Two days, two huge Andean payoffs. I like how this trip strings together Vinicunca’s famous colored slopes and then pivots to the quieter Ausangate Seven Lagoons, so you get variety without wasting time bouncing around Cusco.

The big plus for me is the full-day hike loop feel: a real summit-style climb at Rainbow Mountain, then a multi-stop day around the lagoons with viewpoints and time to enjoy the views. The other thing that’s easy to appreciate is the structure: included guide support, trekking poles, and meals that keep you fueled between cold mornings and long walks.

One drawback to keep in mind: the trip can feel organizationally chaotic around early pickup and guide handoffs, based on real experiences from past departures.

What Makes This 2-Day Tour Worth Your Time?

This is a classic Cusco-region combo for people who want dramatic mountain scenery and don’t mind that the Andes have their own schedule—sunrise means chilly air, and the altitude means you hike more carefully than you normally would.

On day one, you’ll head from Cusco out toward the communities used as staging points for Vinicunca. On day two, you’ll switch to Ausangate’s lagoons near the legendary massif, with a hike pattern that builds from viewpoint time to more lakes on foot.

If you’re the type who likes to earn your photos (and you don’t panic when the morning is very early), this tour can be a satisfying Andes workout with real rewards.

Key Points Before You Go

• Small group (up to 18) keeps the hikes from feeling like cattle herding.
• Trekking sticks + first aid kit are included, which helps on long, uneven climbs.
• Day 1 includes a buffet lunch in Kusipata after the Rainbow Mountain hike.
• Day 2 starts at 8:00 am, so you get a proper second hiking window.
• Hot springs access costs extra (ticket not included), even though you sleep in Pacchanta.

Vinicunca and Ausangate in Two Days: What You’re Really Buying

You’re paying for a tight geographic combo: Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) first, then Ausangate’s Seven Lagoons the next day, with an overnight in Pacchanta so you’re closer to both experiences.

The included lodging matters because it reduces what you’d otherwise spend in time and energy shuttling back and forth. You also get two breakfasts, two lunches, and one dinner, plus a professional guide for both days.

Just know what’s not in the package: entrance tickets to Vinicunca and Ausangate’s lagoons, and the hot springs ticket in Pacchanta are extra.

Getting Out of Cusco: Kusipata, Kayrawiri, and the Long Drive Factor

Day one starts with hotel pickup in Cusco with a notice of about 30 minutes before departure. The morning logistics are typically the hardest part of high-altitude tours, because you’re up early and you’re waiting for vehicles that must coordinate with road timing and other groups.

From Cusco, you head south to the district of Kusipata, where breakfast is served. After breakfast, the ride continues toward the community of Kayrawiri, with roughly 1 hour 20 minutes on the bus before the hike begins.

This drive portion is more than transport. It’s your acclimation runway in real time: you’ll feel the altitude more once you start walking, so arriving rested enough to begin the climb matters.

Rainbow Mountain Hike: Timing, Altitude, and How to Handle It

After reaching Kayrawiri, your hike to Vinicunca is about 1 hour 30 minutes. At the top, you’ll get an explanation from your guide and time to explore and take photos.

Here’s the practical truth about Rainbow Mountain: it’s steep enough that pacing beats speed. One past visitor specifically noted the climb felt worth it, especially after going up around 16.5K ft, but they also made it clear it’s exhausting—like, “slow down and breathe” exhausting.

My advice for this part is simple: treat the hike like a hill walk, not a race. Start slower than you think you need to, and don’t wait until you feel out of control to slow down.

Entrance ticket is extra

The Vinicunca mountain entrance fee is not included (listed at s/25). I’d budget for it ahead of time so you don’t end up scrambling at the wrong moment.

Kusipata Buffet Lunch and the Reset Before Pacchanta

Once you finish at Rainbow Mountain, you return to the bus and head back to Kusipata. There you’ll have a buffet lunch, which is a helpful reset after cold air and hard walking.

Then it’s back on the road. You travel Kusipata to Urcos, and you’ll switch buses to continue toward the rural community of Pacchanta for your overnight lodge.

This day can feel long, but that’s also why the overnight works. You’re trading a rushed one-day trip for a more relaxed pacing: hike in the morning, eat well, then shift into “local time” mode for the night.

Pacchanta Overnight: Hot Springs Option and Community Time

After you arrive in Pacchanta, you’ll have afternoon free to get a sense of local activities in the community. The tour also mentions enjoying the hot springs of the place, but the hot springs entrance ticket is not included (s/8).

One past booking described the lodge beds as comfy, with no hot shower—but said the hot springs were a nice tradeoff. That detail matters because it tells you what to expect from “comfort” in a high-Andes lodge: warmth may come more from the springs than from your room.

If you can, pack for the temperature swing. The day is bright and cold; the night is colder. A towel, warm socks, and a change of clothes aren’t optional here—they’re quality-of-life upgrades.

