Ausangate Rainbow Mountain: My 2-Day Hike Experience

Alright, so, you might be wondering about trekking to Rainbow Mountain, and possibly, even doing it over two days near Ausangate, which, as I see it, presents a special challenge. I recently completed just such a 2-day private tour and I thought I’d pass on some details that I found were worthwhile, just so you know. Prepare for sights that look too awesome to be real and a workout for your lungs because you are up there!

Why Choose a 2-Day Hike to Ausangate Rainbow Mountain?

Instead of squeezing the entire experience into one really long, tough day, going for two days allowed a gentler, more relaxed pace, very much allowing my body to slowly get used to the crazy high altitude. Plus, too, a two-day thing provides more time to honestly soak in the breathtaking landscape all the way around Ausangate, you know, that impressive peak.

Consider, just slightly, the benefits:

More time to adapt to the elevation which helps prevent altitude sickness, very serious up there, actually.
Less rushing that results in a more comfortable and rewarding hike, at least, that’s what happened for me.
Greater chances of really good photos due to, like, changes in lighting, assuming, that is, the weather is agreeable.
Having the opportunity to experience the culture of the Andean people, so often living just in these isolated communities.

Booking the Private Tour

Getting a private tour, I feel, was quite the move since it provided that flexibility and personalized care you wouldn’t get in larger, group settings. That means that the itinerary, it can usually be shaped just to fit your needs and the fitness levels you find acceptable, too it’s almost worth the money, frankly. I looked through different tour operators, very carefully reading reviews online, before choosing one that really seemed solid, you see. Price points will change depending on just what they are providing, you realize, you get what you pay for, anyway.

Things I suggest you look for are:

A legitimate trekking permit and proof that your guide really knows the area well, too it’s almost very important.
A certified mountain guide specifically trained to assist you, and the other people hiking with you.
What equipment do they bring? Do they have first aid? Emergency Oxygen, now that, too, is pretty important.
Past client testimonials that prove the company is really as great as they say.

Day 1: Cusco to Rainbow Mountain Base Camp

We kicked off super early from Cusco, that starting point for virtually all treks in the region, very much making the trip toward the Andes. The drive, in itself, it offered mind blowing scenery, valleys that seem painted across the landscape, and cute, small villages sort of frozen in a faraway, old time, that, to me, was pretty striking. When we showed up at the starting trail point, it was something like a feeling of excitement tinged with, “Oh my gosh, am I set for this?” I very definitely inhaled the bracing mountain air.

Acclimatization Hike and Camp Setup

The first day was set to allow your body to get used to things. That means, rather than making it to Rainbow Mountain straightaway, we trekked, more or less, at a calm and relaxing pace to the base camp area. Doing so was meant to aid our acclimatization to the altitude and it really afforded me a look around the countryside, really worth doing. We got involved with the set up of our tents as soon as we showed up with support people which made it feel quite satisfying to pitch in and get situated.

Day 2: Summiting Rainbow Mountain and Return to Cusco

Waking before dawn honestly was tough, and very definitely bracingly cold but, you know, you could sense the electricity in the atmosphere because that day, that was the day we’d finally summit. I loaded up on coca tea and some hearty breakfast just so I knew that my engine was going to be fueled to reach Rainbow Mountain peak. The ascent was taxing, not a bit about that, I would be straight about that.

Reaching the Summit

But I will say, finally reaching the very best view spot after a climb which I won’t deny felt very long was totally worth every strained breath. Right in front of me, the painted slopes of Rainbow Mountain emerged from the highland landscape with an otherworldly display that I don’t expect to see every again. It sounds like just hype, but photos just can’t truly capture this view. Honestly, I felt thankful, so thankful. After drinking it all in and the required photoshoot with celebratory selfies we kicked off our trip downhill.

The Descent and Return to Cusco

The walk down I have to say was less stressful on the lungs, although, arguably, more testing to the knees but thinking about seeing those views again provided me strength. As soon as we got to base camp, we devoured a well earned meal and then we made a beeline back toward Cusco in the vehicle and it’s almost fair to say, a very silent and thoughtful bunch, very much filled up with an overwhelming event, that it had just been.

What to Pack for a 2-Day Hike

When hiking at extreme heights like Rainbow Mountain at Ausangate it can’t be stressed enough what a big deal it is what you decide to bring. Honestly, it could mean the difference between a really wonderful experience, that, too, would be awesome, versus something that’s difficult or, potentially, actually not very safe. Just a slightly thorough packing list ensures a far smoother experience, I reckon.

Take a look at the key stuff to bring:

Layers for absolutely every possible climate scenario; it could turn very sharply from bright sun to snow or rain.
Strong hiking footwear that you are thoroughly comfy with, you know. Break those boots in beforehand!
Altitude sickness meds. Chat it through first with your doctor to figure out what they suggest.
A high-grade sunscreen plus a wide-brim hat plus sunglasses; the sunlight up there is actually really intense.
Loads of hydration options! Hydration packs/water bottles etc. and drink tons, really.

Altitude Sickness: Prepare and Prevent

The giant altitudes near Rainbow Mountain will present the real potential threat, altitude sickness. You ought to get ready in advance, you can avoid many unpleasant side effects.

Guidelines could include:

Stay for some days at Cusco first to aid in your body slowly getting acclimatized, anyway.
Steer clear of consuming booze or other stimulants just before and, in fact, while you’re doing your hike.
Stay extremely hydrated with lots of H2O.
Eat the coca tea the residents bring to you and even give you or potentially even chew some coca leaves, that honestly aids in easing symptoms.
When you get signs that you aren’t feeling good, inform your tour guide straightaway and you shouldn’t press on if you find yourself not feeling great.

Is a Private Tour Worth It?

Right, that comes down to, are you willing to pay some additional amount so you can be much better individualized when going up there, it will mean that you can more shape every single thing on your trip to the speed you love and every area to visit that interests you a lot? Honestly, should you value a trip which is totally only about what you want versus adhering to exactly what a big group tour is going to do; I ‘d probably go private, actually.

Essential Tips for a Fantastic Hike

Hiking near Ausangate is likely going to give you something, experiences to keep you remembering them throughout your life. Take it slowly and, it must be remembered, remember safety considerations.

Make sure that the physical health is perfect so that you don’t have issues during high altitude when, too it’s almost difficult to rapidly come to an medical establishment, you are aware of.
Always make sure you pay respect and be sensitive towards area villagers. Request permissions before you are taking personal shots and even try engaging by supporting any kind of localized trades, whenever possible, too it’s almost good behavior, really.
Pay attention towards your environmental footprints. Always pack-out just whatever stuff had been packaged so that we manage and maintain pristine trails left behind for many years ahead, really.

My Rainbow Mountain two-day trip was more than some hike; it would be totally, profoundly engaging, honestly challenging myself at the same time and being deeply impressed because of the imposing Andean scene. Should you be planning and mulling hiking near Rainbow Mountain by Ausangate over I truly wish sharing regarding such details enables setting any incredible trip, really.

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