay with you forever.

Overview

We’ll leave Cusco early to travel to the South Valley in private transportation; after two and a half hours, we’ll arrive in the district of Pitumarca and have a relaxing breakfast. From there, we’ll continue our trip for an hour and a half more by car until we get to a place known as Pampachiri - Kayrahuiri where we’ll begin our hike. We will start slowly walking uphill surrounded by mountains that seem surreal, enjoying the typical landscapes of the region throughout the day.

After two hours of hiking, we will finally approach the main viewpoint of the famous Rainbow Mountain. You’ll be able to appreciate the pristine Ausangate snowcap from a distance. We’ll have time to take some incredible pictures and explore the area, and then we’ll continue on to our next stop, Warmisaya, an amazing place containing great beauty and scenic landscapes. We’ll double back down the same path we came up on to have lunch and return to Cusco in the afternoon.

Trip Highlights

  • You’ll have a great opportunity to visit the Rainbow Mountain.
  • By taking the route through Pitumarca, you’ll evade crowds of other tourists and be able to fall in love with natural landscapes of llamas and alpacas grazing next to the path.
  • You’ll get a close-up view of the sacred Ausangate Mountain, known by locals as Apu.
  • You’ll travel in private transportation with a personal guide.
  • You’ll see locals in typical clothing going about their daily activities: taking llamas and alpacas out to graze and realizing the tasks of local farming.
  • You’ll discover natural beauty among the mountains and lakes.
Included meals Breakfast: 1
Lunch: 1
Trip staff Explore Tour Leader
Driver
Transport Bus
Walking grade: Moderate
Group Size: Up to 10 People
Day 1 Cusco - Checacupe - Pitumarca - Pampachiri - Rainbow Mountain – Warmisaya Pass (Round trip)
The best part of the day: Admire the beauty of Rainbow Mountain and take in the surroundings from a viewpoint few have ever seen.
Tourist at the viewpoint of the majestic rainbow mountain
Our specialized guide with a child tourist walking towards the Warmisaya pass on the Ausangate route.
Alpacas and vicuñas walking around the mountains at Ausangate
Our horseman and horses rente to the mountain Puka Orqo
Our Horsemen and Horses on the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain route.
3 tourists posing for a photo at Warmisaya pass 4,985 m or 16,355 ft.
Tourist in the red valley next to the 7-color mountain in Ausangate
Tourist hiking in the snow next to the Surine Cocha lake at (4,800m /15,748 ft.)
Tourist sitting in front of the mountain of colors or rainbow at Vinicunca
Tourists walking in front of Ausangate mountain
Tourist on the colorful mountain posing for the panoramic photo.
2 tourists taking a selfie on the mountain 7 colors at 5100 meters above sea level.
Couple in front of the great rainbow mountain of Vinicunca

We’ll leave the imperial city of Cusco at 4 AM and, after three hours, have breakfast in the town of Pitumarca (3,570 m / 11,712 f). Next, we’ll continue in private transportation to Pampachiri - Kayrahuiri (4,750 m / 15,583 f) where we’ll begin the hike. It will be a slow and gradual climb on a rocky path.

As you ascend, you’ll discover that reaching a summit takes perseverance and determination. Once at the top of Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), you’ll enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view. Take a moment to breathe deeply and marvel at the natural artistry that surrounds you. We’ll then descend to Surinecocha Lagoon (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where we’ll take a short break to recharge. From there, we’ll begin the second climb of the day, leading us to the Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From this privileged viewpoint, you’ll witness the majestic Ausangate Glacier in all its splendor.

You’ll come to understand the vital role of the glaciers and these sacred mountains as sources of life. You’ll also see why, to this day, local people continue to offer tributes to these guardian mountains, in gratitude for their protection of the land, its people, and its biodiversity. After absorbing so much revitalizing energy, we’ll return to our lunch spot in Pitumarca. Later, we’ll head back to Cusco with full hearts and renewed spirits.

We’ll leave early to be able to enjoy all the splendor of the Rainbow Mountain. We will make our way three hours to the town of Pitumarca to enjoy a delicious breakfast and then continue our trip to Pampachiri - Kayhuiri and start the hike uphill for an hour. We’ll get to a high peak with a viewpoint of the Rainbow Mountain. You will enjoy an incredible view, and then we’ll go down toward Surinecocha to make our way to the Warmisaya Pass. We’ll go back to Pitumarca for lunch. Finally, we will return to Cusco by car, taking with us the best memories of this amazing voyage.

  • Breakfast and Lunch Meals
  • Moderate Level of difficulty
  • 8.5 km / 5.28 miles Hiking distance
  • 6 hours Hiking time
  • 4,750 m / 15,583 ft Starting altitude
  • 4,750 m / 15,583 ft Minimum altitude
  • 5,100 m / 16,732 ft Maximum altitude

At Ausangate Peru, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may differ for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.

What is Included?

  • High Quality Service & Safety

  • Experienced Tour Guide
    An official English and Spanish-speaking tour guide will accompany you along the route. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings and keep you safe, sound, and comfortable to enjoy your trip worry-free!
  • Medical Kit or First AID Kit
    All Ausangate Peru guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions for them every February. Your guide will always have a first aid kit and oxygen to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers' diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.). If necessary, we'll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
  • Extras Included in our Service
    We believe that attention to small details is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a pair of trekking poles and a rain poncho.
  • 24/7 Customer Service
    We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Ausangate Peru leading up to your tour.

  • Meals

  • Breakfast and Lunch
  • Snacks and Water
    For the hike, we'll provide you with a water bottle and snacks of local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc.
  • One cloth snack bag per person
    To avoid the use of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we'll give you a cloth bag for your snacks.

