Best Information for the 7 Lakes Hike at Ausangate
One of the best trekking routes that can be done in one day is the hike to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate. Over time, this route has become popular as an alternative to the well-known Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake hikes in Cusco.
This beautiful collection of lakes, its impressive views, and the warmth of the local people will, without a doubt, surprise you. To discover its secrets, how to get there, and how wonderful this adventure is, keep reading!
What is Ausangate mountain?
Ausangate is the protective Apu (Mountain God) of Cusco. It is undoubtedly one of the largest mountains in the area, belonging to the Vilcanota mountain range.
It has an elevation of 6,385 meters above sea level and is the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco together with Salkantay Mountain. It represents an important source of water for the region.
What are the 7 Lakes?
The so-called 7 Lakes of Ausangate are a group of green, turquoise, and light blue lakes that decorate and accompany the protective Apu Ausangate. They are called this because, after hiking through the mountains, you can reach a viewpoint from where you can admire several lakes around you.
Where are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Located?
This attractive tourist route is located in the southern area of Cusco, in the province of Quispicanchis, district of Ocongate, about 200 kilometers from the city center.
To reach the main viewpoint, you need to complete a hike of nearly 12 kilometers full of beautiful landscapes.
Difficulty of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour
Besides being stunning, this hike can be considered challenging because of the elevation of the viewpoint. Reaching almost 4,800 meters above sea level is what makes this tour somewhat difficult. However, the trail itself is not difficult; it is rocky and includes gradual ascents. The hike takes around 5 to 6 hours in total and covers nearly 16 kilometers.
Weather at the 7 Lakes of Ausangate
Many travelers have countless questions about the routes in Cusco, the hikes, and especially what to pack according to weather forecasts. Let me tell you that it is not possible to predict the weather in the mountains. One moment it can be very sunny, and the next completely cloudy. However, we can share some tips and comments about the area’s conditions.
Since it is located very close to a glacier and surrounded by mountains, the weather is usually cold and windy. For this reason, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing hats and warm jackets.
When is the best time to hike in Ausangate?
From May to September: The weather is dry with clear skies, bright sunshine, and low temperatures during the early hours of the day.
From October to April: The weather may include some rain, cloudy skies, and low temperatures.
Flora and fauna during the 7 Lakes tour
This is a classic Andean landscape, cold and with grasslands. In this type of environment, you can find wild animals such as: vizcachas, llamas, and alpacas. They are very common in the area, and many of them belong to the local population.
7 Lakes Tour Itinerary
To visit the 7 Lakes, the most recommended option is to join an organized tour with a reliable travel agency like SAM Travel Peru that can provide everything easily: entrance fees, transportation, meals, and guide service.
The itinerary usually starts with a hotel pick-up at 4:00 AM. From there, you will travel to Pacchanta. The journey takes about 3 and a half hours south of the city. Once you arrive at the small village, you will have breakfast at a local restaurant to regain energy before starting the hike.
The ascent includes nearly 3 hours of uphill hiking as we cross the mountains to reach the lake viewpoints. As mentioned before, you will see green, turquoise, and blue-colored lakes. These lakes have Quechua names, including:
- • Comercocha Lake
- • Alqacocha Lakes
- • Patacocha Lakes
- • China Otorongo Lake
- • Orco Otorongo Lake
- • Azulcocha Lake
While admiring the beauty of the place, your guide will teach you how to make an offering to thank the protective Apu for allowing you to pass through the area. After explanations about the region, drinking water, and regaining your energy, you will return to Pacchanta by the same trail.
Finally, with your heart full of memories and your camera full of amazing pictures, you will enjoy lunch and return to Cusco in the afternoon.
How to Visit the 7 Lakes on Your Own
If you have an adventurous spirit and would like to visit the mountain on your own, here are some tips:
To reach this impressive destination, you need to take public transportation next to the IPD. From there, vehicles travel to Ocongate and the town of Tinki. After approximately 2 and a half hours of travel, you will arrive and need to take a shared taxi to Pacchanta.
The total journey takes around 3 and a half hours and costs approximately USD 10 to USD 112. After that, the entrance fee to the protected area of the 7 Lakes is around USD 5, and that’s it—you are free to explore the impressive Ausangate Mountain.
If you are wondering about food, don’t worry. There is a wide variety of local restaurants where you can have breakfast and lunch.
Optional: Pacchanta Natural hot springs
One of the highlights of the area without a doubt is the Pacchanta hot springs. It is very popular for travelers, after doing the hike, to choose to relax in the thermal medicinal pools that will help you rest and recover the muscles that were in active movement.
The pools are located with a privileged view of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, where you can also buy some drinks while admiring the beauty of the place you are visiting.
Finally, regarding the entrance cost, it is an average of 6 USD. There is no time limit included, so you can enjoy it as much as you want.
Where to stay in Pacchanta after the 7 Lakes tour
There is nothing better than not rushing while traveling, and because of that, many travelers choose to stay in the area and postpone their return until the next day. Between enjoying the hot springs, time can pass quickly, and there is nothing better than having the chance to rest among the mountains.
Now that the route has become popular, there are innovative glamping-style camps with panoramic Sky Domes where you can rest in a hotel-style bed, with private bathrooms and showers.
A true thousand-star hotel in a privileged area with amenities such as a jacuzzi, WiFi, dining service, and highly qualified staff.
Recommendations
To make the most of your visit to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, we will leave you with a series of tips that you can follow:
- • Whether you go on your own or with a tour service, we recommend staying in Cusco for at least 2 or 3 days before the hike or doing the visit at the end of your whole travel plan.
- • Always carry a plastic rain poncho with you, the basic ones sold everywhere, so that if it rains, it will not interrupt your visit.
- • Bring cash and in Peruvian soles, since in the area you can rent bathrooms, buy water, or local snacks. Also, if you feel tired, you can rent horses to help you on the climb to the viewpoint.
- • If you are planning to stay in the area, we recommend packing a small bag where you can carry things such as a swimsuit, an extra change of clothes, and warm clothing.
- • It is not necessary to book tours or entrance tickets for this tour, the spaces never sell out, but we do recommend planning it so you can keep it in mind.
- • Due to the new camps and constructions in the area, there are currently electricity services and facilities such as Internet.
- • If you have special food requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, generally you will be served vegetables, noodles, or carbohydrates depending on the restrictions.
