Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek 2 Days/1 Night from Cusco

The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek 2 Days/1 Night is a spectacular high-altitude adventure in the Peruvian Andes, designed for travelers who want to experience the remote landscapes surrounding Mount Ausangate without committing to a longer multi-day expedition.

From Cusco, we travel to Pacchanta, a traditional Andean community located in the Cordillera Vilcanota, where the trek begins. Over two days, you will walk through high-altitude valleys, alpine meadows and dramatic mountain landscapes while exploring the famous Seven Lakes of Ausangate, known for their striking turquoise, blue and emerald tones.

The journey combines breathtaking scenery with an authentic Andean experience. You will camp in the high mountains beneath the Ausangate massif, enjoy locally prepared meals and have the opportunity to relax in the natural Pacchanta hot springs after your trek.

With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, professional local guides and a carefully planned itinerary, this experience is ideal for adventurous travelers looking for a more personal way to discover one of the most impressive trekking destinations near Cusco.

Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek 2 Days / 1 Night from Cusco

Experience the spectacular Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek on a short two-day adventure from Cusco, combining turquoise high-altitude lakes, snow-capped mountains, Andean landscapes, camping, and relaxing hot springs.

Why Choose the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek?

This 2-day trek is ideal for travelers who want to experience the dramatic Ausangate region without committing to a longer multi-day trek. Enjoy spectacular scenery, high-altitude lakes, local culture, and a night beneath the Andean sky.

Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek Highlights

• Seven beautiful high-altitude lakes

• Ausangate mountain scenery

• Snow-capped peaks and glaciers

• Traditional Andean landscapes

• Pacchanta hot springs

• One night of camping

• Small-group experience

• Local professional guides

• Departure and return to Cusco

2-Day Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – Seven Lakes of Ausangate – Overnight Camp

Depart Cusco early and travel to Pacchanta, the starting point of the trek. Hike through spectacular high-altitude landscapes toward the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, with impressive views of mountains, glaciers, and changing Andean scenery. After the day's hike, settle into camp and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 2: Ausangate 7 Lakes – Pacchanta Hot Springs – Cusco

After breakfast, continue enjoying the surrounding landscapes before descending toward Pacchanta. Relax in the natural hot springs, surrounded by impressive mountain scenery, before beginning the return journey to Cusco.

The Seven Lakes of Ausangate

The trek visits a spectacular collection of high-altitude lakes around Ausangate, known for their contrasting turquoise, blue, and green tones. The exact lakes visited depend on the confirmed route and local conditions.

Ausangate Trek Difficulty and Altitude

This is a challenging high-altitude trek. The route involves walking at significant elevation, uneven terrain, and uphill and downhill sections. A good level of fitness is recommended.

Acclimatization for the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek

Proper acclimatization is essential. We recommend spending several days in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before beginning the trek to allow your body to adjust to the elevation.

What to Expect at High Altitude

High altitude can make physical activity more demanding. You may experience colder temperatures, strong sun, wind, and rapidly changing weather. Walking slowly, staying hydrated, and following your guide's recommendations are important.

What Is Included in the 2-Day Ausangate Trek?

• Transportation from Cusco

• Professional local guide

• Camping equipment

• Meals specified in the itinerary

• Camping accommodation

• Entrance fees where applicable

• Cook and trekking support, according to group arrangement

• Return transportation to Cusco

What Is Not Included?

• Personal trekking equipment

• Sleeping bag, unless specifically included

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses

• Tips

• Additional drinks or snacks

• Horse or porter for personal belongings, unless specified

• Services not mentioned in the itinerary

What to Pack for the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek

Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, personal medication, and a headlamp. A sleeping bag suitable for cold high-altitude conditions is also recommended.

Best Time to Hike the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek

The dry season from May to October generally offers better conditions for trekking, with clearer skies and less rainfall. Mountain weather can change quickly at any time of year.

Why Trek Ausangate with Inca Land Adventures?

Travel with experienced local guides who know the Ausangate region, understand high-altitude trekking, and provide personal assistance throughout the journey. We focus on safety, responsible trekking, small groups, and an authentic experience of the Andean landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek?

It is a challenging high-altitude trek and requires good physical preparation and acclimatization.

How high is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek?

The route reaches very high elevations, so proper acclimatization is essential before starting.

Can I do the trek in two days?

Yes. The 2-day option is designed for travelers who want to experience the Seven Lakes and Ausangate scenery in a shorter itinerary.

Is camping included?

Yes, camping accommodation and the required camping equipment are included according to the selected program.

What happens if the weather changes?

Mountain weather can change rapidly. Our local guides monitor conditions and may adjust the route when necessary for safety.

Is the trek suitable for everyone?

Because of the high altitude and demanding terrain, it is not recommended for travelers who are not adequately acclimatized or who have difficulty with strenuous hiking.

Why Choose the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek?

The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek offers a completely different experience from the more crowded trekking routes around Cusco. Instead of archaeological sites and busy tourist trails, this journey takes you into the high Andes, where the landscape is dominated by glacial peaks, remote valleys, alpine lakes and traditional Andean communities.

