CUSCO TOURS

Ausangate 7 Lakes 1 Day Tour

Price $ USD 69

Duration One very long full day

Physical Level Challenging

Max Altitude Approximately 4,600–4,700 m / 15,092–15,420 ft

Accommodation Sky Domes / Lodge

Departures Daily, subject to availability and route access

Cusco – Ocongate – Tinki – Pacchanta – seven-lake circuit – Cusco

Resumen

At Pacchanta, the road ends beneath Ausangate and the day shifts to footpaths, glacial water, and high puna. Seven lakes lie across the circuit, each holding a different mix of blue, green, gray, and red-brown sediment under the ice-covered peaks.

This is a demanding one-day route. Most of the walking takes place between roughly 4,300 and 4,600 m, where steady breathing matters more than speed. Machu Picchu Premium supports the hike with an acclimatization check, trained guide, oxygen backup, warm food, and a pace that gives your body time to respond.

The reward goes beyond a single viewpoint. You move through the homeland of alpaca-herding families, see the Vilcanota range from changing angles, and can finish with the hot springs at Pacchanta when the confirmed schedule allows.

Detalles del Tour

Duration: One very long full day
Start and finish: Cusco hotel
Route: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinki – Pacchanta – seven-lake circuit – Cusco
Trailhead altitude: Approximately 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
Maximum walking altitude: Approximately 4,600–4,700 m / 15,092–15,420 ft
Walking distance: Approximately 10–12 km / 6.2–7.5 mi
Walking time: About 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging because of sustained altitude and rolling terrain
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Transport: Road vehicle before and after the hike

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco – Ocongate – Pacchanta – Seven Lakes – Cusco

The day begins before dawn with a long drive through the southern Cusco highlands toward Ocongate and Pacchanta. Breakfast provides fuel and a chance for the guide to review altitude symptoms, weather, and the route.

From Pacchanta, the trail rises into rolling puna below Ausangate. Unlike one steep climb, this circuit gains and loses height repeatedly. Compact earth, grass, moraine gravel, wet crossings, and loose stone all appear. Rain can produce mud; freezing mornings can leave hard ice on shaded ground.

The guide links the seven principal lakes while explaining glacial movement, minerals, herding, and the importance of Ausangate to local communities. Alpacas often graze near the trail, and vicuñas or Andean birds may be seen without guarantee.

After the final lakes, the path returns toward Pacchanta. When timing, health, and local operation permit, you may use the thermal pools before lunch or departure. The vehicle then begins the long return to Cusco.

Day highlight: Walking between several differently colored lakes with the ice and rock of Ausangate filling the horizon.

Technical details

Distance: Approximately 10–12 km / 6.2–7.5 mi
Walking time: About 5–6 hours
Elevation gain: Roughly 400–500 m / 1,312–1,640 ft accumulated
Highest point: Approximately 4,600–4,700 m / 15,092–15,420 ft
Surface: Dirt, grass, moraine, loose stone, mud, and possible ice or snow
Difficulty: Challenging
Transport: Long road transfer before and after the hike
Main physical factor: Several hours above 4,300 m

Pricing List

Private Service Prices

Proposed 2026 rates per person in US dollars.

Travelers	Price per person
1	US$250
2	US$155
3–4	US$120
5–8	US$98

Private service gives your party direct pickup, its own vehicle and guide, and control over the pace between lakes. The guide can shorten the circuit or prioritize specific sectors based on altitude, weather, and walking ability.

Optional additions

Pacchanta thermal-pool entry: budget S/10–20 per person, paid locally
Horse support where locally available: from US$35, route coverage varies
Trekking-pole rental: US$8 per pair
Private picnic lunch: US$30 per person
Overnight homestay near Pacchanta: from US$75 per person

Group Service Price

US$69 per person

The shared departure carries up to 12 travelers from different countries. It follows fixed collection, meal, trail, and return plans. The guide balances different walking speeds, but travelers who need repeated long breaks may complete a shortened circuit.

Transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, local access, first aid, and oxygen backup are included. Private service gives closer altitude support and more freedom over thermal-pool time.

Recommendations

One or two months before: Train for five or more hours of walking and speak with your doctor about high altitude if relevant.
Three days before: Acclimatize in Cusco or the Sacred Valley; do not place this hike immediately after arrival from sea level.
A few days before: Limit alcohol, sleep well, and confirm dietary or medical needs.
Use a slow rhythm from the first climb and report symptoms immediately.
Carry soles for hot springs, horse support, drinks, or community products.
Ask before photographing residents and keep distance from alpaca herds and dogs.
Stay on the path around lake shores and do not contaminate the water.
Prepare mentally for cold, repeated climbs, wet ground, and a long road return.

Included

Cusco hotel pickup and return
Tourist transport or private vehicle according to service
English-speaking trekking guide
Breakfast and lunch
Local route access fees
First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
Walking-pole loan in private service
Altitude and safety briefing
Vegetarian option with advance notice

What to Bring

Passport copy or identification
Small daypack
Waterproof jacket, poncho, and pack cover
Warm fleece, thermal layer, gloves, and wool hat
Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm
Waterproof hiking shoes with grip
Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder
High-energy snacks
Personal medication
Cash in Peruvian soles
Trekking poles if using your own
Camera or phone with spare battery
Swimwear, towel, and sandals for the thermal pools
Dry socks and spare base layer

Notify reservations well ahead of time about mobility aids, medical devices, service animals, severe allergies, or professional recording equipment. This long route at extreme elevation cannot safely support every request.

How to Book

HOW TO BOOK YOUR AMAZON RAINFOREST EXPEDITION WITH WILDFOREST PERU:

Select Your Destination & Tour: Choose from our specialized expeditions in Manu Cultural Zone, Manu Reserved Zone, Tambopata National Reserve, Birdwatching, or Wildlife Photography tours.
Contact Our Naturalist Planners: Click “Inquire / Book Now” or reach out directly via WhatsApp (+51 924 705 589) to confirm date availability and permit allocations.
Provide Participant Details: Send full legal names, passport numbers, nationalities, and any special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) or medical notes.
Submit Deposit to Secure Permits: Make a secure online deposit using PayPal or major credit cards. Because SERNANP permits and exclusive eco-lodge spaces in Manu and Tambopata are limited, early deposits guarantee your departure.
Receive Instant Confirmation Voucher: Our reservations desk will issue your official booking voucher with a complete packing list, meeting points, and pre-departure naturalist briefing details.
Final Balance: The remaining balance can be settled online prior to departure or in Cusco / Puerto Maldonado at our operations office.

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