7 Lakes of Ausangate - Full Day
- Duration
- Full day
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Altitude
- 4,846 m / 15,900 ft
- Group Size
- 12 persons
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.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Flexible cancellation
- Locally operated in cusco, Peru
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.
4:00 a.m. | Pickup in Cusco
We will start the day with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Although the departure is very early, it is worth it, as it allows us to reach the Ausangate area with good daylight and enjoy the day without rushing.
Around 7:00 a.m. | Arrival in Pacchanta and Breakfast
We will arrive at the community of Pacchanta, located at the foot of Ausangate. Here, we will enjoy breakfast prepared by our team to recharge before starting the hike.
Your guide will give you a clear briefing about the route, altitude, weather, and the main recommendations to hike comfortably and safely.
8:00 a.m. | Start of the Hike
After breakfast, we will begin the hike at a calm and steady pace. The trail will take us through wide valleys, small streams, grazing areas, and paths surrounded by mountains.
From the very first section, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking Andean scenery, with crisp mountain air, peaceful landscapes, herds of alpacas grazing freely, and increasingly spectacular views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain.
9:30 a.m. | First Lakes of the Circuit
As we continue along the trail, we'll reach the first of Ausangate's spectacular glacial lakes. Fed by the surrounding snow-capped peaks, each lake displays a unique color that changes with the sunlight, mineral content, and reflections of the mountains.
Some shimmer in brilliant shades of turquoise, while others appear deep blue or emerald green. Surrounded by rugged Andean landscapes and towering glaciers, these pristine lakes offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Ausangate region and are among the highlights of the hike.
11:00 a.m. | 7 Lakes of Ausangate Circuit
We will continue along the famous 7 Lakes of Ausangate circuit, one of the most scenic hiking routes in the Peruvian Andes. Along the way, you'll visit a series of stunning glacial lakes, each with its own unique color and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Ausangate Mountain Range.
The route includes beautiful lakes such as Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha. Each lake offers spectacular photo opportunities and showcases the incredible beauty of this high-altitude landscape.
12:00 p.m. | Highest Point and Panoramic Views
We will reach the highest point of the route at approximately 4,850 meters (15,912 feet), where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Ausangate Mountain Range, its glaciers, and the surrounding glacial lakes. This spectacular viewpoint is one of the highlights of the entire trek.
We'll take time to rest, capture unforgettable photos, and fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the Peruvian Andes. With the towering snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes stretching across the landscape, this is the perfect place to experience the grandeur of Ausangate.
1:00 p.m. | Hike Back to Pacchanta
After completing the 7 Lakes of Ausangate circuit and taking in the spectacular mountain scenery, we will begin our return hike to the community of Pacchanta. The descent is generally easier and more relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the surrounding landscapes from a different perspective while maintaining a comfortable pace for the entire group.
Along the way, you'll have more opportunities to photograph the turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, grazing alpacas, and the impressive Ausangate Mountain. This final stretch offers one last chance to immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the high Andes before reaching Pacchanta.
2:30 p.m. | Lunch in Pacchanta
Once we return to the community of Pacchanta, a freshly prepared lunch will be waiting for us. After a rewarding day of hiking through the Ausangate Mountain Range, it's the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy a delicious meal made with local ingredients.
You'll have time to rest, share stories with the group, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this traditional Andean community before beginning the drive back to Cusco.
3:30 p.m. | Pacchanta Hot Springs, Optional
If time, weather, and the group's pace permit, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Pacchanta Hot Springs. This optional experience can be paid for directly at the entrance and is a perfect way to unwind after completing the hike.
Surrounded by the breathtaking Ausangate Mountain Range, these natural thermal pools offer warm, mineral-rich waters that help relax tired muscles while you enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks. It's the perfect way to end an unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Andes before returning to Cusco.
4:30 p.m. | Return to Cusco
After lunch and the optional visit to the Pacchanta Hot Springs, we will begin our scenic drive back to Cusco. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the final views of the Andes as we leave the Ausangate region behind after an unforgettable day of hiking and exploration.
We expect to arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon, where our transportation will drop you off near the historic center or at your hotel, marking the end of your 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full-Day Tour with lasting memories of one of Peru's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Arrival in Cusco
We expect to arrive back in Cusco between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions. Our transportation will drop you off at your hotel if it's located within the historic center or at a nearby meeting point.
This marks the end of your 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full-Day Tour, an unforgettable journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes, crystal-clear glacial lakes, traditional communities, and the majestic Ausangate Mountain. We hope you leave with incredible memories and a deeper appreciation for one of Peru's most spectacular natural destinations.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour difficult?
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.
How high are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?
The highest point of the route is approximately 4,850 meters / 15,900 feet above sea level.
Should I acclimate before the tour?
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.
Is food included?
Yes. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, according to the confirmed program.
Are the hot springs included?
No. The Pacchanta hot springs are optional, and the entrance fee is paid directly on site.
Can I rent a horse if I get tired?
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.
Is this tour recommended for children?
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.
What should I bring for this tour?
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.
What is the best season to visit the 7 Lakes?
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.