Moderate Hike | Group Max 8 | Alt 5,020m at Vinicunca Pass | Camp 2 nights at 4,900m
Ausangate Trek 3 days with Rainbow Mountain & and 7 Lakes hike included
Ausangate Trek 3 days with Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes
A high-altitude traverse of Glaciers & Color linking Vinicunca and the Ausangate glacier system through one continuous 3-day circuit.
Designed to move beyond the standard tourist corridors, this route connects Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, and the Seven Lakes through remote terrain shaped by 6,000-meter peaks of the Vilcanota Range.
From mineral ridges to glacial basins, the landscape shifts each day as you move through one of the most striking high-altitude environments in the Andes.
Highlights
- Sunrise at Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m)
Stand on Vinicunca with clear morning light with early access before tour groups arrive, with uninterrupted views of Vinicunca. - Full Afternoon in the Red Valley
Hike the Mars-like mineral ridgelines while day tours are already back on the highway. Golden hour light, zero people. - Two Nights Camping at 4,900 m
Sleep directly beneath Ausangate glacier. Proper acclimatization means you feel strong, not rushed, at altitude. - The 7 Lakes of Ausangate
Trek past all seven alpine lakes on day three — turquoise, emerald, and cobalt pools fed by glacial melt. Most day tours never see them. - Pacchanta Hot Springs Finish
Soak in natural volcanic pools with Ausangate in view after three days on the trail. Hot showers and cold beer waiting. - Andean Pastoral Landscapes
Walk through high grazing lands with alpacas, llamas, and Quechua communities. Vicuñas on the ridgelines, condors overhead if you’re lucky. - Chef-Cooked Mountain Meals
Fresh meals prepared for energy and recovery at high altitude. - Conditions most day tours never experience.
Sunrise on Vinicunca, empty Red Valley trails, Milky Way over Ausangate, mirror lakes at midday. Uninterrupted views. - Return to Cusco by Late Afternoon (Day 3)
Back in Cusco with time for dinner. You completed the full circuit without losing an extra day.
From
$397
/per person
3 Days / 2 Nights
Duration
Moderate Hike | Group Max 8 | Alt 5,020m at Vinicunca Pass | Camp 2 nights at 4,900m
Type
Cusco
Location
Trip Details
Vinicunca & Ausangate 7 Lakes Expedition
This is a full crossing of the Peruvian Puna, designed for travelers who want sustained time in high-altitude terrain rather than a single viewpoint stop.
Why Choose Orange Nation?
Orange Nation Peru is a Cusco-based trekking operator trusted by hundreds of travelers and consistently rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor.
Specializing in small-group, high-altitude treks designed for proper acclimatization, efficient route flow, and access to areas most tours miss.
- Local Team, Fair Practices
We are a 100% Cusqueñian operator. Our guides, cooks, and support staff are locally employed, fairly paid, and trained to deliver consistent, high-standard trekking experiences in the Andes. - Small Groups
Every departure is limited to 8 people. This allows for a controlled pace at altitude, better guide support, and a quieter experience on the trail, especially at key points like Vinicunca and the Red Valley. - Professional High-Altitude Guides
All treks are led by experienced, English-speaking guides trained in mountain safety, first aid, and Andean geography. At elevations above 5,000m, active monitoring, pacing, and decision-making are critical, and built into how we operate. - Chef-Prepared Meals at Altitude
Meals are prepared fresh by dedicated trekking chefs using local ingredients. Designed for energy and recovery at high altitude, our food is consistently highlighted in traveler reviews on Tripadvisor. - Safety Systems at 4,900m
All expeditions include oxygen tanks, first aid kits, and trained staff for high-altitude response. The 2-night structure of this trek allows for gradual acclimatization, reducing risk and significantly improving comfort compared to single-day ascents.
Vs
Both options reach Vinicunca, but the experience is very different in pace, depth, and access.
3-Day Ausangate Trek
- Duration 3 Days / 2 Nights (Full Circuit).
- Difficulty Moderate (with full acclimatization).
- Accommodation High-altitude camping beneath Ausangate (4,900 m).
- Best for Hikers, photographers, travelers wanting the whole mountain.
This route includes Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, a full afternoon in the Red Valley, all 7 Lakes of Ausangate, and Pacchanta Hot Springs to finish. Two nights camping allows proper altitude adaptation and access to landscapes day tours never reach.
1-Day Rainbow Mountain Tour
- Duration 1 Day (High-Altitude Push).
- Difficulty Moderate to Challenging.
- Experience Direct ascent and return.
- Best for Time-limited travelers.
