Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour from Cusco (Full Day)
Full Day
Up to 16 travelers (8 per guide)
4,618 m
Moderate
Ausangate 7 Lakes tour Full day
Experience one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peruvian Andes on this full-day adventure to the Ausangate Seven Lakes. Travel through remote highland villages, hike among turquoise glacial lakes, and enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain. Guided by a professional local expert, discover the cultural and spiritual importance of this sacred Andean region. A perfect tour for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking an authentic high-altitude experience.
Daily departures | Hotel pick-up 4:30–5:00 a.m. | Return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.
Vegetarian and special diets available upon request.
Inclusions
Included 7
- Hotel Pick-Up: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.If you prefer, you may also meet us directly at our office at 5:10 a.m.
- Round-Trip Transportation: Comfortable and modern tourist vehicles for the full journey to and from Ausangate.
- Breakfast: Includes fruit juice, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, fresh fruit salad, and bread or pancakes with butter and jam.
- Buffet Lunch: A variety of freshly prepared local dishes served after the hike, with options available for different dietary preferences.
- Small Group Experience: A maximum of 16 travelers with 2 guides (groups of 8 per guide), ensuring a more personalized experience.
- Professional English-Speaking Guide: Experienced guides trained to share cultural, historical, and environmental insights throughout the tour.
- First-Aid Kit & Oxygen Bottle: Emergency equipment available at all times for your safety and peace of mind.
Not Included 4
- Ausangate 7 Lakes Entrance Fee: 20 soles per person, charged by local communities (cash payment only).
- Hot Springs Entrance Fee: 5 soles per person, payable in cash.
- Personal Gear: Hiking clothes, walking shoes, reusable water bottles, and other personal equipment.
- Tips: Gratuities for guides and drivers are optional and not included in the price.
Packing List 16
- Bag
- Water bottle
- Money Cash in Soles
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- long-sleeve trekking shirts
- short-sleeve shirts
- Pants
- Sport pants
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Short
- Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Itinerary Ausangate 7 Lakes Full-Day Tour
1
Day 1
Cusco – Pacchanta – Ausangate 7 Lakes – Cusco
Hotel Pick-Up (4:30 a.m. – 5:00 a.m.)
Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. Sit back and relax as we head into the breathtaking Andean highlands.
Drive to Pacchanta & Trailhead (Approx. 3–3.5 hours)
We travel through scenic mountain landscapes to the village of Pacchanta, the starting point of our hike. Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty local breakfast to prepare for the trek.
Hike to the First Lake (Approx. 1.5 hours uphill)
After breakfast, we begin a guided hike with a gradual uphill ascent of about 1.5 hours, reaching the first glacial lake—a spectacular introduction to the natural beauty of the Ausangate region.
Explore the Seven Lakes (Mostly flat & downhill terrain)
From the first lake, the route continues along mostly flat or downhill trails, allowing for a comfortable and rewarding exploration of the remaining six lakes. Take time to admire panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain, capture unforgettable photos, and learn about local legends, glaciers, and Andean culture from your guide.
Lunch & Thermal Baths with Mountain Views
After completing the hike, enjoy a delicious lunch followed by time to relax in natural hot springs, all while soaking in incredible views of Ausangate—an ideal way to unwind after the trek.
Return to Cusco (Approx. 3 hours)
We begin our return journey to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:00 p.m., bringing an unforgettable day in the heart of the Peruvian Andes to a close.
Note: Itinerary times may vary depending on weather conditions, group pace, and road traffic.
Route & elevation profile
- 13.6 kmhiking distance (8.5 mi)
- 4,618 mhighest point on foot: Pucacocha (15,151 ft)
- +318 melevation gain from Pacchanta
- km 0 Pacchanta Trailhead and hot springs village
- km 5.3 Azulcocha First lake after the uphill section
- km 6.2 Uturunku lakes Cluster of glacial lakes
- km 7.2 Pucacocha Red lagoon, highest point
- km 10.4 Lower lakes Descent past the lower lagoons
- km 13.6 Pacchanta Lunch and hot springs
Good to know
Things To Know Before Hiking 7 Lakes of Ausangate
Health & Safety
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This tour is not suitable for travelers with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
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Minimum age: 8 years old.
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Travelers over 60 years old should only participate if they have previous hiking experience at altitudes above 4,000 meters (13,100 ft).
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This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Weather Conditions
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The tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress accordingly.
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Due to the high altitude, temperatures can drop close to freezing, especially in the early morning.
High Altitude Warning
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The Seven Lakes of Ausangate are located at over 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) above sea level.
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Wear warm clothing, carry only essential items, and consider bringing coca leaves to help with altitude adaptation.
Rainy Season Advisory
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During the rainy season, we strongly recommend avoiding afternoon visits due to possible lightning caused by the area’s high mineral content.
Tour Quality Notice
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Around Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, many agencies offer cheaper tours with large groups of 25–35 people per guide.
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Our service focuses on small groups, ensuring a safer, more personalized, and more enjoyable experience.
Recommendations
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Acclimatize properly before the hike. We recommend staying in Cusco for at least 2 days prior to the tour.
