About this experience
Get ready to discover one of the most impressive landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Trek takes you into the heart of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, at the foot of the imposing Ausangate Mountain, one of Peru’s highest peaks, reaching 6,384 meters above sea level (20,945 ft).
Throughout the hike, you’ll visit seven lakes in different shades, surrounded by mountains, snow, and typical Andean landscapes. The experience also includes a stop in Pacchanta, an Andean community known for its hot springs, where you can relax after the hike.
During the tour, you’ll visit Pucacocha, Patococha, Alcacocha, Comercocha, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo, and Azul Cocha while enjoying views of Ausangate Mountain from different points along the route.
The 7 lakes of Ausangate are located at a very high altitude. The route begins in Pacchanta, at approximately 4,300 meters above sea level (14,107 ft), and reaches elevations close to 4,800 meters (15,748 ft) during the hike.
At a glance
- Duration: 15 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 15 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The hike begins at approximately 4,300 meters and reaches elevations of up to 4,800 meters above sea level and requires good physical fitness.
What is included
- First-aid kit.
- Buffet breakfast.
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel for the tour (check with our team your accommodation).
- Professional and qualified driver for long-distance travel.
- Cold-weather blanket available in the vehicle.
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
- One bottle of water.
- Starlink satellite internet connection on board.
- One trekking pole.
- Buffet lunch.
- Certified professional tour guide specialized in trekking.
Not included
- Meals or beverages not mentioned.
- Tips, at each traveler’s discretion.
- Horse rental (optional), subject to availability.
- The admission fee to 7 Lakes of Ausangate is not included in the tour.
Itinerary and highlights
Our team will pick you up at your accommodation to begin the adventure to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate. We recommend being ready at the indicated time and wearing appropriate clothing for cold weather, as the tour takes place in a high-mountain area. The journey from Cusco to Pacchanta takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the sunrise and the Andean landscapes surrounding the route. Upon arrival in Pacchanta, we’ll stop for breakfast. This will be an important opportunity to have a good meal, regain your energy, and prepare for the start of the hike.
After breakfast, we’ll begin hiking through the Vilcanota Mountain Range toward the 7 Lakes of Ausangate. During approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of hiking, you’ll cross different high-mountain landscapes and visit Pucacocha, Patococha, Alcacocha, Comercocha, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo, and Azul Cocha, each with its own characteristics and colors.
Along the route, you’ll also be able to see Ausangate Mountain, which reaches 6,384 meters above sea level (20,944 ft), as well as the mountains and natural formations surrounding this area. After visiting the seven lakes, we’ll begin the return hike to Pacchanta to rest before continuing the tour.
Hiking altitude: approximately 4,300 to 4,800 meters above sea level (14,107 to 15,748 ft).
Back in Pacchanta, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try Andean cuisine and learn more about the region’s traditional flavors. After lunch, you’ll have free time to visit the Pacchanta hot springs.
Access to the hot springs is optional and is not included in the tour, along with any other entrance fees not mentioned in the “Included” section. If you prefer not to take part in this activity, you can use your free time to explore the surrounding area.
After this time to relax, we’ll begin the return journey to Cusco. Arrival back in the Imperial City of the Incas is scheduled for approximately 6:30 p.m.
Meeting and pickup information
- • We offer pick up services from several locations within the center of Cusco. • If your accommodations aren't on the list or fall outside the transfer route, we'll suggest a nearby meeting point. • You will receive a confirmed pick up time upon booking.
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Viagens Machu Picchu
Accessibility and practical details
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The hike begins at approximately 4,300 meters and reaches elevations of up to 4,800 meters above sea level and requires good physical fitness.
- We recommend that you be properly acclimatized to high altitude before taking part in this experience.
- Not recommended for passengers with back problems.
- Not recommended for people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- We recommend consulting a doctor before the trip if you have any health condition that could interfere with your ability to take part in the activity.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
• If your accommodations aren't on the list or fall outside the transfer route, we'll suggest a nearby meeting point.
• You will receive a confirmed pick up time upon booking.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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