Rainbow Mountain & 7 Lagoons Ausangate Tour
🌈 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
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The horseback ride to the lagoons is optional; you can choose to walk for more freedom to shoot along the way.
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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.
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Weather in the Andes is unpredictable. While we always aim for clear skies, rain or snow is possible—especially from December to March.
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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.
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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
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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
AccommodationEntrance FeesGuideLunchMealsPhoto AssistanceTransport -
Not Included
ExtrasInsuranceLocal Flights
Tour Plan
Day 1
Day 2
Tour Location
Tour Reviews
We will be grateful for your honest and objective feedback.
Superb
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João A
Its an amazing experience! A personalized tour, with almost no people, its a nice chance to connect with locals and crazy place for pictures – nature, people, nightsky. The agency has a great service and i couldn’t ask for a better adventure! Just go, don’t hesitate. you will come back with hundreds of amazing pictures, trust me!
Rasmus Soeby (Denmark)
Amazing experience and a very unique way to see the country’s most amazing places and get off the beaten tourist path.