  • Transportation

  • Private Transport
    All transportation is included in this tour. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and after the end of the trip, we’ll drop you back at the door of your hotel in Cusco.

  • Permits & Entrance Tickets

  • Entry to the Rainbow Mountain

Not Included:

  • Dinner

  • Personal Hiking Gear

  • Travel Insurance

  • Tips for our staff

    Tipping is the standard in any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good salaries to our team, something extra is always welcome.

  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control

    Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemics, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, an act of God, etc.

Essential packing list for trekking

So you are planning to trek the famous Ausangate?

his Ausangate Packing List will help you to prepare for your outdoor adventure in one of the most stunning regions of South America.

In it we have provided as much detail on every piece of kit you will need for a safe and successful trekking. The packing list includes personal recommendations on gear that we own and use. We believe these recommended items of gear provide the best value for money and deliver the best performance.

Essential packing list

PACKING LIST: Duffle Bag Duffle Bag
PACKING LIST: Daypack Daypack

Documents

PACKING LIST: Original Passport Original Passport

Clothing

PACKING LIST: Underwear Underwear
PACKING LIST: Base Layer Base Layer
PACKING LIST: Trekking Shirts Trekking Shirts
PACKING LIST: Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear Hard Shell Jacket and Rain Gear
PACKING LIST: Insulated Jacket Insulated Jacket
PACKING LIST: Fleece Jacket Fleece Jacket
PACKING LIST: Trekking Shorts and Trousers Trekking Shorts and Trousers

Headgear

PACKING LIST: Hat for Sun Protection Hat for Sun Protection
PACKING LIST: Head Band or Beanie Head Band or Beanie
PACKING LIST: Neck Gaiter or Balaclava Neck Gaiter or Balaclava

Hands

PACKING LIST: Inner Gloves Inner Gloves
PACKING LIST: Outer Gloves Outer Gloves

Footwear

PACKING LIST: Hiking Boots
PACKING LIST: Trainers (Trekking shoes / sandals) Trainers (Trekking shoes / sandals)
PACKING LIST: Hiking Socks
PACKING LIST: Thermal Socks Thermal Socks
PACKING LIST: Gaiters Gaiters

Important Accessories

PACKING LIST: Sleeping Bag Sleeping Bag
PACKING LIST: Trekking Poles Trekking Poles
PACKING LIST: Sunglasses Sunglasses
PACKING LIST: Headlamp Headlamp
PACKING LIST: Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder
PACKING LIST: Camera / Videocamera Camera / Videocamera
PACKING LIST: Notebook / Journal and Pen Notebook / Journal and Pen

Personal Gear and Medications

  • Trekking Towel:

    A small to medium sized hiking towel can come in great use. LifeVentures or Discovery provide good, quick-drying trekking towels.

  • Small Locks:

    To protect your belongings in your rucksack or duffle bag

  • Waterproof Ziplock Bags:

    These come in handy for storing important / valuable items like your money, a passport and electrical equipment

  • Isotonic Powder:

    Can be used to flavour your water nicely and helps replace electrolytes, improving energy levels and aiding water absorption. Here are some good Isotonic powdered drinks

  • Diamox:

    Also know as acetazolamide, is a medication that can be used as a prophylactic (preventative) solution for altitude sickness. It does not cure altitude sickness and should never therefore never be used as a method to continue ascending to high altitudes. It can however help prevent the onset of altitude sickness and is commonly used by high altitude climbers and trekkers.

  • General Medications:

    We recommend taking paracetamol or aspirin for headaches (a common altitude sickness symptom on the Salkantay Trek) and Imodium for diarrhoea (another common problem as food preparation can be a little unhygienic)

  • Basic First Aid Kit:

    If you are joining an organised trek, your guide will most likely be carrying a first aid kit. If you are hiking unsupported or independently then a first aid kit is a must. Here are some compact and good outdoor first aid kits: Outdoor First Aid Kits

  • Suncream / Lip balm:

    No one wants burnt skin or cracked lips! Be sure to bring 1 x suncream (SPF 30) and 1 x lip balm

  • Baby wipes:

    For quick and easy wet washe when no showers are in sight! bring 1 x baby wipes

  • Blister Plasters:

    The dreaded blisters! We recommend taking Compeed blister plasters

  • Hand Sanitizer:

    Great for disinfecting hands before and after eating, or when they get dirty during the hike

2025 Land Cost

The "Rainbow Mountain - Warmisaya pass" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We do not run this trek in February because rainy season & maintenance.

Total Price per person from
A minimum of 3 passengers is required
US$ 100.00
Required Pre-payment: per person.
US$ 100.00
Balance (Cusco): (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
US$ 0.00

This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.

Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 8%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.

lease, after your deposit, send us the transfer number to info@ausangateperu.com; only after that, we'll be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.

Extensions & Offers

There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.

  • Rainbow Mountain: US$ 80.00
  • Sacred Valley: US$ 50.00
  • City Tour: US$ 20.00

Additional Items

There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.

  • Sleeping bag: US$ 20.00
  • Inflattable mattress: US$ 20.00
  • Walking poles (pair): US$ 20.00

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Ausangate Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. The Ausangate Peru Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

14 years and above
Below 14 years
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Email
info@ausangateperu.com

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For us quality of experience is only second to safety.

We are committed to providing world-class trekking experiences for our guests that go way above and beyond the mass-produced tours so common today.

2 days of adventures in the Andes

We did the 2-day tour through Ausangate, the rainbow mountain, and the red valley. The tour was private, the guide Jimmy was very friendly and professional, the whole trip has well organized the food was delicious during the excursion.
I thank the travel agency for this beautiful experience, and I recommend it.

-- NICHOLAS A tripadvisor

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