One day trip Sacred Valley
The trip is Sacred Valley, the daily trip is wonderful, the guide Grobert and the driver are nice. We enjoyed the full trip.
Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes Trek with Sky Dome Lodging
- Duration 2 Days
- Type Group or private
- Group Size Up to 8 people
- Languages English, Spanish
From $297.00 / Person
Overview
The Ausangate Trek, combining Rainbow Mountain and the 7 Lakes, takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. Begin your adventure at Rainbow Mountain, where you’ll witness the remarkable natural colors of its mineral-rich slopes, before continuing your hike through the impressive Red Valley. Spend the night camping beneath a spectacular star-filled sky. The journey continues with a visit to the Seven Lakes, each displaying beautiful shades of blue and green against a backdrop of towering glaciers and snow-covered mountain peaks. Finally, unwind in the natural hot springs, enjoying a well-deserved rest while surrounded by the majestic scenery of the Andes.
Trip Details
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Llacto – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Pacchanta
Scenic Drive & Breakfast Among the Alpacas
Your adventure begins with a 5:00 AM pickup from your hotel. A 3-hour drive through Cusco’s South Valley, past Inca terraces, traditional farming villages, green valleys, and towering Andean peaks, takes us toward the trailhead at Llacto (4,638 m / 15,216 ft). We stop for a generous breakfast surrounded by grazing alpacas and llamas, then drive the final 5 minutes to the start of the trail.
Hike to Rainbow Mountain & the Red Valley
The trail follows a pretty mountain stream with views of the snowcapped Ausangate and its glaciers. Along the way, you will meet local families who still keep their Quechua traditions alive; your guide will explain the meaning of their colorful clothing and the different hats worn by the men, and can even teach you a few words of Quechua.
After about 1.5 hours of climbing, you reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,470 ft). Spend around 30 minutes taking photos and admiring its unique striped colors. We then cross over to the top of the stunning Red Valley to explore this remarkable landscape, a detour that adds about 45 minutes to the return.
Lunch & a Night in the Sky Domes at Pacchanta
We return to the trailhead along the same path in about an hour, where our chef has a hot lunch ready for you. A 2-hour drive then takes us to Pacchanta, where you spend the night in our exclusive Sky Dome Camp, with real beds, private bathrooms, and hot showers, right next to the village’s natural hot springs.
Prefer not to walk all the way? Local families rent horses at the trailhead.
- Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Altitude: 4,200 m to 5,020 m (13,780 ft to 16,470 ft)
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Exclusive Sky Dome Camp at Pacchanta with private bathrooms, hot showers, and views of the starry sky and the Ausangate glacier
Day 2: Pacchanta – 7 Lakes of Ausangate – Cusco
Hike to the First Lake
Enjoy a tasty breakfast with snowcapped peaks all around before setting off on foot. A gentle uphill walk of about 1.5 hours brings you to the first of the lakes. Take all the time you need to soak in the 360-degree views and explore this truly magical spot.
The 7 Lakes & Return to Cusco
The other six lakes are close by, and the trail becomes easier from here, as it is mostly flat or downhill. There is plenty of time to photograph the colorful lakes and the glaciers above them. After lunch, we drive 3 hours back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel at around 5:00 PM.
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
- Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Highest Point: 4,600 m / 15,092 ft
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Arrival in Cusco: Around 5:00 PM
Inclusions
What Is Included in the Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes Trek?
- Hotel Pickup: Collection from your hotel on the morning of the trek.
- Private Transport: Round-trip private vehicle between Cusco and the trailheads.
- Professional Guide: Experienced, English-speaking guide.
- Entrance Fees: Admission to Rainbow Mountain and the 7 Lakes of Ausangate.
- Sky Dome Camp: One night in our exclusive domes at Pacchanta with private bathrooms and hot showers.
- Meals: All meals listed in the itinerary (vegetarian options on request).
- Camp Equipment: Dining tent with tables and chairs, kitchen tent, toilet tent, and tents for our crew.
- Personal Pack Horse: Carries up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your belongings, such as extra clothing, in the duffel bag we provide.
- Drinking Water: Boiled water for drinking and washing.
- Rain Poncho
- Safety Equipment: First-aid kit with an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Taxes
What Is Not Included?
- Personal Hiking Gear
- Travel Insurance
- Trekking Poles: $15 USD per pair.
- Horse Rental: Optional, arranged directly with local families at the trailhead.
- Tips: Optional gratuities for your guide, cook, and crew.
Price
Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes 2-Day Trek Price
This 2-day trek runs on any date that works best for you, with a minimum of 2 hikers. The price includes a personal pack horse that carries up to 7 kg of your belongings in the duffel bag we provide.
| Service Option | Price per Person (USD) | Details |
| Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes 2 Days | $297 USD | Includes 1 night in the Sky Domes at Pacchanta and a personal pack horse |
Free Extras Included
- Airport Transfer: From Cusco airport to your hotel.
- Duffel Bag & Liner Bags: Provided at no extra cost.
- Boiled Water: Supplied throughout the trek.
- Emergency Oxygen: Available at all times on the trail.
