ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE CUSCO

Looking for the ultimate mountain experience Cusco, Peru, combining the stunning Rainbow Mountain and the 7 Lakes of Ausangate in a two-day trek? Look no further! This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of the Andes. These two incredible destinations showcase the diverse beauty of the region, from colourful, otherworldly landscapes to serene lakes set against towering snow-capped peaks. This 2-day trek offers a mix of challenge, natural beauty, and cultural immersion that will leave you with lasting memories.

Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lakes of Ausangate: A Spectacular 2-Day Adventure!

DAY 1: ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE CUSCO – EXPLORING THE COLOURFUL RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

The ultimate mountain experience Cusco kicks off at around 7am. The drive from Cusco to the trailhead of Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca) takes about 3-hours. By starting later in the day, we will avoid the morning crowds and enjoy this incredible place all to ourselves. On the way, you’ll pass through picturesque Andean villages and enjoy views of sweeping valleys and local wildlife like llamas and alpacas. As the road climbs higher, you’ll begin to see the stark beauty of the mountain ranges.

Trekking to Rainbow Mountain

The first leg of your adventure involves a moderate hike that takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit. At an altitude of approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), Rainbow Mountain offers a mesmerizing landscape just like a painting. The mountainside is covered with vibrant hues of red, pink, yellow, and green, created by natural mineral deposits over centuries. The colours are especially striking under the clear blue sky and provide a perfect photo opportunity.

For those not acclimatised to the high altitude, this portion of the trek may be challenging, so it’s important to take your time and hydrate frequently. Drinking coca tea or chewing coca leaves is an effective way to combat the effects of altitude, a practice commonly used by locals.

Descend and Lunch

After spending time taking in the incredible views, the trek back down to the trailhead takes around 1.5 hours. Once at the bottom, a delicious Peruvian lunch is provided, allowing you to refuel before continuing the journey.

Drive to Ausangate Region

Following lunch, the journey continues with a scenic drive toward Pachanta, Ausangate region, where the 7 Lakes trek will begin. This part of the drive offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, and the journey takes about 2.5 hours to reach the lodge where you’ll spend the night. For dinner, we’ll indulge in a unique local tradition called Pachamanca. If you haven’t experienced it yet, this is the perfect place to do so! Afterward, you’ll have time to relax in the healing waters of the hot springs before a restful night’s sleep.

DAY 2: ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE – THE MAJESTIC 7 LAKES OF AUSANGATE

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the 2nd part of the ultimate mountain experience Cusco to 7 Lakes of Ausangate. The first portion of the trek is relatively gentle, passing through valleys and Andean grasslands, with a backdrop of the towering Ausangate Mountain. You’ll encounter local herders with their flocks of alpacas and llamas, providing a unique cultural touch to the trek.

As you hike, the first few lakes begin to appear, each more beautiful than the last. Lake Otorongo is the first stop, with its vibrant blue waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The path will then lead you to Lake Puka Qocha, known for its reddish hue due to the unique minerals in the water.

Exploring the Colorful Lakes

Next, you’ll pass by Lake Azul Qocha, an incredibly turquoise lake, and Lake Q’omer Qocha, a striking green-colored body of water. The colors of these lakes contrast beautifully against the rugged Andean landscape. You’ll have ample time to pause, take in the scenery, and snap photos.

Lunch and Continued Trekking

A packed lunch will be enjoyed in a scenic spot, allowing you to relax and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, the trek continues with a visit to Lake Hatun Pucacocha and Lake Jatun Qocha, both offering stunning perspectives of the Ausangate range. These lakes are larger and quieter, providing a sense of peace as you sit by the water’s edge, surrounded by towering peaks.

Final Stop: Lake Sinakara

The final lake on the 7 Lakes trek is Lake Sinakara, one of the most sacred and picturesque of all. Its deep blue waters are framed by the majestic Ausangate peak in the distance, creating a dramatic scene that will undoubtedly take your breath away.

Return to Base and Departure

After exploring the 7th lake, you’ll begin your descent back to the starting point of the trek. From there, you’ll be driven back to Cusco, marking the end of this spectacular 2-day adventure. The drive takes around 3.5 hours, and you’ll return to Cusco in the evening.

Why Choose the Ultimate Mountain Experience Cusco?

• • Skip the crowds: Start at 7 AM, sleep in and enjoy this place to yourself.
  • Time-Saving: Save 7 hours of travel! Normally, you would need to organise separate tours to each of these iconic locations, but with this combined trek, you get to experience the highlights of the Andes all in one seamless itinerary. This allows you to maximise your time in Peru, leaving more space to explore other attractions or relax before your next adventure.
  • Traditional Cuisine: The 2 day tour includes a traditional Peruvian meal called Pachamanca, an Andean dish baked with the aid of hot stones. The earthen oven is known as a huatia. A must try!
  • Cultural Immersion: Stay the night with a local family that owns its own lodge. This gives you a deeper understanding of the local culture and lifestyle, which is often overlooked in a one day tour.
  • High-Altitude Adventure: If you’re an experienced trekker or looking to challenge yourself, this trek offers a great combination of elevation gains, scenic routes, and physical challenge. It’s the perfect introduction to high-altitude hiking in the Peruvian Andes.
  • Short Time Frame: With only two days of trekking, this tour is ideal for travellers with limited time but who still want to experience the very best of Peru’s natural beauty.
  • Cost-Effective: Instead of booking individual tours to each destination, the 2-day package typically offers a more affordable rate, which includes transportation, meals, accommodation, and a guide. The combined tour cuts down on the logistical hassle and can reduce your overall travel expenses.
  • Connect to Puerto Maldonado: save 4 hours of travel to Puerto Maldonado, making a 10 hour bus ride only 6!

ULTIMATE COMBINATION!
THE ULTIMATE MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE CUSCO WITH THE AMAZON JUNGLE PUERTO MALDONADO 

This offers the perfect balance between high-altitude trekking and jungle exploration. This makes for a complete and diverse adventure that contrasts the Andean mountain landscapes with the lush, vibrant ecosystems of the Amazon rainforest.

• The Ultimate Adventure: Combine high-altitude trekking in the Andes with a jungle expedition in the Amazon. Enjoy stunning mountain vistas, cultural insights, and the biodiversity of one of the world’s most vibrant regions. Perfect for those seeking adventure in Peru.

• Seamless Connection to Puerto Maldonado: After your trek, a night bus will take you to Puerto Maldonado. Explore the Amazon’s biodiversity, visit indigenous communities, and enjoy wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and rainforest trekking. A perfect blend of mountain and jungle adventure.

• Unique Ecosystem and Wildlife: Experience two unique ecosystems, from the Andes’ cool, arid landscapes to the Amazon’s tropical rainforest, with diverse wildlife from condors to monkeys and alluring birds perfect for nature lovers.

READY TO BOOK?

Want more info about our tours? Just hop over to www.bloodybuenoperu.com, drop us an email at info@bloodybuenoperu.com, or give us a shout on WhatsApp at +51 930 161 243! Our awesome team is excited to chat and help you with all the details you need!

FURTHER READING

For more information about travelling around Peru check out Just Cruising Around by Diego and for fishing experiences in Tambopata, Puerto Maldonado visit In Lovely Blue by Kieran.