Ausangate Seven Lagoons Day: The 8:00 am Start and the Hike Shape

Day two begins at 8:00 am after breakfast. You head out to see the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate, a natural attraction southeast of Cusco, with the lagoons sitting near the foot of mountain Ausangate.

The tour also includes an option linked to the Pacchanta Community. You can start there and hike toward the area where you get broad lagoon views.

Viewpoint hike first

The walk to reach the viewpoint is about 2 hours. This is the part where you want your breathing under control, because the “wow” moment is easier to enjoy when you’re not fighting a panic gasp.

Then the longer lagoon walking section

After the viewpoint, you walk another 3 hours, covering more of the lagoons and returning to the starting point in Pacchanta. Lunch happens back at the village area (at the starting point), and then you return to Cusco.

One reason this day feels special is the pacing: it builds. First you get the wide view, then you move through the terrain at a slower, more immersive pace—without being stuck in one photo spot forever.

Entrance ticket is extra

The Ausangate 7 Lagunas entrance ticket is not included (s/20). Plan to handle it as part of your on-the-ground costs.

Price and Value: What $357 Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

The price is listed as $357 per group, up to 2 people. That’s a meaningful number, so here’s how to judge value the smart way.

Included value highlights:

• 2 days of transport and a professional guide
• 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner
• Lodging in Pacchanta
• Trekking sticks and a first aid kit

What adds up on top:

• Vinicunca entrance: s/25
• Ausangate lagoons entrance: s/20
• Pacchanta hot springs ticket: s/8

So yes, extra fees exist. But you’re not paying separately for lodging and guides day two, which is usually where “low price” tours start to bite later. If you’re comfortable with early mornings and solid hikes, this price can feel fair because the heavy lifting is handled: food, guides, and the overnight.

Organization Reality Check: Early Pickups and Guide Handoffs

I’ll be straight with you. A recurring theme in real experiences is communication stress around pickup and switching between vehicles or guides.

In some cases, people were told to be ready for very early pickup, waited a long time outside, and had to contact the operator repeatedly just to confirm the tour was actually starting. There were also mixups reported around guide identity and group assignments, which can lead to moments of confusion—like realizing you’re on a different bus than expected, or needing someone to locate you before the next transfer.

What you can do to protect your trip:

• Be ready for the earliest possible pickup window, even if a firm time shifts.
• Save the provider’s contact method on your phone before you go to bed.
• If you don’t see your driver/guide within a reasonable time, message first, then call.
• Keep your ID and cash accessible, because it’s the kind of day where last-second paperwork slows everything down.

Don’t let this scare you off. Just plan for calm problem-solving.

What to Pack for Cold Andes Hikes (Really)

You’ll want warm clothing and sun protection. This tour’s packing list is pretty complete, and I’d follow it closely.

Must-haves:

• Hiking shoes (not just sneakers)
• Warm layers and gloves
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Water and sunscreen (biodegradable is recommended)
• Rain gear (mountain weather changes fast)
• A daypack for layers and snacks

Night and comfort help:

• Change of clothes
• Towel (especially if you’re planning to use hot springs)
• Flashlight

Bonus items if you’re picky (I am):

• Biodegradable insect repellent
• Flashlight + headlamp style light (easier hands-free)

Also bring cash for entrance tickets and any optional costs like the hot springs.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This is not a casual stroll tour. It’s built for people in good physical condition, because both attractions require hiking and high-altitude effort.

Not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with heart problems
• People over 80
• People with low level of fitness

If you’re new to altitude, start with humility. Go slow, hydrate, and don’t treat the steep parts like they’re just another hill. If you’ve done Cusco-region hikes before and you know how your body reacts, you’ll be in a much better spot.

Should You Book This Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour?

I’d book it if you want two of the most famous high-mountain experiences in the Cusco area in one efficient package, and you’re comfortable with early starts and strenuous walking at altitude. The day-by-day hike rhythm is strong, and the overnight in Pacchanta makes the trip feel less rushed.

I’d be cautious if you hate uncertainty around pickup timing or you need rock-solid coordination to feel calm. Based on real-world patterns, a few departures can run messy before everything finally clicks into place.

If you’re going, go prepared: pack for cold and sun, budget entrance tickets, and communicate early if pickup isn’t obvious right away.

FAQ

How long is the Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour?

It runs for 2 days.

Do I stay overnight during the tour?

Yes. You’ll sleep in Pacchanta (lodging is included).

What is included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup in Cusco, transport for 2 days, a professional guide for 2 days, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, trekking sticks, a first aid kit, and lodging in Pacchanta.

What entrance fees are not included?

You’ll pay extra for Vinicunca entrance (s/25), Ausangate 7 Lagunas entrance (s/20), and Pacchanta hot springs (s/8).

When does the Seven Lagoons day start?

Day two starts at 8:00 am after breakfast.

What language is the guide?

The tour guide provides interpretation in English and Spanish.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring comfortable and warm hiking clothes, warm layers, gloves, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (biodegradable), water, rain gear, hiking shoes, a daypack, and a flashlight. Also bring a change of clothes and cash.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people over 80, or those with low fitness levels.