Customizable private tour with flexible start date
Overview
We always like to take the lead into the less crowed trails and this hidden gem is one of them.
This day trip takes you to a unique place near the Ausangate Mountain where you get to see 7 crystal clear lakes next to each other.
Apu Ausangate is one of the highest sacred mountains in Peru and the most important apu (mountain spirit) in the Andean world. Located in the Ocongate-Pacchanta area of Cusco, the majestic Apu Ausangate rises to an impressive 6,384 meters (20,944 feet).
Ocongate is a rural area where time seems to have stood still. Life here has changed little since Inca times, and you will discover some of the few remaining farming communities of this kind in the world. This region is also a paradise for wildlife lovers. The rolling hills of Ocongate and Pacchanta are populated by herds of llamas and alpacas, carefully tended by women in traditional Andean dress.
As a bonus, after your hike you get the chance to jump into the HOT SPRINGS.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The pilgrimage will take you through a diverse landscape, including high-altitude grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes.
- Each of the seven lakes has its own unique color and energy. Some are turquoise, others emerald, green, and still others are even blood red.
- It’s an excellent way to exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and escape the daily grind or the city.
- The Seven Lakes of Apu Ausangate are a sacred place, deeply felt by the surrounding villages. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn more about their culture and traditions.
Prices & Inclusions
Explore transparent pricing with no hidden fees. This section outlines everything included in your Ausangate 7 Lakes full-day tour, from transportation and meals to expert guides and entrance fees—ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience in the Andes.
Included
- Transportation from end to end
- English speaking guide
- Lunch
- All entrance fees and permits
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
Not Included
- Gratuity for staff
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Walking sticks (available for rent for $12)
- Hotel in Cusco
- Horses
- Towels, if you will bathe in the Hot Springs
- Warm clothes including a scarf, sweaters, jacket, and gloves.
- Non-slip walking boots
- Walking sticks (optional)
- Rain poncho
- Towels
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Sun cream
- Local currency
- Snacks, because you will have lunch by 3:00pm approx.
Itinerary
Cusco - Ausangate Full Day
AUSANGATE 7 LAKES HIKE
Our Pumadventures team will come to your hotel to pick you up at 4:00 am, you will then drive for 3 hours and 30 minutes to get to Pacchanta town, located at an elevation of 4,300m/ 14,108ft, where you will have hot breakfast. En route, you will pass by quaint villages and scenic views. Since the trip is in the early morning, and you will ascend higher and higher the temperature will be cold, so warm clothing is required for this hike. During the hike, the temperature might still be the same, make sure to come in hiking clothes for cold and mild temperature.
Once having breakfast, you will start hiking towards the lakes for about 3 hours, where you will see a series of lagoons, located every 30 minutes to 1 hour each other. Some out of them are Azulcocha, Otorongococha, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, and Q’omercocha. Each lake has a stunning backdrop view of the different mountains located in the Vilcanota mountain range.
Just close by the trail, the herds of llamas and alpacas, local people in the typical outfit, flora, fauna will make a real add-on to your day-adventure, after making 7-hour hiking spotting the realm of the Andes, you will return to Pacchanta town, where you will enjoy just made lunch, after lunch or even before lunch you can enjoy a laidback soak in the hot springs. We will eventually drive back to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel.
NOTE ON ITINERARY
Although we do our very best possible to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for several reasons beyond our control, including strikes, weather, natural disasters, and terrain conditions. On some occasions, these conditions may demand us to deviate from our original schedule, in which case we will provide the best available alternative options. And we’ll make a great experience of it!
FAQs Ausangate Treks
To book your Seven Lakes of Ausangate trek, click the “Book Now” button on our website. Choose your departure date, fill in your required personal details, and pay the deposit. Once we receive your payment, we will send you an email confirmation, and your tour will be fully booked.
You can pay the remaining balance in cash before your trip. We accept US dollars and Peruvian soles. If you prefer to use a credit card, you can pay at least one week before your trip, but please note that there is a 5% service fee. Paying in cash is better because there are no additional charges. Please let us know your payment preference in advance.
We do not offer a student discount for the day trip to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate and Apu Ausangate.
Some agencies offer lower prices because they accept large groups of around 25 people, and their guides are often inexperienced students who don’t carry safety equipment like oxygen. At Pumadventures, we focus on quality, knowledge, and experience, keeping our groups private. Our Pumadventures team guarantees your safety, and we have a professional chef for meals. In addition, our drivers are experts and prioritize safety and quality on your trips. These extra features contribute to our price difference, guaranteeing a better experience.
You do not need to bring your passport.
Yes, the villagers of Pacchanta offer horse rentals. Once you arrive in Pacchanta, you can rent a horse directly from them with the help of our team. Prices for the ride range from 100 to 120 soles (approximately $32 to $36). This includes a guide for the horse during the hike.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from March to November. From December to February, the rainy season can make the trail muddy and wet, and the mountain may be covered in snow and fog.
Yes, mornings can be very cold, often below freezing in winter. With sunrise, the temperature moderates, but at higher altitudes it remains cold and windy. Temperatures typically range from 4 to 15 °C (40 to 60 °F) on sunny days and from 0 to 10 °C (32 to 50 °F) on rainy or cloudy days.
Our Pumadventures team carries a pulse oximeter and oxygen tanks. If you feel unwell, the guide will check your oxygen levels and provide oxygen if necessary. If symptoms persist, you will be taken back immediately.
There are no strict age limits for the Ausangate Seven Lakes tour. However, at Pumadventures, we recommend a minimum age of 8 and a maximum age of 70, as young children may struggle with the cold or suffer from altitude sickness. If you plan to bring children, dress them warmly and arrive in Cusco at least three days prior to the tour to help them acclimatize to the altitude.
Tickets for the Seven Lakes of Apu Ausangate are always available, at least two days in advance. However, during peak season, from May to August, it’s best to book at least a month in advance.
Yes, there are four restrooms along the trail. The first one is at the trailhead and costs 1 sol. The other restrooms, located halfway along the trail and at the end, are free but very basic: they consist of a hole in the ground inside a small structure.
It’s recommended to bring cash in soles. Local vendors sell items such as snacks, drinks, and handicrafts. Credit cards are not accepted.
There are no charging stations along the tour route. Please bring a portable charger to keep your devices charged. However, you can charge them in our van.
Yes, the Ausangate Seven Lakes trek is safe. There are no hazards on the route.
The Ausangate Seven Lakes Trek is of moderate difficulty. The trail, located in the Peruvian Andes, reaches an altitude of 4,620 meters (15,155 feet), which can make breathing difficult due to the high altitude. The trek covers approximately 12 kilometers (7.456 miles) round trip, with steep climbs and unpredictable weather that add to the challenge. To enjoy the trek, it is important to prepare well, acclimatize to the altitude, and wear appropriate clothing.
You should stay in Cusco for at least three days before starting the trek to Apu Ausangate. This helps your body adjust to the altitude. Even if you’re coming from a place at a similar altitude, it’s recommended to rest in Cusco for at least one day before the trek.
If you feel too tired, you can ride a horse to reach the lagoons. If you don’t want to continue, you can return to the starting point and enjoy the hot springs.
Hiking or horseback riding are the only options. If you don’t want to hike, you can rent a horse to complete the hike.
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the hot springs after the hike. We recommend enjoying the hot springs before lunch.
Yes, active and healthy people between 50 and 65 years old have successfully completed the hike. For a more relaxed experience, you can hike at your own pace on our private tours. It’s also advisable to consult a doctor before traveling, as the altitude reaches 4,620 meters.
