The 7 Lakes of Ausangate trek is one of the most magnificent in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, leading to the towering Ausangate Mountain, one of Peru’s highest. This fascinating day excursion will take you to the most spectacular and pristine Andean environment, as well as a stunning location surrounded by beautiful multi-colored lakes.
Along the way, you’ll come across native villages that continue to practice their culture and customs. Take a peaceful soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs and eat a traditional meal made by a local family who will welcome you into their house. Come join us and enjoy Peru’s beauty firsthand.
Next time you plan a visit to Peru, set aside a full day for the 7 Lakes Tour. This trip, known locally as the 7 Lagunas, is an incredible experience. You will venture into the Vilcanota mountain range. It’s home to the Ausangate mountain, a sight to behold.
This Ausangate full day tour will take you on a trek to seven high-altitude lakes. Each one unique, each one beautiful. Azul Cocha is one such lake, with its bright blue waters. The others will leave you in awe too.
You will see snow-capped mountains surrounding the lakes. The view of the Ausangate mountain, in particular, is breathtaking.
Your tour guide will lead you along paths less travelled. You will see portions of the Inca trail on your day hike. The tour will reveal a different side of Peru. Away from the typical tourist sights of Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain or the Sacred Valley.
In the latter part of your day tour, we will return to Pacchanta. There, you will find relaxing hot springs to soothe your tired muscles. It’s the perfect way to end your full day exploration of the 7 lakes.
Altitude sickness could pose a challenge, but we will provide guidance. You will have the necessary information to prevent it. On the Ausangate 7 lakes tour, you will immerse yourself in Peru’s natural beauty. Book your spot on this full day tour today.
Your unforgettable Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day Tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. As we head south on the Interoceanic Highway toward the high Andes, we’ll pass through charming Andean villages, where locals proudly wear their vibrant, traditional attire — a living celebration of Quechua culture.
Our first stop is the quaint town of Ccatca, where we’ll stretch our legs and stroll through its picturesque plaza and streets. Then, we continue toward the Pacchanta community, located at a breathtaking altitude of 4,100 meters (13,451 ft). Upon arrival, a warm local family will greet us with a traditional Andean breakfast, made from locally sourced ingredients, giving us the perfect energy boost for the hike ahead.
After breakfast, our journey to the Vilcanota Mountain Range begins. Towering in the distance, the majestic Ausangate Glacier comes into view — a sacred peak and one of the most stunning in the Andes. The glacier’s melting snow feeds the colorful high-altitude lakes that we’ll explore today.
We’ll begin our uphill hike of approximately 3.5 hours to the panoramic Ninaparayoc Viewpoint. Along the trail, we’ll pass several shimmering lakes, each with its own story and significance. Among them are:
Comercocha: Known as the “Green Lake” in Quechua, this enchanting body of water is one of the first scenic gems on the hike — an ideal photo opportunity.
Alqacocha: Translating to “Two-Colored Lake,” these twin lakes offer stunning contrasts of turquoise and emerald hues at the base of the Callangate Glacier.
Patacocha: This group of three lakes is named “Lake at the Peak” due to their high elevation and panoramic setting.
China Otorongo: A spiritually significant lake for locals, its name means “Female Jaguar,” inspired by the spotted tones of its waters.
Orco Otorongo: Located at 4,590 meters (15,059 ft), this “Male Jaguar” lake represents duality and balance in Andean cosmology.
Azulcocha: As its name suggests, this “Blue Lake” will mesmerize you with its vivid sapphire tones that reflect the highland sky.
As we descend, we’ll take time to soak in the serenity of each lagoon and enjoy the tranquility of nature at high elevation. The fresh mountain air and surreal alpine scenery create the perfect atmosphere for reflection and unforgettable photos.
Back in Pacchanta, a delicious homemade lunch prepared by our host family awaits. Afterward, you’ll have the option to relax your muscles in the Pacchanta hot springs, surrounded by spectacular mountain views — a perfect ending to this adventure.
