Rainbow Mountain Astrophotography Trek 3 Day High-Andes Stargazing Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating 3-day/2-night adventure into the heart of the Andean landscapes, where breathtaking vistas and the mesmerizing Ausangate Rainbow Mountain await. This trek promises an unforgettable journey through some of nature’s most spectacular wonders, leaving you awe-inspired at every step.The journey begins as you set foot in the picturesque Andean region, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. The air is crisp and pure, invigorating your spirit as you take your first steps into this wondrous terrain. The trekking trails meander through traditional Andean villages, where you’ll encounter friendly locals, whose warm smiles and colorful culture will enrich your experience.As you ascend higher, the landscape transforms, revealing the hidden treasures of the Andes. Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 3d/2n Glacial streams cascade down the mountainside, their icy waters cutting through the rugged terrain. The sound of nature’s symphony accompanies you, harmonizing with the rhythmic crunch of your footsteps on the rocky path. The anticipation builds as you approach the highlight of the trek – the Ausangate Rainbow Mountain. A living testament to Mother Nature’s artistic prowess, this geological marvel boasts an explosion of colors that seem almost surreal. Layers of vibrant hues paint the mountainside, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues. It’s as if nature herself decided to showcase her palette of colors in this remote corner of the world. Reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view that defies description. Standing amidst the awe-inspiring beauty, you’ll feel a profound connection with the earth and a deep appreciation for the wonders that surround us. Every snapshot taken here will become a cherished memory, preserving the magic of this moment for a lifetime. As your trek comes to an end, you’ll carry the memories of this extraordinary journey in your heart forever. Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 3d/2n The Andean landscapes have left an indelible mark on your soul, and the beauty of the Rainbow Mountain will forever occupy a special place in your dreams.This adventure has offered more than just stunning views and exhilarating trekking. It has gifted you with a sense of gratitude for the natural world and a newfound respect for the cultures that call this land their home. The Ausangate Rainbow Mountain trek is not just a physical journey; it’s a soul-stirring experience that will leave you with a profound sense of wonder and appreciation for the wonders of our planet. So lace up your boots, take a leap of faith, and let the Andean landscapes embrace you in their majestic embrace on this once-in-a-lifetime trekking expedition Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek 3d/2n

Itinerary day by day

Day 1: Cusco – Quesiuno – Anantapata – Huampococha (4,200 m / 13,779 ft)

Trek time: 5–6 hours
Photography Focus: Wild landscapes, rolling red mountains, epic sunset, and pristine night skies
We begin early with a scenic drive from Cusco to Quesiuno, the gateway to the wild, color-rich terrain of the high Andes. As the trek begins, the landscape quickly transforms into a photographer’s dream: deep valleys, surreal red and ochre hills, herds of alpacas, and dramatic snow-capped peaks in the distance.
The route to Anantapata and onward to Huampococha offers continuous photographic opportunities—especially the layered textures and shifting tones of the terrain. Vibrant mineral hills contrast against the deep blue sky, making mid-day shots bold and colorful.
 Landscape Tip: Use leading lines from winding trails and ridgelines to guide the viewer’s eye toward distant glaciers and valleys.

 Nightscape Photography at Huampococha CampAs the sun dips behind the peaks, golden hour fades into a rich, crisp Andean twilight. Our camp near Laguna Huampococha provides an extraordinary location for night photography. With zero light pollution, the sky opens up in stunning clarity.
 Night Photography Highlights:

• The Milky Way arching over jagged peaks and calm lakes
  
• Reflections of the stars in the still waters of Huampococha
  
• Long exposures capturing star trails spiraling above glacier silhouettes
  
• Illuminated tents under a star-filled sky for a dreamy alpine composition
  

Pro tip: Use the lake as your foreground. On a windless night, the water turns into a mirror—doubling the drama of the celestial show.
This is where the Andes reveal their true magic—not just in the mountains, but in the infinite sky above.

