Ausangate 7 Lakes and Rainbow Mountain - 2 Days / 1 Night

Rainbow Mountain, Perú

Description

Discover one of Peru's most rewarding hiking experiences on the slopes of Ausangate, the third highest mountain in Peru (6,384 meters) and considered a very important divinity in Andean culture. This challenging 2-day trek takes you through pristine mountain landscapes to seven beautiful lagoons with varying colors and characteristics. Day 1 begins with an early 4:30 AM departure from your Cusco hotel and a 3-hour drive to Tinke and Pacchanta communities. After a pre-trek breakfast, embark on a 5-hour guided hike to explore the seven lagoons: Pucacocha (the chocolate lagoon at 4,500m), Patacocha (4,860m), Alqacocha, Qomercocha (turquoise waters), Otorongo (split into two sections), and the dark blue Azulqocha. Along the way, observe native Andean wildlife including alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and mountain birds. Experience an Andean lunch and camp overnight at the mountain base. Day 2 includes a return trek, lunch at Pacchata, and a therapeutic visit to natural hot springs before returning to Cusco by mid-afternoon. This trek is designed for experienced hikers seeking authentic cultural immersion and spectacular high-altitude mountain scenery.

Detailed Itinerary

1

Cusco to Pacchanta - High Altitude Lagoons Trek

Early morning 4:30 AM departure from hotel. Transfer to Tinke and Pacchanta communities (136 km, approximately 3 hours by vehicle). Pre-trek breakfast upon arrival. Begin guided 5-hour hike to explore the seven lagoons of Ausangate: Pucacocha (chocolate-colored waters at 4,500m), Patacocha (4,860m), Alqacocha, Qomercocha (turquoise waters), Otorongo (two sections), and Azulqocha (dark blue waters). Observe native wildlife including alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and mountain birds. Experience Andean lunch in the mountains. Return to campsite at approximately 1:30 PM. Participate in traditional Andean dinner preparation. Evening storytelling and cultural activities with local residents. Overnight camping at mountain base (approximately 4,500m elevation).
Comidas: All Meals Alojamiento: Mountain campsite with tent and sleeping bag Dificultad: challenging
Hotel Pickup in Cusco
04:30 AM
Tinke & Pacchanta Communities
07:30 AM

Gateway to Ausangate trek at 3,780m elevation

Pucacocha - Chocolate Lagoon (4,500m)
08:30 AM

First of seven lagoons with brown-colored waters

Patacocha Lagoon (4,860m) - Highest Point
10:00 AM

Highest lagoon with clear turquoise waters

Alqacocha & Qomercocha Lagoons
12:00 PM

Spectacular views of Vilcanota range and turquoise waters

Otorongo & Azulqocha Lagoons
01:30 PM

Andean lunch stop with views of glaciers and dark blue lagoon waters

Mountain Base Camp (4,500m)
02:00 PM

Duración: Overnight camping

2

Pacchanta Descent and Thermal Springs Return to Cusco

Return trek from mountain camp following the same scenic route. Breakfast at mountain camp before descent. Lunch at Pacchata community. Soak in natural thermal hot springs (Pacchanta aguas termales) famous for therapeutic properties. Shower facilities and dry clothes available. Afternoon transfer back to Cusco hotel, arriving approximately 3:30 PM. Optional time for relaxation after the challenging trek.
Comidas: Breakfast and Lunch Alojamiento: Return to Cusco hotel Dificultad: challenging
Mountain Camp Breakfast & Descent
06:00 AM
Pacchata Community Lunch
11:30 AM
Pacchanta Thermal Hot Springs
01:00 PM

Natural thermal springs with therapeutic properties. Perfect for relaxation after trekking.

Return to Cusco Hotel
03:30 PM

Tour Details

Includes

  • Round-trip transportation from Cusco to Pacchanta
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide
  • Two lunches (Day 1 and Day 2)
  • One dinner at mountain camp
  • Two breakfasts
  • One night camping at mountain base with tent
  • Sleeping bag provision
  • Visit to natural hot springs (Pacchanta thermal waters)
  • Cultural immersion with local Andean communities
  • Wildlife observation (alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, mountain birds)

Not Included

  • Mountain entrance fee (15 soles, paid locally)
  • Sleeping bag rental (USD $9, if needed)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal snacks and supplies
  • Guide and staff tips
  • Additional personal expenses

Tour Route

Explore the places you'll visit during this incredible journey

1. Cusco to Pacchanta - High Altitude Lagoons Trek

Inicio
Destino
Paradas
7 paradas
Estilo:

Itinerario

1
04:30 AM
Hotel Pickup in Cusco
2
07:30 AM
Tinke & Pacchanta Communities
3
08:30 AM
Pucacocha - Chocolate Lagoon (4,500m)
4
10:00 AM
Patacocha Lagoon (4,860m) - Highest Point
5
12:00 PM
Alqacocha & Qomercocha Lagoons
6
01:30 PM
Otorongo & Azulqocha Lagoons
7
02:00 PM
Mountain Base Camp (4,500m)
Duración: Overnight camping
challenging
Dificultad
4750
Altitud máx
7
Paradas

2. Pacchanta Descent and Thermal Springs Return to Cusco

Inicio
Destino
Paradas
4 paradas
Estilo:

Itinerario

1
06:00 AM
Mountain Camp Breakfast & Descent
2
11:30 AM
Pacchata Community Lunch
3
01:00 PM
Pacchanta Thermal Hot Springs
4
03:30 PM
Return to Cusco Hotel
challenging
Dificultad
4750
Altitud máx
4
Paradas
USD 125.00
per person