Ausangate Lakes Tours

The Ausangate Lakes Full Day Tour is one of the most impressive and comprehensive nature hikes in the Cusco region. The route takes you to explore the trails of the Vilcanota Mountain Range to discover a circuit of seven beautiful glacial lakes with spectacular turquoise and emerald tones born from the melting of sacred mountains.

Throughout the route, you will have privileged views of the imposing Mount Ausangate and Mount Qayangate, surrounded by native Andean wildlife. It is the ideal tour for lovers of hiking, adventure, and unique natural landscapes looking for less-traveled alternatives.

The best time to visit the Ausangate Lakes is during the dry season, which spans the months of April to October. In these months, rainfall is very scarce, the ground remains stable, and the clear skies allow you to enjoy the best color contrasts in the water.

The months of May, June, July, and August offer excellent visibility conditions to capture spectacular photographs of the glaciers and wildlife. During the rainy season (November to March), the mountains accumulate abundant snow, but the trails can become more challenging due to mud or fog.

The tour to the Ausangate Lakes is carried out as a Full Day excursion and lasts approximately 15 hours in total, considering the transfers and the time spent on the high mountain route.

The trip starts very early with pickup from hotels in Cusco between 04:00 am to head toward the southern part of the region. The return to the city of Cusco takes place at approximately 07:00 pm, usually ending near the Plaza de Armas or at your accommodation.

The maximum altitude reached during the tour’s hike is approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) above sea level. The vehicle transfer takes you to the Andean community of Pacchanta, which is situated at a base elevation of about 4,300 m (14,107 ft) at the foot of the snow-capped mountain.

Because the journey takes place entirely at a high mountain level, it is of vital importance that travelers have adequate preparation and follow the guide’s recommendations to avoid altitude sickness (soroche).

During this high mountain adventure circuit, you will visit a group of seven spectacular lakes of glacial origin. The route includes a guided visit to the lakes of Azulcocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, and Patacocha.

Each of these lakes possesses unique characteristics and tones that change according to the position of the sun and mineral concentration, providing unforgettable postcard views at the foot of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.

The hike on the tour has a difficulty level rated as moderate to difficult. These are not trails with technical or dangerous slopes, but the physical demand is significantly increased by the altitude factor.

The Andean trail runs along high mountain terrain above 4,600 meters (15,091 feet) in height, thereby demanding respiratory effort and general physical endurance to complete the hours of the journey.

The walking tour to visit the seven lakes takes approximately 5 hours in total. This time includes the gradual ascent toward the lakes’ viewpoints, strategic rest breaks, and the descent back to the village.

Our professional guides lead the group setting a rhythmic and steady pace, allowing each participant to enjoy the landscapes, flora, and Andean wildlife without pressure or haste.

The total distance covered on foot during the circuit is approximately 10 to 12 kilometers (6.2 to 7.4 miles) for the full round-trip journey, starting from and returning to the Andean community of Pacchanta.

The trail consists of sections of compact dirt, loose stones, and native puna vegetation (paja brava), offering a pure and classic trekking experience in the Peruvian Andes.

Yes, our all-inclusive service on the Ausangate Lakes Tour features a riding horse during the route, in addition to extra horses assigned for transporting luggage. This is an excellent aid on the trail.

The use of horses allows visitors to alternate between walking and riding on the flatter or more demanding sections of the circuit, notably decreasing muscle fatigue and making it easier for you to complete the adventure comfortably.

Yes, the hike can be completed by children (from 10 to 12 years old) and seniors, provided they enjoy an optimal state of health, maintain an active basic physical condition, and have completed a prior acclimatization period.

Thanks to the constant support of the riding horses included in the program, direct physical effort is reduced, making this high mountain experience viable for families who wish to venture together into the Andes.

Because the tour takes place in a freezing mountain range environment, it is strictly mandatory to dress in warm layered clothing. You must include waterproof or windbreaker jackets, thermal sweaters, gloves, scarves, and wool hats.

During the early morning, the temperature in the area usually drops below 0°C (32°F), while during the hike the sun can be intense. Dressing in layers will allow you to adapt easily to sudden weather shifts during the day.

It is advised as a priority to use trekking sneakers or boots that feature a non-slip rubber sole and good grip. The trail presents wet sections, loose stones, and irregular surfaces unique to glaciers.

Avoid wearing smooth-soled shoes, loafers, or canvas urban footwear, as they increase the risk of slipping and reduce stability during the hours of hiking in the mountains.

In your daypack, you should carry your ID documents, high-protection sunscreen, UV-filter sunglasses, a bottle of water, lip balm, and a camera or cellphone with a fully charged battery.

We also recommend including swimwear and a small towel if you wish to make use of the medicinal pools of Pacchanta at the end of the hiking journey, along with additional snacks of your choice.

Yes, our travel package directly includes the cost of admission to the Ausangate Circuit administered by the local native communities, so you will not have to make extra payments at the entrance.

The only additional and optional payment on-site is the direct entrance fee to the Pacchanta hot springs, which is paid personally if you decide to enter the pools.

