Tour 7 Lagunas de Ausangate desde Cusco
Hike among glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and high-Andean landscapes on one of the most impressive routes near Cusco. The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full-Day Tour is ideal for travelers looking for nature, adventure, and a unique experience away from the most crowded routes.
The hike takes place near Apu Ausangate, one of the most important and sacred mountains in Cusco. Along the way, you will see lakes in shades of turquoise, blue, and green, as well as snow-covered peaks, alpacas, llamas, and high-Andean communities.
The tour starts early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a drive to Pacchanta, a local community located at the foot of Ausangate. There, we will enjoy breakfast before starting the hike along the lake circuit, where you will have time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. After completing the route, we will return to Pacchanta for lunch. If time allows, you will also have the option to relax in the hot springs before returning to Cusco.
This experience is perfect for active travelers looking for nature, photography, local culture, and a different kind of adventure, away from the more commercial routes.
Tour type: Nature, hiking, adventure, and high-Andean landscapes.
Duration: Full day.
Start and end point: Cusco / Cusco.
Pickup time: Around 4:00 a.m., depending on your hotel location.
Return time: Approximately between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Difficulty: Challenging, mainly due to the altitude.
Maximum altitude: Approximately 4,850 m / 15,900 ft.
Hiking distance: Approximately 15 km / 9.3 mi.
Languages: English and Spanish.
Meals included: Picnic-style breakfast and picnic-style lunch.
Season: Available year-round, subject to weather conditions and local operation.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the 7 Lakes of Ausangate in one day.
- Hike along a high-Andean route surrounded by mountains, alpacas, and glaciers.
- Enjoy views of Apu Ausangate and the Vilcanota mountain range.
- Visit the community of Pacchanta, located at the foot of Ausangate.
- See lakes in shades of turquoise, blue, and green.
- Enjoy breakfast and lunch during the experience.
- Travel with a professional bilingual guide.
- Receive assistance during the hike, with a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen available.
- Have the option to relax in the Pacchanta hot springs at the end of the hike.
Why You’ll Love This Experience
This tour is a great option if you are looking for a different experience near Cusco, with natural landscapes, hiking, and fewer visitors than other better-known destinations. The 7 Lakes of Ausangate have a special energy.
Some lakes show bright turquoise colors, others deep blue or crystal-clear green, and all of them are surrounded by massive mountains that make the landscape feel quiet, pure, and powerful. For many travelers, this route becomes one of the most beautiful surprises of their visit to Cusco. As a perfect Andean ending, after the hike you will have the option to relax in the Pacchanta hot springs, a great way to rest your body after walking among mountains and lakes.
What Makes This Tour Special
What makes this tour special is the combination of glacial landscapes, local culture, and a less-crowded route. You will not visit just one viewpoint, but a complete circuit of high-Andean lakes located at the foot of Ausangate, one of the most sacred and impressive mountains in the Cusco region.
During the hike, you may see lakes known as Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha. The names may vary locally, but the beauty of the circuit remains the same: clear water, glaciers, mountains, silence, and a landscape that changes with every step. This is an authentic, peaceful, and deeply Andean adventure, perfect for travelers who want to experience something beyond the classic tours in Cusco.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the 7 Lakes of Ausangate is usually from April to October, during the dry season. During these months, there is a better chance of clear skies, better visibility of the snow-capped mountains, and more favorable hiking conditions.
From November to March, rain is more frequent, but the landscapes can look greener, more alive, and more dramatic. During this season, it is very important to bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, as the weather in the Ausangate area can change quickly. At any time of year, mornings are usually cold, and the sun can be strong during the hike. For this reason, we recommend dressing in layers and coming prepared for cold, wind, sun, and possible rain.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This tour is ideal for active travelers, nature lovers, photographers, couples, groups of friends, and people who want to visit a less touristy area of Cusco.
Since the hike takes place at high altitude, we recommend being in good general health and spending at least one or two days in Cusco before the tour to acclimate better. The route is not technical, but it does require walking for several hours at altitude and keeping a steady pace.
Included
- Pickup and return from your hotel in Cusco.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
- Trekking chef.
- Breakfast.
- Lunch.
- Entrance ticket to the 7 Lakes circuit.
- First-aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen for altitude assistance.
- Trekking poles upon request, subject to availability.
- Support and assistance throughout the hike.
Not Included
- Entrance to the Pacchanta hot springs, optional and paid directly on site.
- Horse rental, optional and paid directly in the area.
- Extra snacks and drinks.
- Dinner.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and support staff.
- Travel insurance.
- Services not mentioned in the program.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
- Original passport or ID.
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction.
- Warm layered clothing, as the temperature can change throughout the day.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun and cold.
- Gloves and light thermal clothing, especially for the morning.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Personal snacks, such as energy bars, dried fruit, or chocolate.
- Camera or phone with enough battery.
- Portable charger, if needed.
- Personal medication.
- Swimsuit and small towel if you would like to enter the Pacchanta hot springs.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses, hot springs entrance, horse rental, or tips.
The weather in Ausangate can change very quickly. It may be cold, windy, sunny, or rainy all in the same day, so it is important to be well prepared and dress in layers.
Price
Price from: USD 180 per person
Service: Shared small-group tour.
The price may vary depending on availability, season, number of travelers, type of service, and whether you choose a group or private tour.
Private service: Available upon request.
The price depends on the group size and level of customization required.
Options to Customize Your Experience
Private Service
Ideal if you want to hike at your own pace, have more flexibility during the route, and enjoy a more personalized experience with private guide and transportation. This option is perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, or travelers who prefer a quieter experience.
Pacchanta Hot Springs
After the hike, you can end the day with a relaxing bath in the Pacchanta hot springs. This option is highly recommended if you want to rest your body after hiking at high altitude. Remember to bring a swimsuit and a small towel.
Horse Option
In some cases, members of the local community offer horses for part of the route. Availability and price may vary, and this is usually arranged directly in the area.
Yes, it can feel challenging, mainly because of the altitude and hiking distance. You do not need to be an expert hiker, but you should be in good general health and feel comfortable walking for several hours at altitude.
The highest point of the route is approximately 4,850 meters / 15,900 feet above sea level.
Yes. We recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco before taking this tour so your body can adjust better to the altitude.
Yes. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, according to the confirmed program.
No. The Pacchanta hot springs are optional, and the entrance fee is paid directly on site.
In some cases, horses are available through members of the local community. Availability and price may vary, and it is usually arranged directly in the area.
It may be recommended for families with older children who are used to hiking and are well acclimated. Due to the altitude and distance, it is usually not the best option for young children.
You should bring hiking shoes, warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, personal snacks, a camera, cash in soles, and a swimsuit if you would like to enter the hot springs.
The best season is usually from April to October, during the dry season, when there is a better chance of clear skies and good views of Ausangate. However, the tour can operate year round, subject to weather and route conditions.
