The Ausangate 7 Lakes hike is a full-day tour from Cusco to seven glacier-fed lakes at the foot of Ausangate (6,384 m), the highest mountain in the Cusco region. From the village of Pacchanta, you walk a 14 km (8.7 mi) loop that tops out at about 4,770 m (15,650 ft), and you're back at your hotel the same evening.

Trip facts

• Duration: Full day · about 14 h (4:30 AM – 6:30 PM)

• Pickup: 4:30 AM at your hotel in Cusco

• Distance: 14 km (8.7 mi) loop

• Walking time: 4–5 hours at a group pace

• Max altitude: ≈ 4,770 m (15,650 ft), at Ch'uñu Qocha

• Difficulty: Moderate: the altitude, not the terrain

• Group: Shared group with a bilingual guide

• Minimum age: 10 years (active teens)