Peru
Peru – Ausangate 7 Lakes and Rainbow Mountain Trek (4 days)
Peru – Ausangate 7 Lakes and Rainbow Mountain Trek (4 days)
Duration
4 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Individual · Group
Level
Very demanding
Overview
On this four-day adventure in the Andes you circle mighty Ausangate. The route passes glaciers and turquoise lakes such as the 7 Lakes, crosses the Arapa Pass and leads through the colourful mountains to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley – with nights in tents above 4,200 metres.
This four-day trek combines the highlights of the Ausangate region: the Seven Lakes at the foot of the sacred mountain, glacial lakes, high passes with views of the Cordillera Vilcanota and, as the crowning finale, Rainbow Mountain with its colorful mineral bands and the Red Valley. From Pacchanta, you hike past the seven glacial lakes to the hot springs of Upis, cross the Arapa Pass to the lakeside campsite of Puka Cocha and continue over the Apacheta and Warmisaya passes, where you get your first view of Rainbow Mountain. On the last morning, you reach the top of Rainbow Mountain early – before the day visitors – and descend through the Red Valley. Horses carry the equipment, our chef cooks fresh meals and you sleep in comfortable tents. We travel in small groups of up to 12 people with experienced local guides.
Tour Code
Tour language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco – Pacchanta – Seven Lakes – Upis
Campsite Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft)
12 km / 7.5 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at about 5:00 am. A drive of about four hours through the southeast of the Cusco region and the town of Tinki brings us to the village of Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), the starting point of our trek at the foot of Ausangate. The trail climbs gradually through a beautiful valley, and after about two hours we reach the first of the seven lakes. Over the next two hours, we discover the others, each with its own color. After lunch at the Azulcocha lake, we hike for about three hours to our campsite at the hot springs of Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). Today you cover 12 km (7.5 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Cusco – Pacchanta – Seven Lakes – Upis
Day 1
Campsite Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft)
12 km / 7.5 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at about 5:00 am. A drive of about four hours through the southeast of the Cusco region and the town of Tinki brings us to the village of Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), the starting point of our trek at the foot of Ausangate. The trail climbs gradually through a beautiful valley, and after about two hours we reach the first of the seven lakes. Over the next two hours, we discover the others, each with its own color. After lunch at the Azulcocha lake, we hike for about three hours to our campsite at the hot springs of Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft). Today you cover 12 km (7.5 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Day 2
Upis – Arapa Pass – Puka Cocha
Campsite Puka Cocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)
13 km / 8.1 mi · 7–8 h · max. 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
After an early breakfast, we climb for about three hours to the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), with panoramic views of colorful lakes, the Ausangate glacier and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. We then descend to our lunch spot and continue for about two hours to Puka Cocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), one of the most picturesque campsites of the region, right by a lake near the Ausangate glacier. Today you cover 13 km (8.1 mi) in 7–8 hours of hiking.
Upis – Arapa Pass – Puka Cocha
Day 2
Campsite Puka Cocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)
13 km / 8.1 mi · 7–8 h · max. 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
After an early breakfast, we climb for about three hours to the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), with panoramic views of colorful lakes, the Ausangate glacier and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. We then descend to our lunch spot and continue for about two hours to Puka Cocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), one of the most picturesque campsites of the region, right by a lake near the Ausangate glacier. Today you cover 13 km (8.1 mi) in 7–8 hours of hiking.
Day 3
Puka Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha
Campsite Surinecocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)
11 km / 6.8 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,990 m / 16,371 ft
After an early breakfast, a steady climb of about two hours takes us to the Apacheta Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft), with breathtaking views of the whole route and the Ausangate glacier. We then descend through a green valley with grazing llamas and alpacas to Anantapata (4,600 m / 15,092 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, a moderate climb of about an hour leads to the Warmisaya Pass (4,990 m / 16,371 ft), where you get your first view of Rainbow Mountain. From here, we descend to our campsite at Surinecocha. Today you cover 11 km (6.8 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Puka Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Warmisaya Pass – Surinecocha
Day 3
Campsite Surinecocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)
11 km / 6.8 mi · 6–7 h · max. 4,990 m / 16,371 ft
After an early breakfast, a steady climb of about two hours takes us to the Apacheta Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft), with breathtaking views of the whole route and the Ausangate glacier. We then descend through a green valley with grazing llamas and alpacas to Anantapata (4,600 m / 15,092 ft) for lunch. In the afternoon, a moderate climb of about an hour leads to the Warmisaya Pass (4,990 m / 16,371 ft), where you get your first view of Rainbow Mountain. From here, we descend to our campsite at Surinecocha. Today you cover 11 km (6.8 mi) in 6–7 hours of hiking.
