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The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco is a spectacular full-day adventure for travelers who want to experience the high Andes without committing to a multi-day trek. Located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range near the sacred Apu Ausangate, this scenic route combines breathtaking mountain landscapes, traditional Andean scenery, and a series of stunning glacial lakes.
Starting in Pacchanta, the hike takes you through peaceful valleys, clear mountain streams, vast alpaca pastures, and the famous 7 Lakes of Ausangate, whose waters display remarkable shades of turquoise, deep blue, and green. While the trail is not technically difficult, the high altitude makes this a demanding high-Andean hike from Cusco, so the route is completed at a steady pace with plenty of time for rest, hydration, and photographs.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour from Cusco is operated in small groups and includes comfortable transportation, experienced bilingual guides, breakfast and lunch at local restaurants, entrance fees, trekking poles upon request, a first-aid kit, and oxygen support. From pickup in Cusco to the return journey, the experience is organized with responsible local logistics, allowing you to enjoy one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Cusco region.
Early Morning Pickup from Cusco and Journey to Ausangate
Your Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour from Cusco begins with an early hotel pickup, usually around 4:00 a.m. Starting early allows you to make the most of the day and experience the spectacular landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range in the morning light. From Cusco, we travel toward the Ausangate region, passing through high-altitude plains, remote Andean communities, and traditional villages such as Tinki. As the road climbs, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with vast valleys, rugged mountains, and snow-covered peaks surrounding the route.
Breakfast in Pacchanta
We arrive in Pacchanta, a traditional high-Andean village located near the Ausangate trekking routes. Here, you will enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant before beginning the hike. Your guide will also provide a brief orientation about the route, current weather conditions, hiking pace, and practical tips for walking comfortably at high altitude.
Begin the Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike
After breakfast, we begin the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike at a steady and manageable pace. The trail leads through spectacular Andean valleys, streams, open grasslands, and areas where alpacas and llamas commonly graze. As you gain elevation, the first glacial lakes begin to appear, revealing impressive shades of turquoise, blue, green, and emerald.
The colors and appearance of the lakes can change depending on sunlight, weather, minerals, and the surrounding landscape, making every viewpoint slightly different.
Explore the Seven Lakes of Ausangate
The highlight of the experience is visiting the famous seven lakes of Ausangate, each surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Depending on local naming conventions, the lakes are commonly identified as Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha.
Throughout the circuit, the scenery constantly changes. You will walk across open valleys, rocky mountain terrain, lakeside trails, and alpaca pastures while enjoying spectacular views of the Ausangate glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
Highest Viewpoint: Panoramic Views of Ausangate
One of the most impressive sections of the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour is reaching the highest viewpoint, at approximately 4,850 meters (15,900 feet) above sea level. From here, you can admire panoramic views of the surrounding lakes, glaciers, and towering peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range.
On clear days, the landscape stretches across the horizon, creating one of the most memorable high-altitude experiences near Cusco. Your guide will help you maintain a comfortable pace, take appropriate breaks, and manage your effort throughout this demanding mountain environment.
Hike Back to Pacchanta
After exploring the lakes and enjoying the panoramic viewpoints, we begin the descent toward Pacchanta. The return hike is generally more comfortable as you lose elevation, giving you time to take additional photographs and appreciate the scenery from a different perspective.
The peaceful atmosphere, remote valleys, and impressive mountain views make the return journey an important part of the Ausangate trekking experience.
Lunch in Pacchanta
Once we arrive back in Pacchanta, we stop at a local restaurant for lunch. After several hours of hiking at high altitude, you can relax, enjoy a warm meal, and take some time to recover before continuing with the afternoon activities.
This also provides an opportunity to experience local Andean hospitality and support small businesses within the community.
Optional Visit to Pacchanta Hot Springs
After the hike, you can choose to visit the famous Pacchanta hot springs, a relaxing way to finish your Ausangate adventure. The naturally warm thermal waters are especially enjoyable after spending several hours hiking in the cold high-altitude environment.
If you plan to enter the hot springs, we recommend bringing a swimsuit and a small towel. The visit depends on weather conditions, available time, and the group’s pace, but we include it whenever the day’s schedule and conditions allow.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, we begin the journey back to Cusco. You will travel through the spectacular Andean landscapes before being dropped off at your hotel.
The typical arrival time in Cusco is between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., although the schedule may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, weather, and the pace of the group.