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Drink plenty of water to help prevent altitude sickness. Bring at least 2 liters per person during the hike and leave an extra bottle in the vehicle.
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Get a good night’s sleep and avoid alcohol the night before the tour.
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If visiting Machu Picchu the day before, request an early return train from your travel company.
Cost for Photos with Locals
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Taking photos with locals and their llamas is welcome.
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A small tip of around 5 soles is customary and helps support the local community.
Local Culture
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Many local residents wear traditional clothing, not for tourism, but as part of their cultural heritage.
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Along the route, you may see locals herding llamas and alpacas, a daily activity passed down through generations.
Prepare for the Altitude
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To adapt properly, we recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the tour.
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A suggested itinerary is: Cusco City Tour → Sacred Valley → Machu Picchu → Ausangate 7 Lakes.
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Stay well hydrated, and if necessary, consult your doctor about altitude medication such as Diamox (only if you are not allergic).
Dress in Layers
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Weather conditions can change quickly.
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Wear layered clothing so you can adjust easily between cold mornings and warmer daytime temperatures.
Take Care of the Environment
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Stay on marked trails, avoid leaving trash, and respect wildlife.
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Help preserve this unique ecosystem by being a responsible and conscious traveler.
Hiking Tips
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Go slow and maintain a steady pace.
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Drink water frequently.
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Take breaks whenever needed and listen to your body.
Group Hiking Dynamics
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Group members may walk at different speeds.
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Most of the trail is flat, allowing the group to stay together about 60% of the time.
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On steeper sections, faster hikers will wait at designated points for the rest of the group.
Strikes & Protests
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If roads are blocked due to strikes or protests, the tour will be canceled for safety reasons.
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In such cases, you will receive a full refund.
Cancellations & Refund Policy
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Full Refund: Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour (minus credit card transaction fees).
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Partial Refund: Cancel between 24 hours and 7:00 PM the day before the tour—only the deposit is non-refundable.
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No Refund: Cancel after 7:00 PM the day before the tour.
FAQs
How to Book the Ausangate 7 Lakes 1-Day Trek with Salas Travel Peru
To book your Ausangate 7 Lakes Full-Day Tour, simply click the “Book Now” button on our website.
Choose your preferred departure date, complete the required personal details for all participants, and make the deposit payment. Once your payment is confirmed, we will send you an email confirmation and your tour will be fully booked.
When Should I Pay the Remaining Balance?
The remaining balance can be paid up to 2 days before the tour, in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our Cusco office.
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Card or PayPal payments are accepted with a 5% service fee.
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Paying in cash is recommended to avoid extra charges.
Please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.
Is There a Student Discount?
We do not offer student discounts for the Ausangate 7 Lakes day tour.
Can I Rent a Horse for the Trek?
Yes. Local residents in Pacchanta village offer horse rentals.
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Price: 70–100 soles
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Includes a handler who leads the horse
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Payment is cash only (soles)
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Prices vary by season and demand
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Negotiation with locals is common
Your guide will assist you if needed.
Best Time to Hike the Ausangate 7 Lakes
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Best season: April to November (dry season)
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Rainy season: December to March
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Trails may be muddy
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Possible snow, mist, and limited visibility
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Is It Cold at the Ausangate 7 Lakes?
Yes. Mornings are often below freezing, especially in winter.
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Sunny days: 5–15°C (40–60°F)
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Rainy/cloudy days: 0–10°C (32–50°F)
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Wind is common at higher altitudes
Warm clothing is essential.
What If I Experience Altitude Sickness?
All our guides carry:
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Oximeter
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Oxygen bottle
If symptoms appear, oxygen will be provided. If symptoms persist, you will be taken to a lower altitude immediately.
Are There Age Limits?
There is no strict age limit, but we recommend:
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Minimum age: 8 years
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Children and older adults should be well acclimatized
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Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the tour
Are There Toilets Along the Trail?
Yes:
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Trailhead: 1 sol
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Mid-trail and endpoint: Free, very basic facilities
Are Hiking Sticks Recommended?
Yes, especially during the rainy season, as trails can be muddy and slippery.
Can I Book a Private Tour?
Yes. Private tours are available.
Contact us directly for a custom quote.
Is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour Safe?
Yes. The route is safe, wide, and well-marked.
There are no dangerous cliffs or exposed sections.
How Difficult Is the Trek?
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Distance: 13.6 km / 8.5 miles round trip
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Maximum altitude: 4,618 m / 15,150 ft
Proper acclimatization and pacing are key.
How Long Should I Acclimatize Before the Trek?
We recommend staying in Cusco at least 2 days before the hike.
Can I Visit the Lakes Without Hiking?
Yes, by renting a horse. Hiking or horseback riding are the only options.
Is the Trek Suitable for Older Adults?
Yes. Many travelers aged 50–65 complete the trek successfully.
For a relaxed pace, we recommend a private tour.
Consult your doctor before traveling.
Can You Drop Me Off at the Airport After the Tour?
Yes. Airport drop-off is available, but you will be the last passenger dropped off after other group members.
