2-Day Ausangate 7 Lakes and Rainbow Mountain Trek
Our 2 Day Ausangate 7 Lakes and Rainbow Mountain Trek combines two of the Cusco region’s most distinctive high-altitude landscapes in one guided journey. The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, visits Vinicunca and Red Valley on the first day, includes overnight camping in Pacchanta, and continues to the seven glacial lakes before returning to Cusco on Day 2.
This trek is recommended for active travelers who are comfortable walking on uneven mountain trails and have spent at least two or three days acclimatizing before departure. The hiking is non-technical, but reaching approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) makes the experience physically challenging.
The service includes hotel pickup and drop-off, tourist transportation, entrance fees, a professional guide, camping equipment, chef-prepared meals, and pack-animal support. Visiting the Pacchanta hot springs is optional, and admission is paid directly to the local community.
What makes our operation different is the connection between both routes. Instead of returning to Cusco after Rainbow Mountain, we continue directly to Pacchanta, where our team prepares the overnight camp and organizes the following day’s hike around the lakes.
Highlights
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain at approximately 5,200 m
- Panoramic walk through Red Valley
- Views of the Ausangate and Vilcanota mountain ranges
- Overnight camping in the Pacchanta community
- Guided circuit around the Seven Lakes of Ausangate
- Glacial lagoons beneath the Ausangate massif
- Valleys inhabited by llamas and alpacas
- Optional visit to the Pacchanta thermal baths
Itinerary
2 Day Trek Itinerary
Click any day to expand/collapse
Day 1
Cusco – Llacto – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Pacchanta
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco early in the morning and drive to the Llacto trailhead. After breakfast, your guide gives you a short briefing before beginning the hike to Rainbow Mountain.
The trail climbs gradually through open Andean terrain. Because of the elevation, your guide will maintain a steady pace and allow time for rest stops. At the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, you will have time to enjoy the landscape and take photos.
We then continue toward Red Valley, known for its wide red ridges and views of the surrounding mountains. After completing the hike, we return to the trailhead for lunch.
In the afternoon, we travel by vehicle to Pacchanta. Our team sets up the campsite and prepares dinner while you rest and enjoy views of the Ausangate mountain range.
Day 1 at a glance
- Starting elevation: 4,326 m / 14,189 ft
- Highest point: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
- Hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation: Tent camping in Pacchanta
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Llacto trailhead
- Rainbow Mountain
- Red Valley
- Pacchanta
Day 2
Pacchanta – Ausangate 7 Lakes – Cusco
Day 2 Pacchanta – Ausangate 7 Lakes – Cusco
After breakfast at the campsite, we begin the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike from Pacchanta. The trail passes through high-altitude grasslands with views of glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and herds of llamas and alpacas.
We follow the circuit connecting the seven glacial lakes. Their colors can appear blue, green, or turquoise depending on the minerals, weather, and sunlight. Your guide will explain the importance of Ausangate Mountain to local communities and Andean culture.
After completing the circuit, we return to Pacchanta for lunch. You may also visit the local hot springs before the drive back to Cusco. The hot springs are optional, and the entrance fee is not included.
We expect to arrive at your Cusco hotel at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Day 2 at a glance
- Highest point: Approximately 4,600 m / 15,091 ft
- Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Expected arrival in Cusco: Approximately 5:00 p.m.
- Pacchanta
- Ausangate 7 Lakes
- Ausangate glacier viewpoints
- Pacchanta hot springs
Inclusions
What Is Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
- Tourist transportation during the two-day tour
- Transportation between Llacto and Pacchanta
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain
- Entrance to Red Valley
- Entrance to the Ausangate 7 Lakes area
- Four-season camping tent
- Foam sleeping pad
- Trekking chef
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 1
- Breakfast and lunch on Day 2
- Pack horses and handlers for the camping equipment and food
- First-aid kit and high-altitude support from the guide
What Is Not Included
- Cold-weather sleeping bag
- Pacchanta hot springs entrance fee
- Personal expenses
- Additional snacks and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the guide, chef, driver, and horse handlers
Cold-weather sleeping bags may be available to rent. Request one before the tour so our team can confirm availability and the appropriate temperature rating.