- Focus Summit viewpoint only.
- Limitation Faster-paced, peak-hour crowds, 3am departure, 8+ hours drive.
Altitude Advantage (Key Difference)
The 3-day itinerary is designed for high-altitude adaptation. Sleeping two nights at 4,900m allows your body to acclimatize gradually before summit day and the 7 Lakes. This reduces altitude-related discomfort compared to same-day ascent tours. Staged altitude gain improves oxygen efficiency and overall comfort. Summit success rates and enjoyment are significantly higher, making the experience not only more immersive, but physically more manageable for most travelers.
Expert Verdict
This is the most complete way to experience Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and the Ausangate massif without rushing the altitude or the landscape. The two-night structure turns a single viewpoint into a full Andean circuit.
Who It’s Perfect For
- Travelers wanting the full Vinicunca + Ausangate experience, not just a photo.
- Photographers seeking sunrise light, empty trails, and Milky Way skies.
- Active hikers comfortable with multi-day trekking at altitude.
- Visitors wanting Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, 7 Lakes, and Hot Springs in one trip.
Other Expeditions to Consider
- 2-Day Rainbow Mountain Trek
A shorter overnight option with Vinicunca at sunrise and Red Valley. Ideal if you want to skip the day-trip crowds but have limited time. - Ausangate 4-Day Circuit
The full loop around Ausangate with remote passes, glacier valleys, and isolated Quechua communities. For serious trekkers. - Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
A 2-day cultural trek through cloud forest, entering Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. Pairs well before or after Ausangate. - Salkantay Trek 4-Day
High passes beneath Salkantay with jungle descent to Machu Picchu. Best alternative if you want both mountains and Machu Picchu.
Full Itinerary for Ausangate Trek 3 days
Included
- Transit
Private round-trip van transfer from your Cusco hotel to trailhead and back. - Pro Guide
English-speaking mountain specialist trained in high-altitude safety & Andean geography. - Permits
All entrance fees included: Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, 7 Lakes circuit, and Pacchanta Hot Springs. - Portage
Up to 7 kg of personal gear carried by the horse support team. - Gear
Personal duffel bag provided for your luggage on horses. - Sleep
Spacious 4-season tents + insulated sleeping mats for two nights at 4,900m. - Camp
Full camp setup: dining tent, kitchen tent, and private toilet tent. - Rescue
Dedicated emergency horse available if you need to ride due to fatigue or altitude.
Emergency oxygen bottle and comprehensive first aid kit on all treks. - Dining
Professional chef-prepared meals using local ingredients: 2x breakfast, 3x lunch, 2x dinner. All dietary requirements catered for. - Briefing
Pre-trek briefing in Cusco to review gear, altitude, and route. - Soak
Entrance to Pacchanta Hot Springs included on Day 3.
Excludes
- Meals
Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 3 in Cusco after return. - Sleeping Bag
$20 USD per trek clean, -15°C rated, provided if needed. - Air Mattress
$20 USD per trek Therm-a-Rest upgrade for extra comfort. - Trekking Poles
$15 USD per pair adjustable professional poles available to rent. - Single Tent
$30 USD per trek private tent upgrade for solo travelers. - Insurance
Travel insurance required for all treks above 4,000m. - Tips
Discretionary tips for guide, cook, horsemen, and support crew.
Pricing
2 to 8 people | $397 USD per person
Price includes personal pack horse carrying up to 7kg of your gear. Duffel bag provided.
Large Eureka 4-person tents provided for every 2 trekkers.
Discounts
- Group
$30 off per person for groups of 5 or more when booked together. - Students
$20 off with valid university ID, ages 18–25. - Under 18
$20 off with passport copy.
Upgrades
- Poles
Professional collapsible trekking pole rental available for $15 per pair. - Sleeping Bag
-15°C rated sleeping bag rental available for $20 per trek. - Air Mattress
Therm-a-Rest upgrade available for $20 per trek. - Solo
Private tent supplement available for $30 per trek.
Added Value
- Airport
Private arrival transfer from Cusco airport to your hotel included. - Duffel
Duffel bag and waterproof liner provided for horse transport. - Portage
Up to 7kg personal gear carried by horse support team included. - Sleep
High-density foam mattresses and camping pillows provided. - Warmth
Thick blanket and hot water bottle provided for sleeping bag. - Water
Boiled drinking water provided daily at camp. - Safety
Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit included. - Rescue
Dedicated emergency horse on standby throughout the trek.
