Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour from Cusco – Private 1-Day Hike
Discover the spectacular landscapes of the Peruvian Andes on our Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour from Cusco, a private full-day hiking experience in the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to Pacchanta, a high-Andean community located beneath the impressive Ausangate Mountain. After a traditional breakfast, begin your hike through dramatic mountain landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, high-altitude valleys, and colorful lagoons.
The circular route takes you through a series of beautiful glacial lakes, each offering different shades of turquoise, blue, and green. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Ausangate region and, depending on the conditions of the day, observe alpacas, llamas, and other Andean wildlife.
After completing the hike, return to Pacchanta and relax in its natural hot springs before enjoying a traditional Andean lunch. Then sit back and enjoy the journey back to Cusco in private transportation.
This Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour is ideal for travelers looking for a private Andean hiking experience that combines spectacular scenery, local culture, nature, and relaxation in a single day.
Important: The route reaches approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft above sea level. Proper acclimatization is strongly recommended before undertaking this high-altitude hike.
Looking for a different way to explore the high Andes? Our 7 Lakes of Ausangate Horseback Tour offers a private and scenic alternative to hiking. Ride through spectacular mountain landscapes, discover the turquoise lakes of Ausangate, and enjoy a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs in Pacchanta.
A scenic and comfortable way to explore the Ausangate region.
Travel privately from Cusco to Pacchanta, enjoy a traditional breakfast, and ride on horseback through the breathtaking Andean landscapes surrounding the 7 Lakes of Ausangate. After the ride, relax in the Pacchanta hot springs and enjoy a traditional Andean lunch.
Private Transportation · Horseback Riding · 7 Lakes · Hot Springs
Experience the high Andes on a private hike through the spectacular 7 Lakes of Ausangate. Walk through remote mountain landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glacial waters, and high-altitude valleys.
Along the route, discover lakes in different shades of turquoise, green, and blue while enjoying panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain. Your guide will accompany you throughout the hike and share information about the local environment and Andean culture.
After completing the circuit, return to Pacchanta for a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs, followed by a traditional Andean lunch before returning to Cusco.
Your private Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at around 4:00 AM. Travel south through the beautiful landscapes of the Cusco region toward Pacchanta, passing traditional Andean communities and mountain scenery along the way.
After approximately three hours of travel, arrive in Pacchanta at around 4,307 m / 14,130 ft. Before beginning the hike, enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared with local ingredients.
After breakfast, start the 7 Lakes of Ausangate hike along a circular high-altitude route of approximately 12 km / 7.4 miles. The trail takes you through spectacular mountain scenery with views of glaciers, highland valleys, and the impressive Ausangate massif.
Along the way, discover several colorful glacial lakes, including Pucacocha, Azulcocha, Otorongo, and other lagoons of the Ausangate circuit. Your guide will provide information about the landscape and local traditions while allowing time for photographs and rest.
The route reaches approximately 4,630 m / 15,200 ft at its highest point. Due to the altitude, the pace can be adapted to your group’s needs while maintaining a safe and comfortable experience.
After completing the circuit, return to Pacchanta, where you can relax in the natural hot springs surrounded by the Andean mountains.
After the hot springs, enjoy a traditional Andean lunch before beginning the private journey back to Cusco. Arrival is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Be prepared for high altitude and changing weather conditions in the Andes. We recommend bringing:
Please note that itineraries, schedules, routes, and activities may be adjusted when necessary due to circumstances beyond our control, including weather conditions, road conditions, strikes, demonstrations, natural events, or other local restrictions. Any changes will be communicated and coordinated with you whenever possible.
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco is usually scheduled for around 4:00 AM. The exact time will be confirmed according to your hotel location and the day’s operation.
The hike is classified as moderate, but the high altitude makes it more demanding. The route is approximately 12 km / 7.4 miles, with around 4–5 hours of walking.
Yes. Because this is a high-altitude hike, we strongly recommend spending several days acclimatizing in Cusco before taking the tour. Current tour operators likewise emphasize acclimatization for this route.
You may see alpacas and llamas grazing along the route and near the Andean communities. Wildlife sightings depend on the conditions of the day and cannot be guaranteed.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the high Andes. For safety reasons, the guide and operations team may adjust the itinerary or activities according to weather, trail, road, or local conditions.
