7 Lakes of Ausangate – Scenic High-Altitude Trekking
Discover Turquoise Glacial Lakes and the Sacred Apu Ausangate at Your Own Rhythm.
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: ~14 Hours (Full Day).
- Start Time: 04:30 AM (Essential for mountain weather and long drive).
- Strategic Focus: High-Altitude Hiking, Glacial Landscapes, Wellness (Hot Springs).
- Key Note: A visually stunning, less crowded alternative to Rainbow Mountain, with optional hot springs.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging (Long hike at high altitude >4,300m).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Highlights: 7 Turquoise Lakes, Ausangate Mountain Views, Pacchanta Hot Springs.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
The Hidden Circuit of the Sacred Mountain
Venture into the shadow of the Ausangate, the most sacred mountain ("Apu") in the Cusco region, on this Private 7 Lakes Trek. Unlike the single-viewpoint crowds of Rainbow Mountain, this circuit immerses you in a vast, pristine landscape of turquoise, green, and red glacial lakes, offering a deeper connection with the Andean wilderness.
Your day begins with a private drive through remote villages, leading to the trailhead at Pacchanta. Because this is a private tour, you dictate the pace. Whether you want to power through the hike or stop at every lake for photos and meditation, our expert guide adapts to your rhythm, ensuring your safety at high altitude with oxygen and personalized support.
The experience culminates not just with a sense of achievement, but with relaxation. Soak your tired muscles in the natural thermal baths of Pacchanta—with the snow-capped peak of Ausangate as your backdrop—before enjoying a hearty local lunch and a comfortable ride back to Cusco.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
Hiking the Roof of the Andes
04:30 AM: Scenic Drive to the South
Your private driver collects you from your Cusco hotel. Wrap up in warm blankets as we head south through the Vilcanota Valley. The 3-hour drive is a scenic journey in itself, passing herds of alpacas and traditional adobe villages.
Morning: Breakfast & The Hike Begins
Arrival in Pacchanta: We arrive at this high-altitude community (4,200m / 13,700 ft) and enjoy a nutritious, energy-boosting Andean breakfast prepared by locals. The Trek: We begin the 4-5 hour loop hike. The trail winds through a breathtaking landscape of puna (highland grasslands). The Seven Lakes: You will visit a succession of stunning glacial lakes, including Puca Cocha (Red Lake), Azul Cocha (Blue Lake), and Otorongo (Jaguar Lake). Each has a unique color and reflects the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Ausangate massif. Your guide will explain the mythology behind these sacred waters.
Mid-Day: The Summit & Descent
Reach the highest point of the circuit (approx. 4,850m / 15,900 ft) for panoramic photos. We then descend back towards Pacchanta, completing the loop. The private service allows us to take breaks whenever you need to catch your breath or admire the view.
Afternoon: Hot Springs & Lunch
Thermal Baths (Optional): Upon returning to Pacchanta, reward yourself with a soak in the natural hot springs. The contrast of the hot water and the cool mountain air is the perfect muscle therapy. (Entry fee paid locally). Local Lunch: Refuel with a delicious, hot lunch prepared by the community using fresh local ingredients like trout, potatoes, and quinoa.
18:30 PM: Return to Cusco
Relax in your private vehicle for the drive back, arriving at your hotel in the early evening.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Transport: Exclusive vehicle and driver (Round Trip).
- Expert Guide: Professional English/Spanish speaking guide specialized in high-altitude trekking.
- Meals: Hot Breakfast & Lunch in the Pacchanta community.
- Entrance Fees: Ticket for the 7 Lakes circuit.
- Safety Gear: Carbon fiber trekking poles, first aid kit, and oxygen tank.
- Support: Personalized attention to manage altitude and pace.
Not Included
- Hot Springs Entry: A small fee (approx. 5-10 soles) paid directly to the community if you wish to enter.
- Emergency Horse: Available for rent in Pacchanta if you prefer to ride part of the way.
- Gratuities: Tips for your guide and driver.
- Personal Expenses: Snacks or drinks.
What to bring
Recommendations
- Acclimatization is Critical: You will be hiking above 14,000 feet the entire time. This tour should be done on your 3rd or 4th day in Cusco, after you have adjusted to the altitude.
- Gear Up: The weather is unpredictable. Bring a waterproof jacket, warm layers (fleece/down), gloves, and a beanie. Good hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended.
- The "Swimsuit" Rule: Even if you think you might not want to swim, bring your swimsuit and a towel! The hot springs are irresistible after a cold hike.
- Photography: The colors of the lakes change with the sun. The best photos are often taken in the late morning, which aligns perfectly with our private schedule.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Is this hike harder than Rainbow Mountain?
A: It is different. The 7 Lakes Trek is longer in distance (approx. 10km loop) but generally flatter than the steep ascent of Rainbow Mountain. However, the sustained time at high altitude makes it physically demanding. It is rated "Moderate to Challenging."
Q: Can I do this with children?
A: We recommend this for active teenagers (12+ years) who are well-acclimatized. It is too long and high for young children unless they are carried or ride a horse (which can be rented).
Q: What if I don't want to hike the whole loop?
A: Since it's a private tour, we can adjust. We can hike to the first couple of lakes and turn back, or you can spend more time relaxing in the village/hot springs while others hike. You set the limits.
Q: Is the food safe to eat in the community?
A: Yes, we work with trusted local families who maintain high hygiene standards for our guests. The food is cooked fresh, hot, and is delicious.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
7 Lakes of Ausangate – Scenic High-Altitude Trekking
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
