This is an awe-inspiring two-day trek through the Ausangate Mountain Range, also known as the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Trek. The route follows what we call the “Path of Apu Ausangate”, located near the highest and most sacred mountain in the Cusco region. In Andean belief, the Apu is considered the bringer of life and the guardian of one of the most revered mountain ecosystems in the world.
Our Ausangate treks are accompanied by llamas and horses that carry our equipment. These animals belong to the local community, who take great pride in sharing their ancestral land and the spiritual essence of their world with visitors.
Throughout the journey, you will stay at our exclusive campsites in the Peruvian Andes. Every day, you’ll enjoy freshly prepared meals by our expert local chefs, who will delight you with a rich variety of traditional Peruvian dishes and regional ingredients.
Operated mainly by Tunqui Expeditions
The 2-day Ausangate 7 Lagoons Trek, operated primarily by Tunqui Expeditions, is one of the most astonishing adventures in the Cusco region. You’ll hike through majestic landscapes and alongside snow-capped mountains, beautifully decorated with lagoons of different colors lying at the base of the sacred Ausangate Mountain.
This trek is one of the shortest and most popular hikes we offer, and it’s considered among the best trekking experiences in the Andes of Cusco. While it’s not for everyone, those seeking to escape the crowds will find it to be a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
You’ll cross two mountain passes, witness breathtaking scenery, connect with Andean culture, and enjoy unforgettable starry skies at night.
Of course, the highlight is admiring the stunning multi-colored lagoons, surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in South America and the world. Come and explore the Andes with Tunqui Expeditions!
We begin the Ausangate Trek with a day full of stunning Andean landscapes and scenic views of Ausangate Mountain and its valley, rich in flora and fauna. We will spend the night in the Upis sector.
On the final day, we hike to the breathtaking 7 Lagoons of Ausangate, enjoying every step of this unique experience. Around midday, you’ll have time to relax in the hot springs of Pacchanta before returning to Cusco, where you’ll say goodbye to your trekking team.
Highlight of the Day: Hike through the Andean landscapes of Ausangate.
Walk through the beautiful Andean scenery and breathe in the fresh, pure mountain air.
At 5:30 am, your Tunqui Expeditions guide will pick you up from your hotel. We’ll travel in our private transport for about 3 hours to the town of Tinki, where we’ll stop to observe local life. You’ll see how people still wear traditional clothing, and your guide will explain everything about their customs and daily lifestyle in this part of the Andes.
Then, we’ll continue for about 1 more hour along a dusty road to Upis Pampa, the starting point of our trek. Before we begin, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our super chef from Tunqui Expeditions.
The hike today involves gentle ascents and descents for about 3 hours. Along the trail, we’ll pass small villages and cross several streams before arriving at Upis, where our tents will already be set up—right in front of the majestic Ausangate Mountain.
Around midday, our cook will prepare a fresh and flavorful lunch for you to enjoy. After the meal, you’ll have the option to either:
Later in the afternoon, we’ll gather in the dining tent for tea time, with coca tea, coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn, snacks, and more. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a warm dinner and step outside to experience the breathtaking starry sky—a magical memory you’ll carry for life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Easy
Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
Maximum Altitude: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
Camp Altitude: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
Highlight of the Day: Hike through the Andean landscapes and visit the 7 Ausangate Lagoons.
Relax in the hot springs before returning to Cusco.
We’ll wake you up at 5:30 am with a warm drink (coca tea, coffee, or hot chocolate) delivered to your tent.
After a hearty breakfast to energize your body, we’ll begin hiking through the stunning landscapes next to Ausangate Mountain.
Our day starts with a short 20-minute uphill hike to a scenic viewpoint where you’ll see Ausangate in all its majestic beauty. From there, we’ll continue with an uphill and downhill trail until we reach the magical 7 Lagoons of Ausangate.
We’ll spend approximately 1 hour exploring the lagoons, taking in different views of these vibrant turquoise and green waters. It’s your final chance to enjoy the beauty of the snow-capped peaks from new perspectives.
After visiting the lagoons, we’ll hike to Pacchanta, where you’ll relax in the natural hot springs with stunning views of Ausangate in the background.
At midday, we’ll have our last lunch together and say farewell to our horseman and chef. Afterward, we return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel (not included)
Difficulty: Moderate
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
Hiking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Maximum Altitude: 4,320 m / 13,840 ft
At Tunqui Expeditions, we clearly outline what’s included and not included in each of our tours. We take care of all logistics, but please review the details carefully to ensure you’re fully prepared for the experience.
Some elements may vary depending on the specific program, so please read thoroughly before booking.
Pre-Trek Briefing:
Meet your guide and group at our office the evening before your trek at 5:00 pm. You’ll receive a duffel bag (max. 7 kg/15.4 lb) for your personal items, including your sleeping bag and air mattress (if bringing or renting one).
Experienced Tour Guide:
Certified bilingual tour guide (English & Spanish), graduates from Cusco’s National University in Tourism. Our guides are professional, passionate, local experts with a deep love for sharing Peruvian culture and history.
First Aid Kit & Oxygen:
All guides are trained in first aid and carry a full medical kit including oxygen for altitude issues. If needed, emergency evacuation will be arranged to the nearest medical facility.
You can contact us anytime before, during, or after your trek.
Satellite Phone AccessEach guide carries a fully charged satellite phone in case of emergency or personal communication needs. Available to guests when necessary.
We provide boiled, filtered, and cooled water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. Bring your own reusable bottle or hydration system (2L recommended).
Each morning, enjoy hot coca tea delivered to your tent to start your day warmly.
All entry fees, permits, and taxes are included in the tour price. No hidden costs.
This trek is available any day of the week, from January to December. We operate this itinerary year-round without interruptions.
This small-group trek is guaranteed to operate with only 2 participants.
Please note: PayPal charges a 5% service fee, which we kindly ask the client to cover for online deposits. The remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD or soles) in Cusco without any extra fees.
Enhance your trip with one of these optional add-ons:
These items can be rented for the trek:
Once your booking is confirmed, your price is locked—we guarantee no price increases under any circumstance. Before booking, please ensure you have reviewed all the important information about the trek.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The muleteers and porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
The Ausangate Trek 2 Days can depart any day of the week, from January to December. We operate this itinerary year-round with full service and logistics.
This trek is guaranteed to operate with just 2 participants.
Note: PayPal charges a 5% service fee, which we kindly ask clients to cover for online deposits only. The remaining balance can be paid in cash in Cusco with no additional fees.
Enhance your experience by adding one or more of these optional day tours:
You may add the following items to your trek:
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee the price will not increase, regardless of external circumstances.
Please ensure you read all important tour information before booking.
