A high-altitude day hike from Cusco that visits seven turquoise Ausangate lakes, includes a traditional lunch in Pacchanta, and ends with restorative hot springs. Ideal for acclimatized hikers prepared for thin air and long days.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Cusco before dawn, the city lights shrinking behind the van as the Andes widen and the air thins. By the time Pacchanta appears, the first glaciers of Apu Ausangate are pale against a cobalt sky; turquoise lakes sit like spilled glass in the high puna, daring you to walk closer.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
13–14 hours
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and prior high-altitude hiking experience recommended; be comfortable walking 4–6 hours with elevation gain.
Wildlife
History
Ausangate has been revered in Andean cosmology for centuries; local communities maintain pilgrimage routes and weaving traditions tied to the mountain.
Conservation
The high puna ecosystem is fragile—stay on trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out all waste; support guides who work with local communities to limit impact.
Reserve your spot on the 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek from Cusco with Breakfast and Lunch today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend at least 48 hours in Cusco resting and hydrating before the trek to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures swing quickly—bring a warm insulating layer plus a breathable shell for wind protection.
Sturdy footwear matters
Choose stiff-soled hiking boots to handle rocky, uneven trails and short scree sections.
Hydrate and pace
Carry 2–3 liters and eat small snacks frequently; walk slowly on ascents to manage breathing at 4,600 m.
Stiff-soled hiking boots
Provide ankle support and traction on rocky, uneven high-altitude terrain.
Insulating midlayer (fleece/down)
Keeps you warm during cold mornings and after exertion at altitude.
Sun protection (SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat)
High-altitude UV is intense; protect skin and eyes during the open puna sections.
2–3L hydration system and electrolytes
Prevents dehydration which worsens altitude symptoms and fatigue.