Two-Day Hike: Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate's 7 Lagoons

Cusco, january 14, 2025

Embark on a breathtaking two-day adventure through the Andes, where you'll experience the iconic Rainbow Mountain and the magical 7 Lagoons of Ausangate. Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, rich Andean culture, and unique natural wonders.

Day 1: Cusco, Rainbow Mountain (5,034 m), Pacchanta Community (4,334 m)

Our journey begins early at 4:00 a.m. with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We'll travel along the Cusco-Puno road, passing picturesque villages before reaching the charming town of Cusipata, where we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast.

After breakfast, we'll head to the Chillihuani community, the starting point of our hike. The trek to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint will take approximately 2 hours, reaching an altitude of 5,034 m. From the summit, you'll take in breathtaking views of Rainbow Mountain and the majestic Ausangate massif.

After soaking in the beauty of the landscape, we'll descend back to the starting point, where our vehicle will be waiting. We'll then head to Cusipata for a buffet lunch before continuing our journey to the Pacchanta community, about 3 hours away.

Upon arrival in Pacchanta, we'll visit the relaxing hot springs to soothe our muscles after a long day of travel. In the evening, we'll return to our lodge, where our chefs will prepare a delightful dinner by a cozy fireplace. We'll spend the night at the lodge, ready to continue our adventure the next day.

• Hiking Distance: 6.8 km (round trip)

• Hiking Time: 2 hours up, 1.5 hours down

• Altitude: Maximum 5,034 m (viewpoint), Minimum 4,674 m (trail start)

• Meals: Buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, dinner

• Accommodation: Lodge in Pacchanta

• Weather: Cold and windy, especially at the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint

Day 2: Pacchanta, 7 Lagoons of Ausangate (4,600 m), Cusco

We’ll start our day early to make the most of our time in the stunning Ausangate region. After a delicious breakfast at the lodge at 6:30 a.m., we’ll set off on an exciting hike. As we ascend a gentle slope, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Pacchanta community, known for alpaca herding and high-quality Andean handicrafts.

About a kilometer into the hike, we’ll be greeted by the majestic Ausangate snow-capped peak. The towering Callangate mountains, highly significant to Andean communities, will also dominate the horizon. The 14 km trail to the 7 Lagoons will take us through diverse terrains, including alpine pastures and snowy landscapes, completing the ascent in approximately 3 hours.

At the viewpoint of the 7 Lagoons, we’ll marvel at the colorful lakes and hear the fascinating stories behind each one. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys, this magical and unique spot is truly unforgettable. After exploring the lagoons, we’ll descend along the same trail back to the lodge.

A delicious lunch prepared with local ingredients will await us upon our return. If you wish, you can make one last visit to the Pacchanta hot springs before we head back to Cusco. Our adventure concludes with unforgettable memories of Andean culture, stunning nature, and thrilling hikes.

• Hiking Distance: 12 km (round trip)

• Hiking Time: 3 hours up, 2 hours down

• Altitude: Maximum 4,647 m

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Info: +51984672007