Ausangate 7 Lagoons + Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days

F.A.Q. ¿What should I pack in my backpack?

If you are going on the Inca Jungle Trek, the ideal to prepare your backpack in advance. We recommend that you bring a small backpack, and leave your bigger one at the hostel in Cusco. Make sure you only bring your necesary things you will need for 4 days of the trek

During the days on the trek, Remember, you will be carrying your backpack with you for the entire trek, so you should carry a light, comfortable and good quality backpack. 

here, we give you the list of items which you have to carry in your personal backpack. 

• Hats and sunglasses: The sun is intense at high altitude and you should protect your eyes from the glare. Wear one that offers UV protection and is comfortable.
• Rain gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike.
• Warm clothing: During the Inca Trail, where the temperature fluctuates during the day and night, it is mandatory to have good clothing equipment such as: fleeces, long-sleeved shirts, down jackets and a waterproof layer.
• Sunscreen: Choose a good sunscreen (high factor) and apply it before starting the hike and regularly during the day if you are sweating.
• Hand sanitizer: Carry a good hand sanitizer to disinfect hands before eating, drinking and after using the bathroom. We recommend carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer throughout the day.
• Headlamp: carrying a headlamp is especially useful for those who hike the Inca Trail because it keeps your hands free for other tasks. It is useful to choose a headlamp for brightness, weight and comfort.
• Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk.
• Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.

Peru Travel will provide you with a duffel bag to pack your belongings that you don’t need during the day, the Horses will carry the duffel bag, and please note that it must have a maximum weight of 7 Kg, including your sleeping bag and your air mattress (if you bring or rent one). The duffel bag will be provided to you one day before the trek at your hotels or our office.

• Sleeping bag: if you don’t have one, you can rent it from us; also if you want to buy it it has to have the estimated weight of 2 kilos and remember to pack it in a plastic bag to keep it during the excursion, we recommend a -10°C sleeping bag.
• Rain Gear: The trail can be wet especially in the rainy season. Have quality gear and clothing with materials such as Gore-tex that will keep your skin dry while you perspire during the hike
• Warm jacket: The weather during the excursion fluctuates and can drop sharply during the day and night, so it is essential to bring layers of clothing for the sun and a waterproof outer layer in case of rain or snow
• 4 to 5 T-shirts: Absorbent T-shirts that dry quickly are recommended. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon are the best choice, as they will hold sweat and dry quickly, avoid cotton shirts as they retain moisture and cause chafing and are difficult to dry
• 2 to 3 trekking pants: there are a variety of types of trekking pants one of them is the cargo pants which have large pockets on the side of the legs and the convertible pants have legs that zipper at the knee, those are ideal especially in hot climates or changing conditions during the trail for women leggings or leggings work perfectly
• 4 pairs of underwear: wearing a sports bra and compression shorts will be helpful and keep you comfortable to avoid chafing. If you are hiking in cold weather, wear thermal underwear that will keep you warm
• Snacks: bring snacks that are rich in energy and easy to digest. This, because chocolate bars or cookies are not ideal, as they can be heavy for the stomach and leave you with an impression of sluggishness, so we recommend taking granola bars or a mixture of nuts which will give enough energy to perform the walk
• Extra money: take money preferably in soles for drinks, tips and souvenirs: during the excursion you will find facilities or bathrooms where you will have to pay for the use of some of them, especially the first day.

you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:30 a.m. to begin your unforgettable journey through the heart of the Andes. After about a three-hour drive in our private vehicle, you’ll arrive in the charming village of Pacchanta, surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking views.

Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast with a stunning natural backdrop— the perfect way to start your day. Afterward, you’ll set off on a two-hour hike to discover the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate. There will be plenty of time to take photos, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and listen as your guide shares fascinating stories and insights about the region.

Once you’ve explored the lagoons, it’s just a 20-minute walk downhill to the lunch spot, located on the peaceful shores of Azul Cocha Lake. Here, you’ll relax and enjoy a delicious meal prepared just for you.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue with a three-and-a-half-hour hike to our campsite in Upis, a magical place nestled in the mountains. If you’re up for a little more adventure, you can take a short 30-minute walk to visit Upis Lake, another hidden gem worth seeing.

As the day winds down, you’ll have the chance to soak in the natural hot springs of Upis, the perfect way to relax your body after a full day of hiking. While you enjoy the peaceful sunset, our cook will prepare a warm, nourishing dinner, so you can recharge and rest under the starry Andean sky.

After enjoying breakfast beneath a breathtaking Andean sunrise, you’ll begin your day surrounded by the peaceful majesty of the high mountains. This region is alive with native flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot rare birds, wild vicuñas, or even a soaring condor.

You’ll start by following a gently rolling trail toward Arapa Pass (4,989 m / 16,567 ft). As you ascend, take in the spectacular views of the colorful mountains all around you. Once you reach the pass, you’ll begin your descent toward Puca Cocha, with Ausangate’s snow-capped peak to your left—a constant and awe-inspiring presence. Along the way, you’ll pass llamas and alpacas grazing in their natural habitat, while your English-speaking guide shares insights about the local landscape, plants, and wildlife.

Next, you’ll make your way up to Puca Cocha Pass (4,915 m / 16,125 ft), where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Ausangate Mountain and three turquoise lakes glistening below. It’s a perfect spot to pause and soak in the raw beauty of the Andes.

From there, you’ll descend to the Ananta campsite, where your tent will be ready for you—giving you time to rest, change clothes, or take a short nap. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner by our professional chef, served in the tranquility of the mountains as the stars begin to shine overhead.

Wake up early at 3:00 a.m. to begin your trek to Rainbow Mountain, a breathtaking geological wonder known for its vibrant, natural colors created by unique mineral deposits.

After a light breakfast, you’ll start hiking uphill toward Ananta Pass (4,500 m / 15,090 ft). From here, you’ll get your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain in the distance—an exciting preview, though there’s still a bit more to go.

From Ananta Pass, you’ll descend toward Circle Lake, then continue along a relatively flat path. As you approach the final climb, anticipation builds—soon you’ll reach the spectacular Rainbow Mountain. Once at the top, take your time to enjoy the 360-degree views of the surreal, colorful landscape that stretches out around you. Soak in the beauty and the energy of this unique place.

If you’re up for more adventure, you’ll have the option to visit the Red Valley. This lesser-known gem is just as stunning, with its dramatic red tones providing a striking contrast to the lush greens of the surrounding mountains—a true hidden treasure of the Andes.

From there, begin your descent to Quesiuno, a walk of about one hour. This final stretch is a peaceful moment to reflect on the natural wonders and cultural richness you’ve experienced throughout the trek.

At the end of the trail, the transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, where you’ll arrive around 3:00 p.m., filled with memories of one of the most spectacular treks in Peru.