ausangate 7 lake - Orange Nation Peru

Ausangate Trek 3 days with Rainbw mt + Upis and 7 lakes Hike included

3 Days

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This 3-day trek connects in a unique route the most stunning landscapes in the Vilcanota Range. Starting from Llacto you will adventure into the Red Valley, the Rainbow Mountain, several mountain passes and mind-blowing lakes with glaciers in the background. Prepare to be amazed by snowcapped peaks, Andean Puna, wildlife and a challenging adventure in the heights of the Andes.

Who is this trek for?

This trek is Challenging, both for the distance and the altitudes along the route. If you are looking to experience the high mountain, the cold air coming from the towering Apus and the challenging terrain, this adventure is for you. We have designed this trek for the seasoned hikers, for those unafraid of pushing physical limits in the search of the beauty the Andes hide in its slopes.

Service Level:

Standard-comfortable mid-tier to luxury accommodation. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Travel Style:

Adventure, Trekking

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

This adventure Ausanagte Trek 3 days is all about long days in the trails. During the first day you will cover a little over 10 km, but from the very first step the landscapes are nothing but mind-blowing.

Leaving Cusco behind.

This journey starts at 6 am. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco, then you will head to the trailhead 3 hours away from Cusco. This part of the day will take you on a scenic ride over the South Valley.

There will be a stop in Cusipata for las minute shopping. If you are missing some snacks or any last-minute items before entering the mountain this is the last chance to get them. From here, the Van will continue to Llaqto, the trailhead.

First segment of the day.

The hike will start at the parking lot before the trailhead to the Rainbow Mountain, but our route is going to take you along an alternative trail to Vinicunca. Surrounding the ridge derived from Hatun Rit’Iyuq, the trail will cover approximately 5 km over the Red Valley.

This first segment starts at 4633 m / 15200 ft and will take you all the way to 4955 m / 16256 ft at the world known Rainbow Mountain. There you will make a stop to enjoy your lunch and refuel for the afternoon. You will have time for pictures and walk around the area to obvserve the magnificent Vilcanota Range.

Afternoon’s goal: to Anantapata Campsite.

5.26 km is the length of the stretch for the afternoon, it features a climb to almost 5000 m / 16404 ft at Warmisaya Pass.

This segment will take about 3 hours and will visit a couple of seasonal lakes coming from the glacier melting of Wasaqucha. From there you will start climbing up to the Warmisaya Pass, summiting this pass Takusiri will reveal in front of you. This massive snowcapped mountain reaches 5350 m / 17552 ft and will be scorting us for the rest of the day’s hike.

Around 4:30 pm you will be arriving to the Anantapata Campsite. There, the expedition team will be waiting with your tent ready. Make sure to add some layers, it will get cold pretty soon. Later in the evening, the expedition chef will call you for a hearty dinner.

Highlights of the day:

  • Distance: 10.64 km / 6.6 mi.
  • Maximum altitude: 5000 m / 16404 ft.
  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
  • Main attractions: Scenic ride from Cusco, Vilcanota Range, Immersion in the Andean Puna, Red Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Warmisaya Pass, Takusiri.

After a mild day on the trails, the second day promises to bring even more stunning landscapes, glaciers, mountain passes and challenging conditions on route.

Apacheta Pass.

The morning will start early, with a hot beverage served to your tent. Following, the expedition chef will serve a hearty breakfast to fuel you up for an exhausting day ahead.

The first challenge of the day will take you to the infamous Apacheta Pass at 4903 m / 16086 ft. This will be the highest point of the day and from here you will be able to spot the imposing Apu Ausangate and lakes surrounding the west face.

The next 2 hours you will descend following the valley. Along the trail you will make some stops to capture the best shots of Apu Ausangate and the lakes in its base. After the last lake you will take a break to rest and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

Upis Lake and Campsite.

The afternoon portion of the day will take you to Upis lake. This stretch covers almost 6 km / 3.7 mi, in the north western face of Ausangate.

After the big push of the morning, the rest of the day’s trail presents mostly flat or descending terrain. This afternoon’s segment has 2 light uphill segments, the first one right after the lunch spot, then the second is a 500 m / 1640 ft to Upis Lake. Which is also a glacier fed lake. You will make a stop for pictures at this unique lake right in the base of the glacier.

To conclude the day, you will descend for another hour to Upis Campsite. There the expedition team will receive you with your tents ready. As soon as you have settled in the Chef will serve a hearty dinner.

Highlights of the day:

  • Distance: 16 km / 10 mi.
  • Maximum altitude: 4903 m / 16086 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Main attractions: Apacheta Pass, Pucacocha, Upis Lake.

