Ausangate Seven Lakes Day Trek with Breakfast and Lunch Cusco

Ausangate, the sacred mountain of Cusco

Ausangate is the highest peak in the Vilcanota range of the Cusco region, at more than 6,300 metres above sea level, and it is covered in glaciers all year. For Andean communities it is an apu, a mountain spirit that protects the people and the herds, and pilgrims still make offerings to it. The mountain dominates the horizon for most of the hike.

The peak also feeds streams that run into the valleys of Cusco, and its glaciers are slowly shrinking with climate change. If you are choosing a day trek near Cusco, Ausangate offers real high-mountain scenery, with turquoise water against ice, and fewer crowds. Bring good binoculars if you like wildlife, as birds and vicuñas are common.

The Seven Lakes of Ausangate

The Seven Lakes, or Siete Lagunas, are a chain of glacial lakes in the Ausangate area, at altitudes well above 4,000 metres. Their colours range from deep blue to green and turquoise depending on the light and the minerals in the water, and they are set in broad, treeless valleys. The trail passes between viewpoints, giving you time for photographs at each.

The walk is a full day, and you go slowly because the air is thin. Your professional guide sets the pace and shares stories about the mountain and local Quechua traditions. Many people who look for an Ausangate Seven Lakes tour from Cusco want to avoid the crowds of other lakes, and the quiet is one of the great rewards here.

Altitude, weather and what to expect

Cusco lies at about 3,400 metres, and the trek goes much higher, so spend a day or two in the city first. Weather in the high Andes is changeable, with sun, wind, hail and snow possible in the same day. Layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, a hat and sunglasses are essential. An oxygen bottle and a first-aid kit are carried on the trip.

The dry season from May to September has the clearest skies and the most stable conditions, while the rainy season brings cloud and slippery trails. The trek is demanding, and you should be in good physical condition. Tell your guide at once if you feel dizzy, sick or unusually tired, because descending is the best treatment for altitude sickness.

From Cusco to Ausangate and back

The default option includes hotel pickup in Cusco at around 04:00, and the pickup time is confirmed the day before. The drive to the trailhead takes several hours through villages and highland pasture, with a breakfast stop on the way. After the hike you have lunch and return to Cusco, where you are dropped near the centre.

Entrance fees and the hot springs, where offered, are paid on site and are not included, so carry some cash. Tips are not included. This is a shared tour with other travellers. The day is long and the exact timings depend on conditions, so plan for a very early start and an evening return.