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Horseback Riding in Ausangate 2 Days is the perfect adventure for travelers who want to explore the spectacular Ausangate region on horseback while visiting the world-famous Rainbow Mountain and the breathtaking Red Valley. This unforgettable journey takes you through one of the most scenic landscapes in the Peruvian Andes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, colorful valleys, and traditional Quechua communities.
Ride across high Andean trails with well-trained horses, passing herds of llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas as you discover the natural beauty of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Along the way, enjoy incredible panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft), the highest and most sacred peak in the Cusco region, revered by local Andean communities for centuries.
On the second day, arrive early at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) before the crowds, allowing you to experience its vibrant mineral colors in a peaceful atmosphere. Continue to the spectacular Red Valley, one of the hidden gems of the Andes, where dramatic red landscapes create an unforgettable contrast against the surrounding snow-covered mountains.
Experience the Andes from a different perspective: on horseback, surrounded by some of Peru’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
Best time
Good time
Rainy season
Your adventure begins with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel. We’ll travel for approximately three hours through the picturesque South Valley to the remote Andean community of Alkatarwi (4,400 m), where horsemen and horses will be waiting for you.
After enjoying a freshly prepared breakfast surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, you’ll meet your horse and receive a brief safety briefing before beginning your horseback ride through the breathtaking Ausangate region. The trail winds through wide alpine valleys dotted with herds of llamas, alpacas, and native birds, while the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota Mountain Range dominate the horizon.
As you venture deeper into the Andes, you’ll pass crystal-clear glacial streams, colorful hills, and turquoise lagoons before reaching the stunning Pukaqocha Pass (4,900 m). This spectacular viewpoint offers panoramic views of Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,945 ft), its surrounding glaciers, and the pristine high-altitude lakes that make this region one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Peru.
After descending to the valley, a delicious lunch awaits you at Hananta, prepared by your trekking chef. In the afternoon, continue riding through a remote mountain landscape to Surine Qocha, where you will arrive at your comfortable campsite beside a tranquil lagoon. Relax with hot drinks during happy hour, admire the incredible sunset over the Andes, and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before spending the night under one of the clearest starry skies in Peru.
Wake up surrounded by the tranquil Andean landscapes and enjoy a warm coca tea served in your tent before breakfast, prepared by our cook. Today is the highlight of your horseback riding in Ausangate 2 days adventure in Ausangate, as we continue towards the famous Rainbow Mountain.
After breakfast, we begin our ride through spectacular high-altitude scenery, crossing colorful valleys while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Arriving early at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) will allow you to appreciate its incredible natural colors with fewer visitors and capture unforgettable photographs.
After exploring Rainbow Mountain, we continue to the stunning Red Valley, a hidden gem of the Andes, known for its intense red landscapes and spectacular mountain setting. Take some time to admire this unique environment before descending back to the starting point for a delicious final lunch.
In the afternoon, we said goodbye to the horses and began our private transfer through the picturesque villages of Pitumarca and Checacupe, returning to Cusco and arriving at your hotel with unforgettable memories of your horseback riding adventure in Ausangate.
The night before your Horseback Riding in Ausangate 2 days, information meetings are held at your hotel at 6 pm with your trekking guide. And if you cannot attend at this time, you must arrange to do it at another time.
During the breffing, you will receive your duffel bag for your belongings that you intend to take on the hike, which will not be in your backpack.
These informational meetings last approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
You will receive a duffel bag during your briefing, where you will pack the necessary things for the Horseback Riding in Ausangate 2 days, the maximum weight you must carry is 6 kilos. All duffel bags will be carried by the horses or porters and will only be available at your campsite every day (morning and afternoon). Any items that are necessary during the hike should be packed in your backpack.
Duffel bags measure (2ft / 66cm long) x (1ft / 36cm wide).
During the trip, you need a day pack big enough to carry your personal belongings like a warm jacket, raincoat, camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Generally, a 30 to 50 liter backpack is sufficient.
The trek you have booked must be paid in full at the time of breifing or days before departure.
We would greatly appreciate it if you would pay the balance of the trip in cash in US dollars or in local currency. To withdraw here in Cusco we have several ATMs along Av. El Sol (either in US dollars or in local Peruvian soles).
You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay a service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance with traveler’s checks.
Our PERU TREK Company transports will pick you up from your hotel, as long as you are in the Historic Center of Cusco. Pick-up time will be coordinated with your guide at the briefing. The pick-up time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is a very old city, therefore it has many narrow and cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnb may be located on streets with no car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to carry luggage. We strongly recommend that you book an accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also agree that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wants to modify the route; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications can be made.
It is very important to be well acclimatized to the altitude before exerting yourself on a hike. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek begins to help you acclimatize and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
Suppose you have already been to another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend that you have a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your trip and fully enjoy your trek and have a unique experience.
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored in our office (you can coordinate during the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both for free.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels will offer this service. Do not leave valuables with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and get an itemized receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require you to have a copy of the receipt with all items). It’s best to put items like credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope for added peace of mind.
Strikes and demonstrations are often frequent in Peru, and this can interrupt some of our planned tours. They can block the roads and take control of the railroad tracks. However, we will try to keep your tour as planned, even if it means leaving the night before your scheduled date. In these circumstances, tours can also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our top priority and decisions will be made appropriately.
You are responsible for your personal belongings during the Horseback Riding in Ausangate 2 days. Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything once you leave your bus, tents, and restaurants.