Ausangate 7 Lakes Peru 2024 – Ultimate Ausangate 7 Lakes Travel Guide

Ultimate Guide of Ausangate 7 Lakes Peru from Cusco

And are you still looking for a place worth visiting? Well, once you are in Cusco you have the possibility of finding a variety of options. One of them is the 7 Ausangate Cusco lakes, which can be visited depending on the time available, from one-day walks to multi-day walks.

We all have dreams that we want to achieve, for those who love and like excursions, nature; you travelers, explorers, hikers or whoever you are with a willing spirit and determination to reach places out of the ordinary, see something different, because the walk to the 7 lakes Ausangate Cusco should be one of the best options. It is not so popular, there are few traveling people arriving there, but of the few who passed through there, they lived a great happiness when contemplating everything around.

Options to visit the 7 Lakes Ausangate Cusco.

Via Pacchanta, a single day.

This route is the shortest, the objective is to reach the community of Pacchanta 4300 meters above sea level. Place where the walk begins. As you advance along a puna road, dotted with gravel and pebbles, flat at first, the first lakes will appear. When you go up to the top, there the panorama is already the best one can imagine, with the snowy peaks so close in front and the lakes settled in the lower part and still turning back the mountains in the distance disappearing in the horizon.

Details

Walking time: 5 – 5:30 hours. Round trip
Maximum Height: 4,630 m.
Height of the initial path: 4,300 m.
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Demanding.
Tickets: S/. 10
Horse rental: S/. 80 round trip.
Hot springs: S/ 5
Slope: 330 m.

Via Upis, in two days.

The objective for this walk is to reach Upis, which is only a few kilometers from Tinki. The walk begins at 4,200 meters above sea level, along a relatively flat path. The distance to cover during the first day is 7 KM approx. with a drop of 200 meters, until reaching the Upis camp 4400 meters above sea level. For lunch and then rest for the whole afternoon.

During the winter, it is more likely to have such unique sunsets, with the last rays of the sun hitting the summit of the snowy Ausangate. After the afternoon, night will fall, depending on the weather, the sky may come out offering its world of stars.

At dawn the next day, the snowy and multi-colored fields will come to light, later a time for breakfast and at the hour of the hour, the walk will have started on the second day. There will be a need to save effort because the slope will be higher than the day before and the need to walk will be for more time and distance. The idea is to reach the viewpoint of the lakes as soon as possible to take advantage of the morning sun and that the landscape from the viewpoint looks amazing.

In the descent towards Pacchanta, after having seen the animals, the plants, the landscapes and others. By this time you may be a little tired, but there is something else that awaits you in Pacchanta, yes; medicinal thermal waters, prepared precisely so that after a long excursion, it is a place of rest and relaxation for anyone who needs it. It is one more option. Then we return to Cusco

Details

Walking time: 3 hours (first day) and 6 hours (second day)
Maximum Height: 4,630 m.
Height of the initial road: 4,200 m.
Difficulty: Easy (first day) and demanding (second day).
Hot springs: S/ 5
Camp height: 4,430 m.

Via Ausangate Trek 6 days including mountain of colors

In this option you can see the entire Ausangate route, the most complete, including the mountain of 7 colors. Just to start, this route makes the entire turn of the great Apu Ausangate. Surely the effort of the walk has to wear out your energies because you have to cross several mountain passes and defy the height and the weather. It is a great challenge, but; oh friend remember that; all the walking, the effort, the tiredness that there may be, will finally end but the memories will always remain.

Certainly it would be one of those trips from which one would always have to adore those memories of how when a man slid down the side of a Lakes named Otorongo and said “wait a second I feel something different; it is that I feel living energy that flows in this place” then that was marked in his life because the proximity to the Lake made him feel such energy that time.

Pacchanta hot springs

In any of the three alternatives to visit the 7 Ausangate lakes, there is the option of also visiting the Pacchanta hot springs. In general, this visit takes place after the tour and having seen the Lake, animals, plants, and other landscapes. It is just what the body needs after a long walk, and even when you feel a bit tired, try the thermal medicinal waters. It is a perfect place of rest and relaxation for anyone who needs it. One more option before returning to Cusco.

