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 unforgettable Ausangate Trek begins very early in the morning. At 4:30 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive through the serene Andean valleys towards Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), a small Quechua village nestled at the foot of the mighty Ausangate Mountain. The drive itself is a scenic experience — crossing fields of quinoa, grazing alpacas, and small adobe houses that offer a glimpse of authentic Andean life.
Upon arrival, our local cook will prepare a nutritious breakfast using fresh ingredients from the region to help us acclimatize to the altitude. Afterward, we start our hike toward the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, a magical circuit surrounded by snowy peaks and vibrant Andean flora.
Each lake we visit — Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, and others — possesses a unique hue ranging from turquoise to deep emerald. These sacred waters are said to be the tears of the Apu Ausangate, the guardian spirit of the Andes. As we walk, we’ll see herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely, while majestic glaciers tower above us, creating a surreal landscape that feels straight out of a dream.
After enjoying a delicious outdoor lunch with panoramic views of the mountains, we continue toward Upis (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), a quiet valley where we set up our first campsite. The area offers breathtaking views of Ausangate’s icy summit (6,372 m / 20,900 ft). In the afternoon, you can relax, explore the surroundings, or take a rejuvenating dip in the natural hot springs of Upis (optional but highly recommended). As night falls, we’ll gather for a cozy dinner under a star-filled Andean sky.
We wake up to a warm cup of coca tea and a breathtaking sunrise over the Andes. After breakfast, we start our trek directly from the Upis thermal area, heading gradually toward the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft).
This part of the Ausangate Trek is a journey through ever-changing Andean landscapes — high plains with grazing alpacas, meandering streams, and patches of wild flowers adapted to the cold mountain climate. As we ascend, the glacier of Ausangate dominates the view, its massive presence reflecting the sunlight in shades of silver and blue.
From the Arapa Pass, the panoramic view of the entire range is breathtaking. You’ll see turquoise lakes scattered across the valleys and the endless expanse of the Peruvian Andes. After taking time to rest and capture photos, we descend along a beautiful trail surrounded by small lagoons until we reach Hatun Pucacocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft) — our second campsite.
This is one of the most spectacular camping spots on the Ausangate Trek. The lagoon lies at the foot of the glacier, reflecting its icy peaks like a mirror. In the afternoon, you can walk around the lake, take photos, or simply relax while our chef prepares a delicious dinner. As the night falls, the Milky Way appears with incredible brightness — a reminder that you are deep in the heart of Ausangate Trek.
After a refreshing night surrounded by mountain silence, we enjoy breakfast with a stunning view of Ausangate’s glacier. Today, we’ll walk one of the most impressive sections of the entire trek, crossing several high passes with ever-changing colors and landscapes.
We start ascending gradually toward the Pucacocha Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft), walking alongside beautiful lakes of deep blue and turquoise colors. The air is crisp and pure, and every few meters the scenery changes — red hills, yellow plains, and patches of snow. The higher we go, the closer we feel to the Apu Ausangate, protector of the Andes.
From the top of the pass, we’ll be rewarded with an incredible 360° view of the snow-capped Ausangate, the Vilcanota Range, and the valleys below. After enjoying the view and taking photos, we descend toward Surinecocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) — a high-altitude lagoon surrounded by colorful hills and scattered herds of alpacas.
We’ll arrive in time for a late lunch and rest near the lake. The setting here is surreal — the water mirrors the surrounding peaks, and the only sounds are the wind and the distant calls of Andean birds. We’ll set up our third campsite beside Surinecocha Lake, enjoy a hot dinner, and spend our last night under a vast, star-filled sky in complete tranquility.
We wake up before sunrise for the final and most exciting part of our Ausangate Trek — the hike to the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,100 m / 16,732 ft).
Leaving the calm waters of Surinecocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), we ascend gradually through surreal red and golden hills. The altitude makes the walk challenging, but the incredible views of the Andes and the anticipation of reaching Rainbow Mountain keep our spirits high.
As we approach the ridge, the first rays of sunlight illuminate the slopes of Rainbow Mountain, revealing its spectacular natural colors — red, ochre, turquoise, and green — created by natural mineral deposits. Arriving early allows us to enjoy this magnificent place almost to ourselves. From the summit, we’ll enjoy a panoramic view that stretches across the Andes and includes the majestic Ausangate Glacier in the distance.
After plenty of time to take photos and appreciate this wonder of nature, we continue our adventure to the incredible Red Valley (Valle Rojo) — a hidden gem with intense reddish landscapes that look like another planet. Few visitors make it here, making it a peaceful and magical place to end our trek.
After exploring the Red Valley, we descend to the trailhead where our private transport awaits. We’ll enjoy our last lunch on the way back to Cusco, passing through small Andean villages where people still live by herding alpacas and cultivating their land in harmony with the mountains. We arrive in Cusco around 4:00 p.m., concluding our unforgettable Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek — a journey filled with natural beauty, culture, and connection to the spirit of the Andes.
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.
Secure your trekking adventure by paying just 20% now, and complete the remaining 80% in Cusco 1 or 2 days before your hike begins. With a small deposit your spot is guaranteed, making the process simple, safe, and stress-free so you can fully focus on enjoying the trek of a lifetime.
Book 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.
