Step into the real high Andes on the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek Full Day Tour from Cusco, one of the most beautiful day hikes near Cusco. Walk through the Ausangate region, where glaciers feed turquoise, blue, and green lakes surrounded by snowy peaks, alpaca pastures, and wide-open mountain silence.
This premium small-group tour includes comfortable transportation, expert local guides, breakfast and lunch, entrance ticket, altitude support, and the option to finish with a relaxing soak in the Pacchanta hot springs.
Tour Type Group / Private
Duration Full day
Hiking Distance 15 km / 9.3 miles
Difficulty Challenging
Max. Altitude 4,850 m / 15,900 ft
Tour Language English, Spanish
Starts/Ends Cusco / CuscoOverview of Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Trip
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek is a full-day adventure for travelers who want a big mountain experience without doing a multi-day trek. This route takes you into the Vilcanota range, near the sacred Apu Ausangate, one of the most powerful and impressive peaks in the Cusco region.
From Pacchanta, you will hike through valleys, streams, alpaca pastures, and a circuit of glacial lakes with colors that change from turquoise to deep blue and green. The trail is not technical, but the altitude makes it a real high-Andes experience, so we walk at a steady pace with time for photos, rest, and hydration.
TreXperience operates this tour in small groups with comfortable transportation, expert bilingual guides, breakfast and lunch at local restaurants, entrance ticket, trekking poles on request, first-aid kit, oxygen support, and responsible local logistics from start to finish.
Tour Highlights
- Seven glacial lakes in one day: Visit a full circuit of lagoons instead of just one viewpoint.
- Ausangate and Vilcanota views: Enjoy snowy peaks, glacier walls, and wide high-Andean landscapes.
- Small-group experience: Travel with a calmer pace, more personal attention, and better guide support.
- High-altitude support: Hike with a trained guide, first-aid kit, oxygen support, and steady pacing.
- Optional Pacchanta hot springs: Finish the hike with a relaxing soak in naturally warm water when timing allows.
Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Trip at a Glance
- Start time: Around 4:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Finish time: Around 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Route: Cusco, Tinki area, Pacchanta, Ausangate 7 Lakes circuit, Pacchanta, and return to Cusco.
- Lakes: The circuit usually includes Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha.
- Highest point: Around 4,850 m / 15,900 ft, depending on the route and trail conditions.
- Best for: Travelers who want glacial lakes, snowy peaks, alpaca pastures, and a real high-Andes day hike.
*Note: Times, route, lake names, and hiking conditions may vary depending on weather, road conditions, local access, and group pace.
Included
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Cusco.
- Comfortable round-trip transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide: English and Spanish.
- Breakfast and lunch at local restaurants.
- Entrance ticket for the 7 Lakes circuit.
- First-aid kit and oxygen support for altitude assistance.
- Trekking poles on request, subject to availability.
- Guidance and support throughout the day.
Not Included
- Entrance fee for the Pacchanta hot springs, optional and paid locally.
- Horse rental, optional and paid locally.
- Travel insurance, highly recommended.
Why Book with TreXperience?
- Local Peruvian operator based in Cusco: Travel with a real local team that understands Ausangate, Pacchanta, altitude, and logistics.
- Premium organization: Comfortable transport, local meals, clear logistics, and a well-planned route.
- Small groups: Enjoy a more personal, less rushed, and better-supported mountain day.
- Safety support: Hike with trained staff, first-aid kit, oxygen support, and smart pacing for altitude.
- Responsible travel: We support local services, respectful visits, and fair treatment for guides, drivers, and support staff.
Itinerary of 7 Lakes of Ausangate
Seven Lakes in One Day: Cusco – Pacchanta – Ausangate 7 Lakes – Cusco
Early morning pickup and drive into the Ausangate region
We will pick you up from your hotel very early, usually around 4:00 a.m., so you can enjoy the mountains in the best light and avoid feeling rushed. From Cusco, we drive toward the Vilcanota range, passing highland plains and traditional villages such as Tinki. As we climb higher, the air gets colder and the scenery becomes bigger, wilder, and more impressive.
Breakfast in Pacchanta
We arrive in Pacchanta, a high-Andean village near the Ausangate route. Here, you will enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant while your guide gives a clear briefing about the hike, the weather, and simple altitude tips that make the day much easier.
Start the hike: valleys, streams, alpacas, and the first lakes
After breakfast, we begin the trek at a steady, comfortable pace. The trail warms you up gently through open valleys, small streams, and alpaca pastures. Soon, you will begin to see the first glacial lakes, each with its own color and character, from bright turquoise to deep blue or green depending on light, minerals, and weather.
