How to Book Your Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour
Booking Online
Reserving your Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour through our website is fast, straightforward, and secure.
- Hit the BOOK NOW button to get started.
- Choose the date that works for you — departures run daily, year-round.
- Fill in your details: full name, nationality, where you’re staying in Cusco, and a WhatsApp contact number.
- Finalize payment with a debit or credit card through our secure system. Note that a 3.99% processing fee applies to card transactions.
- Once payment goes through, you’ll instantly get a confirmation email containing your receipt and booking details.
- A follow-up email will arrive separately with your precise hotel pick-up time and helpful pre-tour guidance.
Reservations made online are accepted up until 9:00 PM the night before departure, pending availability.
Booking In Person at Our Cusco Office
Prefer to book face-to-face? Visit our office at Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco, where our staff will walk you through the full itinerary, what’s included, entrance fees, hot springs access, recommended clothing, the packing list, and any other details before locking in your spot.
Accepted Payment Options
- Cash — Peruvian soles, US dollars, or euros
- Debit/credit card (3.99% processing fee applies)
Details Needed to Confirm Your Booking
Have the following ready when you book:
- Full name
- Nationality
- Name of your hotel or accommodation in Cusco
- WhatsApp number (with country code) or a local Peruvian number
Your accommodation details and contact info are essential — they’re what allow us to arrange your precise pick-up time.
Changes, Cancellations & Refund Policy
Rescheduling or Switching Tours
Need to adjust your plans? You can reschedule your Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour or swap it for another full-day tour — Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo, Humantay Lake, or the Sacred Valley — free of charge, as long as you request the change before 7:00 PM the day prior to departure.
Reach out to make changes via:
📧 Email: machupicchureservations@gmail.com
💬 WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700
All modifications depend on availability at the time of request.
Cancellation Terms
- Full refund (100%): Cancel at least 24 hours before the tour begins
- Partial refund (50%): Cancel within 24 hours of departure, but before 7:00 PM the prior evening
- No refund: Cancellations made after 7:00 PM the night before, or failure to show up
Note that card processing fees may not be refundable, even when the tour cost itself is.
If Machu Picchu Team Cancels
Should conditions beyond our control — extreme weather, blocked roads, civil unrest, safety hazards, and similar issues — force us to cancel, you’ll be given the choice to reschedule, transfer to a different available tour, or receive a refund for any portion of the service not delivered.
Practical Recommendations for Your Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour
To help you make the most of this high-altitude adventure, here are some essential tips to keep in mind before and during your Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour:
Spend Extra Days Acclimatizing Beforehand
Since the trek reaches elevations near 4,800 meters, spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco beforehand to adjust to the altitude. This tour is physically demanding, so proper acclimatization makes a significant difference.
Get a Good Night’s Rest
Pick-up happens very early (between 4:15 and 4:45 AM), so plan to sleep early the night before. Being well-rested is essential for handling the long day and challenging altitude.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
High altitude dehydrates you faster than you’d expect. Drink water regularly during the hike, and consider bringing coca leaves or coca candy, commonly used locally to help ease altitude symptoms.
Pace Yourself on the Trail
This is one of the more demanding day tours available from Cusco. Walk slowly and steadily, especially during the initial uphill section, and take breaks whenever you need them.
Dress in Warm, Adjustable Layers
Temperatures at this altitude can shift dramatically — icy mornings can give way to intense midday sun. A thermal base layer, fleece, and waterproof outer jacket will keep you comfortable through it all.
Protect Yourself from Intense UV Exposure
Sunlight and glacier glare are especially strong at this elevation. High-SPF sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, and a hat are essential, even on cloudy days.
Bring a Swimsuit for the Hot Springs
Don’t miss the chance to relax in Pacchanta’s natural hot springs after the hike — pack a swimsuit and small towel so you’re ready to unwind.
Carry Enough Cash in Soles
Since entrance fees, the hot springs, optional horse rental, and tips all require cash payment, bring small bills and coins in Peruvian soles for convenience.
Consider Renting a Horse if Needed
If you’re concerned about the altitude or physical demands of the hike, horses are available for hire at the trailhead — a helpful option for those who want extra support along the route.
Pack Light but Smart
Keep your daypack limited to essentials — water, snacks, sun protection, an extra layer, and personal items — to avoid unnecessary weight during the hike.
Consider Travel Insurance
Given the high altitude and physical intensity of this tour, travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended, especially for travelers with any pre-existing health conditions.
Respect the Environment and Local Communities
Ausangate holds deep spiritual significance for nearby Andean communities. Stay on marked trails, avoid littering, and be mindful of the area’s cultural and spiritual importance throughout your visit.
Following these recommendations will help ensure your Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour is safe, memorable, and truly rewarding.
Is horseback riding an option during the hike?
Yes, horses are typically available for hire right at the trailhead. Local residents offer this service, generally priced between 100 and 120 soles depending on availability and local rates. The fee usually covers a saddled horse along with a local handler who accompanies it along the route, allowing you to stay seated while they manage the animal. Payment goes directly to the handler, in cash and soles only. If you’re interested, your guide can help arrange this for you.
What if I’d rather skip the hot springs?
Visiting the Pacchanta hot springs is entirely optional. After the hike, your guide typically sets aside about an hour for those who want to soak in the thermal waters. If you’d prefer not to take part, you’re welcome to wait nearby, take photos, relax, and enjoy the views of Ausangate and the surrounding peaks until the group is ready to continue.
Can I switch my Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour booking for a different tour?
Definitely. You can transfer your reservation to another available full-day tour — such as Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo, or the Sacred Valley. Just reach out at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure so we can arrange the change, subject to availability.
Why is this route called the Seven Lakes of Ausangate?
The base of Ausangate Mountain is dotted with numerous glacial lakes, but this particular circuit earns its name by linking seven striking lagoons situated relatively close together. The trail lets you visit all seven within a single hike, all while taking in views of glaciers, snow-capped summits, and high-Andean scenery.
What colors can I expect to see at the Seven Lakes?
Most of the lagoons display varying shades of turquoise, blue, and green, with color intensity shifting depending on mineral content, sunlight, and weather conditions. Each lake also varies in size and shape, having formed from — and continuing to be fed by — melting snow and ice from Ausangate and the surrounding peaks.
Is it possible to visit the Seven Lakes independently, without a tour?
Technically yes, but arranging transportation on your own tends to be both difficult and costly. There’s no regular public or shared transport running directly to the trailhead — most vehicles reaching Pacchanta are private or tourist services carrying pre-organized groups. For this reason, booking an organized Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour is usually the most practical route, since it bundles transportation, meals, a professional guide, and coordinated logistics into one seamless experience.