Seven High-Altitude Lakes

Discover a spectacular collection of turquoise, blue and emerald-colored alpine lakes surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Vilcanota.

Mount Ausangate

Experience the impressive presence of Ausangate, one of the highest mountains in Peru and an important sacred mountain in Andean culture.

Authentic Andean Landscapes

Walk through remote highland scenery where traditional pastoral life, alpacas, llamas and dramatic mountain landscapes remain part of the everyday environment.

Overnight Mountain Camping

Instead of rushing back to Cusco on the same day, this 2-day itinerary allows you to spend a night in the High Andes and experience the mountains at a slower pace.

Pacchanta Hot Springs

After trekking through the high-altitude landscape, relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta before returning to Cusco.

Small-Group Experience

Our groups are limited to a maximum of eight travelers, allowing for more personalized guiding, better communication and a more comfortable trekking experience.

Overview: Ausangate Trek 2 Days 1 Night – Epic High Andes Adventure

Day 2: High-Altitude Camp – Ausangate Lakes – Pacchanta Hot Springs – Cusco

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

After an early breakfast, we continue our exploration of the Ausangate landscape before beginning our descent toward Pacchanta.

The return route provides different perspectives of the surrounding mountains and high-altitude valleys. Once we reach Pacchanta, you can relax in the community's natural hot springs, an ideal way to recover after the trek.

After lunch, we board our private transportation and begin the journey back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the afternoon or evening depending on road and weather conditions.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Transport: Private transportation
Destination: Cusco.

Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – Ausangate 7 Lakes – High-Altitude Camp

We depart Cusco early in the morning and travel toward Pacchanta, a traditional Andean community located in the Vilcanota mountain range. After breakfast and a final preparation for the trek, we begin walking into the high-altitude landscape surrounding Ausangate.

The trail leads through open Andean valleys and alpine terrain with spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. As we gain elevation, the landscape changes dramatically, revealing the colorful Seven Lakes of Ausangate.

Throughout the route, you may encounter alpacas, llamas and other wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions of the High Andes.

After exploring the lakes and taking time for photography, we continue toward our designated campsite for the night. A warm dinner is prepared by our trekking chef, and you will have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary atmosphere of the Andes after sunset.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Approximate distance : 8 km
Maximum altitude : 4800m/15748.03ft.
Minimum altitude : 4200m/13779.53ft.
Climate : Cold mountain.
Difficulty : Easy – moderate.
Walking time : 6 hours.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Cusco to Ausangate 7 lake

• Trips Managed by Local Experts

• Easy, Fast, Risk-Free Bookings

• Personalized Small Group Tours

• Great Value for Money

• Unique, Customized Itineraries

• Best Local Certified Guides.

• WHY CHOOSE inca land adventures?Inca land adventures is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. Inca land adventures is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
  Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
  We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our cl

• SMALL GROUPSTo ensure a more personalized service for our guests, at Inca land adventures we have a policy that our groups will not exceed 8 people. This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
  OUR TOP TOUR GUIDESWe are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional and speak fluent English. They are very knowledgeable and passionate for Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. Our crew is fun loving, great sports and well-educated. They all hold degrees in one of the following: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History or Birdwatching.

Pre-departure briefing. You will meet your trekking guide and group at the hotel or accommodation where you are staying, for an orientation before your hike. The meeting will take place one day prior to the start of the trip Ausangate 7 lakes Trek 2 D/1N.
Experienced local guide. All our guides are graduates of tourism training institutes in the city of Cusco. Our guides are selected for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, and passion. They will keep you safe, healthy, and comfortable during the hike Ausangate
Camping equipment. Dining tent and kitchen, tables, chairs and kitchen equipment (all carried by the horses). 1 canvas bag: There you can carry your personal belongings .
Medical kit. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to deal with basic emergencies (altitude sickness, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we will evacuate you from the road as quickly as possible and make sure you get to a clinic for treatment.
Accommodation. Our tents are from North Face or Mountain Hard Wear for overnight stays. For a 1-night Ausangate Adventure, we use the best equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. You can choose between a personal tent or a shared tent Ausangate
Foods: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner. Our trekking chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain.
Wake up tea. In the morning at the camp, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your shop to be heated from the inside out before you start your day .
Tea every afternoon. In the evening before dinner, the cooks will offer popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the go every day. Every morning we will give you your snack so you can enjoy it during the walk; cookies, chocolate, candies, fruits, etc. We will give you this snack at the beginning of each day in your cloth bag
Hygiene products. A small towel will be provided before each meal to clean your hands
Transport.
Day 2: Once you complete the tour, we will take you back to the door of your hotel.
Pack horses. The pack horses carry all the camping equipment and the passengers backpacks.

