The 7 Lakes Hike takes you on a stunning one-day trek beside the towering Ausangate, which rises to 20,944 ft in the Cusco region. Discover brilliantly hued glacial lakes, majestic mountains, wandering llamas and alpacas, and local people in traditional attire.
Join the Peru Trails team on this remarkable journey through the Andes. In just a few hours, explore the seven enchanting lakes set against the backdrop of Cusco’s highest peak, and conclude your hike with a relaxing soak in natural hot springs.
Highlights
- Hike with our expert local guides who are passionate about the region
- Small groups for a personalized experience
- Explore colorful lakes at the base of Southern Peru’s highest mountain
- Unwind in soothing hot springs after the trek
- Distance Covered: 3.7 miles
- Duration: 1 day
- Hiking Hours: The morning hike to the largest lake takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on a gentle uphill trail, with a roughly 1-hour return to the trailhead.
- Trip Type: Combination of car transport and trekking
- Meals: A box lunch is provided and carried by your guide.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging – your guide will be there to encourage you and help you make the most of the experience.
Group Size: We keep our groups small—on average 7 hikers—to ensure personalized service and a closer connection with nature, while minimizing our environmental footprint.
Our Guides: Peru Trails was founded on a passion for trekking, led by experienced guides who have traversed these paths countless times. Our team, both men and women, is professionally trained with ongoing certifications through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). They are equipped to ensure your safety and provide insights into local culture and natural history.
Location: The trek begins in Cusco City or the Sacred Valley based on your preference. Arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, then fly to Velasco Astete Cusco Airport.
Departures: This hike is exclusively operated by Peru Trails. We run daily tours all year round, with groups typically ranging from 2 to 5 people to offer an intimate and personalized experience.
Book anytime—no need to reserve far in advance. For questions or to secure your spot, contact us 24/7 at +51 987467790 or email us at info@perutrails.com.
Day 1 – Cusco to Pacchanta
Your dedicated guide will meet you at your Cusco hotel at 5:00 am. After a 2.5-hour drive to Huayllabamba village, enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant. Continue the journey for another 45 minutes to reach Pacchanta, the starting point of the trail.
The adventure begins with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including the magnificent Ausangate. Hike uphill gradually for about 1.5 hours to reach the farthest lake, Otorongo, then explore the seven lakes while breathing in the crisp Andean air. Finally, relax and enjoy lunch at the natural hot springs.
Services Included
- Transport to and from your Cusco hotel
- A knowledgeable trekking guide well-versed in local history, traditions, fauna, and flora, with first aid training
- Optional oxygen tank and first aid kit carried by your guide if necessary
- Entrance fees to the trekking area
Services Excluded
- Gratuities for the guide and driver (a recommended 15% of the total cost)
- A day bag for your personal items
- A camera or smartphone for capturing moments
- Appropriate clothing (hiking shoes, warm fleece, rain jacket)
- Your favorite snacks for energy on the trail
- At least 2 liters of water per person (bring a reusable bottle or camelbak)
- Sunscreen with SPF 35 or higher
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Cash for incidental expenses
- Any personal medications you may need
Why Choose Peru Trails
- Peru Trails offers customized treks and tours designed to match your interests.
- We are dedicated to providing world-class experiences with exceptional customer service.
- As a locally owned and experienced travel company based in Cusco, we have decades of expertise in Peruvian tourism.
- Our team is fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, ensuring clear communication and an enriched cultural experience.
- All guides are professionally trained in local history, culture, first aid, wildlife, and environmental preservation.
- We are committed to sustainable tourism and minimizing our environmental impact.
- We support local communities through fair labor practices and community development programs, including educational initiatives for porters’ families.
- Our itineraries, ranging from 1 to 15 days, are crafted to provide an unforgettable adventure tailored to your needs.
Specialists in Small Group Tours
Our tours are designed for adventure seekers of all ages—whether you travel solo, with friends, as a couple, or with family. We believe in the value of small groups (typically 4 to 8 people) to ensure a flexible and intimate travel experience, allowing us to explore off-the-beaten-path locations while avoiding long waits and crowds.
Group Service
Our tour groups usually consist of 2 to 8 people, ensuring a semi-private experience that provides personalized attention. This option is perfect for meeting fellow travelers and sharing an adventure.
Accommodations
Prices are based on double occupancy in US dollars. For single occupancy, please contact us at info@perutrails.com or reach us 24/7 at +51 987467790 (WhatsApp).
A 20% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing This Option
- Once a tour date is set with a minimum of 2 guests, changes to the date are unlikely.
- This option is great for meeting other travelers while enjoying the same quality of service.
- If any participant is unable to continue, the tour will proceed as planned.
Private Service
Our private tours are available for any group size—from solo travelers to larger parties—and can be scheduled on your preferred date.
Accommodations
We typically arrange stays in 3-star hotels, with the option to upgrade to 5-star accommodations upon request. Pricing is based on double occupancy in US dollars. For single occupancy inquiries, contact us at info@perutrails.com or via WhatsApp at +51 987467790.
A 20% deposit is required at booking, with the balance due 30 days before the trip.
Choosing This Option
- This service is fully customizable to meet your needs.
- Tour dates can be adjusted if your schedule permits.
- Ideal for family trips, special occasions, or intimate travel experiences.
- Enjoy the same exceptional service as our group tours.
