The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour from Cusco promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Andes. Participants can expect to experience breathtaking landscapes, enjoy rich cultural traditions, and engage with local artisans. With professional transportation, meals, and a knowledgeable guide, the tour offers a personalized journey for groups of up to 15 travelers. While a moderate fitness level is required, the rewards of this excursion are plentiful. From the stunning turquoise lakes to the majestic snow-capped peaks, this tour invites adventurers to discover the natural beauty and cultural depth of this remarkable region.
Key Points
- A one-day hiking tour that takes visitors to seven picturesque lakes near Cusco, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the Ausangate landscape.
- Opportunities to interact with indigenous Quechua communities, observe traditional farming and herding practices, and learn about their cultural heritage.
- Moderate difficulty level hike covering approximately 12 miles with a 2,000 feet elevation gain, suitable for travelers with good endurance.
- Guided tour with personalized attention, transportation, meals, and entrance fees included in the tour package starting at $160 per person.
- Positive reviews from previous travelers highlighting the tour’s stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides, though some concerns about service quality and biosafety measures.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Highlights of the Tour
- Logistics and Pickup
- Physical Fitness Requirements
- Traveler Reviews and Ratings
- Pricing and Cancellation Policy
- Exploring the Seven Lakes
- Connecting With Indigenous Communities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Best Season to Visit the Seven Lakes?
- Are There Any Safety Precautions During the Hike?
- Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?
- How Much Time Do We Spend at Each Lake?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Multiple Days?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Full Day in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The tour offers a one-day small-group or private hiking experience to the seven lakes of the majestic Ausangate mountain, located near Cusco.
Highlights include scenic views of turquoise-green lakes and snow-capped peaks, as well as the opportunity to visit Indigenous communities and see llamas and alpacas.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
With a focus on showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, this tour provides an immersive exploration of the stunning Ausangate landscape.
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Highlights of the Tour
Typically, the tour promises stunning vistas of turquoise-hued lakes nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Ausangate mountain.
Key highlights of this experience include:
- Witnessing the natural beauty of the seven lakes, each with its own distinct color and charm
- Visiting indigenous communities and observing the traditional way of life of the locals, including their interactions with llamas and alpacas
- Enjoying a picturesque hike through the stunning Andean landscape, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife along the way
The tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience that allows travelers to connect with the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Logistics and Pickup
As part of the hassle-free experience, the tour provider offers pickup directly from your Cusco hotel. This pickup service is confirmed 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time of 3:30 AM.
The tour includes professional transportation, ensuring a comfortable journey to the starting point of the hike. Breakfast and lunch are also provided as part of the package, allowing you to focus on the scenic experience ahead.
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour maintains a personalized atmosphere, catering to your needs throughout the day. The entrance ticket to the site is included, covering the 3.5 USD (or 10 Soles) fee.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Moderate physical fitness is required for this hiking tour to the seven lakes of Ausangate. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Here are a few key points about the physical requirements:
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The hike covers a distance of approximately 12 miles (19 km) with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet (610 m).
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Trekkers should be comfortable walking for extended periods over uneven terrain and steep inclines.
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Individuals with a good level of endurance and the ability to handle moderate physical exertion will be best suited for this adventure.
Traveler Reviews and Ratings
The reviews and ratings for the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour paint a mixed picture, with a dominant positive sentiment but some notable concerns raised by past participants.
The tour boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5 overall rating based on 15 reviews, with the majority (12) giving it a full 5-star rating.
Travelers praise the stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and seamless logistics.
However, a few reviews cite issues with service quality and food, and some express concerns about the tour’s biosafety protocols.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour starts from $160.00 per person. This price includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, entrance fees, breakfast, and lunch.
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Key features of the pricing and cancellation policy:
- Flexible payment options – reserve now and pay later
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Affordable starting price of $160.00 per person
- All necessary inclusions like transportation, guide, and meals
With these practical details, travelers can book the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour with confidence, knowing they can easily modify or cancel their plans if needed.
Exploring the Seven Lakes
Venturing into the mesmerizing landscape of Ausangate, travelers embark on a captivating journey to explore the seven enchanting lakes nestled within this majestic mountain range. Each lake presents a unique visual spectacle, from the turquoise hues of Pumacocha Lake to the mirror-like reflections of the snow-capped peaks in Singrenacocha. Trekking through this stunning natural wonder, visitors are greeted by the sights of grazing llamas and alpacas, as well as the vibrant cultural presence of the indigenous Quechua communities. The tour offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and culture, leaving lasting impressions on all who witness the grandeur of the Seven Lakes of Ausangate.
| Lake | Elevation (m) | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Pumacocha | 5,050 | Turquoise |
| Singrenacocha | 5,100 | Mirror-like |
| Minaparayoc | 5,150 | Emerald |
| Jahuacocha | 5,080 | Sapphire |
| Ausangate | 5,120 | Glacial Blue |
Connecting With Indigenous Communities
Travelers’ encounters with the indigenous Quechua communities during the Seven Lakes of Ausangate tour offer a profound culture.
The tour allows visitors to:
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Witness traditional farming and herding practices, gaining insights into the Quechua’s sustainable way of life.
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Engage with local artisans and learn about their intricate textile and craft traditions.
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Observe Quechua religious ceremonies and rituals, enriching their understanding of the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
These authentic interactions provide a unique opportunity to connect with the indigenous people, fostering a deeper appreciation for their resilient and adaptable communities living in harmony with the breathtaking Ausangate landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Season to Visit the Seven Lakes?
The best season to visit the seven lakes is during the dry season from May to September when the weather is mild and skies are clear, providing stunning views of the turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks.
Are There Any Safety Precautions During the Hike?
The tour has several safety precautions in place. Hikers should have moderate fitness, as the trails aren’t wheelchair-accessible. Travelers with back issues or serious medical conditions aren’t recommended to join. Guides monitor the group’s well-being throughout the hike.
Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?
While the tour is not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions, children may be able to join if they are physically fit and accompanied by a parent or guardian. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
How Much Time Do We Spend at Each Lake?
The tour typically spends 60-90 minutes at each of the seven lakes, allowing visitors ample time to take in the stunning scenery and explore the surrounding areas. Exact durations may vary based on the group’s pace and interests.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Multiple Days?
The tour typically lasts one day, but there may be an option to extend it to multiple days for a richer experience. Travelers should inquire about this possibility when booking the tour.
7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour From Cusco
“The lakes and nature are an amazing experience, but the price is very expensive for the service; the operator don’t take biosafety rules before t…”
Recap
The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour offers an immersive adventure through the Andean landscape. Hikers can marvel at stunning turquoise lakes, engage with indigenous communities, and witness traditional farming practices. With professional transportation, meals, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour provides a personalized experience for adventurous travelers seeking to connect with the cultural and natural wonders of the region.
