Full dayRainbow Mountain Tour
Vinicunca above 5,000 m, with the Red Valley as an optional way down.
1 / 7
Day Hikes
A loop past seven glacial lakes below the sacred peak of Cusco, with hot springs to finish.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes hike is one of the most beautiful day walks near Cusco and still one of the least crowded. Three hours south of the city, a loop trail links a chain of lakes in shades of turquoise, emerald and deep blue, all of them lying under the ice of Ausangate (6,384 m).
The trip at a glance
4:30 to 5:00 a.m.
Pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco and drive toward the South Valley.
7:30 to 8:15 a.m.
Arrival in the community of Pacchanta and a warm local breakfast.
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Guided loop past the seven lakes, among them Azulcocha, Otorongococha and Pucacocha.
1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Free time to rest and take photos.
1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
Optional soak in the Pacchanta hot springs.
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Traditional Andean lunch in Pacchanta.
3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Drive back to Cusco with drop off near the old town.
Highlights
Seven alpine lakes
Turquoise, deep blue and emerald water, each lake different from the last.
A sacred peak
You walk at the very foot of the Ausangate glacier (6,384 m).
Andean wildlife
Hundreds of alpacas and llamas, and now and then a wild vicuna.
Pacchanta hot springs
Natural thermal pools with the glacier in full view.
Community life
Meet families who keep old customs alive, and support them with your visit.
An active day
A 3 to 4 hour loop at altitude for people who like their trails quiet.
From our guidesFor the communities who live here, Ausangate is far more than a mountain. It is an Apu, a guardian spirit that watches over the whole region. Walking these valleys puts you in touch with traditions that are still practiced every day.
Itinerary
Full day: Cusco, Pacchanta, the seven lakes and back
Hotel pickup in Cusco (4:30 to 5:00 a.m.)
Our driver collects you from your hotel or Airbnb. The exact time depends on where in the city you are staying.
Drive south
About two hours on the road bring wide views of snow peaks, highland villages and open country.
On to the trailhead and breakfast
From Tinki we continue by vehicle for roughly one more hour, gaining height all the way to the start of the hike. A hot Andean breakfast is served on arrival.
Climb to the first lake
The first section is a gentle uphill of about an hour and a half. As you come over the rise, the first lake appears, bright against the glacier and the dark peaks behind it.
The seven lakes
From here the trail is mostly level or downhill and the walking is easy. One lake follows another, each with its own color and shape, all framed by the Ausangate massif. There is plenty of time at each one, and your guide explains the geology, the ecology and what the mountain means to the people of the area.
Buffet lunch
After the loop we sit down to an Andean buffet made with local produce: soups, Peruvian dishes, salads and vegetarian options.
Hot springs
As a reward you can lower yourself into warm, mineral rich water and look straight up at the glacier. It is a rare way to end a hike.
Return to Cusco
The drive back takes about three hours. We arrive in the early evening and leave you close to the main square.
- Walking time
- 3 to 4 hours
- Highest point
- 4,600 m (15,091 ft)
- Places
- Pacchanta, the seven lakes and the Ausangate glacier
What is included
Transport
Hotel pickup. From your hotel or Airbnb between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.
Round trip transport. Comfortable tourist vehicle with a professional driver.
Meals
Andean breakfast. Fruit juice, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, fruit salad and bread or pancakes with butter and jam.
Buffet lunch. A range of traditional local dishes after the hike.
Guiding and safety
Small group. Between 14 and 18 people at most.
Guide. Certified English speaking guide for the whole day.
Safety. First aid kit and oxygen tank.
Not included
Seven lakes entry. 20 soles per person (about 6 USD).
Pacchanta hot springs entry. 5 soles per person.
Cash only. Both fees are paid at the checkpoint on the day. Please bring soles.
Travel insurance. Medical and cancellation cover is not included.
Ausangate 7 Lakes hike prices 2026
| Regular price | $35 |
|---|---|
| Promo price | $30 |
How to get the promo price
- The 30 USD rate is for hikers who also book one of our treks or Machu Picchu tours. Reserve that first and then write to info@incaoutdoors.com to have the discount applied.
Private Ausangate 7 Lakes hike prices 2026
- Leave when it suits your plans
- Transport for your group only
- Extra photo stops on the way
- No one hurrying you along
- A guide for your group alone
- More time at the lakes you like most
- A good fit for couples, families and friends
| 2 people | $265 |
|---|---|
| 3 people | $290 |
| 4 people | $325 |
| 5 people | $360 |
| 6 people | $395 |
What the private service includes
Private tourist transport
Professional bilingual guide
Hotel pickup and drop off
Breakfast and lunch
First aid kit and oxygen
Personal help before and during the hike
What to pack
Essentials
Original passport
Small daypack
Water bottle
Camera or phone
Warm layers
Hiking boots
Quick dry t-shirts
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Trekking pants
Neck buff
Warm beanie
Gloves
Sun protection
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Extras
Swimwear
Towel
Energy snacks
Cash in soles
Good to know
Preparing for a hike at altitude
The trail reaches 4,600 m (15,091 ft), so acclimatization matters. Spend at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first. A lower, easier outing beforehand, such as our Humantay Lake hike or a day in the Sacred Valley, helps your body adapt.
Drink plenty of water, walk at your own speed and try coca tea before leaving. It is a traditional remedy that eases the effects of height. Our guides carry a first aid kit and oxygen at all times.
Apu Ausangate and the best season
Ausangate is honored as a protective spirit by the communities around it, and offerings are still made on its slopes.
April to October is the dry season, with clear skies and the best views of the mountain. From November to March the trail is muddier and colder, though the valleys turn a deep green. General travel information is on Peru Travel, the official tourism portal.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike difficult?
It is rated moderate to challenging, mostly because of the altitude. The first 1.5 hours are a steady climb. After that the trail is largely flat or downhill. It suits people in good shape who have acclimatized.
How high does it go?
About 4,600 m (15,091 ft). We advise at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand.
Are the entry fees included?
No. The lakes cost 20 soles and the hot springs 5 soles per person, both paid in cash on the day.
Do I have to go into the hot springs?
No, it is optional. If you want to, bring swimwear and a towel.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season from April to October. The hike runs in the wet months too, with more mud and colder air.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast before the hike and a buffet lunch afterward, with vegetarian options.
How big are the groups?
No more than 18 people, usually around 14.
What should I wear?
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat and proper hiking shoes. It is cold in the morning and the sun is strong at midday.
Keep exploring
You may also like
Full day
Full dayHumantay Lake Tour
A short, steep climb to a turquoise lake under a hanging glacier.
4 daysChoquequirao Trek 4 Days
Down and up the Apurimac canyon to an Inca city that almost nobody visits.