Important Information About the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour: The itinerary and schedule may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, road access, trail conditions, and the group’s hiking pace.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes hike takes place at very high altitude, with the route reaching approximately 4,850 meters (15,900 feet). For this reason, maintaining a slow and consistent pace is essential. Taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and listening to your guide will help you enjoy the spectacular landscapes while managing the demands of the altitude.
Our Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco offers an unforgettable full-day adventure through the spectacular high Andes. This carefully designed experience is ideal for travelers looking for a scenic and well-organized Ausangate 7 Lakes day tour, with comfortable transportation, professional guidance, and support throughout the hike.
Choose a small-group Ausangate 7 Lakes tour for a more social and personalized experience, or upgrade to a private tour for greater flexibility, a more relaxed hiking pace, additional time for photography, and the freedom to enjoy the stunning Andean landscapes at your own rhythm.
Prices are listed in USD and vary according to the type of service selected and the number of travelers in your group.
Mornings in Ausangate can be extremely cold, while weather conditions in the Andes can change quickly throughout the day. As you hike at high altitude, you may experience strong sunshine, sudden winds, light rain, or even snowfall. Being prepared for these changing conditions is essential for a safe and comfortable Ausangate Trek.
We recommend dressing in layers so you can easily adapt to temperature changes during the hike. Carry your essential items in a small daypack, including sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, a hat, rain gear, and plenty of water. Proper preparation will help you stay comfortable and enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Ausangate trek in Cusco, Peru.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek is a spectacular high-altitude day hike from Cusco, taking travelers deep into one of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. Unlike Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and Palcoyo, this trek is centered around a scenic circuit of seven glacial lakes, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, vast alpaca-filled pastures, and the peaceful Andean community of Pacchanta. It is an excellent choice for travelers seeking stunning landscapes, authentic local culture, and a unique high-altitude trekking experience near Cusco.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes hike is located near the traditional community of Pacchanta, in the spectacular Ausangate region of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, southeast of Cusco. This high-altitude destination is famous for its snow-capped mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, alpaca-herding communities, and breathtaking Andean scenery, making it one of the best day hikes from Cusco for travelers seeking a more remote experience.
At 6,384 m (20,945 ft), Ausangate Mountain is one of the highest and most iconic peaks in the Cusco region. The Ausangate 7 Lakes trek does not reach the summit, but the route still takes you to elevations of more than 4,500 meters (14,760 ft). Because of the high altitude, proper acclimatization in Cusco is strongly recommended before undertaking this scenic hike.
Altitude is the biggest challenge on this tour, rather than the difficulty of the trail itself. The highest viewpoint reaches approximately 4,850 m (15,900 ft) above sea level, so even experienced and physically fit hikers may experience shortness of breath due to the high altitude.
For a safer and more enjoyable high-altitude hike in Cusco, we strongly recommend spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour whenever possible. During the trek, maintain a slow and steady pace, breathe regularly, stay well hydrated, and listen to your body. Inform your guide immediately if you experience headache, dizziness, nausea, unusual tiredness, or difficulty breathing. Our tours include a first-aid kit and oxygen support available when necessary.
For additional information and recommendations about traveling at high altitude in Peru, you can also consult the CDC’s official high-altitude travel guidance before your trip.
Mountain weather can change quickly, especially at high elevations. Early mornings may be extremely cold, while the sun can raise temperatures rapidly during the day. However, strong mountain winds can make conditions feel much colder. Travelers should also be prepared for sudden rain, hail, or even light snowfall, which can occur without much warning in the Andes.
Keep your warm clothing and waterproof rain gear within easy reach throughout the hike. Sunscreen is also essential, as UV radiation is stronger at high altitude, even when the sky is cloudy. For a comfortable and safe high-altitude trek, dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions at any time.
This is a full-day Pacchanta tour from Cusco, starting with an early morning pickup. To make your journey more comfortable, prepare everything you need the night before so you can begin the day relaxed. If you are prone to motion sickness on the winding mountain roads, take your usual medication before departure and avoid eating a heavy breakfast.
The early departure allows us to arrive in Pacchanta at the best time, enjoy the scenic trail at a comfortable pace, and make the most of the natural hot springs and Andean landscapes. After the experience, we begin our return journey and arrive back in Cusco safely in the evening.
