The Ausangate 7 Lakes Full-Day Adventure Tour from Cuzco promises an unforgettable experience in the breathtaking Andean highlands. Departing at the crack of dawn, adventurers embark on a scenic bus ride before embarking on a guided trek to discover seven stunning lakes. With small groups and experienced bilingual guides, this tour offers a personalized and immersive exploration of nature and local culture. What awaits these travelers as they set out on this excursion?

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Key Points

This full-day tour from Cuzco explores the stunning Ausangate lakes in the Andean highlands, with a 5-hour guided trek and visits to local hot springs.
The tour is priced at $45 per person, with a 14-hour duration and small group sizes limited to 10 participants.
Breakfast and a buffet lunch are included, and the tour provides convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services.
Guests can encounter diverse wildlife, such as alpacas, llamas, and potentially Andean Condors, while immersing in the local culture and hospitality.
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Ausangate 7 Lakes Adventure Tour from Cusco is priced at $45.00 per person and lasts for 14 hours.

The tour offers live English and Spanish-speaking guides. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Pickup locations are at Kentucky Fried Chicken and Plaza Kusipata, with an early 4:00 AM departure. After a bus ride, guests enjoy breakfast in Pacchanta before embarking on a five-hour guided trek to seven stunning Ausangate lakes.

The tour includes lunch, hot springs relaxation, and return to Cusco by 7:00 PM.

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Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickups from two locations: Kentucky Fried Chicken and Plaza Kusipata.

Departing at 4:00 AM, the bus ride to Pacchanta takes approximately 45 minutes with a stop in Tinki.

In Pacchanta, guests enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a five-hour guided trek to explore the stunning Ausangate lakes.

After the hike, the group returns to Pacchanta for a buffet lunch and relaxation in the Ausangate hot springs.

The tour then departs Pacchanta, arriving back in Cusco around 7:00 PM.

Group Size and Logistics

Small group sizes are limited to 10 participants, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.

Convenient hotel pickup service is provided, so you’ll just need to wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Be aware that itineraries may be subject to change due to factors beyond the tour operator’s control.

Highlights and Experiences

Visitors can explore seven stunning Ausangate lakes nestled in the Andean highlands, where they may encounter diverse wildlife including birds, alpacas, llamas, and possibly the majestic Andean Condor. The tour also allows participants to savor local cuisine with a hearty breakfast and buffet lunch, including a vegetarian option. Plus, guests can enjoy local hospitality and enjoy the relaxation of the Ausangate hot springs.

| Highlights | Experiences |

| — | — |

| Explore 7 Ausangate lakes | Encounter diverse wildlife |

| Savor local cuisine | Enjoy Ausangate hot springs |

| Immerse in local hospitality | – |

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Inclusions and Additional Costs

The tour includes transportation to and from your hotel, an experienced English-speaking guide, and a first aid kit.

Additional inclusions are:

Full meals – breakfast and a buffet lunch, with a vegetarian option available.
Entrance ticket to the Ausangate area, costing 20 soles.
Access to the Ausangate hot springs, which is a 5 soles charge.
Onsite horse rental is available at a negotiable price, approximately 80 new soles.

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Exploring the Ausangate Lakes

After a brisk 45-minute bus ride from Cusco, the adventure begins as trekkers arrive in the quaint village of Pacchanta.

Fueled by a hearty breakfast, they embark on a five-hour guided trek to the stunning Ausangate lakes. Along the way, they encounter diverse Andean wildlife, including alpacas, llamas, and perhaps the majestic Andean Condor.

Fueled by a hearty breakfast, trekkers embark on a five-hour guided trek to the stunning Ausangate lakes, encountering diverse Andean wildlife along the way.

The lakes, nestled amidst the rugged Andes, offer breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.

After the trek, trekkers can relax in the Ausangate hot springs before returning to Cusco, filled with memories of this remarkable Andean adventure.

Encountering Diverse Wildlife

Trekkers can expect to encounter an array of diverse wildlife throughout the Ausangate adventure.

The region is home to a variety of animal species, including:

Andean Condors – These majestic birds, the largest flying birds in the world, can often be spotted soaring high above the Andean peaks.
Alpacas and Llamas – These camelid relatives graze peacefully on the high-altitude grasslands, with their distinctive fluffy coats.
Vizcachas – These rabbit-like creatures with long whiskers and fluffy tails are commonly seen scurrying among the rocky outcrops.
Foxes, Hares, and Chinchillas – These agile and elusive mammals inhabit the rugged terrain, providing glimpses of the Andean ecosystem.

Taking in Local Hospitality and Relaxation

Taking in the local hospitality, trekkers can expect to enjoy a relaxing experience at the Ausangate hot springs after their day of exploration.

The soothing waters provide a rejuvenating break, allowing visitors to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Conveniently located near the village of Pacchanta, the hot springs offer a chance to interact with local residents and gain insights into their way of life.

This culture, combined with the restorative qualities of the hot springs, creates a well-rounded and authentic experience for those embarking on the Ausangate 7 Lakes adventure.

Since You Asked

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, though the duration and early start time may be challenging. Parents should consider their child’s stamina and comfort level before booking. The tour provides a family-friendly experience in the Andean highlands.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a full breakfast and buffet lunch are included in the tour price, so bringing additional provisions may not be necessary.

Are There Any Medical Facilities Along the Trek?

The tour includes a first aid kit, but there are no medical facilities along the trek. Participants should inform the guide of any medical conditions or concerns prior to the tour.

Can We Extend the Tour to Stay Overnight?

The tour is a day trip and doesn’t offer an option to stay overnight. However, travelers can book a separate multi-day Ausangate Trek if they’d like to extend their experience and explore the region further.

Are There Any Special Equipment Requirements for the Trek?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment beyond comfortable hiking shoes, layers of clothing, and rain protection. Participants can rent a horse on-site if they don’t want to hike the full distance.

The Sum Up

The Ausangate 7 Lakes Full-Day Adventure Tour offers an unforgettable Andean experience. From a scenic bus ride to Pacchanta to a guided trek discovering stunning lakes, the tour provides a personalized and immersive nature and cultural experience. With small groups, bilingual guides, and inclusions like breakfast, lunch, and hot springs, this tour promises an incredible day in the heart of the Peruvian highlands.