7 lakes of Ausangate

Exploring the 7 Ausangate Lakes: A Day of Colorful Mountain Beauty

Imagine waking up in Cusco and heading out for a full-day adventure into the Peruvian Andes, where you’ll visit the stunning 7 Ausangate Lakes. For $60 per person, this 12-hour trek offers a chance to see some of the most vibrant and untouched mountain scenery. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll traverse glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear rivers, culminating at the brightly colored lagoons that reflect the sky and surrounding peaks. Along with the natural spectacle, you’ll gain insight into the cultural and spiritual importance of this sacred mountain region.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances adventure with authenticity. First, the variety of colors in each lagoon—each with its own personality—makes for a visual feast that’s hard to match. Second, the guides’ deep understanding of the landscape and local spirituality enriches the experience, transforming a simple trek into a meaningful journey. One minor consideration: the tour involves a high-altitude crossing, so it’s best suited for those prepared for some physical challenge. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate stunning scenery, cultural insights, and a challenge that leaves them with a real sense of achievement.

This tour is especially good for active travelers eager to see less touristy, more natural corners of the Andes. If you’re comfortable with some altitude and looking for a full-day adventure that offers both scenic beauty and cultural depth, this trip should be on your list.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Spectacular colored lagoons: Each lake has unique hues that reflect the mountain sky, creating a visual mosaic.
• High-altitude adventure: Expect a challenging trek through glaciers and alpine terrain, with panoramic views as your reward.
• Cultural significance: The guide provides insights into the spiritual importance of the region, adding depth to the experience.
• Comfort and value: Transportation, breakfast, and lunch are included, offering good value for a full-day guided tour.
• Small group setting: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Accessible for active travelers: Not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, but ideal for those comfortable with hiking and altitude.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Cusco’s Main Square

Your day begins in Cusco’s vibrant Plaza Mayor, a fitting place to start your adventure amid the city’s colonial charm. Here, you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers before hopping into a comfortable van. The drive out to the Ausangate region takes approximately four hours, offering a glimpse of rural Peruvian life and mountain scenery en route.

The Scenic Journey

The four-hour ride is more than just transportation; it’s part of the experience. You’ll pass through small villages, seeing local life and farming practices that have persisted for generations. The mountainous landscape begins to dominate as you leave Cusco behind, and your anticipation grows for the day ahead.

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Trekking to the Lakes

Once you arrive, the real adventure starts. The trek takes you across varied terrain—glacier-studded slopes, lush alpine meadows, and winding rivers. As you climb, the air thins, and you’ll notice the high-altitude environment demands a steady pace and some acclimatization. Your guide, often praised for their knowledge and ability to share cultural and spiritual insights, will point out notable features, local flora, and the significance of Ausangate’s sacred status.

The Highlight: The 7 Ausangate Lakes

The main event is reaching the seven lakes, each with distinct colors that shift with the sunlight and weather. Judith’s review captures this well: “Our guide Tonny, besides guiding us, gave us a spiritual vision of the site. We took with us memories in our souls.” The lakes are separated by short hikes, allowing plenty of time to soak in the views, take photos, and simply marvel at nature’s palette.

Crossing the Mountain Pass

A memorable moment comes with crossing a high mountain pass—an accomplishment that adds a sense of achievement to the day. The views from the top are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks, glaciers, and lakes. It’s a reminder of how much effort goes into reaching such pristine spots.

Lunch in Nature

Midway through, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch, often praised for its quality and thoughtful preparation. Surrounded by the mountains and lakes, this meal offers a chance to recharge, reflect, and chat about the morning’s highlights. The experience of eating a hearty meal outdoors, with fresh mountain air and stunning scenery, makes it all the more enjoyable.

Return to Cusco

After exploring the lakes and soaking in the scenery, your guide will lead the return trek. The drive back provides opportunities for last glimpses of the mountains and a chance to relax after a physically demanding day. You’ll arrive back in Cusco, likely tired but with hearts full of unforgettable images and stories.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The combination of natural beauty and cultural significance makes this tour especially compelling. The vibrant lakes are unlike anything most travelers see, and the guides’ insights into their spiritual meaning deepen your appreciation. The inclusion of transportation, breakfast, and lunch provides good value for such a full day of activity.

The small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the personalized attention from your guide—such as the enriching spiritual perspective shared by Judith’s guide—adds authenticity. The reviews mention the delicious food and expert guidance, which together elevate the experience from just a hike to a truly memorable adventure.

What to Consider Before Booking

While the tour offers incredible scenery and cultural insights, it also involves high-altitude hiking, which might be challenging for some. Be prepared for physical exertion, and ensure you are acclimatized. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, so consider your fitness level. Also, since the tour involves crossing a mountain pass, weather can be unpredictable; dressing in layers and bringing sun protection is advisable.

The Value Proposition

For $60, you get a comprehensive experience that includes transportation, guidance, breakfast, and lunch—a fair price for a full-day outing with so much natural wonder and cultural insight. The feedback from travelers underscores the value and quality of the guide’s knowledge and the delicious food served. It offers a way to see some of the most colorful and serene landscapes in the Andes without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures and want to see less touristy spots. If you’re open to some physical challenge and high-altitude conditions, you’ll find it rewarding. Travel enthusiasts interested in the spiritual stories of the Andes will appreciate the cultural layer added by your guide. On the other hand, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from Cusco’s main square to the Ausangate region and back is part of the package.

How long is the drive?
The journey from Cusco takes approximately four hours each way, providing scenic views and a chance to acclimate before the trek.

What is the tour’s duration?
The entire experience lasts about 12 hours, with starting times available based on availability.

Is food included?
Yes, a breakfast at the start and a picnic lunch are included, often noted for their quality.

Is it suitable for all fitness levels?
It involves a high-altitude trek and crossing a mountain pass, so it’s best for those comfortable with hiking and moderate exertion.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.

Final Thoughts

The 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour offers a chance to witness some of the most colorful and pristine landscapes in the Peruvian Andes, all within a manageable day-trip from Cusco. It combines spectacular scenery, cultural insights, and good value into a memorable adventure. Whether you’re a keen hiker, a lover of mountain vistas, or someone interested in local traditions, this tour provides a well-rounded, authentic experience.

For those ready for a physical challenge and eager to see the true natural beauty of the Andes, this trip is worth every penny. Pack your layers, bring your camera, and prepare for a day of mountain majesty that will stay with you long after you leave.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby