Trekking Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley 2 Days

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• Pre-departure briefing by your tour guides.
• Duffel bag to prepare 7 kilos of your personal belongings, to be carried by the horses.
• Weight allowance: 7 kilograms per hiker (weight will be carried by the horses)
• Transportation to Upis, the starting point of the trek.
• We will take you back to Cusco
• Professional English/Spanish speaking guide
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horses (to carry the tents and cooking equipment)
• Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Vegetarian meals available upon request at no extra charge
• First aid kit and oxygen bottle for emergencies Staff

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Sleeping bag (you can rent one from our company if you don't have your own)
• Walking sticks (you can rent one from our company if you don't have your own)
• Last dinner
• Entrance fee to Ausangate
• Clothes and personal trekking equipment
• Travel insurance
• Tips for our staff: Tips are customary on any excursion to Machu Picchu.
• Additional costs or delays beyond our control.

The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days is the fastest and most demanding route to the Rainbow Mountain. Due to the brevity of the itinerary, the physical intensity, and the extreme heights (reaching 5,100 meters / 16,732ft), this trek is classified as Difficult/Extreme. Your preparation must be rigorous to ensure a safe and successful experience.

1. Essential Acclimatization: Mandatory Requirement

• Early Arrival: It is strictly mandatory to arrive in Cusco (3,350m / 10,990ft) at least 3 to 4 days prior to your trek start date.
• Reason: This Ausangate Trek 2 Days itinerary ascends very abruptly. Adequate acclimatization is the single most important safety factor to mitigate the risks of severe altitude sickness.
• Tip: Use your days in Cusco to rest, hydrate, and take light walks or low-altitude tours (like the Sacred Valley) before the trek.

2. Physical Fitness and Demands

• Required Level: A High level of physical fitness and excellent endurance are required. The trekking days are long, and the lack of oxygen at these heights significantly magnifies the physical effort.
• Preparation: We highly recommend intense and consistent cardiovascular training (running, hiking with a pack, strength training) for the months leading up to your trip.

3. Documentation and Logistics

• Documentation: You must carry your original, valid passport (the same one used for booking) at all times.
• Camping: Be prepared for one night of camping in extreme cold conditions (sub-zero temperatures), which is essential to position you for the early ascent to Vinicunca.

Given the exposure to altitudes up to 5,100 meters (16,732ft) and the sub-zero temperatures at the camp, thermal layering and protection against extreme cold are the highest priority for the Ausangate Trek 2 Days.

🧥 Clothing & Layering (3-Layer System)

• Base Layer (Thermal): 2 sets of thermal tops and leggings (merino wool or synthetic). Essential for the cold nights and early morning ascent.
• Mid-Layer (Insulation): 1 thick fleece jacket and 1 light but warm down jacket for camp and cold sections.
• Outer Layer (Protection): 1 waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar). 1 pair of waterproof trekking pants.
• Additional: 2-3 pairs of fast-drying trekking pants and a lightweight rain poncho.

🥾 Footwear & Accessories

• Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, fully broken in (never wear new boots!).
• Camp Footwear: Lightweight shoes or sandals for resting your feet at the campsite.
• Socks: 3-4 pairs of thick wool or thermal socks.
• Hand and Head Protection: Warm hat (wool/fleece), waterproof gloves, and a buff or scarf.
• Lighting: Headlamp with spare batteries (critical for the pre-dawn start on Day 2).

⛺ Camping Gear (Personal)

• Sleeping Bag: We strongly recommend a down sleeping bag with a comfort rating of -15ºC (5°F) or colder, due to the extreme nighttime temperatures.
• Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for stability and knee support on ascents and descents.
• Day Pack: A small backpack (30-35L) to carry water, snacks, camera, and extra layers during the day.

💊 Health, Hydration & Documents

• Documents: Original Passport and cash (Peruvian Soles) for tips and minor purchases.
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses (high UV protection, vital for snow glare), sunblock (50 SPF or higher), and UV lip balm.
• Hydration: Reusable water bottle or hydration reservoir (CamelBak) (minimum 2 liters).
• Personal First Aid: Personal medications, blister plasters, and basic altitude medicine (consult your doctor).