Embark on a unique adventure through the majestic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, combining the best of nature, history, and spirituality in a 4-day trek. This tour takes you to the heart of the Ausangate Mountain Range, home to one of the most sacred mountains in Peru, and leads you to discover the beautiful 7 Lakes, surrounded by glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
The journey begins in the picturesque village of Pacchanta, at an altitude of 4,200 meters, where you’ll start your hike through the 7 Lakes circuit. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in breathtaking landscapes: turquoise lagoons, crystal-clear waterfalls, and striking rock formations that showcase the grandeur of the region.
The trek continues as you ascend toward the highest passes of the route, such as the Pucacocha Pass at 4,950 meters, and Pucacocha South Pass at 5,000 meters, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Ausangate Glacier and other towering peaks. This route offers not only a physical challenge but also a deep immersion into the spirituality of the mountains—places that the Andean people hold sacred.
Along the way, you’ll camp in remote, peaceful locations surrounded by the stunning Andean landscape, enjoying the serenity that only the high Andes can offer. Finally, you’ll reach the iconic Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, and witness one of the planet’s most astonishing geological wonders, with its vibrant, multi-colored slopes that seem to be painted by hand.
This tour is designed for those seeking a trekking adventure in a spectacular natural setting, far from the crowds, exploring one of the most fascinating and spiritual corners of Peru. Get ready for a unique experience that blends the beauty of the landscape, physical challenge, and a deep connection with nature.
Our adventure begins early in the morning. We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. and drive in private transport to the Andean village of Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), the starting point of our trek. There, we enjoy a nourishing breakfast prepared by local chefs while we acclimate to the altitude.
From Pacchanta, we begin our hike to the mystical 7 Lakes of Ausangate, a magical route that connects you with some of the most sacred landscapes of the Andes. We visit Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, and more. Each lagoon has its own unique color and energy, surrounded by the imposing glaciers of Ausangate, Mariposa, and Jampa.
After enjoying an outdoor lunch, we continue on to Upis (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), a peaceful valley where we set up our first camp with direct views of the snow-capped Ausangate. In the afternoon, you can relax, explore the area, or enjoy the local hot springs (optional).
We wake up early with a warm cup of coca tea and a hearty breakfast. Today, we begin our ascent toward the Pucacocha Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft), a quiet and spectacular route. Along the way, we pass turquoise lagoons, icy waterfalls, and massive ice formations descending from the Ausangate glacier.
From the pass, the panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks are unforgettable. It’s a perfect moment to reflect and give thanks to the Apu (mountain spirit) for allowing us to walk in its presence. We then descend gently to the Pucacocha Lagoon (4,600 m / 15,090 ft), where we’ll set up our second camp beside emerald-green waters.
Surrounded by sacred peaks and complete silence, we’ll enjoy dinner under a sky full of stars.
This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding day. After breakfast, we ascend gradually to the Pucacocha South Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft), a high-altitude section with striking rock formations. The scenery starts to shift: the reddish, yellow, and violet tones of the mountains signal that Rainbow Mountain is near.
The uphill section is steady, allowing us to take in the stunning landscape at our own pace. From the pass, we descend into the Surimana Valley (4,300 m / 14,108 ft), a remote area where local alpaca herders live. Here, we’ll set up our final campsite, share a comforting dinner, and rest in peaceful solitude.
We wake up very early for our final hike to the most anticipated destination: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca – 5,036 m / 16,522 ft). Thanks to our alternative route, we’ll arrive via a quieter trail, reaching the summit before the large crowds that come from Cusco.
The hike is short but demanding due to the altitude. Once we reach the main viewpoint, every effort is rewarded: before us stretches a natural canvas of incredible colors—ochre, pink, green, and gold—that look as if they were painted by hand.
After enjoying this unique spot, we descend to our meeting point with the private transport. Along the way, we pass through traditional Andean villages, completing our spiritual and natural journey. We arrive in Cusco around 4:00 p.m.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about Ausangate Trek + 7 Lakes + Rainbow Mountain Tour 4 Days in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the (Peru Hike) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.
ou’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will take them on the way and will deliver them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 ft. Long x 36 cm / 1 ft. Wide.
A maximum of 5 kg is allowed for each duffel bag that includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes and other personal items.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 6% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike Company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Reservations for the great year 2025 - 2026 have already started, more than 10,000 clients with reservations secured!
Are you thinking about taking a trip to Machu Picchu? What are you waiting for, make your reservation now and secure the best place to see Machu Picchu completely and live an unforgettable experience!.
We recommend booking it at least 5 months in advance as tickets are quite limited.
Very limited spaces See availabilityBook fast and easy on our website and keep track of your reservation with our most advanced booking system, be updated on our discounts every week.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes to Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days was absolutely magical. The turquoise lakes, snowy peaks, and wide open valleys felt like scenes from a dream. Our guide was super knowledgeable and shared beautiful Andean legends along the way. I’ll never forget the peace and silence of those mountains.
What a hidden gem! The Ausangate 7 Lakes to Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days offers so much more than the typical day tour. We got to camp near crystal-clear lakes, saw wild alpacas, and hiked through areas untouched by mass tourism. The food, the team, the scenery — all excellent.
Absolutely breathtaking! The Ausangate 7 Lakes to Rainbow Mountain Trek gave me everything I was looking for — adventure, culture, and solitude. The guides shared Quechua stories and even let us try traditional coca tea during breaks. Reaching Rainbow Mountain after four days of hiking made the view even more special
Four days of pure connection with nature. The Ausangate 7 Lakes to Rainbow Mountain Trek was peaceful, remote, and stunningly beautiful. Each lake was more beautiful than the last, and the way the mountains changed color with the light was unreal. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a meaningful trek in Peru
Four days of adventure, beauty, and peace. The Ausangate 7 Lakes trek was perfect for disconnecting and connecting with nature. The combination of lakes, glaciers, and colorful hills was unbeatable. And the way the team cared for us — from hot meals to warm smiles — made all the difference.
