7 Lakes of Ausangate: Complete Guide to the Toughest Day Trek Near Cusco

If Vinicunca and Humantay already felt demanding, the 7 Lakes of Ausangate are a level up — literally. It’s the highest and most demanding single-day trek we offer, and it’s not for everyone. This guide is honest about what it involves.

Altitude: the part that makes the difference

The lakes sit in a range of 4,200 to 4,800 meters above sea level, with the highest point on the route reaching close to 5,000 meters in some sections. You’re constantly moving between 4,600 and 5,000 meters for a good part of the day.

Difficulty: challenging to very challenging

The combination of extreme altitude, 12 to 15 km of trekking over uneven terrain, and the changeable high-mountain weather make this trek challenging to very challenging — not for technical difficulty (there’s no climbing), but for the sustained physical effort at that altitude. Good physical fitness and, ideally, previous high-altitude trekking experience are recommended.

Who should do this trek?

• Travelers in good physical shape who already have at least 3-4 acclimatization days in Cusco.
• People who’ve already done Vinicunca or Humantay without major issues and want a bigger challenge.
• Those looking for high-mountain scenery with very few people — unlike Vinicunca, this trek sees considerably fewer visitors.

If it’s your first day in Cusco, or you’ve never done high-altitude trekking, this isn’t the place to start.

Best time to go

Dry season (May to September), with April and October as acceptable transition months. Outside that window, weather in the Ausangate range can turn unpredictable and the terrain harder.

How much it costs

Price per vehicle, private service:

Vehicle	Price	Capacity
Sedan	$200 USD	Up to 3 passengers
Minivan	$240 USD	Up to 6 passengers
Mercedes Benz	$300 USD	Up to 10 passengers
Mercedes Benz (large group)	$350 USD	Up to 15 passengers

Check availability and book this tour

How to prepare

• Minimum 3 acclimatization days in Cusco before attempting it — this isn’t negotiable at this altitude.
• Technical layered clothing, including windbreaker and waterproof shell.
• High-energy snacks and enough water.
• If you have any heart or respiratory condition, check with a doctor before coming.

Feeling up for it? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll arrange your private transport for trek day.