7 Lagoons Tour from Cusco Full Day
- CUSCO
- 7 LAGOONS
- AUSANGATE
The 7 Lagoons Tour visits a chain of glacial lakes at the foot of Ausangate. Moreover, this 7 Lagoons trip from Cusco is a full-day trip with long drives and short walks. Furthermore, the 7 Lagoons Ausangate route and the 7 Lagoons tour itinerary offer sweeping views, alpacas, and almost no crowds. However, the lakes sit above 4,000 meters, so altitude needs respect.
No permit is required, so booking is simple. Also, read on for the 7 Lagoons Tour route, costs, and what to pack.
Written by the Travel Free Cusco Team, a local travel agency based in Cusco, Peru.
Full Day
4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Moderate to Hard
Hotel pickup in Cusco
1. 7 Lagoons Tour Highlights
Overall, our 7 Lagoons Ausangate departures use guides who know the region well. Because the day is long, we plan breaks and acclimatization carefully. Our team also arranges transport from your hotel.
Glacial Lakes Galore
Stop at a chain of turquoise lakes with Ausangate rising behind them. Each lagoon has its own shade of blue or green, depending on the light and the minerals in the water. As a result, the short walk between them feels different at every bend, and there are plenty of spots to pause for photos.
Alpacas and Highland Life
Pass herders and alpacas on the high plains, where Andean families still live much as their grandparents did. Along the trail, you may see stone corrals, woven textiles, and small homes built from local materials. In addition, your guide explains how these communities raise animals and farm at such high altitude.
Fewer Crowds
Enjoy wide views at a calmer pace than the most famous day trips around Cusco. Because fewer groups visit this area, the trails feel open and quiet for most of the day. Moreover, the gentle rhythm leaves time to rest, drink water, and adjust to the altitude while you take in the scenery.
2. Why Book This 7 Lagoons Tour With Us?
Hotel Pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Cusco.
English-Speaking Guide
A professional guide explains Inca and colonial history.
Local Cusco Team
We are a travel agency based in Cusco, Peru.
WhatsApp Support
Quick answers before and during your trip.
3. Your 7 Lagoons Tour Plan
Typically, this tour itinerary is a single full day from Cusco.
Morning: Departure from Cusco
First, an early pickup starts the day, followed by a long scenic drive toward the Ausangate region. Likewise, the road climbs through valleys and small villages. Next, a short walk leads to the first viewpoint over the glacial lakes. In addition, in the 7 Lagoons trip itinerary, this is where the scenery begins to impress.
Midday: The Lakes and Lunch
Between the lakes, the group walks short sections and takes photo stops. Then, a meal refuels everyone. Finally, guides explain how glaciers feed the lakes and why locals consider Ausangate sacred.
Afternoon: Return to Cusco
After the last viewpoint, the vehicle returns to Cusco. Along the way, you may stop in a village for a snack. In addition, by evening, you are back at your hotel.
4. Inclusions and Packing List
Whatâs Included
The 7 Lagoons tour includes the services listed below, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
- Professional bilingual guide
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Private transport
- Lunch
- First-aid kit
Whatâs Not Included
- Entrance fees to local communities
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Personal expenses
What to Bring
- Original passport
- Warm layers and a rain jacket
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Water and snacks
- Camera
5. 7 Lagoons Tour Details
7 Lagoons Trip Difficulty and Altitude
In fact, moderate to hard describes this day. Moreover, the walking is short, but the altitude reaches around 4,500 meters. Therefore, spend two or three days in Cusco first.
Even so, the real challenge is the thin air, not the distance. Difficulty rises if you arrive without acclimatization. Read our altitude sickness guide before the tour trip.
7 Lagoons Trip vs Rainbow Mountain
Also, many travelers compare this tour with the famous Rainbow Mountain day trip. Both explore the Ausangate region, but the lakes feel quieter. In addition, the walking is gentler, so photographers enjoy more time at each stop. For the colorful peak, see our Rainbow Mountain tour.
What to Expect on the 7 Lagoons Tour
Typically, expect a long day, with several hours in the vehicle. After arrival, short walks lead to viewpoints beside the lakes. In addition, lunch is a simple meal in a rural setting. Ask our team about the 7 Lagoons Tour for your travel dates.
Meanwhile, the guide explains local legends about Ausangate. On the 7 Lagoons Ausangate route, the weather changes quickly, so keep a jacket close.
Scenery and Wildlife Around Ausangate
Turquoise lakes, red hillsides, and glaciers shape the view. Moreover, alpacas and llamas graze on the high plains, and vicuñas sometimes appear. In addition, Andean birds gather around the water. Furthermore, bring a zoom lens for wildlife photos.
Who Should Do the 7 Lagoons Tour?
First, this tour suits travelers who want big views without a multi-day trek. It also fits photographers and nature lovers. However, anyone with serious altitude problems should consult a doctor first.
6. Travel Tips for Your Visit
How to Prepare for the 7 Lagoons Tour
Drink plenty of water the day before, and avoid heavy meals. Also, wear layers, since mornings are freezing and midday is sunny. Furthermore, break in your shoes, and bring sun protection for the strong high-altitude rays. Also, review the tour from Cusco plan with your guide. In addition, our guides adapt the 7 Lagoons Trip to the weather and the group.
Best Time for the tour
Overall, the dry season, from May to September, brings the clearest lakes and sharpest views. However, mornings are very cold. In addition, rain from November to March can hide the peaks. See our best time to visit Peru guide for more details.
Health and Safety on the tour
In fact, altitude is the main concern. Also, drink water, walk slowly, and tell your guide about any headache or nausea. Moreover, carry personal medication and wear sun protection. Consult your doctor first if you have heart or lung conditions.
7. 7 Lagoons Tour Prices and Availability
Contact us for the current price of the tour from Cusco.
Send us your travel dates, and we reply with availability and the final price.
Expert tip from our guides: Bring cash in small bills for snacks and local crafts. Remote villages rarely accept cards. You can also check live forecasts on SENAMHI before you travel.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the tour?
The 7 Lagoons trip is moderate to hard because of the altitude, although the walks are short.
How long is the 7 Lagoons Tour from Cusco?
Moreover, the 7 Lagoons Trip from Cusco takes one full day, including long scenic drives.
What is the 7 Lagoons tour itinerary?
Plus, the 7 Lagoons trip itinerary includes an early pickup, a drive to the Ausangate region, short walks to the lakes, lunch, and a return to Cusco.
Where is the 7 Lagoons Ausangate area?
Besides, the 7 Lagoons Ausangate area lies southeast of Cusco, in the high Andes near the Ausangate mountain.
When is the best time for the tour?
May to September offers the clearest weather.
Do I need a permit for the tour?
No trail permit is needed. In addition, bring your passport and small cash for local fees.
Can beginners do the 7 Lagoons Trip?
Yes, if they acclimatize in Cusco first. Moreover, the walks are short, and the guide adapts the pace.
9. Top Must-Read Cusco Travel Guides
10. Why Travel With Travel Free Cusco?
Travel Free Cusco is a local travel agency based in Cusco, Peru. Moreover, this page reflects our teamâs firsthand knowledge of the city and its Inca sites. Besides city walks, we also plan day tours, treks, and Machu Picchu trips for travelers from around the world.
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11. Book Your 7 Lagoons Tour Today
Ready to see the glacial lakes of the 7 Lagoons Ausangate area? Message our team with your dates, and we plan your tour from Cusco. You can also see our Rainbow Mountain tour and Humantay Lake tour, or visit our home page.
