Ausangate 7 Lakes to Rainbow Mountain 5 Day Trek

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM and begin our journey through the South Valley toward the town of Tinki, where we take a short, relaxing break to enjoy the scenic surroundings. From Tinki, it’s approximately a 45-minute bus ride to Pacchanta, where a nutritious breakfast awaits to energize you for the day ahead.

The trek begins from Pacchanta, heading toward the stunning 7 Lakes of Ausangate, offering your first glimpses of the glaciers of Ausangate, welcoming you to this magical high-Andean region. Along the way, we stop for a freshly prepared lunch by our trekking chef.

In the afternoon, we continue to Upis Campsite, located amidst high mountains and breathtaking scenery. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to relax in the nearby natural hot springs, perfect for soothing tired muscles after your first day of trekking.

For those with extra energy, enjoy a walk around the nearby lagoons including Azul Cocha, Otorongo, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, and Q’omer Cocha, while observing alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, Andean birds, and if lucky, even the Andean condor.

We end the day with tea, dinner, and an overnight stay at Upis Campsite, under a spectacular star-filled Andean sky

After an early breakfast, we begin the day with a gradual ascent to Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). Walking at a steady and comfortable pace, we enjoy spectacular Andean landscapes, panoramic mountain views, and wide high-altitude valleys that make the Ausangate Trek one of the most scenic treks in Peru.

From the pass, we descend toward Yanacocha Lagoon, where we stop for lunch surrounded by pristine alpine scenery. In the afternoon, we continue downhill to Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon, a stunning turquoise lake located at the base of snow-capped peaks. This area serves as our campsite for the night.

For those with extra energy, optional walks around the nearby lagoons are available, offering excellent photo opportunities and peaceful moments in nature.

Today is one of the most culturally and physically rewarding days of the Ausangate Trek. We start with a 2.5-hour ascent to Ausangate Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), also known as Apacheta Pass, a sacred Andean site marked by stone cairns left by travelers as offerings to the mountains.

After this meaningful cultural experience, we descend to Ausangate Cocha Lagoon, where we enjoy lunch with breathtaking views of a dramatic Andean canyon and the Ausangate Glacier.

In the afternoon, we tackle the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the trek. From the summit, we enjoy panoramic views of towering glaciers and iconic peaks such as Ausangate, Santa Catalina (Mariposa), Jampa, and expansive highland valleys.

We then descend to the remote village of Huchuy Phinaya (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), where we observe traditional Quechua life, including local families herding llamas and alpacas. Finally, we continue to Sorapata, our campsite for the night, where we enjoy dinner and well-deserved rest.

We begin the day with a 2-hour ascent to Huanopata, where we enjoy impressive views of the Tres Marías peaks. From there, we continue trekking toward Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft), following a trail filled with dramatic mountain scenery and glacial landscapes.

During the descent, we visit the sacred lakes Ausangate Cocha and Qomer Cocha, where we participate in a short Pachamama (Mother Earth) offering ceremony, an ancestral Andean ritual to express gratitude and respect for nature.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Chillihuani, where you can relax in natural hot springs, perfect for easing tired muscles after several days of high-altitude trekking. Dinner and overnight camping conclude this memorable day.

After breakfast, we hike for approximately 1 hour to reach the world-famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of Peru’s most iconic natural attractions. Enjoy ample time to explore, take photos, and learn about the geological formations and mineral composition that create the mountain’s vibrant colors.

After lunch, we say farewell to our trekking team and board our private transport back to Cusco, reflecting on the spectacular landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable memories of the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek.