Ausangate Colored Mountain and 7 Ausangate Lakes Tour

📅DAY 1: RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (VINICUNCA)

Maximum altitude: 5,100 m a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 4,500 m a.s.l.
Distance (starting point – Vinicunca): 8 km
Difficulty level: Intermediate (Level 2)
Approximate hiking duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes

We’ll begin our adventure very early. At 4:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco and drive south for about 3 hours until we reach the district of Cusipata – Paucarpata, located in the province of Quispicanchi. There, you’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the hike.

After breakfast, we’ll continue by transport for 10 minutes to the first checkpoint, located in the farming communities of Tintinco and Paucarpata, where the visitor registration takes place. Then, after another 25-minute drive, we’ll arrive at the second checkpoint in the community of Chillihuani. From here, we’ll begin our hike to the impressive Rainbow Mountain, following a flat trail surrounded by scenic mountains.

The hike takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on the group’s pace. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and various species of Andean birds.

Upon reaching the Vinicunca viewpoint, at 5,100 m a.s.l., our guide will share valuable information about the geology, local biodiversity, and the origin of the mountain’s colors, created by the oxidation of different minerals. The landscape is a stunning display of hues ranging from red and purple to green, pink, and yellow a natural spectacle that captivates every visitor. You’ll also be able to admire the majestic Ausangate Glacier, rising to 6,385 m a.s.l., the fifth-highest peak in Peru. We’ll have time to take photos and fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

After the visit, we’ll hike back to the starting point, board our vehicle, and continue toward the community of Pacchanta, arriving at approximately 8:00 p.m. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch. Once in Pacchanta, you can relax in its famous medicinal hot springs. We’ll spend the night in cozy cabins managed by local residents.

📅DAY 2: PACCHANTA – 7 LAKES CIRCUIT

Maximum altitude (Patacocha Lagoon): 4,860 m a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 4,200 m a.s.l.
Route distance: 7.5 km
Difficulty level: Moderate – Advanced (Level 3)
Estimated hiking time: 5 hours

On the second day, we’ll begin at 8:00 a.m. with a traditional breakfast prepared by the residents of the Pacchanta community. This community primarily raises Andean animals such as llamas, alpacas, and guanacos, and also maintains the area’s natural hot springs.

At 9:00 a.m., we’ll start our hike. Our guide will provide trekking poles, and we’ll begin the route carrying a small backpack with essentials such as water, snacks, and warm clothing. The trail begins with a gentle ascent and soon crosses small streams fed by the nearby lakes.

Along the route, we’ll enjoy stunning views of the Ausangate and Callangate snow-capped peaks, as well as a series of colorful lakes. The first one is Puca Cocha (4,500 m a.s.l.), known as the “Red Lake” due to its iron-rich waters. We’ll continue ascending to reach Patacocha (4,860 m a.s.l.), the highest lake on the circuit, offering spectacular reflections of the glaciers on its surface.

Descending slightly, we’ll reach Alqacocha (4,750 m a.s.l.), located at the base of Ausangate, and later Qomerococha, a turquoise-colored lake formed by mineral deposits from the glacier meltwater.

Finally, we’ll visit Orco Otorongo (4,620 m a.s.l.) and China Otorongo (4,600 m a.s.l.), whose names refer to the jaguar’s spotted fur reflected in the water. Our last stop will be the beautiful Blue Lagoon, where we may spot high-Andean birds such as Andean geese, ducks, and ibises.

We’ll finish the hike by descending back to Pacchanta, where a delicious lunch will be waiting for us at around 2:00 p.m. After lunch, we’ll begin our return trip to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m.