The last day on this trip will start at 7:30 am. Your guide will bring a hot beverage to your tent as a wake-up call. Following this warm start to the day, the expedition team will serve a nutritious breakfast to fuel you up for the day.

The hike for the day will start around 8 am with the goal to reach Pacchanta after looping the 7 lakes of Ausangate. The first stretch of the day will go around one of the ridges derived from Apu Ausangate. This part of the hike will be the perfect introduction for the day’s theme: lakes. 4 hours over the Andean Puna with a mix of dry desertic landscapes and green swampy depressions filled with small lakes.

Around noon you will finally make it to the 7 Lakes trail, at Azulcocha. Here the expedition team will be waiting with a delicious lunch. Make sure to refuel for the afternoon and rest your legs.

7 Lakes of Ausangate

The next part of the day will be filled with highlights. The valley where the 7 lakes are located, is surrounded by the Apus Ausangate, Jampa and Hatun Punta. Hiking around this valley has a very energetic feeling as the imposing peaks offer the perfect background to the experience.

You will visit:

  • Male and Female Otorongos.
  • Azulqocha.
  • Alqacocha.
  • Pukaqocha.
  • Qomerqocha.
  • Orqoqocha.

Each one of these lakes has a distinctive coloring, due to the minerals in the soil.

Pacchanta Hot Springs

After delving into the unique beauty of the high valley, you will descend to Pacchanta. This tiny town in the base of Ausangate will be the last stop of the trek and the most rewarding one. Upon arrival you will have the chance to take a plunge in the local Hot Springs. They are sourced from naturally heated volcanic underground streams.

To wrap up the day, the expedition team will say goodbye. Perfect moment to show your gratitude to the amazing expedition team, they are the heroes that make these trips possible.

The Van will ride back to Cusco, where you will be dropped in your hotel after a 3-hour drive. You can expect to arrive around 10 pm.

Highlights of the day:

  • Distance: 16.02 km / 10 mi.
  • Maximum altitude: 4622 m / 15164 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
  • Main attractions: 7 lakes of Ausangate, Pacchanta Hot Springs.

What’s included?

  • Professional Guide: Experienced, English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable about the trail, local culture, and history.
  • Transportation: Round-trip transportation from Cusco to the start and end points of the trek.
  • Accommodation: Tents for overnight camping along the trek. These are usually high-quality, weather-resistant tents.
  • Meals: Our treks include all main meals during the trekking days (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The food is a mix of local and international cuisine, catered to provide the energy needed for the hike.
  • Porters and Horsemen: Support staff to carry equipment, food, and personal belongings.
  • Cooking Equipment and Staff: Includes chefs who prepare meals, as well as all necessary cooking gear.
  • Entrance Fees: Any required entrance fees to the Ausangate site and other included attractions.
  • Camping Equipment: Apart from tents, this includes sleeping pads/mats, dining tents, kitchen tents, and toilet tents.
  • First Aid and Emergency Equipment: Guides carry a first-aid kit for basic medical situations and emergency equipment, if needed.
  • Water: Provision of clean drinking water for the second day.

Excludes

  • Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but, not included.
  • Airfare: Flights are not included.
  • Accommodation in Cusco: Hotel stays are not included
  • Meals in Cities: Meals in Cusco or other cities before and after the trek are not included.
  • Sleeping Bags: You will require you to bring your own or rent one for an additional fee.
  • Trekking Poles: Available for rent at an extra cost.
  • Personal Clothing and Gear: Hiking boots, clothing, backpacks, and other personal gear are the responsibility of the trekker.
  • Tips for Guides and Support Staff: Gratuity for the guides, cooks, and porters is not included and is at the discretion of the trekker.
  • Extra Snacks and Drinks: While main meals are included, extra snacks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled drinks are not.
  • Personal Expenses: Any additional expenses such as souvenirs, laundry services, or additional tours are not included.
  • Emergency Transportation: If you need to leave the trek early due to illness or other reasons, the cost of emergency transport is not covered.
  • Entrance Fees for Optional Sites: Some side trips or additional archaeological sites do have entrance fees not included in the trek package.
Ausangate Trek 3 days with Rainbw mt + Upis and 7 lakes Hike included
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Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

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We design unique tours through Peru, tailored just for you.

Leadership with real-world experience

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Our team understands service from the ground up to excellence.

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Small groups for closer and safer attention.

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We take care of every detail before, during, and after your trip.

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We offer exceptional service and unforgettable experiences without overpaying.

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Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.

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Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

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Couples

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