Bring Cash in Peruvian Soles for Remote Areas
When traveling to remote destinations around Cusco, keep enough cash in Peruvian soles (PEN) with you, as many local businesses do not accept credit or debit cards. Carrying small denominations is especially useful for restroom fees, snacks, tips, hot springs entrance fees, and optional horse rentals. Change may also be limited in rural communities, so having exact or small bills can make your trip much easier.
Withdraw Cash Before Leaving Cusco
ATMs are not reliably available once you leave Cusco, particularly on routes to destinations such as Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and other remote Andean attractions. To avoid payment problems during your tour, withdraw enough cash in advance and organize it in small denominations before departure.
Mobile phone coverage can be limited or unavailable in some remote areas during the trip. Restroom facilities may also be basic, so we recommend carrying hand sanitizer and tissues for added comfort and convenience.
Before your journey, download any essential maps, travel documents, confirmations, or other important information you may need. Keep key details stored offline so you can access them even when there is no internet or mobile signal.
Ausangate 7 Lakes is a spectacular high-altitude adventure through the Andes, featuring turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, vast alpaca pastures, and the peaceful landscapes surrounding Ausangate Mountain. Compared with more popular attractions in Cusco, the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour offers a quieter and more immersive experience in the high Andes.
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is famous for its striking mineral-colored slopes and iconic panoramic viewpoint. The experience can also be combined with the Red Valley, adding another dramatic landscape to the journey.
If you are looking for colorful mountain landscapes and the famous Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, alpaca herds, and a more remote Andean experience, the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour is the better option.
Humantay Lake is a stunning turquoise glacial lagoon located beneath the majestic Salkantay Mountain, making it one of the most popular day hikes from Cusco. In contrast, the Ausangate 7 Lakes trek takes you through a spectacular high-altitude circuit featuring multiple turquoise lagoons surrounded by the Ausangate and Vilcanota mountain ranges.
If you are looking for a shorter and more accessible lake hike from Cusco, the Humantay Lake Tour is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer to explore multiple alpine lakes, dramatic Andean landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and a more remote trekking experience, the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour offers greater variety and a deeper high-Andes adventure.
The trek begins near the community of Pacchanta, in the spectacular Ausangate region of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, southeast of Cusco. Famous for its breathtaking Andean landscapes, the Ausangate area features turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, high-altitude alpaca pastures, and natural hot springs. This unique destination offers an unforgettable trekking experience surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Cusco region.
Pickup is generally scheduled for around 4:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco, allowing you to begin your journey early. After the tour, you will usually arrive back in Cusco between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., although the exact return time may vary depending on road conditions, weather, and the group’s hiking pace.
The hike to Humantay Lake is not technically difficult, but the high altitude and several hours of walking can make it physically demanding. With proper acclimatization to the altitude and a moderate level of fitness, most travelers who can hike steadily for a few hours can complete the trail and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way.
The highest elevation on the trail reaches approximately 4,850 meters (15,900 feet) above sea level, depending on the route and current trail conditions. At this altitude, even experienced hikers may experience shortness of breath due to the high elevation. Maintaining a steady pace, taking regular breaks, and staying properly hydrated are essential for enjoying the hike safely and comfortably.
Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour and are served at carefully selected local restaurants, allowing you to enjoy fresh, authentic local cuisine. If you have any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or special meal preferences, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements for your comfort.
No. The hot springs are an optional activity after the hike, and the entrance fee is paid locally in cash. If you plan to enjoy the hot springs, we recommend bringing a swimsuit and a small towel for a relaxing soak after your trek.
In most cases, yes. Horse rentals for hiking tours in Cusco are commonly provided by local residents and are usually paid for in cash. Since availability can change depending on the day and demand, it is best to request a horse in advance or let your tour operator know early if you may need one during your trek.
Trekking poles are available upon request, depending on availability. They provide extra stability and support on uneven terrain, making your hike more comfortable and particularly helping reduce strain during steep descents.
Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions or trail conditions become unsafe, your guide may modify the route, shorten the hike, or reduce optional stops to ensure a safe trekking experience. These decisions are made with the group’s well-being in mind, while keeping the adventure enjoyable, comfortable, and memorable.
Since the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike takes place at high altitude, it is best to spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before taking on this challenging trek. We recommend starting your trip with easier experiences, such as the Cusco City Tour or Classic Sacred Valley Tour, to help your body adjust gradually to the altitude and prepare for the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour.
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