The Rainbow Mountain to Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek is a captivating 4-day adventure through the Andes. Travelers can expect to witness the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain, explore the serene Yanacocha Lakes, and relax in natural hot springs. While the trek promises an unforgettable journey, it also presents unique challenges that outdoor enthusiasts won’t want to miss. From navigating high-altitude passes to camping under the stars, this trek offers a chance to take in Peru’s stunning natural landscapes.

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Key Points

This 4-day trekking tour takes visitors from Rainbow Mountain to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, covering scenic highlights like Puka Pucha Pass and Yanaochca Camp.
The tour is priced from €398.41 per person and can accommodate groups of up to 12, with hotel pickup and wheelchair accessibility.
On Day 1, the focus is on exploring Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley, followed by a return to Cusco.
Days 2-4 involve hiking to Puka Cocha Pass, the 7 Lakes Camp, and visiting Pacchanta village with its natural hot springs.
The tour includes meals, private camping gear, and an experienced guide fluent in English and Spanish, though good physical fitness is required due to the high elevation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Rainbow Mountain to Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek is a 4-day adventure that explores the stunning landscapes of Peru’s Cusco region.

Set out on a 4-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Cusco region on the Rainbow Mountain to Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek.

Priced from €398.41 per person, this tour accommodates groups of up to 12 participants and offers pickup from their hotel.

Available in English and Spanish, the trek is wheelchair accessible and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include exploring Rainbow Mountain, trekking to Puka Pucha Pass, and discovering the serene 7 Lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

With meals, camping gear, and experienced guides included, this trek promises an unforgettable high-altitude experience.

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Itinerary Highlights

Day 1 explores Rainbow Mountain and the captivating Red Valley. The tour kicks off with an early pickup at 4:30 am, followed by a 3-hour bus ride to Qosqopata.

After breakfast, hikers trek to Rainbow Mountain and the adjacent Red Valley, taking in the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. The group then climbs to the Warmisaya Pass, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains.

On Day 2, the trek leads to the Puka Cocha Pass, where hikers can admire the vibrant colors of the lakes and the towering Ausangate Mountain.

The day’s journey continues along the shores of crystal-clear lakes.

Day 1: Explore Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley

After an early 4:30 am pickup, the group embarks on a 3-hour bus ride to the trailhead at Qosqopata. Upon arrival, they enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning their hike to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.

| Activity | Duration |

|———-|———-|

| Bus Ride | 3 hours |

| Hiking | 2 hours |

| Explore | 2 hours |

| Lunch | 1 hour |

The trail leads them to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, where they marvel at the vibrant, multi-colored slopes. Continuing on, they reach the Warmisaya Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Andes mountains. After lunch, the group explores the unique geological formations of the Red Valley before returning to Cusco.

Day 2: Puka Cocha Pass – Yanaochca Camp

Leaving behind the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain, the group embarks on a hike to Puka Pucha Pass, where they’re treated to stunning vistas of colorful lakes and the majestic Ausangate Mountain.

The trail winds through rolling hills, offering glimpses of alpacas grazing in the distance. As they ascend, the group marvels at the turquoise waters of Puka Cocha, a glacial lake that mirrors the surrounding peaks.

Reaching the pass, they take a break to savor the panoramic views before continuing their trek to Yanaochca Camp, where they’ll settle in for the night surrounded by the snow-capped Andes.

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Day 3: Yanacocha – Arapa Pass – Upis Pampa – 7 Lakes Camp

Waking up surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, the trekkers set out for the day’s journey. They hiked to Arapa Pass, taking in views of the colorful alpine lakes below.

Descending into the Upis Valley, they marveled at the large herds of alpacas grazing in the meadows.

Reaching the 7 Lakes Camp, the group settled in, their tents pitched amidst the tranquil waters. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the lakes reflected the changing hues of the sky, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

Tomorrow, they’d explore the 7 lakes in greater detail.

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Day 4: 7 Lakes – Pacchanta – Hot Springs – Return to Cusco

As the trekkers emerged from their tents, they were greeted by the serene sight of the 7 lakes, their waters glistening in the morning light. The group spent time exploring the surrounding landscapes, observing herds of alpacas grazing peacefully. They then made their way to the village of Pacchanta, where they visited the natural hot springs, a perfect way to soothe their tired muscles. After a satisfying lunch, it was time to begin the return journey to Cusco, reflecting on the breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences of the past four days.

| Destination | Elevation | Duration |

|————-|———–|———|

| 7 Lakes | 5000m | 2 hours |

| Pacchanta | 4580m | 1 hour |

| Hot Springs | 4580m | 1 hour |

| Cusco | 3400m | 3 hours |

Inclusions

This trek includes a comprehensive set of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Meals, including 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners, cater to various dietary needs.

The private camping gear, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags provided offer cozy accommodations.

Transportation, both to the starting point and back to Cusco, is included.

An experienced guide fluent in English and Spanish accompanies the group, along with a first aid kit and emergency horse for riding.

Entrance tickets, snacks, water, and hygiene products are also covered, ensuring a seamless and well-supported adventure.

Important Information

The weather during the trek varies, with a 20% chance of rain. Participants should expect cold temperatures at night but hot conditions during the day.

Expect fluctuating weather with a 20% chance of rain, shifting between cold nights and hot days during the trek.

The trek takes place at an elevation of 5000 meters, which requires a good level of physical fitness.

The key considerations are:

Trekking involves hiking up and down steep terrain, suitable for those with strong endurance.
Acclimating to the high elevation is crucial for a comfortable and safe experience.
Proper gear and preparation are essential to withstand the changing mountain climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Trek?

The tour is limited to a maximum group size of 12 participants. This allows for a more intimate and personalized trekking experience while ensuring the group remains manageable and sustainable for the trek.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment for the Hike?

The tour provides all necessary camping equipment, including a private sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and trekking stick. Participants only need to bring personal items and dress appropriately for the cold and hot weather conditions during the trek.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this tour for a private group. The tour operator offers a limited group size and allows you to reserve the entire experience for your own private party.

How Far in Advance Should I Book This Trek?

It’s recommended to book this trek at least 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred dates and group size. This allows the tour operator to properly prepare and accommodate your request.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is accessible for participants of all ages, as long as they have the required fitness level to hike at high altitudes. Families with children are welcome to join.

The Sum Up

The Rainbow Mountain to Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek offers an unforgettable journey through Peru’s stunning Andean landscapes. Trekkers will be captivated by the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain, the serene beauty of the 7 Lakes, and the chance to relax in natural hot springs. With a knowledgeable guide and all meals provided, this 4-day adventure promises an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.