Complete the Ausangate 7 Lakes circuit
As you continue, you will visit the seven lakes of the circuit. Local names can vary, but many travelers know them as Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha. What makes this hike special is how often the landscape changes: open valleys, rocky sections, lakeside paths, alpaca grazing areas, and dramatic glacier views above.
Highest viewpoint: lakes, peaks, and glaciers
At the highest point of the route, around 4,850 meters / 15,900 feet, you will get wide views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. On clear days, the views feel endless: snowy peaks, glacier walls, and the deep silence of the high Andes. Your guide will help you pace your breathing, take breaks at the right moments, and enjoy the views without overexerting yourself.
Return hike to Pacchanta
After the circuit, we hike back down toward Pacchanta. The return is usually easier, and you will have time for final photos, a calmer look at the Ausangate landscape, and a better sense of how special this high-Andean region really is.
Lunch at a local restaurant in Pacchanta
Back in the village, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After hiking at high altitude, this is the perfect reward: warm food, time to rest, and a peaceful mountain setting before the drive back.
Optional: Pacchanta hot springs
If you choose to visit the hot springs, this is a wonderful way to end the day. The naturally warm water feels amazing after a cold high-altitude hike. Bring a swimsuit and small towel if you would like to soak. Hot springs time depends on weather, timing, and group pace, but we plan for it whenever conditions allow.
Return to Cusco
In the afternoon, we begin the drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel. Typical arrival is between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., depending on road conditions, weather, and traffic.
Important Notes
- The route and timing can change due to weather, road conditions, trail conditions, and the group’s pace.
- This is a high-altitude hike. A slow and steady pace is the key to enjoying it.
Price for Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco
Our Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco is designed for travelers who want a smooth, scenic, and well-supported full-day hike in the high Andes. Join a small group for a more personal experience, or choose a private tour for a slower pace, extra photo time, and more flexibility.
Prices are in USD and based on service type and group size.
Group Tour:
| Service | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Group Tour | From US$ 110 |
Private Tour:
| Number of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 | US$ 480 |
| 2 | US$ 270 |
| 3 | US$ 200 |
| 4 | US$ 170 |
| 5 | US$ 150 |
| 6 | US$ 140 |
| 7 | US$ 130 |
| 8 | US$ 120 |
| 9 or more | Contact us for a special rate |
Booking and Payment
You can pay for the tour through our booking system or at our office in Cusco using a credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us if you need to review alternative payment options.
Cancellation Policy
Ausangate 7 Lakes Tours are fully refundable up to 72 hours prior to tour departure.
How to Book
To book this tour:
- Click the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select your preferred option: group or private service.
- Fill in your personal information, passport details, contact information, and any dietary restrictions.
- Enter your credit or debit card details and complete the payment.
- Our team will contact you to reconfirm your payment, pickup details, and final tour information.
You can also request a tailor-made private experience by writing to info@trexperienceperu.com.
Before You Book
- This is a high-altitude hike, so we recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco before the tour.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options are available on request.
- Hot springs access is optional and paid locally.
- Horse rental may be available locally and is paid directly to local providers.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for all adventure tours.
Packing List of Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Trip
Ausangate mornings are very cold, and the weather can change fast. During the day, the sun can feel strong, wind can arrive suddenly, and light rain or snow is possible at altitude.
Dress in layers and keep your essentials in a small daypack so you can adjust easily during the hike. Good shoes, warm clothing, sun protection, rain gear, and water will help you enjoy the route with more comfort.
What to Bring to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate
Please Avoid Bringing - Prohibited or Not Practical
- Large suitcases or bulky bags; travel light.
- Anything you do not want to carry all day at altitude.
- Valuables you do not need on the trail.
Note: If you plan to enjoy the Pacchanta hot springs, bring a swimsuit, small towel, and sandals from the start.
Travel Info of Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Trip
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek is a high-altitude day hike in one of the most impressive mountain regions near Cusco. It is different from Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and Palcoyo because this route focuses on a full glacial lake circuit, snowy peaks, alpaca pastures, and the peaceful high-Andes community of Pacchanta.
Location of Ausangate 7 Lakes
The Ausangate 7 Lakes circuit is located near the community of Pacchanta, in the Ausangate area of the Vilcanota mountain range, southeast of Cusco. This region is known for snowy peaks, glacial lakes, alpaca herding communities, and high-Andean landscapes.
Ausangate is one of the most important mountains in the Cusco region and rises to 6,384 m / 20,945 ft. The 7 Lakes route stays much lower than the summit, but it is still a high-altitude hike and requires good acclimatization.
Altitude: How to Enjoy the Day Without Suffering
Altitude is the main challenge on this tour, not the trail itself. The highest viewpoint can reach around 4,850 m / 15,900 ft, so even strong hikers may feel short of breath.