It is highly recommended that you make your reservation at least 2 to 3 days in advance. While it does not have availability restrictions as strict as the Machu Picchu trains, booking ahead allows us to impeccably coordinate transportation and horses.

Making your reservation in advance guarantees you a secure spot in our group and completely personalized attention for your adventure in the Vilcanota Mountain Range.

Yes, there is a latent probability of experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness or soroche (such as headache, shortness of breath, or dizziness) because the circuit exceeds 4,600 meters (15,091 feet) of altitude at all times.

To considerably minimize this risk, it is an indispensable requirement that you spend a minimum period of 1 to 2 days of prior acclimatization in the city of Cusco or in the Sacred Valley before undertaking this demanding excursion.

Our absolute priority is to ensure your safety. Therefore, all our groups travel accompanied by a trained professional guide, and the tour includes a comprehensive first-aid kit along with a portable oxygen tank for any emergency.

Additionally, having riding horses on the same route provides us with an excellent backup for rapid evacuation or immediate rest if any passenger feels fatigued by the altitude.

If you experience intense symptoms of soroche, nausea, severe dizziness, or extreme fatigue, you must communicate it immediately to the tour guide. Our staff will assess your physical condition instantly to assist you.

The guide may instruct you to use the oxygen tank, rest in safe areas, or mount the assigned horse immediately to continue the journey without further physical effort.

The pools of the Pacchanta hot springs possess medicinal mineral properties ideal for health and relaxation. Taking a bath at the end of the trekking helps to reduce inflammation and relax muscles strained by the hike.

Furthermore, enjoying this bath with the impressive panoramic view of the Andean peaks generates an optimal state of mental relaxation before beginning the return journey.

This high mountain tour is not advised for women in an advanced stage of pregnancy, people suffering from severe chronic heart or respiratory conditions, or travelers with recent bone injuries that hinder walking.

If you have any doubts regarding your physical condition, we suggest consulting with your doctor before traveling to Cusco and informing the agency about any special medical condition.

Your booking with us is a full-service package that includes hotel pickup, round-trip tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), a nutritious breakfast, a hearty buffet lunch, and snacks for the trail.

We also comprehensively guarantee the provision of riding horses, pack horses for luggage, a first-aid kit with emergency oxygen, and all corresponding community entrance fees for the circuit.

The only services that are not included in the tour are the direct entrance fee to the Pacchanta hot springs (a minimal cost paid to the community members), extra drinks such as sodas or beers, personal expenses, and tips.

We recommend carrying small denomination cash in Peruvian Soles, since along the Andean route there are no ATMs or card payment points.

The service offers a replenishing breakfast upon arriving at the Andean community of Pacchanta to provide you with energy. During the trekking, you will be provided with water and snacks to maintain hydration at altitude.

Upon returning from the trails, you will enjoy a comforting buffet lunch prepared with local ingredients from the Andean zone, ideal for replacing calories spent after the high mountain day.

Our travel policies allow for date modifications or cancellations by giving due business notice. Not depending on strict and non-transferable government tickets like the Inca Trail, changes are more flexible.

We invite you to communicate directly with our travel advisors to review in detail the specific terms and conditions applied to your travel date.

You can complete your reservation very easily by contacting us directly through our official WhatsApp button, sending an email, or using the forms on our website.

You will need to submit the travelers’ personal data, choose your preferred date, and make the corresponding payment or deposit to issue your official confirmation of tourist services.

Throughout the tour, you will witness one of the purest geographical environments in Cusco. You will observe the imposing ice walls of Mount Ausangate, the formations of the Qayangate Mountain Range, and the seven lakes with contrasting colors.

Furthermore, the environment is rich in high altitude wildlife, allowing you to see extensive herds of alpacas and llamas raised by local community members, vizcachas hopping among the rocks, and the majestic flight of condors up close.

Yes, the circuit is considered an authentic paradise for nature and adventure photography. The direct contrast between the turquoise lakes, the golden ichu of the puna, and the perpetual snow of the glaciers provides unique conditions.

We suggest bringing cameras or smartphones with clear storage and extra batteries well-protected from the cold, as low mountain temperatures tend to drain equipment power much faster.

Yes, the visual reward and personal satisfaction are invaluable. Being a route with a significantly lower influx of tourists than other traditional destinations in Cusco, you will enjoy the landscapes in an environment of peace and absolute connection.

The combination of walking surrounded by gigantic glaciers and finishing immersed in relaxing natural hot springs makes every minute of the hike completely worthwhile.

The tour fosters responsible rural tourism. By visiting the Andean village of Pacchanta and walking its trails, you will have the opportunity to learn about the customs of the high-altitude inhabitants, who keep their textile traditions and camelid herding alive.

Your visit generates a direct and highly positive economic impact on the sustainable development and cultural preservation of these communities in the Vilcanota Mountain Range.

The Ausangate Lakes stand out for providing a pure high Andean mountain experience away from large crowds of visitors. It brings together glacial landscapes, wildlife observation, adventure, living culture, and thermal wellness in a single day.

If you are looking to experience a memorable day of exploration and untamed nature that tests your traveler spirit, this excursion will become one of the best memories of your time in Peru.