Tour Seven Lakes Full Day
The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate is one of the most spectacular high-altitude experiences in Cusco, offering a unique journey through the Andes. This adventure takes you around the majestic Ausangate Mountain, where you will explore seven beautiful lagoons, each displaying vibrant colors such as turquoise, emerald, and deep blue. Along the hike, travelers enjoy stunning glacier views, encounter herds of alpacas and llamas, and connect with traditional Andean communities. The route combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of adventure, making it a must-do for nature lovers and trekkers seeking authentic experiences in Peru.
Eco Andes Trekking stands out as one of the best tour operators in Cusco because we focus on personalized, sustainable, and meaningful travel experiences. As a locally owned company, we work closely with native communities, ensuring that tourism directly benefits local families. Our professional guides are highly trained and passionate about sharing their culture and history. We provide high-quality service, small group experiences, and a strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, making every journey unforgettable.
About the Seven Lakes
The story of the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate is deeply rooted in Andean mythology and the spiritual traditions of local communities. For centuries, the Ausangate Mountain has been considered an Apu, or sacred mountain spirit, believed to protect the people and control natural forces such as water, weather, and fertility. The seven lagoons surrounding it are thought to be gifts from this powerful guardian.
According to local legends, each lagoon has its own spirit and energy, connected to Pachamama (Mother Earth). The lagoons were formed from the tears of the Apu Ausangate, who cried to give life to the valleys and sustain the people and animals of the region. These waters are considered sacred and are still used in rituals and offerings by Andean communities seeking blessings, protection, and balance.
Today, the 7 lagoons are not only a natural wonder but also a spiritual journey. Visitors who hike this route are invited to respect the land, honor ancient traditions, and experience the deep connection between nature and Andean culture that has been preserved for generations.
Detailed Itinerary – tour seven lakes
Pre-Trek Briefing (required):
Before we set off, we’ll need to discuss what you can expect, cover some ground rules, and, of course, give you an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the itinerary or otherwise.
You can either choose to visit us at our office for this briefing, or we’ll come to you at your hotel.
Note: Your briefing must happen the day before the seven lakes tour begins, so make sure you give yourself enough time when booking travel over to us!
Day 1: Cusco – Trailhead pacchanta
Full-Day Itinerary: 7 Lagoons of Ausangate – Eco Andes Trekking Peru
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pick-up in Cusco around 4:30 am. We travel by private transportation for approximately 3 hours to the small Andean community of Pacchanta, located at the base of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a nutritious breakfast prepared by our team, surrounded by stunning mountain views.
After breakfast, we begin the hike to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate. Along the trail, you will explore breathtaking landscapes, observe herds of alpacas and llamas, and visit each lagoon, known for its unique colors such as turquoise, emerald, and deep blue. Our professional guide will share insights about the local culture, flora, fauna, and the spiritual importance of Ausangate.
During the hike, we will provide a box lunch so you can enjoy a well-deserved meal while immersed in nature. After completing the circuit, we return to Pacchanta, where you will have the option to relax in the natural hot springs.
Finally, we begin our return journey to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:30 pm.
SERVICES INCLUDED:
Professional Guided Services:
- Expertly trained and licensed guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua.
- A personal porter dedicated to this iconic Inca Trail trek, with a capacity of carrying 6 kg (13 pounds) of your personal belongings.
Preparation and Support:
- Comprehensive pre-trek briefing conducted 1 to 2 days before embarking on the journey.
- A proficient support team, including professional cooks and porters, responsible for carrying all group equipment and ensuring each hiker’s load does not exceed 6 kg (13 pounds).
Nutritious Meals:
- Three wholesome breakfasts, three satisfying lunches, and three delightful dinners to keep you energized throughout the adventure.
- Ample drinking water and snacks to keep you hydrated and fuelled.
Comfort and Convenience:
- A well-equipped dining tent complete with tables, stools, and all necessary dining utensils.
- A portable Eco-friendly toilet set up at each camp (based on campground capacity).
- A private toilet tent for your convenience.
- A dedicated kitchen tent to prepare delicious meals.
Restful Nights:
- Comfortable sleeping tents and air mattresses provided, with a four-person tent allocated for every two individuals.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
- Essential emergency supplies, including a comprehensive first aid kit, oxygen for high-altitude situations, and emergency radios for communication.
Entrance and Transportation:
- Inclusion of all group fees, encompassing Inca Trail permits and entrance to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
- A return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to either Ollantaytambo or Poroy for your convenience.
- All transfers catered for, including a private van ride to the trailhead at KM 82, a bus journey from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, and a private van transfer from Ollantaytambo to your Cusco hotel.
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:
- Sleeping Bag: Available for rent at USD $30 per person.
- Hiking Poles: Can be rented at USD $25 per pair and per person.
- Huayna Picchu MountainTicket: An optional excursion at USD $75 per person.
- Meals: Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 4 are not covered.
- Gratuity: Tips for porters, chef, and guide are not included (see our tipping guidelines)
- Safety Net: We highly recommend obtaining travel insurance.
Items to bring with you:
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Eco Andes Trekking is able to join that person with additional groups.
- Under 18 years Discount: USD
- Under 7 years Discount: USD
Rentals
- Hiking poles – USD $25 (pair) per person
- Sleeping bag – USD $30 per person
The first day of the trek is moderate, traversing Andean mountain terrain. Day two is the hardest, crossing two high mountain passes. The final day is easier, moving mostly through flat terrain and descent paths.
How do I prepare for the Trek?
On top of the standard fitness and preparation necessary for any trek, it’s recommended to attend the pre-trek briefing scheduled for the day before the trek starts in Cusco.
What’s the best time to trek the seven lakes?
The 4-day/3-night Inca Trail operates year-round, excluding February, when trail maintenance occurs. It’s recommended to book early, as permits are limited and often sell rapidly.
What about medication?
Obviously, medical attention and facilities along the Inca Trail are pretty much non-existent so you need to bring any of your own required medication with you and keep it on your own person or in the daypack.
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $ 90
Private: $ 140
DURATION:
1 tour full day
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Hiking Pole (pair) – USD: $10 per person
- Return Vistadome Train per person – USD: $60 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham train per person – USD: $420 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD: $255 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu El Pueblo hotel (5-star hotel) – USD: $250 per person per night (double occupancy)
- El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (4 star hotel) – USD: $115 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD: $50 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Huayna Picchu Permit – USD: $75 per person
- Single Hotel Room – USD $45 per person
OVERVIEW
- Duration: 2 Days, 1 Night
- Day 1: Cusco – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Beginning Altitude: 2,170 m / 7,170 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,920 ft
- Hike Total Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Average
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back
We understand planning a big trip like ours at APT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.
That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.
Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.
We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local
We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.
We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service
Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.
We’re Committed to Our Team
Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.
We Look Out for Our Community
A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.
We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style
We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.
We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru
Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.
Our Reputation is Built on Trust
Year after year, Action Peru Treks has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.
We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly
Peru’s landscapes are magnificent. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we’ll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.
