The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Mountain

Join our Ausangate 7 Lakes tour and enjoy a full day visiting clear glacial lakes around the Ausangate Mountain.

Tour Details

  • Difficulty: Moderate (due to high altitude)
  • Initial Altitude (Pacchanta): 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
  • Highest Altitude: 4,756 m / 15,603 ft
  • Hiking Time: Approx. 5–6 hours (round trip)
  • Driving Time: Approx. 6 hours (3 hours each way)
  • Duration: Full day (10 to 12 hours approx.)

Tour Information

CUSCO – PACCHANTA – CUSCO

  • Pickup & Breakfast: We start with a pickup in Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., either from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point. The drive takes about three hours, passing small towns and farming communities on the way to Pacchanta. Here we stop for breakfast before the beginning of the hike.
  • The Hike: From Pacchanta, we start the walk towards the Seven Lakes. The first section is a steady climb of about 1.5 hours until we reach the first lake. After that, the trail is more gradual, leading us from one lake to the next. In total, we visit seven lakes with colors ranging from blue to green and turquoise. The area is home to alpacas, llamas, andean birds, and vizcachas.
  • Lunch & Hot Springs: After completing the circuit, we return to Pacchanta for lunch. To end the day, we visit the hot springs (optional), where you can just rest your legs or take a quick bath while looking at the peaks of Ausangate.
  • Back to Cusco: In the afternoon, we will then drive back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.

Inclusions:

  • Round-Trip Transportation
  • Pick-up
  • Meals: breakfast and lunch (buffet).
  • Guide
  • Safety Equipment: A first-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
  • Entrance fee to the 7 lakes (20 soles)

Exclusions:

  • Personal Gear: Hiking clothes, water bottles, and other personal items are not included.
  • Entrance fee to the hot springs (5 soles) in cash

Packing List

  • Clothing & Footwear: Dressing in layers is essential. Wear a base layer, a fleece or sweater, a waterproof jacket, and a swimsuit (optional) for the hot springs. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are crucial.
  • Accessories: Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves. The sun is strong at high altitudes, and mornings can be cold.
  • Food & Water: There are no vendors on the trail, so bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
  • Medical Tip: If you get motion sick on curvy roads, we recommend motion sickness medicine (like Gravol) before the trip. One pill is enough: take half 30 minutes before the tour and the other half before the return trip.

FAQs

Can I do this tour if I’m not an experienced hiker?

Yes. While it’s important to be in good health, you don’t need to be a professional. The guides are there to assist and support everyone in making it through the circuit at a manageable pace.

How high is the elevation?

Approximately 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). We recommend spending a few days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize.

Is it safe to hike at this altitude?

Yes. Guides carry a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle for your safety.

Can I do this tour if I’m not an experienced hiker?

Yes. You don’t need to be a professional. The small group size allows you to go at your own pace.

What kind of food is served?

Meals are served buffet-style, featuring various options including vegetarian dishes.

Are there bathrooms on the trail?

Basic bathrooms are available at the start and end of the hike in Pacchanta, but there are no toilet facilities along the mountain trail itself.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour runs rain or shine. Weather in the Andes changes quickly, so please dress in layers.

Can I rent a horse?

Horses are sometimes available from local families, though not always. The cost is usually between 50 and 120 soles in cash only, and prices are negotiable with the locals.

$ 35.00

People

Tour Information

CUSCO – PACCHANTA – CUSCO

  • Pickup & Breakfast: We start with a pickup in Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., either from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point. The drive takes about three hours, passing small towns and farming communities on the way to Pacchanta. Here we stop for breakfast before the beginning of the hike.
  • The Hike: From Pacchanta, we start the walk towards the Seven Lakes. The first section is a steady climb of about 1.5 hours until we reach the first lake. After that, the trail is more gradual, leading us from one lake to the next. In total, we visit seven lakes with colors ranging from blue to green and turquoise. The area is home to alpacas, llamas, andean birds, and vizcachas.
  • Lunch & Hot Springs: After completing the circuit, we return to Pacchanta for lunch. To end the day, we visit the hot springs (optional), where you can just rest your legs or take a quick bath while looking at the peaks of Ausangate.
  • Back to Cusco: In the afternoon, we will then drive back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.

Inclusions:

  • Round-Trip Transportation
  • Pick-up
  • Meals: breakfast and lunch (buffet).
  • Guide
  • Safety Equipment: A first-aid kit and oxygen bottle.
  • Entrance fee to the 7 lakes (20 soles)

Exclusions:

  • Personal Gear: Hiking clothes, water bottles, and other personal items are not included.
  • Entrance fee to the hot springs (5 soles) in cash

Packing List

  • Clothing & Footwear: Dressing in layers is essential. Wear a base layer, a fleece or sweater, a waterproof jacket, and a swimsuit (optional) for the hot springs. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are crucial.
  • Accessories: Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves. The sun is strong at high altitudes, and mornings can be cold.
  • Food & Water: There are no vendors on the trail, so bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks.
  • Medical Tip: If you get motion sick on curvy roads, we recommend motion sickness medicine (like Gravol) before the trip. One pill is enough: take half 30 minutes before the tour and the other half before the return trip.

FAQs

Can I do this tour if I’m not an experienced hiker?

Yes. While it’s important to be in good health, you don’t need to be a professional. The guides are there to assist and support everyone in making it through the circuit at a manageable pace.

How high is the elevation?

Approximately 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). We recommend spending a few days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize.

Is it safe to hike at this altitude?

Yes. Guides carry a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle for your safety.

Can I do this tour if I’m not an experienced hiker?

Yes. You don’t need to be a professional. The small group size allows you to go at your own pace.

What kind of food is served?

Meals are served buffet-style, featuring various options including vegetarian dishes.

Are there bathrooms on the trail?

Basic bathrooms are available at the start and end of the hike in Pacchanta, but there are no toilet facilities along the mountain trail itself.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour runs rain or shine. Weather in the Andes changes quickly, so please dress in layers.

Can I rent a horse?

Horses are sometimes available from local families, though not always. The cost is usually between 50 and 120 soles in cash only, and prices are negotiable with the locals.

How to Book?

  1. Pick a tour.
  2. Pick a date.
  3. Click “Book Tour”.
  4. Fill out checkout information.
  5. Payment.
  6. Recieve confirmation through email.