Packing List
What to Pack for the Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes Trek
Essentials
- Original Passport: It must be the same passport you used to book.
- Daypack: A good, compact backpack (the smaller, the better).
- Water: 2 to 3 liters of capacity; hydration bladders such as CamelBaks are ideal.
- Hiking Boots: Comfortable boots with good ankle support.
- Headlamp: Essential.
- Toilet Paper
Your Duffel Bag (Max 7 kg / 15 lbs)
We hand out a duffel bag at your briefing, and your personal pack horse carries up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your belongings to the Sky Dome Camp.
- 1 or 2 t-shirts
- At least 1 pair of hiking pants
- 2 changes of underwear
- 2 pairs of hiking socks
- Swimsuit for the Pacchanta hot springs
- A couple of fleece or thermal layers, depending on the season
- Warm clothing and a down jacket, depending on the season
- Warm gloves
- Comfortable shoes for the evening
- Quick-dry towel (we provide small ones, but you may prefer a larger one)
- Power bank (there is no electricity on the trail)
- Large plastic bags to line your duffel (ask for them at our office)
Toiletries
- Moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medication
- First-aid kit with adhesive bandages, moleskin, and similar items
Your Daypack
A small 30L to 40L backpack is ideal for daytime hiking. Everything else travels in your duffel bag.
- Water (bring your own until the first lunch stop; after that, we refill your bottles with cooled boiled water at every meal)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Wool hat and gloves
- Rain jacket (a rain poncho is provided)
- Fleece
- Snacks such as chocolate, cereal bars, or dried fruit
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small bag for your trash
- Cash for souvenirs, drinks, tips, and an optional horse rental
Important Info
How does the airport pickup in Cusco work?
We meet you at Cusco airport and take you to your hotel. Please send us your full flight details at least 14 days before you arrive. Look for our representative holding a Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu sign at the exit of the arrivals terminal.
When and where is the pre-trek briefing?
At 6:00 PM the evening before the trek, at our office in Cusco (Calle Garcilaso 265, Office 201).
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Of course. While you are on the trek, your main luggage can stay at our office or at your hotel, whichever is easier for you.
How do I book the Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes Trek?
Step 1: Fill out our booking form by clicking BOOK NOW. We need the following details for every traveler in your group to purchase the entrance tickets:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
Step 2: Pay a deposit of $211 USD per person to confirm your place. You can pay by VISA or PayPal directly on our booking page.
How do I pay the remaining balance?
You can pay in cash in Cusco or online. To avoid Peru’s high card fees, pay in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco; there are plenty of ATMs in the historic center. You can also pay online by VISA or PayPal, which adds a 5.5% service fee charged by those platforms.
Can I change my departure date?
Yes, with some restrictions. If you need a different date, please contact our office as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the deposit is non-refundable if you cancel the trek.
Do I need my original passport?
Yes, definitely. Bring your original passport, and make sure its number matches the one you gave us to book your trek and entrance tickets. If you renew your passport after booking, keep a copy of the old one and send us copies of both so we can update your details; otherwise, you will need to bring both passports with you to Peru.
What is the weather like?
Hard to predict. As you move through different microclimates, conditions can change several times in a single day. Always carry warm layers and good rain gear in your daypack.
How can I avoid altitude sickness?
Stay active before your trip and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first. Most travelers who acclimatize this way feel fine on the trail. The best remedies are plenty of water, coca tea, and oxygen if needed, and our guides are trained to recognize and treat altitude sickness. While you acclimatize, you can also join one of our Cusco City or Sacred Valley tours.
How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lakes Trek?
It is a moderate to difficult trek. You do not need to be an athlete or an experienced mountaineer, but the high altitude makes it far from easy. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the scenery. If you do not exercise regularly, we recommend extra walking, hiking, or other cardio activity in the months before your trip.
What are the toilets like on the trek?
Clean and private. The Sky Domes have private bathrooms, and on the trail we set up our own camping toilet with a proper seat inside a separate tent, placed at a comfortable distance from where we eat and rest. Our travelers love having a hygienic option instead of the basic public facilities.
What happens if I cannot finish the trek?
Our team will help you get to safety. If a health problem prevents you from continuing, we will help you reach the nearest town and arrange transport. We always carry oxygen for breathing difficulties. In serious emergencies, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged at your own cost, so travel insurance is required. No refunds are given if you cannot complete the trek.
Will you take us back to our hotel?
Absolutely. Hotel drop-off on the last day is included. If you are staying in the Sacred Valley, for example in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will take you there instead.
Should I tip the crew?
Tipping is optional, but it means a lot to the team. Even if it is not common in your country, tips are an important part of the tourism industry in Peru and motivate the people who look after you to give their very best. How much you give is entirely up to you and should reflect the quality of the service and the length of your trip.
Is Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu a sustainable operator?
Yes. We are a local, responsible tourism operator committed to two key principles: protecting the environment and benefiting local communities while respecting their culture and beliefs. All our staff are trained to understand and respect the places we visit and the people who live there.
What You'll Experience on the Trail
From the terraces of Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, every step brings you closer to the lost city of the Incas.
