ausangate 7 lake - Orange Nation Peru
7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate - Full-day Trip from Cusco - Orange Nation Peru

Ausangate Trek 2 days with Upis Lake and 7 Lakes Trek

2 Days

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Join us in an expedition to the Vilcanota Range. This 2-day trek will take us over some of the best locations in the Ausangate area, deep in the valleys carved in between the north and northwest faces of the Andean Peak. We will visit several glacier-fed lakes along the trail, each one with a distinctive coloring. Prepare to be amazed by snowcapped peaks, Andean Puna, wildlife and a challenging adventure in the heights of the Andes.

Who is this trek for?

This experience is for those hikers looking for an adventure far from the crowds and close to the wilderness in the Peruvian Backcountry. It is a moderately challenging trip over mountain passes, next to glaciers and with several stops to admire stunning lakes. This experience requires altitude adaptation and moderate fitness condition to tame the challenges along the route.

Service Level:

Spacious and luxurious camping facilities. Private chef for the group. Emergency horse. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver

Difficulty:

Moderate

Travel Style:

Adventure, Hike and Camping

Group Size

Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5..

Full Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 6 am in Cusco. Then you will drive to Tinki, for about 2 hours, along a scenic ride in the South Valley. Once in Tinki you will stop for a tasty breakfast and last-minute shopping before heading to the trailhead.

After this stop, the van will continue for approximately 1 hour to Upis. This part of the road will take you deeper in the Andean Puna. From Upis you will start the adventure.

4 Hours to Upis Lake.

The hike will traverse along a canyon formed by the river Upismayo coming down from the lake above. It will pass Upis Campsite, where we will return after visiting the lake. Once at the lake, you will have a moment to enjoy the highest point of the day, the beauty of the landscape and to capture all the of the best pictures of the imposing Apu Ausangate.

Back to the Campsite.

After 1 hour descending you will arrive back to Upis Campsite, at 4425 m / 14517 ft. There the expedition team will be waiting with a well-deserved lunch. For the afternoon you can enjoy the hot springs in the area.

Later, during the evening the expedition team will serve a tasty dinner. You will have the chance to do some stargazing and of course learn from your guide about the Inca Constellations.

Highlights of the day:

  • Distance: 11.23 km / 7 mi.
  • Maximum altitude: 4547 m / 14917 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Main attractions: Scenic ride from Cusco, Vilcanota Range, Immersion in the Andean Puna, Apu Ausangate, Upis Lake.

The second day on this trip will start at 7:30 am. Your guide will bring a hot beverage to your tent as a wake-up call. Following this warm start to the day, the expedition team will serve a nutritious breakfast to fuel you up for the day.

The hike for the day will start around 8 am with the goal to reach Pacchanta after looping the 7 lakes of Ausangate. The first stretch of the day will go around one of the ridges derived from Apu Ausangate. This part of the hike will be the perfect introduction for the day’s theme: lakes. 4 hours over the Andean Puna with a mix of dry desertic landscapes and green swampy depressions filled with small lakes.

Around noon you will finally make it to the 7 Lakes trail, at Azulcocha. Here the expedition team will be waiting with a delicious lunch. Make sure to refuel for the afternoon and rest your legs.

7 Lakes of Ausangate

The next part of the day will be filled with highlights. The valley where the 7 lakes are located, is surrounded by the Apus Ausangate, Jampa and Hatun Punta. Hiking around this valley has a very energetic feeling as the imposing peaks offer the perfect background to the experience.

You will visit:

  • Male and Female Otorongos.
  • Azulqocha.
  • Alqacocha.
  • Pukaqocha.
  • Qomerqocha.
  • Orqoqocha.

Each one of these lakes has a distinctive coloring, due to the minerals in the soil.

Pacchanta Hot Springs

After delving into the unique beauty of the high valley, you will descend to Pacchanta. This tiny town in the base of Ausangate will be the last stop of the trek and the most rewarding one. Upon arrival you will have the chance to take a plunge in the local Hot Springs. They are sourced from naturally heated volcanic underground streams.

To wrap up the day, the expedition team will say goodbye. Perfect moment to show your gratitude to the amazing expedition team, they are the heroes that make these trips possible.

The Van will ride back to Cusco, where you will be dropped in your hotel after a 3-hour drive. You can expect to arrive around 10 pm.

Highlights of the day:

  • Distance: 16.02 km / 10 mi.
  • Maximum altitude: 4622 m / 15164 ft.
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
  • Main attractions: 7 lakes of Ausangate, Pacchanta Hot Springs.

What’s included?

  • Professional Guide: Experienced, English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable about the trail, local culture, and history.
  • Transportation: Round-trip transportation from Cusco to the start and end points of the trek.
  • Accommodation: Tents for overnight camping along the trek. These are usually high-quality, weather-resistant tents.
  • Meals: Our treks include all main meals during the trekking days (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The food is a mix of local and international cuisine, catered to provide the energy needed for the hike.
  • Porters and Horsemen: Support staff to carry equipment, food, and personal belongings.
  • Cooking Equipment and Staff: Includes chefs who prepare meals, as well as all necessary cooking gear.
  • Entrance Fees: Any required entrance fees to the Ausangate site and other included attractions.
  • Camping Equipment: Apart from tents, this includes sleeping pads/mats, dining tents, kitchen tents, and toilet tents.
  • First Aid and Emergency Equipment: Guides carry a first-aid kit for basic medical situations and emergency equipment, if needed.
  • Water: Provision of clean drinking water for the second day.

Excludes

  • Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but, not included.
  • Airfare: Flights are not included.
  • Accommodation in Cusco: Hotel stays are not included
  • Meals in Cities: Meals in Cusco or other cities before and after the trek are not included.
  • Sleeping Bags: You will require you to bring your own or rent one for an additional fee.
  • Trekking Poles: Available for rent at an extra cost.
  • Personal Clothing and Gear: Hiking boots, clothing, backpacks, and other personal gear are the responsibility of the trekker.
  • Tips for Guides and Support Staff: Gratuity for the guides, cooks, and porters is not included and is at the discretion of the trekker.
  • Extra Snacks and Drinks: While main meals are included, extra snacks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled drinks are not.
  • Personal Expenses: Any additional expenses such as souvenirs, laundry services, or additional tours are not included.
  • Emergency Transportation: If you need to leave the trek early due to illness or other reasons, the cost of emergency transport is not covered.
  • Entrance Fees for Optional Sites: Some side trips or additional archaeological sites do have entrance fees not included in the trek package.
Ausangate Trek 2 days with Upis Lake and 7 Lakes Trek
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Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

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Our Reviews

Discover why thousands of people around the world trust us to explore the best of Peru.

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

Couples

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