Drones in 7 lakes of Ausangate

At the moment, the overflight of equipment such as drones with cameras is allowed.

Ausangate viewpoint

At present, an exhibition center is already available that shows the Ausangate mountain and the lakes, represented as a type of models worked on special rocks. It is located in the town of Pacchanta, in a stone fence so you have to pay 10 soles to see the works carved in rock. There are also some representations of birds and camelids that characterize this region.

In addition, just a few minutes from the small exhibition center, a place has been identified to which the name «Ausangate viewpoint» fits perfectly. What this viewpoint offers is a view towards the Ausangate mountain and in the foreground of the photographs, it allows capturing the torrents of water from the Pacchanta river that, as it advances between rocks, is seen as a white blanket spread throughout the river.

How is the Road to the 7 lakes Ausangate from Cusco?

For a 1-day excursion through the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, the road is well signposted so that it will be easy for those traveling on their own to find their way around. In addition, there are some stalls along the route, where some women sell water, coca leaves and other sweets, but they also take the opportunity to sell their handicrafts such as alpaca scarves. They are found in more than one place. To do the two-day route or even the complete Ausangate route, it is necessary to have a good map guide or a travel agency.

Where to eat on the route 7 lakes of Ausangate?

Because it is a place of tourist interest, some residents of Pacchanta have been serving travelers who arrive every day in their local restaurants. If your plan is to travel on your own, then it is recommended that before leaving for the lakes, you reserve food at any of the restaurants, so that when you return you can have a guaranteed place to have lunch. And for those who go with a tour, they also have lunch at one of the restaurants in the area.

Why are they turquoise?

Some of these lakes have a turquoise green color tone, that is what makes them attractive, because the water coming down from the snow-capped mountains also brings with it powdered minerals and finally they end up swimming in the waters, without submerging in the base of the Lake. In this way, on days when it is sunny, the effect of the coloration can be better appreciated.

Flora and Fauna on the route of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate

Because it is a walk through the natural region «Puna» you will naturally be able to appreciate the fauna that characterizes these regions with the hundreds of Alpacas, llamas, sheep among others in their natural habitat. On the other hand, the abundant Ichu (Stipa Ichu) will be spread throughout the hillside, and in the deserts of the puna with wild herbs, which grow only at ground level, due to the type of climate at these heights. Also from time to time some birds such as the great huallatas (chloephaga melanoptera) and others will be chirping near the lakes and occasionally flying over them.

Weather on the route of 7 Lagunas de Ausangate

The climate factor has to be considered in the first line, let’s blame the height because the winds, the cold and the heat of the puna will make you a good company. One can find a friendly climate, but after a while this will change. The climate in these regions is constantly changing. The temperature at night oscillates an average of -10 ° C and during the day it will reach 20 to 25 ° C.

What is the best time to do the walk 7 Lakes of Ausangate?

In case you already dare to go, stop for a moment, choose the months from April to November, this season is dry and you can go without many complications. But always keep in mind the recommendations to carry adequate equipment. Good luck on your next trip!

How to get to the 7 Lagunas Ausangate Cusco on my own?

From the city of Cusco you can take local transport. Head towards Av. Tomasa Tito Condemayta and as a reference, the Casa de la Juventud closed coliseum, right there will be the combis that cover the Cusco – Ocongate Tinki route. The ticket will be cheap, an average of 10 S/. On a trip on paved road for three hours approx. Arriving at the final destination Tinki, get ready to continue towards route 7 Lagunas Ausangate Cusco. This is the last point where you can purchase some supplies like Water, or some other reinforcement. If it is not necessary, approach any of the men who is offering transportation service.

You can deal with a taxi driver or a motorcyclist, you have to negotiate the price. The next stop is Pacchanta, you will go on a dirt road for about 30 minutes. The cost of the ticket may vary between taxi drivers. When you are finally in the Pacchanta sector, ask a local for the start of the walk. But beware!

