Full Day
Daily Tour
14 people
English, Espanol, Francais
In one exhilarating day, we will embark on a spectacular tour of the 7 Lakes of the Ausangate Glacier, situated in the stunning Vilcanota mountain range southeast of Cusco. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the seven magnificent lakes: Otorongo Hembra, Otorongo Macho, Puca Cocha, Alca Cocha, Comer Cocha, Azul Cocha, and Pata Cocha. These lakes are renowned for their breathtaking hues of turquoise, green, and blue, which create a vibrant and picturesque landscape.
Our trek will lead you through this awe-inspiring region, offering a chance to witness the diverse local flora and fauna. As we hike, you will gain insights into the rich Inca mythology and the vibrant local culture that shape this area. This journey promises not only stunning natural beauty but also a deep cultural immersion and a memorable adventure in one of Peru’s most scenic and culturally significant landscapes.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. After departure, we'll embark on a scenic bus ride of approximately 3 hours to the village of Pacchanta. There, we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting our trek. Our hike will gradually ascend as we make our way to the first of the seven stunning lakes, continuing to the others along the route. The total trekking time is around 5 hours for the round trip. Throughout the hike, you'll encounter lakes with vibrant colors, including striking blues, turquoise, and greens. Some lakes are large and resemble natural mirrors. The lakes we will visit include: Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo. During the journey, keep an eye out for Andean birds, alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas. After our trek, we’ll return to Pacchanta, where you can savor a delicious lunch and then unwind in the natural hot springs. Following our time in the hot springs, we’ll head back to Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m.
The best time to visit the Ausangate Lakes is during the dry season, from May to September. During this period, you can expect clearer skies and more stable weather conditions, making for a more enjoyable trek.
The Ausangate Lakes Trek is considered a moderate to challenging hike. The trek involves ascending to high altitudes, with a total trekking time of around 5 hours. Good physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitude are recommended.
For the trek, bring comfortable hiking boots, warm clothing layers, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sufficient water. Don’t forget to pack a camera to capture the stunning views of the lakes.
At Pacchanta, you will find basic facilities including a breakfast and lunch service and natural hot springs. However, amenities are limited, so be prepared for a more rustic experience compared to urban settings.
To prepare for the high altitude, ensure you are well-acclimatized before starting the trek. Spend a few days in Cusco or at other high-altitude locations if possible. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals, and consider taking altitude sickness medication if recommended by your doctor.
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