Ausangate 7 Lakes hike: what it's like and key tips

The best time to hike to the 7 lakes of Ausangate is during the dry season (May to September). In those months you have a better chance of clear skies and trails in better condition. Avoid the rainy season (January to March), because there can be fog, mud and even temporary closures.

This hike is in the Cordillera Vilcanota, in the Peruvian Andes. The starting point is Pacchanta, a small village at 4,300 m (14,108 ft), about 3 hours from Cusco by car. From there the route sets off past the famous glacial lakes that surround Nevado Ausangate, one of the most imposing mountains in Peru.

Our own experience

We got up very early, around 4 am, to be picked up in Cusco. After about 3 hours on the road (with a stop for breakfast), we reached Pacchanta. You can already see the incredible snowy scenery from there.

The hike starts right in the village. Our guide gave us snacks and bottles of water, and we set off at a good pace. Along the way we passed lakes like Azul Cocha, Otorongo, Alqa Cocha, Q’omer Cocha, Puca Cocha, Patacocha and Yanacocha, each with its own color and unique shape.

How hard is the hike?

• Type: Out and back
• Total distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4,800 m (15,748 ft)
• Trailhead: Pacchanta
• Map: Wikiloc

It's a moderately difficult hike, not because of the distance (about 16 km, or 9.9 miles, in total) but because of the altitude, since you're walking between 4,300 and 4,800 m (14,108 and 15,748 ft). If you aren't well acclimatized, you'll feel it. That's why we recommend doing it after a few days in Cusco. Don't miss our guide with everything you can do in Cusco if you haven't read it yet.

The hardest climb is in the first part of the hike; after that the trail gets flatter and friendlier. In total we walked for about 5 hours, with several stops to take photos, drink water and enjoy the scenery.

Totally! It's one of the most beautiful landscapes we saw in Peru. The lakes' colors range from turquoise to green, with Nevado Ausangate as a backdrop the whole time. It's also a much less crowded route than others, like Laguna Humantay.

Something we loved was that at the end of the hike you can enjoy some natural hot springs in Pacchanta.

The tour costs between US$30 and US$50 per person, depending on whether it's private or in a group. Ideally, book with a reliable agency that includes transportation, a guide, breakfast, lunch and entry to the hot springs.

👉 We recommend these tours:

• Tour to the 7 lakes from Cusco (hot springs included)
• 2-day Rainbow Mountain and 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour

Both hikes are beautiful, but if you're looking for a less touristy experience, with more nature and fewer people, the 7 lakes of Ausangate are ideal. And the bonus of the hot springs at the end of the hike can't be beat. If you have the time, do both!

• Acclimatize well: spend at least 2 days in Cusco before doing this hike.
• Bring water and snacks, even though many tours include them.
• Sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and a good waterproof jacket.
• Hiking shoes or footwear with good soles.
• Trekking poles: optional, but they help a lot on the climbs.