The Ausangate 7 lakes to Rainbow Mountain 4 days is an excellent route, an unforgettable adventure where you can enjoy the hot springs in front of the magnificent Apu Ausangate. You’ll walk through unique places surrounded by colorful lakes and snow-capped mountains adorned with herds of alpacas. Get ready to discover the magic and intense colors of Peru’s Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, and also appreciate the impressive red valley next to the rainbow mountain.
The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain hike is designed to offer you an unforgettable experience in a short time. You’ll walk along desert trails and through deep valleys. You’ll enjoy the company of herds of alpacas and llamas while admiring crystal-clear lagoons at the foot of this imposing sacred mountain. You’ll also test your physical endurance to reach the majestic Rainbow Mountain.
Let yourself be enveloped by this surreal landscape in the Peruvian Andes, accompanied by the best adventure travel specialists in the city. Join us on this adventure, perfect for family, friends, or couples.
We’ll begin the day by picking you up from your hotel at 4:30 a.m. and head south of Cusco. We’ll pass through picturesque villages where residents wear colorful traditional clothing, preserving their culture and traditions. We’ll continue until we reach the community of Pacchanta (4,300 m / 14,108 ft). Here, we’ll have breakfast prepared by our chef.
Afterward, we’ll head uphill. As we continue, we’ll begin to see the Ausangate Glacier, one of the most spectacular peaks in the Andes, whose melting ice feeds the beautiful lakes we’ll visit during our hike. After approximately three hours, we’ll begin exploring the first lagoons and also visit the Ninaparayoc viewpoint (4,850 m – 15,912 ft) to appreciate the lagoons. From there, we’ll begin the descent to our lunch spot, passing by the remaining lagoons.
After lunch, we continue our walk passing through places full of alpacas and wild animals until we reach our camp called Upispampa (4,400 m – 14,435 ft). Once we arrive there, we will have the option to visit the hot springs and later we will have dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Today, we’ll wake you up with hot coca leaf tea or coffee in your tent to give you the energy you need to get started. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast in the cool of the high mountains to keep you warm.
We’ll begin our two-and-a-half-hour hike through a beautiful high Andean valley toward the Arapa Pass, with the spectacular Ausangate Glacier as our constant companion. From the top of the opening (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), the beauty of the landscape will multiply, and you’ll marvel at Mother Nature’s enormous creations.
Next, we’ll descend to discover the beautiful Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) of crystal-clear waters. We’ll then follow the trail for another hour until we reach Pucacocha to appreciate the fantastic scenery. Make sure you have your camera ready throughout the day to take fantastic photos to remember your epic journey. At this point, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterward, we’ll arrive at our campsite at Pucaqocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft).
Later, we’ll explore the surrounding lagoons and relax with a delicious mate. In the evening, a nutritious dinner will await you. Afterward, you’ll spend a pleasant night at your campsite.
There’s nothing better for the body than waking up with a hot coca leaf tea. It’s been drunk since Inca times and is an excellent natural way to recharge your batteries.
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll ascend for two hours to the Pucacocha Pass (4,950 m / 16,285 ft). Along the way, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views of the glaciers and deep green valleys. Feel the imposing presence of Apu Ausangate and take photos of its beautiful turquoise lagoons.
Once at the summit, you’ll see the gigantic face of Apu Ausangate right in front of you. You’ll feel the immense energy it gives off and understand why it means so much to the Andean people. You’ll also observe the vast beauty of the Chilca Valley, where llamas and alpacas roam and graze peacefully. From this opening, you can see the beginning of the Cordillera de Colores (Colored Mountains) with its striking bands of color.
After taking a few more photos, we’ll begin a gradual, one-and-a-half-hour descent to our lunch spot, located at Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). Once we’ve satisfied our appetite, we’ll take the opportunity to rest and relax a bit before continuing on a two-hour ascent to Warmisaya (4,985 m / 16,355 ft).
From there, you’ll feel like a bird soaring among the mountains and gaze out at the vast horizon. It’s just a one-hour descent to Surineqocha Lagoon, where our overnight camp awaits. You’ll be able to watch the incredible sunset behind Rainbow Mountain. After another excellent dinner, it’s time to head to sleep.
After a delicious breakfast at 4:30 a.m., we will head to Rainbow Mountain to contemplate this colorful valley illuminated by the golden light of sunrise. You will have time to enjoy this paradise for an hour before the large crowds arrive. Our expert guide will take you directly to the key spots so you can get the best photos and make the most of your time in this beautiful place.
After enjoying this jewel of the Peruvian Andes, we will begin our hike to the spectacular Red Valley. Very few tourists visit this place, which seems like something from another planet, almost like Mars. You will be amazed not only by its incredible beauty but also by the immense tranquility that surrounds you. Take a deep breath and feel the joy of being alive. It only takes 30 minutes of hiking to reach the viewpoint, from where you can get the best views of the valley.
Finally, we will descend to lunch. After a delicious final lunch, a bus will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
