DAY 1:  RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – VINICUNCA

You will be picked-up at 7.00am (approx)  from you hotel where we will drive for two hours to the town Cusipata. From here we will continue the journey up an unpaved dirt road until we arrive to the starting point of the trek located at 4,400 m.a.s.l. (around 10am approx).

We will start our hike that will take between 1 ½ – 2 hours passing by mesmerising landscapes, mountains and wildlife such as the South American camelids including alpacas and llamas; as well as birdlife such as eagles and mountain Caracara. We will also have the opportunity to interact with the local Quechua community who provide services such as horse rental and sell local textiles, drinks and snacks.  This part of the hike is long with a steady incline. Should you feel any altitude symptoms  such as headaches or dizziness we recommend drinking or chewing coca leaves, which you can also buy from the local community during the trek. Our expert guide will also assist you and of course provide with oxygen should it be necessary.

The final part of the hike is steep and challenging but 100% worth the effort. The final viewpoint is called VININCUNCA-PASSO (over 5000 m.a.s.l.), from where we will observe the impressive view of Rainbow Mountain. The rays of the sun will illustrate how impressive the valley is, illuminating the colourful hills that only exist in this part of Peru. This will be our lunch spot! What better place to have lunch with such a spectacular view! For those of you who still have energy, we will then hike another 30-40 minutes to a view point where we will see the amazing red valley, where you will have opportunities to take great photos. 

Our return journey is along the same path back to the starting point, taking around 1.5 hours (approx), where our transport will be waiting for us. From here we will drive to the town of Pacchanta, which will take around 3 hours arriving at around 6pm. This small town is surround by mountains and the closest to the mighty AUSANGATE. Here we will we will check into our accommodation where we will have dinner and spend the night. Pacchanta is also home to natural hot springs, which we highly recommend and is the best way to sooth sore and tired muscles after a long day of hiking and for stargazing.

DAY 2:  7 LAKES OF AUSANGATE

After a good night sleep and nutritious breakfast we will start our hike to the 7 lakes   of Ausangate at 6am. The hike will take approximately 8 hours where we will visit the lakes of Azulqocha, Otorongo, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha and Patacocha 4740 m.a.s.l.; hike up to the viewpoint and continue to the Condor Qunca (over 5000 m.a.s.l.) for breathtaking and once in a lifetime views! During the hike you will see the majestic mountain of Ausangate 6380 m.a.s.l., as well as native animals including alpacas, llamas and chinchillas. If we are lucky, we may even see condors. We will have our box lunch during the hike.

We will return to Pacchanta at around 3pm where we can have tea and a snack before taking our transport back to Cusco arriving at your hotel at 6pm (approx).

Note: For those of you connecting to the Jungle you will have time to relax in the afternoon and visit the hot springs (optional). This will be followed by dinner and transport from Pacchanta to the town of Tinki where you will be connected with the bus heading to Puerto Maldonado.