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Stop 01 / 03Wiñay Wayna
Its agricultural terraces cover half the mountainside, making it a trail favorite. Its name means "Eternally Young" in Quechua.
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Stop 02 / 03Inti Punku
The "Gate of the Sun" was the main entrance to Machu Picchu and gives you your first view of the citadel, a view you can only earn on the Inca Trail.
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Stop 03 / 03Machu Picchu
By far the most well known UNESCO world heritage site in Peru and the pinnacle of many people's visits to South America. This is where you wanted to be.
Lovely Words From Our Travelers
Real reviews from travelers who explored Machu Picchu and Cusco with us, straight from Tripadvisor, Google and Trustpilot.
Tripadvisor Reviews
Read all on Tripadvisor
Amazing experience with Sam travels
I had the best experience with Sam travels, we had an amazing time doing the 4d Salkantay trek, we had the best weather. Specifically want to mention Josep what an amazing cool guy he was. A real leader, great story teller, motivator and made you feel like you were taking on something special. Secondly another special mention for Andres and his catering team. The food was amazing, real nutritious and energising for the long trekking days.
Finally the horse man Donato, he managed to get all of our fresh clothing to the next camp very efficiently. Highly recommend a trip with this company.
Great experience at short Inca trail
We did the 2-day Short Inca Trail and it was a fantastic experience! Our guide, Fredy Zapata, was excellent. He told us so much about the history of the Incas and the region, and was able to answer every question we had. He did a great job and made the whole experience really enjoyable.
The highlight was definitely arriving at the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. An unforgettable experience that we would highly recommend!
Great experience because of the team!
Amazing trip! What a great experience, so well organized. Our guide Josep was a guiding star who knows so much and shared a lot of information. Very kind and helpful in every way. The cooking team of Andres was amazing and we had wonderful and a great variety of meals every evening. Donato the horseman made sure we got our stuff safe and in time to every stop. I could not ask for a better experience to be honest. Especially Josep, thank you for being so flexible, organized and sharing your knowledge.
Unforgettable Salkantay Experience with Sam Travel
We did the Salkantay Trek with SAM Travel and couldn’t have been happier with our choice! Our guide, Josep, was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. He answered every single one of our questions about nature, history and Peruvian culture honestly, even better than ChatGPT! ;) We especially loved being in such a small group. It made the whole experience feel much more personal, relaxed and authentic.. The accommodations throughout the trek were excellent, and the food prepared by Andrés was absolutely outstanding. We were honestly surprised by the quality and variety of the meals, especially considering we were in the middle of the mountains. We spent a long time researching different companies before booking the Salkantay Trek, and choosing SAM Travel was definitely the right decision. Everything was extremely well organized, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. We would 100% recommend SAM Travel, and especially Josep and Andrés, to anyone planning to do the Salkantay Trek!
SAM travel
Great trip. Great people. Loved my time with Joseph, Andres, Donato.and Elvis. Amazing world to explore made extra special with great people. Shout to my fellow travellers
Best trek ever!
It was amazing. We had the best Guide with Josep who is Sperling really good English and explaining so many things to us as well as introducing us perfectly to the altitude and the landscape. The Pick Up, accomodation and especially the food was so well organized and delicious. I highly recommend doing this trek, it was spectacular. 😍
Google Reviews
Read all on Google
We had an amazing experience on the 4 day/3 night Salkantay Trek with Sam Travel Peru. Everything was seamless from beginning to end.…
I joined the 2-day, 1-night tour to Cusco and Machu Picchu with SAM TRAVEL, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.…
We had an incredible time on the 3D/2N Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu tour and would highly recommend it. It was fantastic to visit some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, the Maras Salt Mines and Moray on the first…
We did the 4-day Inca Trail with Sam's Travel, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. It's something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.…
We had a great time on our 3d/2n tour of the sacred valley and short inca trail. The sacred valley prepared us very well for Macchu Picchu and the information provided was great. Our guide Rolando was very knowledgeable about the inca…
We’ve just done the 4-Days Inca trail with SAM travel. Our main guide Josep was very professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He really made sure that we enjoy the journey and our needs are addressed. Jimmy, our assistant guide, helped…
We had a great experience with Sam Travel Peru. Always felt well taken care of and safe. Our guide, Israel, was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The office staff were always quick to reply to emails.…
Trustpilot Reviews
Read all on Trustpilot
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide…
Awesome trip with Josef as our guide Mario the chef with amazing food and porters who were our hero’s.
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow…
We booked a day tour for the Rainbow Mountain and it had been just perfect. Fernando, our guide, was really kind and attentive. All the staff is professional and friendly, totally recommended!
Incredible Salkantay Trek with Exceptional Guide Jhordy
We recently completed the Salkantay Trail trek with Sam Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our experience. Our guide, Jhordy, was exceptional. He was highly professional, providing great insights, facts, and stories that enriched our journey. Jhordy was very patient with us and demonstrated remarkable flexibility, adjusting the itinerary when we weren't feeling our best. We highly recommend Sam Travel, especially Jhordy, for making our trek an incredible time.