Finally, we’ll board our private transport for the return trip to Cusco, arriving in the early evening with our hearts full and memory cards packed with epic shots of one of the most scenic treks in Peru.
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What Do I Need To Bring?
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike Full Day Tour is an extraordinary adventure that takes you to seven stunning glacial lakes nestled in the shadow of Peru’s sacred Ausangate Mountain, standing majestically at 6,384 meters (20,945 feet).
This challenging full-day trek from Cusco showcases some of the most spectacular high-altitude scenery in the Andes, with each lake displaying unique colors ranging from deep emerald to brilliant turquoise. You’ll experience pristine wilderness, encounter traditional Andean communities, and witness the raw beauty of one of Peru’s most revered mountain ranges.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes hike is considered challenging to very challenging, primarily due to the extreme altitude of 4,600-5,000 meters (15,090-16,404 feet) and the 12-15 kilometer trek across rugged terrain. The difficulty comes from thin air, steep ascents and descents, and potentially harsh weather conditions rather than technical climbing.
Hikers should have good physical fitness, previous high-altitude experience, and mental determination. The reward of seeing all seven pristine lakes makes every challenging step worthwhile for prepared adventurers.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes trek reaches extreme altitudes between 4,600-5,000 meters (15,090-16,404 feet), making it one of the highest day hikes accessible from Cusco. At these elevations, oxygen levels are approximately 50% of sea level, significantly impacting physical performance and potentially causing altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization is absolutely crucial – spend at least 3-4 days in Cusco before attempting this hike, and consider visiting other high-altitude locations like Rainbow Mountain first.
Your Ausangate adventure typically includes round-trip transportation from Cusco in 4WD vehicles, professional bilingual mountain guide, nutritious breakfast and lunch, walking sticks for stability, first aid equipment, and emergency oxygen supplies.
Most tour operators also provide warm blankets for the journey, entrance fees to the area, and stops at scenic viewpoints. Some packages include visits to local communities or hot springs, depending on your chosen operator and weather conditions.
The optimal months for the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike are May through September during Peru’s dry season, when you’ll encounter more stable weather and clearer mountain views. June through August offers the best visibility for photography, though temperatures can be extremely cold.
April and October provide excellent hiking conditions with fewer crowds and dramatic cloud formations, but weather can be more unpredictable. Avoid rainy season (November-March) when trails become muddy and dangerous.
Pack serious high-altitude gear including thermal layers, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, warm hat, insulated gloves, and neck warmer. Essential items include sturdy mountaineering boots with good ankle support, high-SPF sunscreen, glacier glasses, lip balm with SPF, and plenty of water. Don’t forget energy snacks, headlamp, camera with extra batteries, and cash for optional purchases. A comfortable backpack will carry your essentials during this demanding trek.
The complete Ausangate 7 Lakes tour typically lasts 14-16 hours, starting with very early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel around 3:30-4:00 AM and returning by 7:00-8:00 PM. This includes approximately 4 hours of driving each way to reach the remote trailhead, 6-8 hours for the actual trek depending on group pace and weather conditions, plus time for meals and photography stops. The extremely early start ensures optimal hiking conditions and weather windows.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes hike is not recommended for beginners due to extreme altitude, challenging terrain, and demanding physical requirements. This trek requires excellent fitness levels, previous high-altitude hiking experience, and mental resilience for harsh conditions.
Beginners should first gain experience with easier high-altitude hikes like Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain before attempting this serious mountain adventure. Proper preparation and realistic self-assessment are crucial for safety and success.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes offer an otherworldly experience with each lake displaying distinct colors created by different mineral compositions and glacial sediments. These pristine alpine lakes sit in a dramatic amphitheater of towering peaks, creating some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in South America.
The area remains relatively untouched by tourism, providing an authentic wilderness experience beneath Peru’s highest sacred mountain, revered by local communities for centuries.
