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The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate

Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lagoons Ausangate Tour

Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lagoons Ausangate Tour

$350 per person

🌈 RAINBOW MOUNTAIN & 7 LAGOONS AUSANGATE PHOTO EXPEDITION

Stars, Peaks & Pure Andean Solitude – 2 Days / 1 Night

Leave the crowds behind and discover the quieter, wilder side of the Andes on this two-day private photography tour through the alternative Rainbow Mountain and the stunning 7 Lagoons beneath Ausangate. With zero light pollution, majestic landscapes, and authentic local encounters, this is an unforgettable adventure for photographers and nature lovers who want beauty without busloads.

From rainbow-colored ridges to icy turquoise lagoons, from thermal springs to crystal-clear night skies—this expedition offers a complete experience of the Andean highlands, with photographic freedom and expert guidance every step of the way.


🌟 Tour Highlights

✔ Explore the alternative Rainbow Mountain, where you’ll often have the view to yourself
✔ Photograph three rainbow-hued peaks, not just one, far from the crowds of Vinicunca
✔ Capture sunset and Milky Way over the Ausangate range (weather permitting)
✔ Spend the night in a remote Andean village beneath Peru’s sacred Ausangate Mountain
✔ Enjoy the natural thermal springs after a full day of hiking and photography
✔ Ride horses or hike to the 7 stunning glacial lagoons, framed by rugged peaks
✔ Receive full support from a professional photographer guide specializing in landscapes, astro, and environmental portraits
✔ Contribute to the local economy—a significant portion of this tour supports the Ausangate community


📸 Tour Overview

Your journey begins by traveling south from Cusco toward the lesser-known Rainbow Mountain region. Unlike Vinicunca, this area allows you to photograph three striking rainbow mountains, often with no one else around. Take your time to explore, compose, and capture dramatic ridgelines and mineral patterns without the stress of tour group traffic.

After your shoot, continue to a quiet village nestled at the foot of Ausangate, one of the most sacred and photogenic mountains in the Andes. Here, you’ll settle into simple local lodging, enjoy a warm meal, and—if the skies are clear—venture out for astro photography in one of the most starlit places on Earth.

The next morning, you’ll rise early to shoot sunrise in the highlands before heading out—on foot or horseback—to reach the breathtaking 7 glacial lagoons. Each lagoon offers its own unique color and shape, and together they form one of the most visually striking natural sites in the region.

After lunch back in the village, you’ll return to Cusco, bringing back a portfolio of powerful images and memories of landscapes that few travelers ever get to see.


⚠️ Notes for Adventurers

  • The horseback ride to the lagoons is optional; you can choose to walk for more freedom to shoot along the way.

  • A more challenging alternative route to a high panoramic viewpoint (overlooking 13 lagoons) is available for fit and experienced hikers—no horses allowed. This route starts at 2:30 AM to reach the top for sunrise and involves a strenuous uphill trek. Your guide will assess your ability and may recommend against it for safety reasons.

  • Weather in the Andes is unpredictable. While we always aim for clear skies, rain or snow is possible—especially from December to March.

  • Nights are very cold. We provide plenty of blankets at the rural lodge, but bringing your own sleeping bag or extra thermal layers is recommended.

  • Altitude is a factor—this tour reaches high elevations. Please arrive in Cusco at least 2 days in advance to acclimate.


✅ What’s Included

✔ Private round-trip transport from your hotel in Cusco
✔ Entry to Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lagoons area
✔ Professional photography guide for both days
✔ Horse ride to the lagoons (optional)
Lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2
✔ Overnight stay in a rural mountain lodge (shared room, very simple but clean)
✔ Opportunity for landscape, portrait, and astrophotography (weather permitting)
✔ Local community support & ethical tourism contribution


🎒 What to Bring

✔ Your full photography kit: mid-range zoom, wide-angle, tripod, filters
✔ Extra batteries and memory cards
✔ Warm clothing: gloves, thermal layers, down jacket, beanie, wool socks
✔ Rain gear (jacket, cover for your camera)
✔ Comfortable trekking shoes
Headlamp (essential for astro and pre-dawn walking)
✔ Your best attitude and sense of adventure


💰 Tour Pricing (All Ages)

💲 Private Tour for 1 person$980 USD
💲 2 people$530 USD per person
💲 3 people$420 USD per person
💲 4+ people$390 USD per person
📩 Larger group? Ask us for special rates


📅 Book Your Rainbow & Glacier Expedition Now

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.andeanphotoexpeditions.com

2 Reviews
  • Departure/Return Location
    Your hotel in Cusco
  • Departure Time
    Please be ready for a departure at 05h00
  • Return Time
    Approximately 18h00 (the next day)
  • Dress Code
    Comfortable walking shoes and seasonal clothing
  • Included
    Accommodation
    Entrance Fees
    Guide
    Lunch
    Meals
    Photo Assistance
    Transport
  • Not Included
    Extras
    Insurance
    Local Flights

Tour Plan

1
Day 1
05h00 - Pick-up from your hotel or hostel in Cusco.
06h00 - Stop for sunrise at the Inca ruin of Rumicolca, the pre-Incan Southern gate to the Cusco Valley.
07h30 - Stop in Checacupe to visit the Inca bridge.
10h00 - Arrival at the Alternative Rainbow Mountains.
10h10 - Start the walk to the rainbow mountain, actually going through several different coloured mountains. Be ready to cross paths with the local wildlife, many Llamas and Alpacas!
11h00 - Reach the top of the rainbow mountain. time for pictures.
12h30 - Stop for lunch.
13h30 - Begin the 3h30 drive to the small village at the foot of Ausangate.
17h00 - Arrival and free time. Mingle with the locals or enjoy the hotsprings.
19h00 - Time for dinner, cooked by our host there.
22h00 - If the weather allows, have an astro photography workshop.
2
Day 2
05h00 - Wake up and head out to shoot sunrise from the village, here we can find a great compostition including a river leading to the snow-capped peak of Ausangate, bring tripod for long exposures!
07h00 - Eat breakfast prepared by our host.
08h00 - Begin the 1h30 horseback ride to the lagoons.
09h30 - Arrival at the lagoons, time to dismount the horses and explore the area on foot.
12h00 - Begin the horse ride back down to the village.
13h00 - Lunch in the village with our host.
14h00 - Departure to begin the journey back to Cusco.
18h00 - Arrive in Cusco. Drop-off at your Hotel/hostel.

Tour Location

The Ausangate lagoons are a collection of stunning high-altitude lakes located in the Cusco region of Peru. These shimmering lakes are nestled amidst a dramatic and rugged mountainous landscape, providing photo tourists with an awe-inspiring backdrop to capture breathtaking photos.
The colors of the Ausangate lagoons range from emerald green to deep blue, and the surrounding peaks are often snow-capped, creating a stunning contrast with the azure waters. The trek to the Ausangate lagoons is challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort, as visitors are treated to some of the most spectacular natural scenery that Peru has to offer.
Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply looking to capture some amazing vacation memories, the Ausangate lagoons are a must-see destination for any photo tourist visiting Peru.    

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