Day 4
Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
5 km / 3.1 mi · 6–7 h · max. 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
After an early breakfast, a steady climb of about an hour brings us to the top of Rainbow Mountain (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), with views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Your guide explains how the different minerals create the colorful bands that make this mountain one of the most spectacular natural wonders of South America. After enjoying the views, we follow a scenic path for about 1.5 hours down into the Red Valley and on to the small community of Llaqtu, where we have lunch. Our private transport then takes you back to Cusco in about three hours, arriving at your hotel around 5:00 pm. Today you cover 5 km (3.1 mi) in 6–7 hours, including the time at Rainbow Mountain.
Surinecocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Day 4
5 km / 3.1 mi · 6–7 h · max. 5,050 m / 16,568 ft
After an early breakfast, a steady climb of about an hour brings us to the top of Rainbow Mountain (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), with views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Your guide explains how the different minerals create the colorful bands that make this mountain one of the most spectacular natural wonders of South America. After enjoying the views, we follow a scenic path for about 1.5 hours down into the Red Valley and on to the small community of Llaqtu, where we have lunch. Our private transport then takes you back to Cusco in about three hours, arriving at your hotel around 5:00 pm. Today you cover 5 km (3.1 mi) in 6–7 hours, including the time at Rainbow Mountain.
Price from
€610.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure, where you also receive your duffel bag.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna; two guides for groups of more than eight.
Entrance Fees: Local communities and Rainbow Mountain.
Horses & Horsemen: Horses carry tents, food, cooking equipment and your duffel bag (max. 8 kg including sleeping bag); an emergency horse is available.
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT) shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents.
Meals & Chef: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4, prepared by our chef, plus daily afternoon tea; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Hygiene & Drinking Water: Warm water and biodegradable soap every morning and afternoon; filtered and boiled drinking water from Day 2.
Transportation: Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Pacchanta and from Llaqtu back to your hotel.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Meals: Breakfast on Day 1.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Trekking Poles: Available for rent for USD 15.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the crew (guide, chef, horsemen) are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Very demanding
Altitude
Very high (up to 5,050 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – very challenging: Four days of hiking with 5–13 km (3.1–8.1 mi) and up to 7–8 hours per day at very high altitude, including several passes close to 5,000 m / 16,404 ft. Excellent fitness, endurance and multi-day hiking experience are required.
Altitude – very high: All campsites lie between 4,400 m / 14,436 ft and 4,600 m / 15,092 ft; the highest point is Rainbow Mountain at 5,050 m / 16,568 ft. Very good acclimatization is essential – we recommend spending at least three days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) beforehand.
Culture & nature – nature-focused: The Seven Lakes, glaciers of Ausangate, hot springs, llama and alpaca herds, Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.
Camping & horses: Three nights in tents; nights are very cold. Horses carry your duffel bag (max. 8 kg / 17 lb including sleeping bag); you only carry a light daypack.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
€25.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – available as a private tour on request.
€25.00
per person
Groups of 6 or more: contact info@silvertip.at for special rates and tailor-made options.
Notes on the trip
Good to know
Acclimatization: This trek stays above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft for several days. Please spend at least three days in Cusco beforehand.
Small groups: Departures with 4 to 12 people; private treks on request.
What to bring
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for your daily essentials.
Original Passport: Mandatory; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for the cold nights.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold) and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.
Hot Springs: Swimsuit and small towel for the hot springs at Upis.
Warm Gear: Very warm sleeping clothes, down jacket and warm gloves – night temperatures can drop well below freezing.