Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour

The Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour is considered moderate to challenging due to its high altitude rather than the trail itself. The hike covers approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) and reaches a maximum elevation of around 4,620 m (15,157 ft). We recommend spending at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco before joining the tour..

The hiking portion takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and the time spent enjoying the lakes and viewpoints. The full tour lasts about 14 hours, including transportation, meals, and the visit to Pacchanta Hot Springs..

Cusco is a big enough city to find different categories of hotels, from 2 stars to 5 stars. The pick-up will be from your hotel in Cusco, and it will depend on where it is located. Some of the streets in Cusco are not allowed for big vans. If you are staying in an Airbnb, please ask the Vidal Expeditions sales team.

The best time is during the dry season (April to October) when the skies are clearer and the mountain views are at their best. The rainy season, from November to March, can bring muddy trails and changing weather conditions..

The Ausangate 7 Lakes are a group of beautiful alpine lakes located in the Vilcanota mountain range in Cusco. This is the ultimate day tour in the Peruvian Andes, where the highlights are the different lakes of stunning colors, crystal water, snow-capped mountains, herds of alpacas, and a lot of local traditions.

Yes. Restrooms are available in the village of Pacchanta before and after the hike. However, there are no bathroom facilities along most of the hiking trail, so we recommend using the restrooms before starting the trek. It is also a good idea to carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your daypack for added comfort during the tour.

The altitude of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate could be vary, the hike starts at 4,100 meters(13,451 ft) above sea level and the highest point that you will get exploring the Seven Lakes will be 4,620 meters(15,157 ft).

The best month to visit these wonderful 7 Lakes of Ausangate is June, when the landscapes are wonderful and clear, with some rare rain during the weeks. May to October is the dry season in Cusco. Also, this month, you can see the reflection of the different mountains around the lakes.

Absolutely. If you're looking for colorful glacial lakes, spectacular mountain scenery, fewer crowds, and an authentic Andean experience, the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour is one of the most rewarding day hikes near Cusco.

The tour visits the natural hot springs in Pacchanta, where you can relax after the hike while enjoying panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain. The entrance fee may vary, so please check with us when booking.

We recommend bringing warm clothing, waterproof layers, hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, a reusable water bottle, snacks, a camera, and cash for personal expenses or the hot springs entrance fee.

Yes. Beginners with a reasonable fitness level can complete the hike if they are properly acclimatized. The main challenge is the altitude, not the technical difficulty of the trail.

Yes, there are some locals at the beginning of the path who are offering horseback riding services.

Both tours are incredible but offer different experiences. Rainbow Mountain is famous for its colorful striped landscape, while the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour features seven beautiful glacial lakes, fewer visitors, natural hot springs, and a more peaceful hiking experience.

Because the tour reaches over 4,600 m (15,157 ft), some travelers may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco before the hike, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and hiking at a comfortable pace.