Specialized 4WD vehicles with experienced mountain drivers handle transportation to the remote Ausangate trailhead. The journey includes scenic but challenging drives through traditional Andean villages and increasingly rugged terrain.
Professional drivers are familiar with high-altitude road conditions, weather challenges, and safety protocols necessary for accessing these remote mountain areas safely and efficiently.
Begin serious physical preparation 6-8 weeks before your trip with cardiovascular training, strength exercises, and practice hikes with a loaded backpack. Focus on building endurance through running, cycling, or stair climbing, and include leg strength training for steep terrain. Most importantly, arrive in Cusco at least 4-5 days early for proper altitude acclimatization, as this preparation is more critical than physical fitness for extreme altitude success.
The high-altitude environment around Ausangate supports unique wildlife including vicuñas (wild relatives of alpacas), Andean condors soaring overhead, and various high-altitude bird species. You might spot viscachas (rabbit-like creatures) among the rocks and observe hardy alpine plants adapted to extreme conditions. The remote location and pristine environment make wildlife sightings more likely than in heavily trafficked tourist areas.
Facilities are extremely limited in this remote wilderness area, with basic restrooms available only at the trailhead. There are no facilities at the lakes themselves, so proper preparation is essential. The pristine, undeveloped nature of the area is part of its appeal, but hikers must be completely self-sufficient for food, water, and emergency supplies throughout the trek.
Weather at Ausangate can be extreme and change rapidly, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing even during summer months. Mornings often start bitterly cold with strong winds, while sunny conditions can create intense UV exposure due to high altitude and snow reflection.
Afternoon storms are common, bringing snow, hail, or rain. Always prepare for the worst conditions regardless of weather forecasts.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes hike represents the most challenging and remote day trek available from Cusco, surpassing Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and other popular alternatives in difficulty and altitude.
This trek appeals to serious hikers seeking genuine wilderness adventure and extraordinary mountain scenery. It requires more preparation, fitness, and determination than typical tourist day trips, but rewards adventurers with unparalleled natural beauty.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes provide world-class photography opportunities with dramatic mountain reflections, unique lake colors, and stunning glacial landscapes. Each lake offers different compositions and lighting conditions throughout the day.
Bring extra batteries as extreme cold drains power quickly, and consider a polarizing filter to enhance water colors and reduce glare from snow and ice. The pristine wilderness setting creates unforgettable landscape photography.
Independent hiking to the Ausangate 7 Lakes is extremely challenging and not recommended due to remote location, extreme altitude, and potentially dangerous weather conditions. Professional guides understand mountain weather patterns, altitude emergencies, and route finding in changing conditions.
They also provide essential safety equipment and can assist with altitude-related difficulties. The logistics of reaching this remote area make guided tours more practical and safer.
Ausangate holds profound spiritual significance in Andean culture as an “Apu” (mountain deity) and is considered one of Peru’s most sacred peaks. Local Quechua communities perform ceremonies and offerings to honor the mountain spirit, believing it controls weather, fertility, and community well-being. Understanding this cultural context adds spiritual depth to your hiking experience and helps you appreciate why locals consider this area sacred.
Primary safety considerations include severe altitude sickness, hypothermia, and rapidly changing weather conditions. Reputable operators provide oxygen tanks, comprehensive first aid supplies, and guides trained in high-altitude emergencies.
The extreme remoteness means evacuation could be challenging, making proper preparation and conservative decision-making essential. Always inform guides of health concerns and don’t hesitate to turn back if experiencing serious symptoms.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes tour offers one of the most spectacular and pristine mountain experiences available in Peru, with otherworldly landscapes that few travelers ever witness. The sense of accomplishment from completing such a challenging high-altitude trek, combined with the breathtaking beauty of seven unique glacial lakes beneath sacred peaks, creates memories that last a lifetime.
This adventure represents the pinnacle of day hiking from Cusco for serious mountain enthusiasts seeking extraordinary natural beauty and personal achievement.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
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