Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes of Ausangate Trek – 2 Days

Rainbow Mountain and the 7 Lakes of Ausangate – Trek Overview

This trek offers the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic landscapes in Cusco. You will explore the Rainbow Mountain, the second most visited attraction in the region, as well as the stunning Red Valley. Along the route, you will encounter llamas, alpacas, and local community members, providing insight into traditional Andean life.

Additionally, the trek showcases the two striking faces of Ausangate Mountain and, of course, the beautiful 7 Lakes of Ausangate, each displaying unique colors and surrounded by breathtaking high-altitude scenery.

Why You Should Hike Rainbow Mountain and the 7 Lakes with AB Expeditions

• We Avoid the Crowds: We skip the crowds: We depart at 3:00 a.m. from Cusco for Rainbow Mountain and at 6:00 a.m. from the trailhead for the 7 Lakes, allowing us to arrive at both destinations before the crowds.
• We Protect the Environment: We actively organize cleaning campaigns at Rainbow Mountain, helping to remove waste and preserve this extraordinary landscape for future generations. By traveling with us, you are directly contributing to the conservation of these natural sites.
• Safety Comes First: Our guides always carry oxygen tanks, which is essential when reaching altitudes of over 5,040 meters (16,500 feet) above sea level. Not all tour operators provide this level of preparation, making it an important factor when choosing your experience.
• Extended Experience: In addition to Rainbow Mountain, we also include a visit to the Red Valley (Valle Rojo), offering even more breathtaking landscapes.
• Small Group Experience: We operate with small groups, with a maximum of six participants. This ensures a more personalized and comfortable journey.
• Flexible and Enjoyable Pace: You will have the time to fully appreciate the hike without feeling rushed, allowing you to connect with the surroundings at your own pace.
• Professional and Knowledgeable Guides: Our guides are friendly, attentive, fluent in English, and highly knowledgeable about the region, ensuring a rich and informative experience throughout your journey.
• Reliable Reputation: AB Expeditions is a trusted and reliable tour operator. We invite you to explore our reviews on Tripadvisor to learn more about our clients’ experiences.
• Convenient Return Time: We return to Cusco at approximately 5:00 p.m., allowing you the flexibility to catch a flight later that same day if needed.

Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lakes of Ausangate – Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Urcos – Tinki – Pacchanta

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 03:00 a.m. to begin your Rainbow Mountain tour. The journey starts with a three-hour drive in a private van—approximately two hours on a paved road and one hour on a dirt road—until we reach the trailhead.

Upon arrival, you will receive a box breakfast before beginning the hike. The ascent to Rainbow Mountain takes about one hour, depending on your pace. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views of the Andean landscape and may encounter llamas, alpacas, and local vendors offering refreshments.

At the summit, you will have time to admire the panoramic scenery and take photographs. We will spend approximately 30 minutes to one hour at the top, depending on weather conditions and the group’s pace.

Afterward, we will continue with a 30-minute hike to Red Valley, a quieter but equally striking destination. Following the visit, we will hike back to the trailhead, which takes about one hour.

From there, we will drive for approximately one hour to Cusipata, where lunch will be served. After lunch, we will continue for about two hours toward Pacchanta, passing through Urcos, Ocongate, and Tinki, arriving around 4:00 p.m.

In Pacchanta, you can relax in the natural hot springs to ease your muscles after the hike. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in the village.

Day 02: Pacchanta – 7 Lakes of Ausangate – Pacchanta – Tinki – Ocongate – Cusco

We will wake you up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Afterward, we will begin our hike into the Andes to visit the seven beautiful lagoons of Ausangate. The trail starts with a gradual ascent, then becomes relatively flat, and finally turns steeper.

Along the way, you will encounter local people dressed in traditional clothing, as well as llamas and alpacas grazing in the highlands. After approximately two hours of hiking, we will reach the first lagoon, known as Azulcocha. From there, we will continue to a scenic viewpoint, where you can take impressive photographs of the lagoon with the massive Ausangate glacier in the background.

We will then proceed to visit the remaining lagoons, surrounded by unique Andean flora and breathtaking mountain landscapes. After completing the circuit of all seven lakes, we will hike back to Pacchanta, where you will have time to relax and enjoy the hot springs for a second time, followed by lunch.

Finally, we will return by vehicle to Cusco via Tinki and Ocongate, concluding this memorable experience. Our estimated arrival time in Cusco is around 5:00 p.m.

Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes of Ausangate – Inclusions

Whats Included

• English-speaking guide: Our guides have over 5 years of experience. They are highly knowledgeable about the geology of Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate, and are well trained in first aid. This ensures your safety and well-being throughout the trip.
• Professional cook: Our cook will prepare all meals during the 2-day Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes of Ausangate trek.
• Assistant cook: Assists with meal preparation, setting up tents, and organizing the campsite.
• Satellite phone: The guide carries a satellite phone for communication in case of emergencies.
• Radio communication: We provide two radios so the guide and cook can coordinate efficiently.
• Meals: Includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 snacks, and 1 dinner. We can accommodate dietary requirements such as vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, lactose intolerance, and more.
• Boiled water: Please bring 2 liters of water for the Rainbow Mountain hike. Afterward, we will provide boiled water.
• Dining tent: A dining tent will be provided where all meals will be served.
• Tents: Two-person tents are provided for single occupancy, and three-person tents are shared by two people for extra comfort.
• First aid kit: Our guides carry comprehensive first aid kits, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other essential supplies.
• Oxygen tank: The guide carries an oxygen tank for emergencies, and an additional tank is available in the vehicle.
• Pre-trek briefing: A detailed briefing will be held at our office at 5:00 PM the day before departure.
• Entrance fees to private lands: The trail passes through private lands on both days; all access fees are included.
• Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket: The guide will handle and pay the entrance fee at the time of your visit.
• Red Valley entrance ticket: Paid on-site by the guide.
• 7 Lakes permits: Entrance tickets to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate are included.
• Private transportation: Transportation is provided from your hotel to the trailhead and back to your hotel in Cusco after the trek. The vehicle will remain in Pacchanta for any emergencies.
• Snack cloth bag: We provide a reusable cloth bag for your snacks as part of our commitment to reducing plastic waste.
• Personal belongings allowance (10 kg): You may bring up to 10 kg of personal belongings, including your sleeping bag.
• Duffle bag: A duffle bag will be provided for your belongings.
• Rain cover: A rain cover will be provided to keep your daypack dry.

What is not Included

• Water 
• Horse to ride
• Tips for the staff