The Ultimate Andean Odyssey: Glaciers, Lagoons & The 7-Colored Mountain

We start our expedition with a pickup from your hotel at 05:00 a.m. We travel by private bus for approximately 3 hours to the village of Tinke (3,800m), the gateway to the Ausangate region. Here, we meet our team of muleteers (arrieros) and horses who will carry our gear. We begin hiking gently uphill for about 3-4 hours, with the majestic snow-capped Ausangate mountain growing larger in front of us. We arrive at our first campsite, Upis (4,400m), by lunchtime. In the afternoon, you can relax your muscles in the Upis natural hot springs while watching the sunset over the glaciers.

After a hearty breakfast, we conquer our first challenge: the Arapa Pass (4,800m). From the summit, the landscape transforms into a rugged, colorful desert of red and rock. We descend towards the Pucacocha Lagoons, a stunning series of lakes fed directly by the melting ice of the Apu Ausangate. We will camp right next to the turquoise waters of Pucacocha, enjoying one of the most scenic nights of the trek.

Today is the highlight! We wake up early to beat the crowds. A short but steep climb takes us to the Ananta Pass, and from there, we hike to the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). You will arrive at this natural wonder (5,200m) before the main wave of tourists from Cusco arrives, allowing for exclusive photos and a peaceful experience. After soaking in the colors, we hike through the Red Valley and continue to our campsite at Ausangate Qocha, a stunning lagoon nestled at the base of the mountain's south face.

Prepare for the biggest challenge of the trek. Today we ascend to the Palomani Pass, the highest point of our entire journey at 5,200m / 17,060ft. You will feel like you are on top of the world, with panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range. We then descend into a green valley filled with alpacas and vizcachas (Andean rabbits) until we reach the settlement of Huchuy Phinaya or Surapata, where we will spend the night surrounded by towering peaks.

Our landscape changes again as we climb the Jampa Pass (5,070m). Along the way, we pass the stunning Ticllacocha Lagoons, famous for their varied colors. We then descend towards the village of Pacchanta. Here, a reward awaits: the famous Pacchanta Thermal Baths. You can spend the afternoon soaking in these steaming volcanic pools, sipping a drink, and celebrating the completion of the hardest part of the trek with a festive dinner prepared by our chef.

On our final morning, we enjoy a relaxed breakfast and have one last chance to buy handmade textiles from the local community. We take a short hike back to Tinke, where our private transport will be waiting. We will drive back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 4:00 p.m., bringing an end to an epic adventure.