Packing List
Essentials (Top of Your Backpack)
- Documents
Original passport must match booking details. Valid university ID if booked as student. - Headlamp
Essential for early starts, camp at 4,900m, and pre-dawn summit push. - Warm Accessories
Wool hat and waterproof gloves for cold mornings and 5,020m pass. - Toilet Paper
Always carry your own supply for trekking sections and camp.
What to Put in Your Backpack (Day Use)
- Water & Hydration
Water bottles or hydration system. 2–3L recommended. We provide boiled water from lunch Day 1. - Rain Protection
Waterproof jacket or poncho for sudden mountain weather changes. - Sun Protection
Sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for high-altitude exposure. - Layers
Fleece or light down jacket accessible during the day. It gets cold fast above 4,800m. - Snacks & Energy
Light snacks such as energy bars, chocolate, or dried fruit. - Camera & Electronics
Camera, power bank. No electricity on the trek. - Personal Items
Small cash for tips, drinks, hot springs, or personal expenses. Hand sanitizer and small plastic bag for waste.
What to Put in Your Duffel Bag (Carried by Horses)
- Portage Limit
Up to 7kg total carried by horse team. Includes your 2.5kg sleeping bag and 1kg mattress if rented. That leaves ∼4kg for personal gear. All duffels are weighed. Duffel bag and liner provided at briefing. - Clothing Layers
2 t-shirts, 2 hiking pants, 4 sets of underwear, 3 sets of hiking socks, fleece or thermals. - Warm Clothing
Down jacket. Second campsite temp around 3°C. Night temps can drop below freezing. - Footwear for Camp
Light shoes or sandals for use at camp. - Bathing Suit
For Pacchanta Hot Springs on Day 3. - Sleeping Gear
Sleeping bag rated -15°C minimum. Can be rented for $20. We provide foam mattress and pillow. - Towel & Extras
Quick-dry towel. We provide small ones. Small bottle of soap. Warm water provided each evening. - Storage Bags
Large plastic bags provided at briefing to line your duffel.
Toiletries
- Basic Hygiene Items
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and personal hygiene essentials. - Skin & Hand Care
Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and moisturizer for dry altitude conditions. - Medical Items
Personal medication and basic first aid supplies. Band aids, moleskin for blisters.
Circuits & Safety
The 3-Day Ausangate Trek follows a carefully designed high-altitude circuit through the Vilcanota Range, combining gradual ascent, two nights of acclimatization, and controlled access to Vinicunca, Red Valley, and the 7 Lakes.
The route is structured to reduce altitude strain by distributing the trek over three days, allowing the body to adapt progressively before crossing the 5,020m Vinicunca Pass and visiting lakes above 4,600m.
Route Structure
- Day 1 – Ascent & High Camp
Trek through high-Andean valleys and grazing lands to camp beneath Ausangate glacier near Ananta at 4,900m. The pace is steady and designed for acclimatization, with full support from guides and horsemen. - Day 2 – Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Circuit
Pre-dawn ascent to Vinicunca for sunrise with no crowds. Full afternoon exploration of the Red Valley ridgelines. Return to camp at 4,900m for second night of acclimatization. - Day 3 – 7 Lakes Circuit & Hot Springs
Morning trek past all seven alpine lakes of Ausangate between 4,600–4,800m. Descend to Pacchanta for hot springs soak before controlled return to Cusco.
Safety Management
- Altitude Management
The itinerary is designed for staged acclimatization with two nights sleeping at 4,900m. This significantly reduces the risk of altitude-related illness compared to same-day ascent tours. We ascend slowly and descend to sleep when possible. - Emergency Support
All guides carry emergency oxygen and a comprehensive first aid kit. Staff are trained to respond to altitude-related symptoms, AMS, and basic mountain emergencies. A dedicated emergency horse is on standby for evacuation if needed. - Professional Guide Supervision
Certified English-speaking guides supervise all trekking sections, maintaining group pace, monitoring health conditions, and ensuring safe progression at altitude. Guides are WFR trained and carry satellite communication. - Weather & Terrain Awareness
Routes are continuously assessed based on mountain conditions. The guide may adjust timing, pacing, or route order depending on weather, visibility, and group performance. High passes can close due to snow. - Group Control & Safety Ratios
Small groups maximum 8 travelers allow close supervision and controlled movement throughout the trek, especially during high-altitude sections and pass crossings. - Risk Management Note
This trek operates in a high-altitude environment between 4,200m and 5,020m with two nights camping at 4,900m. While the route is designed for safety and gradual acclimatization, participants should be in good general health and prepared for cold temperatures, variable mountain conditions, and strenuous hiking at altitude.
Ausangate Trek 3 days with Rainbow Mountain & and 7 Lakes hike included
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