Ausangate 7 Lakes: a day hike from Cusco past turquoise lakes and glaciers

A beautiful and accessible day trip from Cusco is the Ausangate 7 Lakes day trip, at the foot of the sacred Ausangate mountain. We set off with Salkantay Trekking. We had a very pleasant experience with this organization after the Salkantay trek (see blog: Salkantay Premium Trek (5 days) to Machu Picchu: our experience from start to finish). Early in the morning (4:00 a.m.), we were picked up at our hotel in Cusco. The drive itself takes 3-4 hours. Breakfast is provided at the starting point of the route. You start the hike around 9:00 a.m.

Ausangate: the sacred mountain of the Andes

The hike is located at the foot of Ausangate (6,384 m), the highest peak in the Cusco region and a sacred mountain for the Quechua communities. According to tradition, Ausangate is seen as an Apu: a spiritual protector who watches over the land, the water, and the people. The region has been inhabited for centuries by local communities who live off livestock farming and agriculture, which is possible at this altitude.

The route: seven lakes, each with its own color

During the hike, you will walk past seven lakes, each with a different hue: from deep blue to emerald green and turquoise. The colors are created by minerals and sediments from the glacier: each lake has its own chemical composition, which means that no two lakes are the same. Especially in clear weather, the colors seem almost unnaturally bright. And we were lucky that day: clear blue skies, sunshine, and perfect visibility of both the summit and the Ausangate glacier.

On the way, we encountered several herds of alpacas, including babies. Their woolly coats against the backdrop of ice and rocks are truly typical of the Andes.

Altitude and intensity: manageable, provided you are acclimatized

The hike itself was surprisingly accessible. In total, you climb about 400 meters on a gradual path that is manageable for anyone who is already accustomed to the altitude. The highest point is at 4,643 meters, so acclimatization is important. We were already accustomed to the altitude, so the hike was not a physical obstacle for us and we were able to fully enjoy the surroundings without gasping for breath with every step.

Around 2:00 p.m., we were back at the starting point, where we were served fried trout caught in one of the lakes in the region.

From this point, you also have the option of taking a quick dip in one of the natural thermal baths.

Then we began the long drive back to Cusco.

Is the Ausangate 7 Lakes day trip recommended?

Because the hike is not too intense, it is suitable for anyone who wants to experience the magic of the high Andes without having to do a multi-day trek.

However, we did find it a very long drive for a hike that is relatively short. We left around 3:00 p.m. to return to Cusco, where we ended up in rush hour traffic. In total, we were on the road for almost 8 hours for a 5-hour hike. That's not necessarily a reason not to do the trip, but it is something to take into account when planning your itinerary or comparing multiple day trips.