Rainbow Mountain + 7 AUSANGATE Lagoons

Day 1: Rainbow Mountain → Ausangate

Adventure

Hotel pickup (Cusco) 4:00–4:30 a.m.

Our team will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco in the early hours of the morning, ensuring punctuality and comfort from the very beginning. The transfer is carried out in modern, safe vehicles, allowing you to rest or admire the Andean sunrise. This first journey is key for acclimatization and for immersing yourself in the spirit of adventure, while the guide introduces you to the history and culture of the region.

Buffet breakfast in Cusipata Andean energy

After approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel, we arrive in Cusipata, where a buffet breakfast awaits, prepared with fresh local products. This meal is essential to recharge your energy before the hike and includes traditional options such as quinoa, artisanal bread, local fruits, and hot beverages. You will also have the opportunity to interact with local residents and learn more about Andean gastronomy.

Transfer to Vinicunca (hiking base)

We continue the journey by private transport to the starting point of the hike, crossing rural landscapes and high-Andean communities. Along the way, the guide will share relevant information about the geography, local flora and fauna, and ancestral customs of the area’s inhabitants. This transfer is an excellent opportunity to prepare mentally and ask any last questions before the hike.

Hike to Rainbow Mountain Approx. 1h 30m

We begin the ascent to Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain. The trail, of moderate difficulty, passes through stunning natural scenery with panoramic views of the Andes, herds of alpacas and llamas, and typical high-altitude flora. The guide will accompany you at all times, offering support and advice for a safe and enjoyable hike, while also explaining the geological formation of the mountain and its importance to local communities.

Arrival and guided visit at Vinicunca

Upon reaching the summit of Vinicunca, the guide will provide a detailed explanation of the geological origin of its colors, mineral composition, and the Andean worldview associated with the mountain. You will have free time to take photographs, enjoy the fresh air, and contemplate the impressive Andean landscape, with the chance to observe high-Andean birds and other unique elements of the area.

Buffet lunch and transfer to Pacchanta Local gastronomy

After descending the mountain, we return to Cusipata to enjoy a varied buffet lunch featuring typical regional dishes prepared by local cooks. This is an ideal moment to share experiences with the group and regain energy. Afterwards, we head to the community of Pacchanta, located at the foot of Ausangate, where you can observe rural Andean life and prepare for an authentic community-based experience.

Hot springs and dinner (optional) Relaxation

In Pacchanta, you will have the opportunity to soak in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-capped mountains and an atmosphere of complete tranquility. These mineral-rich waters are beneficial for the body and ideal for relaxing your muscles after the hike. We end the day with a traditional dinner prepared by local families, where you can enjoy typical dishes and share stories with your hosts, living a unique cultural experience before resting at the community lodge.

Day 2: Ausangate 7 Lagoons Circuit

Nature

Traditional breakfast in Pacchanta Local products

We start the day with a nutritious breakfast prepared with fresh, organic local ingredients such as artisanal bread, cheeses, Andean herbal infusions, and local fruits. This breakfast not only provides the energy needed for the hike, but also allows you to experience the culinary richness and hospitality of the Pacchanta community.

Hike to the 7 Lagoons Approx. 2h

We begin the trek to the 7 Lagoons circuit, a high-mountain route that allows you to admire the majesty of Ausangate and its surroundings. The trail passes through dreamlike landscapes with views of glaciers, rock formations, and unique biodiversity. The guide will accompany you, sharing stories, legends, and knowledge about the spiritual and ecological importance of each lagoon to local communities.

Exploration of the lagoons Turquoise, emerald, and blue

We visit lagoons with intense colors and crystal-clear waters, each with its own story and meaning. The guide will explain the formation of these bodies of water, their ecological importance, and the ancestral beliefs associated with them. This circuit is ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, offering unique scenery and opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Free time to explore and photograph Unique memories

Enjoy a moment of connection with the environment, explore at your own pace, and capture unforgettable images of this natural paradise. You can approach the lagoons, observe flora and fauna, and feel the unique energy of the Andes, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Lunch in Pacchanta Home-style cuisine

We return to the community to enjoy a comforting lunch prepared by local families using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. This meal supports sustainable tourism and allows you to share experiences with residents, learning more about their lifestyle and customs.

Optional hot springs Final relaxation

Before departure, you may choose to soak once again in the hot springs, enjoying a relaxing bath with views of the snow-capped peaks. This revitalizing experience is the perfect ending to your adventure, allowing you to relax body and mind before returning.

Return to Cusco Approx. 6:00 p.m.

We conclude the experience with the transfer back to Cusco in a comfortable and safe journey. Along the way, you can reflect on everything you experienced, share stories with your companions, and enjoy the final Andean landscapes. You will arrive in the city around 6:00 p.m., carrying unforgettable memories of the Peruvian Andes and its people.