Day 2: Huanpococha – Rainbow Mountain Sunset & Sunrise (5,036 m / 16,522 ft)

Photography Focus: High-altitude landscapes, golden hour drama, and pristine night skies
Today is a dream come true for landscape and nightscape photographers. After trekking through isolated highlands, we reach our base camp near Rainbow Mountain, far from the day-tour crowds. Nestled above 5,000 meters, this is a place where silence rules and the sky feels almost within reach.
As the sun begins to dip, we hike to a hidden vantage point to witness Rainbow Mountain at sunset. The low-angled light brings out deep, earthy tones in the mineral-striped ridges—reds, oranges, greens, and yellows come alive under the golden sky. Shadows stretch long across the valley, adding depth and texture to every frame.
 Sunset Shot List:

• Layered compositions with Rainbow Mountain’s full face glowing in warm light
  
• Wide-angle captures of sweeping ridgelines and high-altitude terrain
  
• Telephoto details of mineral textures and patterns
  

 Nightscape Photography at 5,000 MetersAs darkness falls, the real magic begins. With no artificial light and incredibly thin air, the stars explode across the sky. This is astrophotography at its rawest and most powerful.
The Milky Way arcs directly over Rainbow Mountain, and on a clear night, you can capture perfect galactic alignments with the jagged silhouettes of Ausangate and surrounding peaks in the foreground.
 Night Photography Highlights:

• Milky Way rise over Rainbow Mountain
  
• Long-exposure star trails behind the Ausangate range
  
• Light-painted ridges with subtle shadows and reflections
  
• Silhouetted tents with glowing interiors under a sea of stars
  

Tip: Use a low-level light panel or red headlamp to gently illuminate foreground textures without overpowering the night sky. The mineral colors of Rainbow Mountain take on a completely different, mystical feel at night.
 This is one of the most unique locations in the Andes for nightscape photography—raw, remote, and utterly unforgettable.

Day 3: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley – Nightscape and Landscape Photography – Return to Cusco

Photography Focus: Vibrant mineral ridges, dramatic high-altitude light, Red Valley textures, and unmatched Andean night skies
We rise before dawn, headlamps on, to reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) in time for first light. Before the crowds arrive, you’ll have front-row access to one of Peru’s most surreal landscapes--a natural palette of reds, yellows, and turquoises painted across the Andes.
As the sun climbs over the eastern peaks, it casts long, golden rays across the striped mountain face, revealing textures and tones that constantly shift with the changing light.
📸 Morning Light Tip: Shoot wide angles during sunrise to capture the glowing ridge lines, then switch to a telephoto lens to pick out details in the mineral layers and shadows dancing across the slopes.
We then continue into the otherworldly Red Valley, a lesser-known but equally stunning landscape, where blood-red earth contrasts with soft green patches and dramatic rock formations. The isolation and silence here offer a perfect space for creative compositions

• The Milky Way arches across the peaks
  
• Snow-capped silhouettes anchor your compositions
  
• Foreground options: stone cairns, jagged ridges, and even light-painted scenes
  

 Night Shot Tip:
Use a wide-angle lens (14–24mm), shoot at f/2.8 or lower, and aim for a 15–20 second exposure. Try light-painting some of the terrain to add depth and dimension to your shots.
This is high-altitude photography at its finest, and a moment that truly connects earth and sky.

Information

What’s Included
Accommodation
Professional guide
Meals
Transport
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
Optional Extras​Group Size1 – 8 Guests
Experience | Difficulty

• Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
• DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
• Moderate schedule
• Travel by car or minibus
• Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking and hiking (none of our adventures have difficult hikes)
• (non-photographers also welcome)

Includes

• 3 Days
• Travel, landscape, nature, wildlife and people photography
• Professional photographer | guide
• Photo walks & discussions
• Small group size (4-6 guests)
• Camping
• Breakfasts
• All Meals
• National Park Permits
• Local transportation

AccommodationsCamping

           Difficulty
Very difficult: Long hikes and camping at high altitude

Our photo tours peru trek

Our Peru photo trek will mainly focus on hiking and capturing the most iconic landscapes in the Rainbow mountain, the world’s highest tropical mountain ranges. This time of year is perfect for hiking, as it coincides with the dry season, and ideal for astro, as it’s the peak of Milky Way season in the Southern Hemisphere, with 10+ hours of Milky Way visibility at night.

Price per person: 2025

1 person : US$1050.00 per person
2 people : US$750.00 per person
3 people: US$700.00 per person
4 people : US$650.00 per person
5 people : US$600.00 per person
6 people : US$550.00 per person
7+ people : US$500.00 per person