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Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day
Seven Glacial Lakes beneath Mount Ausangate · Full-Day Trek from Cusco
Full day · Moderate · Max. 6,384 m · Up to 16
Overview
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek is one of the most breathtaking and rewarding full-day hiking experiences available from Cusco. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Ausangate, one of the most sacred peaks in the Peruvian Andes and the highest mountain in the Cusco region at 6,384 m, this trek crosses a spectacular high-altitude landscape of crystal-clear glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, vast open valleys, and vibrant wetlands teeming with Andean wildlife.
The route winds through the Ausangate Cordillera, passing seven stunning glacial lakes, each with its own color and character, from deep turquoise and jade green to electric blue and silver grey depending on the light and season. Along the way you will encounter herds of llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas grazing freely across the high plateau, as well as a rich variety of Andean birds soaring above the glaciers.
The trek takes place at altitudes between 4,600 m and 5,100 m, making it a moderately challenging adventure best suited to travelers with a reasonable level of fitness and at least two to three days of acclimatization in Cusco. Your professional bilingual guide accompanies you throughout, sharing insights into the geology, ecology, and profound cultural significance of the Ausangate massif in Andean cosmology.
Why you'll love this trek
- Seven glacial lakes in a single day, each a different shade of turquoise, jade and electric blue.
- Hike beneath the sacred Ausangate, the highest peak in the Cusco region.
- A high-altitude route (4,600–5,100 m) far from the crowds, for reasonably fit hikers.
- One of the most rewarding full-day treks you can do from Cusco.
Itinerary
your day, hour by hour
From 4:30 to 5:00 AM. Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up directly from your hotel in Cusco. Your driver and guide collect you between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, ensuring a punctual and comfortable departure for the long but rewarding journey ahead.
From about 5:00 to 8:00 AM. You travel roughly 3 hours by comfortable tourist vehicle toward the small community of Tinqui, the gateway to the Ausangate Cordillera. The drive passes traditional communities and open grasslands as the landscape gradually transforms into remote high-altitude wilderness.
Around 8:00 to 8:45 AM. Upon arrival in the Tinqui area you enjoy a nutritious, energizing breakfast before beginning the trek, the perfect fuel for the exciting day ahead.
From about 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The main event begins as you set off on the trail at a comfortable, steady pace suited to the altitude. The route takes you through a succession of seven spectacular glacial lakes, each more impressive than the last. Your guide shares information about the geology, glaciology, local flora and fauna, and the deep cultural and spiritual significance of Mount Ausangate, revered as an Apu (mountain deity) by the local Quechua communities. Keep your eyes open for llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, as well as Andean birds such as the condor, ducks, and flamingos near the lakes.
Around 2:00 to 2:30 PM. At the final viewpoints you have free time to explore, take photographs, and simply absorb one of the most spectacular high-altitude landscapes in all of Peru: sweeping views of the glacial lakes, the snow-capped peaks of the Ausangate massif, and the vast open Andean sky.
Around 3:00 PM. After the trek you enjoy a well-deserved buffet lunch featuring a delicious selection of traditional Peruvian and regional dishes, the perfect way to replenish your energy after a full day in the mountains.
From about 4:00 to 7:00 PM. After lunch you board your vehicle for the return journey to Cusco, arriving in the early evening. Your driver drops you off at your hotel or at a central point in the city center. Times are approximate and may vary slightly depending on group pace, weather, and road conditions.
What's included
Included
- Round-trip private tourist transportation. Travel in a comfortable, safe tourist vehicle from Cusco to the Ausangate area and back, with experienced drivers who know the high-altitude routes thoroughly.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco. Door-to-door service from your accommodation in Cusco, scheduled between 4:30 and 5:00 AM, ensuring a punctual and stress-free start to your day.
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish). A certified professional guide accompanies you throughout, sharing detailed and engaging information about the geology, glaciology, wildlife, history, and cultural significance of the Ausangate region.
- Nutritious breakfast. A complete, energizing breakfast served in the Tinqui area before the trek begins, designed to fuel you for the demands of the day ahead.
- Buffet lunch. A delicious buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian and regional dishes, served after the trek to help you recover and celebrate a fantastic day in the mountains.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Your guide carries a fully equipped first-aid kit and an oxygen tank throughout the entire tour, essential at altitudes above 5,000 m.
Not included
- Entrance ticket to the Ausangate 7 Lakes area. Not included. The community entrance fee is S/ 20.00 soles per person, paid directly at the entrance point on the day of the tour (cash, soles only).
- Travel insurance. Not included. We strongly recommend a valid travel insurance policy that covers high-altitude trekking and adventure activities.
- Gratuities. Tips are not included and are entirely optional. If you feel your guide or driver provided exceptional service, a voluntary tip is warmly appreciated. Our staff receive fair compensation, so there is no obligation.
- Personal and extra expenses. Any additional expenses incurred during the tour are not covered, including handicrafts, souvenirs, or snacks from local vendors at the trailhead or along the route.
- Horse riding (optional). Horse-riding assistance along sections of the trail is available for an additional fee, payable directly to the local handlers on the day. A great option for travelers who may need extra support on the longer or steeper sections.
What to bring
A suggested packing checklist for this trip.
Essential
Clothing
Equipment
Recommended
Pricing
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek operates as a group service with an average of 12 to 14 participants and a maximum of 16 people per group. Every group is accompanied by a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish), ensuring a safe, informative, and personalized experience from start to finish.
Good to know
Acclimatize first. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before any high-altitude trek. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and are first-aid trained.
- To request a cancellation, please contact us at info@machupicchuonline.com.
- Rescheduling: need to change your date or switch to a different experience? No problem. You may reschedule or choose an alternative tour, such as Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, Sacred Valley, or Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca, at no extra cost, provided you notify us before 7:00 PM the day before your original tour date.
- Cancellations by Machu Picchu Online: in the unlikely event that we need to cancel your tour due to adverse weather, political disruptions, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, you will receive a full 100% refund of your payment, no questions asked.
- Full refund (100%): cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
- Partial refund (50%): cancel within 24 hours of departure but before 7:00 PM the day prior.
- No refund: cancellations made after 7:00 PM the day before the tour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek?
How difficult is the trek?
How long is the trek in total?
What altitude does the trek reach?
Is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek suitable for beginners?
What is the best time of year to do the trek?
Is Mount Ausangate sacred to local communities?
Will I see wildlife on the trek?
Is horse riding available on this trek?
What happens if the tour is cancelled due to bad weather?
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