There may be paths that lead in the wrong direction. Try to look for some signs and continue until you pass the Lakes and finally reach a viewpoint. After a good time, as you feel you can go down, after contemplating the landscapes, and everything that could be. Return to Pacchanta, for relaxation by entering the thermo-medicinal waters. Finally, after a fabulous walk, it will be time to return to Cusco.

How to go to the 7 lakes of Ausangate Cusco with a Travel Agency?

From the city of Cusco you can get there by taking an operating travel agency, now just for a moment maybe at this point you are wondering if you can get to the Lakes independently, the answer is yes! But wouldn’t it be great to avoid a lot of details on stops, combis, motorcycles, translation problems and other details? Therefore, it is better if you arrive with a travel agency because there is no time to lose when you are traveling.

Book your tour here with an authorized travel agency.

Where are the Ausangate 7 lakes?

From the city of Cusco, more than 100 km to the south east, are the 7 Ausangate Cusco Lakes . In the jurisdiction of the province of Quispicanchis district of Ocongate.

Recommendations to do the walk of 7 Lagunas de Ausangate

It is recommended that you spend at least a couple of days in the city of Cusco, so that the height is not a major problem.

Higher elevation also means cooler, almost freezing temperatures, so be prepared. If you decide to take a multi-day trek make sure to wear very warm clothing.

Make sure you stay hydrated. Walking at high altitudes in cold weather you will sweat much less than you are used to. It’s often too late when you realize you’re dehydrated. Mixing dehydration with altitude sickness can be an unpleasant combination. It is recommended to drink at least two to three liters per day at high altitudes like this.

Drink enough water, it is important when hiking at high altitude. There are many streams and rivers on the route, but we recommend bringing a bottle of life straw or water purification tablets. Due to the large number of alpacas and llamas throughout the mountains, it is not known how clean the water is. Nothing could be much worse than getting sick at high altitude or having a working stomach.

What are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?

The 7 Lakes have their own name created by the historical settlers who saw the Ausangate as one of the «Apus» (deities).

Each one of the Lakes has some characteristic that makes it unique, its tonalities are also due to the pulverized minerals that came down from the snow-capped Ausangate with the waters.

PUKA COCHA LAKE

Also known as “chocolate Lake”, it is the first Lake that we will see on the tour to the 7 Lake of Ausangate and we will enjoy a panoramic view adorned by the chocolate color of its waters.

PATA COCHA LAKE

At 4,867 masl is the second Lake on the tour, with a different hue than the previous one and almost the same size.

ALKA COCHA LAKE

We continue descending until we reach 4867 meters above sea level to find the third Alka Cocha Lake , the last of that color hue.

LAKECCOMER CAR

Also known as the «green Lake «, it is a fantastic green Lake that adorns one of the 7 Lake of Ausangate, located only 4666 meters above sea level.

LAKE ORCO OTORONGO

As its name indicates, the Lake, of the 7 in Ausangate, has the color of the fur of the Otorongo in its waters.

Located at 4620 meters above sea level, it is associated with the male otorongo.

OTORONGO CHINESE LAKE

Lake that also has the color allusive to the fur of the otorongo, female, in its water.

BLUE LAKE COCHA

Also known as the Blue Lake, it is the final Lake of the tour of 7 Ausangate Lake and its beauty highlights the bluish color of its waters.

It is located at 4610 meters above sea level, and its blue color makes it unique and different throughout the route.

What to take to the tour of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate

2 liters of water (per person, at least!).
Mask (Required).
Small backpack.
Face shield.
Personal snack (optional).
Waterproof trekking shoes.
Polar suit (thermal underwear, hat, gloves and socks).
Waterproof clothing (poncho).
Sun hat and sunglasses.
Toilet paper.
Gel alcohol.
Extra batteries and/or power bank (no electricity on the hike)
Bathing suit and towel (in case you want to visit the hot springs).
Basic medicines
Feather jacket or sweater for the cold or warm jacket.
Extra money preferably in soles.

