cusco

Ausangate full Day Tour 7 Lakes

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Vilcanota Mountain Range with the Ausangate Full Day Tour 7 Lakes, a unique journey through seven stunning lagoons with crystal-clear turquoise and emerald waters. As you hike through snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and high Andean valleys, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Explore lagoons like Azulcocha, Otorongo, and Pucacocha, spot native wildlife, and unwind in natural hot springs. With a moderate difficulty level, this tour is perfect for trekking and nature enthusiasts. Book your adventure now and experience the magic of Ausangate!

Details of the trip.

7 LAKES OF AUSANGATE FULL DAY TOUR

Itinerary for the Seven Lakes of Ausangate Tour:

We start the day of the tour by picking you up at your accommodation in the historic center of Cusco between 4:00 am and 5:00 am; we head south of the city of Cusco. During the journey, we will pass through villages where the inhabitants wear colorful traditional clothing. We continue along the interoceanic highway until we reach the community of Ausangate Pacchanta, located at 4200 m / 13779 feet. In Pacchanta, breakfast prepared with local products will be ready.

After breakfast, the guide will provide an explanation before starting the hike; then we will continue on the path, observing geological and geographical formations. Along the way, stone corrals for raising alpacas can be seen; halfway through, the Qayangate snow-capped mountain, which has the largest glacier accumulation, can be seen.

Then, we headed to the first lagoon, Hatun Pukaqocha; from that point, you can see the Khampa snow-capped mountain and the impressive views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. We continued to Huchuy Pukaqocha, which is at the foot of the Chaupiorqo mountain; we then moved on to the green lagoon, continuing our exploration toward the smaller lagoons such as China Otorongo Qocha, Chuño Qocha, and Orqo Otorongo Qocha; according to the area's ancestors, they were the most mysterious and mystical. Finally, we arrive at the last Blue Lagoon, from where the Mapacho River originates.

After the hike, we return to the village of Pacchanta via the same trail; lunch will be ready in Pacchanta, and you can also enjoy hot springs (optional). Finally, after completing the hike, you will return to the city of Cusco in our private transportation.

• Approximate distance: 13 km
• Maximum altitude: 4600 m/15091.86 feet.
• Minimum altitude: 4200 m/13779.53 feet.
• Climate: Cold mountain.
• Difficulty: moderate.
• Walking time: 6 hours.

What is Included

The Seven Lagoons of Ausangate Tour Includes:

Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco city center.
Transportation.
Return to the Historic Center of Cusco.
Professional guide in English and Spanish.
Breakfast and lunch.
Entrance ticket to the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate.
First aid kit and oxygen supply.
Trekking poles.

The Seven Lagoons of Ausangate Tour Does Not Include:

Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary.
Travel insurance.
Riding horse (optional).
Drinks.

What to bring for the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate Tour:

A small backpack will be useful for carrying extra layers, snacks, and water during the hike.
It is essential to wear hiking boots or shoes with good traction to ensure stability on varied terrain.
Consider bringing extra layers as the weather can change rapidly at high altitudes.
Pack snacks like energy bars or trail mix to keep your energy up during the hike.
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person to stay hydrated throughout the trip.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong sun at high altitude.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the intense sunlight at high altitudes.
A hat will be useful to protect yourself from the sun and to keep warm in case of cold temperatures.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the stunning landscapes you’ll encounter during the hike.
It is important to carry a personal first aid kit for any discomfort.

Ausangate full Day Tour 7 Lakes Travel Information

How many days do i need to acclimate before the trek?

It is very important to be well-acclimated to the altitude before undertaking a strenuous trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before starting the trek to help you acclimate and avoid potential altitude sickness issues during the hike. If you have already been at a high altitude in another area of Peru before arriving in Cusco, we still recommend spending a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the sights.

Pickup Information

Ausangate Adventure can pick you up at your hotel, provided it is located in Cusco’s Historic Center. Pickup times are between 4:00 am and 5:00 am, but please note that the exact time may vary. Cusco has narrow, cobbled streets which can make access to some hotels difficult; in such cases, the guide will indicate a meeting point.

Considerations

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

A shared tour means you will experience the adventure with other travelers of different ages and nationalities, including those from Ausangate Adventure and other operators, with a group of up to 16 people. It is a great opportunity to connect with people from around the world while enjoying the adventure. This type of tour may be organized by Ausangate Adventure or by partner collaborators who meet our high quality standards. If you prefer a more personalized and exclusive experience, you can opt for a private tour.

For shared tours, you will be given the pickup and return times the day before the tour. It is essential to be punctual to avoid delays affecting the rest of the group. Times may vary depending on the pace of participants or local traffic, so we provide an approximate schedule. We appreciate your understanding regarding these factors that are beyond our control.

Due to environmental, climatic, or other unforeseen factors beyond our control, the travel itinerary may be modified. In such cases, you will be duly informed.

Location

The Seven Lagoons of Ausangate trek is located in the Cusco Region, in the Province of Quispicanchi, District of Ocongate, within the Ausangate Community, Pacchanta Annex, Peru. This trek takes place near Ausangate Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the country.

Altitude

The Seven Lagoons of Ausangate are situated at an average altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level in the Peruvian Andes. This impressive group of lagoons, each with unique shades ranging from turquoise to emerald green, is surrounded by the majestic Ausangate snow-capped peak.

Difficulty

The Seven Lagoons of Ausangate trek has a moderate to high difficulty level, mainly due to the altitude, which exceeds 4,000 meters above sea level. The trek can be challenging for those not accustomed to hiking at high altitudes, as the lack of oxygen can cause fatigue.

Climate

The climate in the Ausangate region is extremely variable. It can start favorable but change rapidly. Nights are typically cold, with average temperatures of -10°C, while daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C. Cold winds are constant, and rain or snow can occur at any time. Despite these unpredictable conditions, it is essential to be prepared with suitable clothing and gear for various weather conditions and to maintain a positive and adaptable attitude. The beauty of the landscape and the sense of achievement at the end of the trek will make every challenge worthwhile.

First Aid

Each guide from Ausangate Adventure is trained in first aid, and we also carry oxygen for the trek. If you need oxygen, you can request it directly from the guide.

Lost Items

Please take special care of your belongings and make sure to collect everything as you leave our vehicles and restaurants. You are solely responsible for your personal items during the trek.

Prices Ausangate full Day Tour 7 Lakes

Shared Service Tour.

Price: $46 USD per person.

This shared or group service means that you will be taking the tour with other people. This standard service is conducted with a group of 10 to 16 people. We have confirmed departures for every day, so if you are just one or two people, don't worry, you can join one of our groups.

Private Service Tour.

This private and exclusive service is a way to take this trip where the service is much more personalized. Prices vary according to the number of travelers: one, two, three, four, or more travelers. Please, if you want private service, request information at info@ausangateadventure.com or through our WhatsApp at +51 914201334.