Packing List
What to Pack
Clothing
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Hiking pants
- Moisture-wicking shirts
- Thermal base layer
- Fleece or warm sweater
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Warm hat and gloves
- Hiking socks
- Comfortable clothes for sleeping
Hiking Essentials
- Original passport or requested identification
- Small daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Lip balm with sun protection
- Personal medication
- Insect repellent
- Basic blister treatment
Overnight Items
- Cold-weather sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Phone or camera
- Portable charger
- Personal toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
- Change of clothes
- Swimsuit and small towel for the optional hot springs
- Cash in Peruvian soles
Large suitcases should remain at your Cusco hotel. Bring only what you need for one night.
Price
Tour Prices
Prices are listed in US dollars and apply per person.
Small-Group Tour
| Number of travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 people | US$310 |
| 4 or more people | US$290 |
| Eligible children or students | US$280 |
The small-group service follows a scheduled itinerary and may be shared with other confirmed travelers.
Private Tour
| Number of travelers | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 people | US$370 |
| 4 or more people | US$350 |
| Eligible children or students | US$340 |
The private service includes a guide and scheduled transportation for your group. The walking pace and rest stops can be adjusted within the planned itinerary and safety requirements.
Important pricing information
- A minimum of two travelers is required.
- Children and student discounts require confirmation before booking.
- Optional services are subject to availability.
- Prices do not include the hot springs entrance or sleeping bag rental.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions about how hard this hike is and what to expect. Here is everything you need to know before hitting the trail.
How difficult is this two-day trek?
The tour is challenging because it reaches 5,200 meters. The trails are not technical, but the elevation, uphill walking, cold temperatures, and two consecutive hiking days require good physical preparation.
Do I need previous hiking experience?
Technical climbing experience is not required. However, you should be comfortable walking uphill for four to five hours and exercising at high elevation.
How many days should I spend acclimatizing?
Spend at least two or three full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the tour. Travelers arriving directly from sea level should not begin this trek immediately.
What is the highest point of the tour?
Rainbow Mountain is the highest point at approximately 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. The highest section of the Ausangate lakes circuit is approximately 4,600 m / 15,091 ft.
Is this one continuous hike?
No. The tour consists of two separate hikes connected by vehicle. Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley are visited on Day 1, followed by the Ausangate lakes on Day 2.
Where will I sleep?
You will spend one night in a camping tent in Pacchanta. A foam sleeping pad is provided, but a cold-weather sleeping bag is not included.
Are the Pacchanta hot springs included?
The visit is optional, but the entrance fee is not included. You should bring a small amount of cash in Peruvian soles if you plan to use the pools.
Does this tour include Machu Picchu?
No. This tour visits Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, Pacchanta, and the Ausangate 7 Lakes. Machu Picchu requires a separate tour.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The recommended minimum age is 12. Children should be physically active, properly acclimatized, and comfortable with cold-weather camping.
Can a solo traveler book the tour?
Solo travelers may join an existing confirmed departure. The tour requires a minimum of two participants to operate.
What is the best time of year for the trek?
May through October generally has drier weather and clearer views, but nights can be very cold. November through April has a greater chance of rain, clouds, and snow at higher elevations.
Will I always see the bright colors shown in photographs?
The mountains and lakes are visible throughout the year, but their colors change according to the sunlight, cloud cover, rain, and mineral sediment. Exact visibility and color intensity cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if the weather becomes unsafe?
Your guide may change the schedule, shorten a section, or modify the route. Safety takes priority when weather or trail conditions create unnecessary risk.
Concierge & Local Guide
Available in Cusco
John Taqquere
Local Tour Guide
Travel specialist in Machu Picchu
“I grew up surrounded by the Andes, and I love sharing the history, traditions, and hidden stories of my home with travelers from around the world.”Text John Taqquere on WhatsApp → (opens in a new tab)
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