Inclusions

Included

• Pick up at your hotel or hostel and drop off near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco at the end of the tour.
• Professional guides
• Transportation
• We use private buses and minivans; very comfortable and with all the safety accessories according to the amount of tourists, our driver has many years of experience.
• Breakfast and lunch (vegetarian options available)
• First aid kit (including emergency oxygen balloon).

No Included

• Gratuity for the guide and driver
• tickets ( 20 soles )
• Emergency horse

What to Bring

Small backpack
Rain jacket or poncho
Sweater or sweater for the cold
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Camera with extra battery
Hat or cap
Sun glasses
Hiking shoes
Mineral water
Snack: Chocolates, fruit
Extra money
Toilet paper

Prices

7 Lakes Ausangate Full Day Tour – Group Service
Price: $55 per person

• Minimum 2 people required
• Maximum 15 people per group
• Includes transportation and group guide
• Professional bilingual guide included

7 Lakes Ausangate Full Day Tour – Private Service
Price: $165 per person

• Minimum 2 people required
• Includes private transportation and guide
• Professional bilingual guide included

Travel Guide

The Ausangate 7 Lakes (Siete Lagunas) trek is a breathtaking high-altitude journey through Peru’s Vilcanota Range, circling the sacred Mount Ausangate (6,384m/20,945ft). This full-day adventure takes you to seven dazzling glacial lakes, each shimmering in surreal shades of turquoise, emerald, and sapphire against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. A shorter alternative to the multi-day Ausangate Trek, this day trip combines raw Andean beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge—perfect for adventurous travelers short on time.

Getting to 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek

• Starting Point: Tours depart from Cusco (3,400m) between 4:00–5:00 AM. A 3-hour drive through the South Valley leads to the trailhead at Tinki or Pacchanta village (3,800m).
• Guided Tours: Highly recommended. Tours include round-trip transport, breakfast/lunch, permits, and a bilingual guide. Private tours offer flexibility; group tours are budget-friendly.
• Self-Guided Option: Possible but logistically complex due to remote trails and permit requirements.

Best Time to Visit 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek

• Dry Season (May–October): Ideal for clear skies, stable trails, and vibrant lake colors.
• Wet Season (November–April): Possible rain/snow, muddy paths, but fewer crowds.
• Sunrise/Sunset: Early starts maximize photography light and serenity.

What to Expect

The Hike

• Difficulty: Challenging due to altitude (4,200–5,000m). Acclimatize in Cusco for 2–3 days beforehand.
• Duration: 6–8 hours total (12–15km loop).
• Trail Highlights:
  • Seven Lakes: Each lake has unique hues and names like Puca Cocha (Red Lake), Alqa Cocha (Sacred Lake), and Otorongo Cocha (Jaguar Lake).
  • Andean Wildlife: Spot alpacas, vicuñas, and soaring condors.
  • Cultural Encounters: Pass traditional Quechua villages and shepherds in colorful dress.
  • Ausangate Views: The glacier looms majestically over the lakes.

Facilities

• Minimal infrastructure. Pack snacks, water, and toilet paper.
• Lunch is often served picnic-style or in Pacchanta (optional hot springs visit post-hike).

Essential Tips to visit 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek

1. Altitude Prep:
   • Spend 2–3 days in Cusco first.
   • Chew coca leaves, sip coca tea, and avoid alcohol.
   • Consider altitude medication (consult a doctor).
2. Pack Smart:
   • Layered clothing (thermal base, fleece, waterproof jacket).
   • Sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and a wide-brim hat.
   • Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated!).
3. Permits/Fees:
   • Entrance fee (~10–20 PEN) paid at checkpoint. Carry cash.
4. Responsible Travel:
   • Respect sacred sites; ask permission before photographing locals.
   • Pack out all trash.

Nearby Attractions

• Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): Extend your trip with a combo tour.
• Pacchanta Hot Springs: Soak in natural pools post-hike (extra fee).
• Waqrapukara: A lesser-known Inca fortress for history buffs.

Why Visit 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek?

The Ausangate 7 Lakes trek is a raw, unfiltered immersion into Andean wilderness. Unlike the crowded Rainbow Mountain, this route offers solitude, spiritual energy, and a glimpse into Quechua traditions. The lakes’ ever-changing colors—shifting with sunlight and mineral content—create a photographer’s paradise.

Final Note to visit Ausangate Full Day 7 Lakes: This trek is physically demanding, but the rewards are unparalleled. Pair it with a guided meditation session by the lakes for a truly transformative experience. 🌄✨

Safe travels, and let the Andes awaken your spirit! 🦙🏔️