PRICES 2026: Price per person: Ausangate 7 lakes Trek 2 D/1N

1 people : US$780.00 per person
2 people : US$550.00 per person
3 people: US$500.00 per person
4 people : US$450.00 per person
5 people : US$400.00 per person.
6 People :U$$350.00 per person

Extra information

Horse (one way) $30 USD
Horse (roundtrip) 45 USD
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Day 2: Last dinner.
Travel insurance
Tips are customary on any trek.
Additional costs or delays beyond the control of management.
What to Bring?
When planning your excursion to Ausangate, it’s crucial to carefully select what you’ll bring due to the high altitude, cold weather, and rugged terrain. Here are some essential items you should include in your luggage:
Essential Items:
Thermal clothing: Pack several layers of thermal clothing, such as base layers and wool or down jackets, along with accessories like a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or neck gaiter.
Waterproof gear: Don’t forget to include a waterproof jacket and pants to protect yourself from rain and snow.
Sleeping bag: Bring along a sleeping bag that keeps you warm during cold nights, preferably one designed for low temperatures.
Appropriate footwear: Make sure to have durable hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are comfortable for long-distance walking.
Backpack: A sturdy and spacious backpack will be necessary to carry your gear, food, and water during the hike.
Lighting: Bring a flashlight or headlamp to illuminate your path during nights and early mornings.
Hydration: Stay hydrated at all times by carrying a water bottle or hydration system with you.
Sun protection: Don’t forget to protect yourself from the Andean sun with sunscreen and sunglasses.
Hiking poles: Trekking poles can be useful for maintaining balance and stability on difficult terrain.
Apparel:
Trekking boots or shoes
Mountain socks
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Waterproof and windproof pants
Mountain pants
Warm hat or beanie
Gloves or mittens
Warm thermal underwear
Insulating layers (wool or down jacket)
Equipment:
Backpack (30-40 liters)
Sleeping bag (rated for low temperatures)
Trekking poles
Headlamp or flashlight
Water bottle or hydration system
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Lip balm with SPF
Personal first aid kit
Insect repellent
Camera or phone
Portable charger or extra batteries
Basic personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.)

Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek Difficulty

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

The Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek is considered a moderate to challenging high-altitude trek because much of the route is above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), with sections approaching 4,800 meters (15,748 feet).

The physical distance is only one part of the challenge. The combination of altitude, cold temperatures, strong sunlight and changing mountain weather makes proper acclimatization essential.

We recommend spending at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before beginning the trek.

Small Groups — Maximum 8 Travelers

Enjoy a more personal trekking experience with groups limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, allowing for a relaxed pace and better attention from your guides.

Local Cusco-Based Guides

Trek with experienced Cusco-based local guides who bring knowledge of Andean culture, history, landscapes, and local traditions.

Overnight High-Andes Camping

Spend the night camping in the High Andes, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and peaceful natural landscapes.

Pacchanta Hot Springs

Relax after your trek in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta, with beautiful views of the surrounding Andean mountains.

Professional Trekking Team

Travel with a dedicated professional trekking team focused on safety, organization, logistics, and making your journey comfortable and memorable.

Why Trek Ausangate with Inca Land Adventures?

Choosing the right operator matters when trekking at high altitude. At Inca Land Adventures, we are a locally based Cusco travel company focused on personalized trekking experiences in the Peruvian Andes.

Small Groups

We limit our trekking groups to a maximum of 8 travelers, allowing our guides to provide more personalized attention throughout the journey.

Local Professional Guides

Our guides are based in Cusco and have professional training in tourism and extensive experience leading high-altitude treks in the Andes.

Personalized Service

From your pre-trek briefing to your return to Cusco, our team coordinates the logistics so you can concentrate on enjoying the mountains.

Responsible Trekking

We work with local staff, horsemen and communities and aim to minimize the environmental impact of our expeditions while supporting local livelihoods.

Safety at High Altitude

Our guides carry a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen, and they monitor the group throughout the trek. Because Ausangate is a high-altitude destination, we strongly recommend proper acclimatization before starting the trek.

Is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek difficult?

It is a moderate to challenging high-altitude trek, with steep sections, uneven terrain, and cold mountain conditions.

How high is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek?

The trek reaches high altitudes of around 4,800–5,000 m (15,750–16,400 ft), depending on the route and viewpoints.

How many days do I need for the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek?

Our 2-day / 1-night itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience the spectacular lakes and high Andes without committing to a longer trek.

Can I do the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco?

Yes. The trek begins with an early departure from Cusco, followed by transportation into the Ausangate region.

Where do we sleep during the 2-day trek?

You spend one night at a high-altitude campsite, surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Ausangate region.

Do I need to acclimatize before trekking Ausangate?

Yes. Because of the high altitude, we strongly recommend 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before the trek.

What is the best month to hike the Ausangate 7 Lakes?

The dry season from May to September generally offers the best conditions, with clearer skies and better mountain visibility.

What should I bring for the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek?

Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, hiking boots, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, water, personal medication, and a headlamp. Temperatures can be very cold at night.

Are horses available?

Yes. Horses can be available to support the trek, subject to availability and local arrangements.

Is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek suitable for beginners?

It can be suitable for fit beginners with good acclimatization, but the high altitude makes it considerably more demanding than a typical beginner-level hike.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Your safety comes first. If you experience significant altitude-sickness symptoms, our local guides will assess your condition and assist with the appropriate response, including descent or evacuation if necessary.

Is this a private or small-group trek?

We offer the trek as a small-group experience, with local guides and personalized attention. Private departures can also be arranged for travelers who prefer a more flexible experience.

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