Cultural
We will travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu one day tour, to learn about the history, architecture and beauty of this Wonder...
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CuscoPeru.com invites you to explore two high-altitude areas of Cusco on a two-day private program. The Rainbow Mountain and 7 lakes route begins at Vinicunca and continues to Pacchanta, the starting point for the lagoon circuit beneath Ausangate Mountain.
On the first day, we leave Cusco at approximately 4:00 AM. After a breakfast stop in the Cusipata area, we continue to Chillihuani and begin the hike to Rainbow Mountain. From the viewpoint at 5,100 m, you can see Vinicunca's mineral bands and, when the weather is clear, snowcapped Ausangate. We then travel to Pacchanta and spend the night in accommodation provided by the local community.
The second day starts with breakfast and a small daypack. The trail passes Puca Cocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomerococha, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo, and Blue Lake. Along the way, the route offers views of Ausangate and Callangate as well as Andean animals and birds.
The Super 7 Cusco tour takes place above 4,200 m and reaches 5,100 m at Vinicunca. Travelers should arrive acclimatized, keep a steady pace, and tell the guide if they feel unwell. The published service includes a private bilingual guide, tourist transportation with oxygen, admissions, walking poles, overnight accommodation in Pacchanta, and the meals confirmed for the program.
Day 1
Pickup in Cusco and breakfast stop in Cusipata
We pick you up from your Cusco hotel at approximately 4:00 AM and travel south. The drive to the Cusipata and Paucarpata district takes about three hours. We stop in this area for breakfast and prepare for the trip to the community checkpoints.
After breakfast, we drive about ten minutes to the first checkpoint in Tintinco and Paucarpata. Once registered, we continue for approximately 25 minutes to Chillihuani, where the hike begins.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain
The trail crosses a plain surrounded by mountains. The uphill walk to Vinicunca takes approximately one hour and 40 minutes, although the time depends on pace and how each traveler responds to the altitude. Alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and Andean birds may be seen along the route.
The technical information lists 8.05 km, approximately three hours and 20 minutes of walking, and difficulty level 2. The hike ranges from 4,500 to 5,100 m, so we take breaks when needed.
Vinicunca viewpoint
At the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, 5,100 m above sea level, the guide explains how minerals created the colors in the terrain and provides information about the local ecosystem. You have time to enjoy the view and take photographs while following the guide's instructions.
Ausangate Mountain, which reaches 6,385 m, may also be visible from this area. Conditions can change quickly, and the time at the viewpoint may be adjusted according to the weather.
Transfer and overnight in Pacchanta
After the visit, we descend along the same trail and board the vehicle for Pacchanta. The drive takes about three hours, and lunch is scheduled along the route. Arrival in the community is expected at approximately 8:00 PM.
In Pacchanta, you can rest and use the hot springs according to the confirmed operation. The overnight stay is in a cabin or local family house adapted by the community. Dinner is included in the published program.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
Day 2
Breakfast and hike preparation
The second day begins at 8:00 AM with breakfast prepared in the Pacchanta community. Before setting out, we organize a small backpack with warm layers, water, snacks, and personal items needed for the hike.
The walk starts at 9:00 AM using the poles provided by the team. The first section is not very steep and crosses small streams flowing from the lakes.
Puca Cocha Patacocha and Alqacocha
The first lake is Puca Cocha at 4,500 m, known for the reddish shade created by its mineral sediments. We continue to Patacocha, the circuit's highest point at 4,860 m, where Ausangate and Callangate can be seen.
We then descend toward Alqacocha at 4,750 m. This area provides a broad view of the mountain range and part of the lake circuit, with Ausangate rising close to the water.
Qomerococha Otorongo Lakes and Blue Lake
The route continues to Qomerococha, whose turquoise color comes from minerals carried by glacial meltwater. Farther along are Orco Otorongo and China Otorongo, two nearby lakes named for water colors that resemble a jaguar's coat.
The final stop described in the program is Blue Lake. When conditions are favorable, its waters reflect Ausangate, and birds such as Andean geese, ducks, and ibises may be seen nearby.
Lunch in Pacchanta and return to Cusco
At the end of the circuit, we descend to Pacchanta. Arrival is expected at approximately 2:00 PM, followed by lunch before the return drive.
We reach Cusco at approximately 6:00 PM and transfer you to your hotel. The schedule and hiking time may change because of weather, road conditions, and group pace.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
The rate, admissions, meals, accommodation, and schedules are subject to availability and confirmation before payment.
We traveled with friends and took the two-day tour to Rainbow Mountain and the Ausangate lakes. Our guides, Rómulo and Juan Carlos, were very professional, and Ángel, our driver, helped us enjoy every part of the trip while learning about the places we visited. We highly recommend the agency.
See Vinicunca, Pacchanta, and the Ausangate lakes included in this two-day route.
Find practical answers about difficulty, schedules, accommodation in Pacchanta, the hot springs, horse rental, and meals.
Day 1 lists an 8.05 km hike reaching 5,100 m, while day 2 covers 7.56 km and approximately five hours of walking. Although the route uses difficulty levels 2 and 3, altitude can make both days feel demanding. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco and maintaining a comfortable pace.
Day 1 begins with pickup at approximately 4:00 AM and reaches Pacchanta at around 8:00 PM. On day 2, the return to Cusco is scheduled for approximately 6:00 PM. These times may change because of weather, traffic, and hiking pace.
This is a cabin or local home adapted by the community. Since the room type, bed arrangements, and bathroom conditions are not specified, we’ll confirm these details with you before you book so you know what to expect during your stay.
The published program includes admission to the pools. Bring a towel and sandals. The available time for using the hot springs should be confirmed for your departure date.
Horse rental is not included, and neither the price nor the available route is specified. If you think you might need this service, please check with us before your trip so we can confirm availability and local conditions.
The itinerary schedules breakfast on both days, while the current general included-services list names one lunch in Cusipata plus one lunch and one dinner in Pacchanta. We will confirm the exact meal plan in writing before payment. Tell us about allergies or dietary restrictions when booking.
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