Acclimatize in Cusco first if you can. During the hike, go slowly, breathe steadily, drink water often, and tell your guide early if you feel headache, dizziness, nausea, or unusual fatigue. We carry a first-aid kit and oxygen support to help when needed. You can also review the CDC’s high-altitude travel advice.
Weather: Cold Mornings, Strong Sun, Sudden Wind
Expect changing mountain conditions. Mornings can be freezing, then the sun warms things quickly, but wind can make it feel colder again. Rain, hail, or light snow is possible at any time in high mountain areas.
Keep your warm layer and rain gear easy to reach, and always use sunscreen. The sun is intense at high elevation, even on cloudy days.
The Early Start and Long Drive
This is a long day with a very early pickup. Pack the night before so your morning feels easy. If you get motion sickness on winding roads, take your usual remedy before departure and avoid heavy food early in the morning.
The early start helps us reach Pacchanta with better timing, enjoy the trail with a calmer rhythm, and return to Cusco safely in the evening.
Pacchanta Hot Springs
The Pacchanta hot springs are optional and paid locally. If you want to enjoy them after the hike, bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and small cash in soles.
Time at the hot springs depends on weather, group pace, and road conditions. When timing allows, it is one of the best ways to finish the day after walking through the Ausangate lakes.
Cash and Small Local Payments
Remote areas often do not accept cards, and change can be limited. Bring small bills in soles for restrooms, snacks, tips, hot springs entrance, and optional horse rental.
There are no reliable ATMs once you leave Cusco, so it is better to prepare your cash before departure.
Connectivity and Facilities
Phone signal can be weak or disappear during parts of the trip. Restrooms can be basic, so carry hand sanitizer and tissues just in case.
Download anything important ahead of time and keep your key information saved offline.
Ausangate 7 Lakes vs. Rainbow Mountain
Ausangate 7 Lakes is a glacial lake circuit with snowy peaks, alpaca pastures, and a quieter high-Andes atmosphere. Rainbow Mountain is a colorful mineral mountain route with a famous viewpoint and the option to include the Red Valley.
If you want colorful mountain scenery, see our Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour. If you want multiple glacial lakes and a deeper Ausangate landscape, this 7 Lakes route is the better fit.
Ausangate 7 Lakes vs. Humantay Lake
Humantay Lake is a single turquoise glacial lake below Salkantay, while Ausangate 7 Lakes is a full circuit of several lagoons below the Ausangate and Vilcanota peaks.
If you want a shorter lake-focused hike, see our Humantay Lake Tour. If you want more lakes, more mountain variety, and a more remote high-Andes feel, choose Ausangate 7 Lakes.
FAQs - 7 Lakes of Ausangate
Is this tour available every day?
The tour is usually available year-round, but availability can depend on road conditions, trail conditions, weather, and local operations. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak travel months.
Where is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek located?
The trek takes place near the community of Pacchanta, in the Ausangate area of the Vilcanota mountain range, southeast of Cusco. This area is known for glacial lakes, snowy peaks, alpaca pastures, and hot springs.
What time do we leave, and what time do we return to Cusco?
Pickup is typically around 4:00 a.m.. Return to Cusco is usually between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., depending on road conditions, weather, and the group’s pace.
How difficult is the trek?
The hike is not technical, but it can feel challenging because of the altitude and total walking time. If you are acclimatized and can hike for several hours at a steady pace, you can do it.
What is the highest altitude on this tour?
The highest point is around 4,850 meters / 15,900 feet, depending on the route and trail conditions. Even strong hikers can feel short of breath here, so pacing matters.
Are breakfast and lunch included?
Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included and served at local restaurants. If you have dietary needs, please tell us in advance so we can plan properly.
Are the Pacchanta hot springs included?
No. The hot springs are optional, and the entrance fee is paid locally in cash. Bring a swimsuit and small towel if you want to soak after the hike.
Can I rent a horse if I get tired?
Often, yes. Horse rental is usually offered by local residents and paid in cash. Availability can vary, so mention it early if you think you may want one.
Are trekking poles included, and do I need them?
Trekking poles are available on request, subject to availability. They are very helpful on uneven ground and especially on the descent.
What happens if the weather is bad or conditions change?
Safety comes first. If weather or trail conditions become unsafe, your guide may adjust the route, shorten the hike, or limit optional stops. The goal is always a great experience with smart decisions for the group.
What tour should I do before Ausangate 7 Lakes?
Because Ausangate 7 Lakes is a high-altitude hike, we recommend starting your Cusco trip with easier acclimatization tours such as the Cusco City Tour or the Classic Sacred Valley Tour.