A long, high-altitude day trek from Cusco brings you to seven vivid Andean lagoons beneath Ausangate’s glaciated flanks. Expect rocky trails, sharp weather swings, and cultural encounters with llama-herding communities along the way.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trail begins before dawn, a thin bone-cold light over puna grass as a bus winds away from Cusco and climbs toward the broad shoulders of Ausangate. By mid-morning you stand where meltwater plunges off glacial slopes and a string of high-altitude lagoons—each a different blue—reflects a sky that seems closer than the city below.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
10–14 hours (day trip)
Fitness Level
Good cardio and stamina; prior high-elevation hiking experience recommended due to sustained climbs and thin air.
Wildlife
History
The Ausangate area is central to Quechua cosmology; local communities have long regarded the mountain as an Apu (sacred mountain) and maintain traditional herding routes and rituals.
Conservation
Glacial retreat and changing runoff patterns are altering lake levels; stick to established trails, pack out waste, and use local guides who support community conservation efforts.
Reserve your spot on the Trekking Through the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend 48–72 hours in Cusco or similar elevation to reduce altitude sickness risk; prioritize rest and hydration before the hike.
Water and electrolytes
Carry 2–3 liters and an electrolyte mix—cold, dry air and exertion accelerate dehydration at high altitude.
Footwear and traction
Use waterproof, stiff-soled hiking boots; sections around lake inlets can be muddy and slippery.
Start early
Begin pre-dawn to maximize daylight and avoid afternoon storms common in the high Andes.
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction on rocky, muddy Andean trails.
Insulated down or synthetic jacket
Warmth for cold mornings and sudden weather changes above 4,000m.
Hydration system + electrolytes
Maintains hydration and electrolyte balance in cold, dry air.
Trekking poles
Reduce knee strain on ascents/descents and aid balance on uneven terrain.