The best time of the year to visit the Ausangate 7 Lakes

Like any tour to Lake or water sources with minerals, the best season to visit them is during sunny times, the more sun there is, the better.

In Cusco the most marked dry season occurs between May – November; where there is no rain and the sun will be in charge of bringing out the best of the 7 lakes of Ausangate.

You have to consider the height of Ausangate and bring warm clothes for the coldest months in Cusco: June, July and August.

Recommendations to visit the 7 lakes of Ausangate:

Always carry your personal documents
Pack a rain poncho (Cusco weather and unpredictable)
Hats and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays
Wear warm clothes, chullo, preferably windbreaker jacket, chullos. etc
Keep hydrated
In the new normal, always wear a mask and easy protector
Keep your minimum distance of 2 meters with other people during the trip
Have alcohol on hand
It is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco between 2 or 3 days before making the trip
In the case of suffering some symptoms of altitude sickness, it is recommended to drink coca tea and not despair.

How is the snowy Ausangate

Ausangate is the second-highest snow-capped peak in Cusco (and the fifth largest in Peru). Its top reaches 6,385 meters above sea level. It is located 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, approximately. It belongs to the Cordillera del Vilcanota, characteristic geography of colorful mountains and pure water lakes. Perhaps the most famous attraction of the place is the Vinicunca, the mountain of 7 colors.

The waters of the snowy Ausangate feed the lakes that are distributed around it. From each of the lakesof this tourist circuit, part of the immense snow-capped mountain can be seen. For the Incas the Ausangate was sacred. He was a divine being who governed the life and death of people. Many of these beliefs are still preserved today. The inhabitants of Cusco humbly bow before each mountain, just as their Inca ancestors did.

Where is the look of Ausangate?

At present, an exhibition center is already available that shows the Ausangate mountain and the Lakes, represented as a type of models worked on special rocks. It is located in the town of Pacchanta, in a stone fence so you have to pay 10 soles to see the works carved in rock. There are also some representations of birds and camelids that characterize this region.

How is the Road to the 7 Lakes Ausangate Cusco?

Where to eat on the route 7 Lakes of Ausangate?

Because it is a place of tourist interest, some residents of Pacchanta have been serving travelers who arrive every day in their local restaurants. If your plan is to travel on your own, then it is recommended that before leaving for the Lakes, you reserve food at any of the restaurants, so that when you return you can have a guaranteed place to have lunch. And for those who go with a tour, they also have lunch at one of the restaurants in the area.

Why are the Ausangate Lakes turquoise?

Some of these Lakes have a turquoise green color tone, that is what makes them attractive, because the water coming down from the snow-capped mountains also brings with it powdered minerals and finally they end up swimming in the waters, without submerging in the base of the Lakes . In this way, on days when it is sunny, the effect of the coloration can be better appreciated.

Flora and fauna

On the other hand, the abundant Ichu (Stipa Ichu) will be spread throughout the hillside, and in the deserts of the puna with wild herbs, which grow only at ground level, due to the type of climate at these heights. Also from time to time some birds such as the great huallatas (chloephaga melanoptera) and others will be chirping near the lakes and occasionally flying over them.

What is the best time to visit the 7 lakes of Ausangate?

Wildlife in the Ausangate 7 Lakes

The circuit of the 7 lakes, and the Vilcanota mountain chain, is home to various species of wild and domesticated animals. It is worth noting, first of all, the presence of camelids such as the llama and the alpaca (both domestic animals) as well as the vicuña, a wild species with extremely valuable fur. These usually graze in the immense extensions of ichu, or wild straw of the Andes. It should be noted the existence of other species such as the vizcacha (rodent similar to the rabbit) and even the Andean condor.

After visiting this tour, you can do the Machu Picchu tour, here you have the Machu Picchu 1 Day tour, you can check the availability of spaces for Machu Picchu here