One of my best travel moments ever was checking out the Ausangate 7 Lakes in Peru. It’s about 3 hours from Cusco (which sits around 11,152 ft / 3,399 m altitude) and feels really out there like properly remote. Before I went I couldn’t find much info about it online almost nothing really. But a company called Peru Summit Adventures said it was way better than the super touristy Humantay Lake near Cusco so I decided to go for it. Man was I glad I did. It was awesome totally surprising and cool in new ways. So if you’re looking for something different not crowded and kinda magical Ausangate 7 Lakes is probably for you. It’s a change from the usual Peru Trips to Machu Picchu vibe.

Getting to Ausangate from Cusco

My trip started crazy early like 4 AM under a clear moon. Me my guide Hugo and driver Edwin left Cusco. For the next three hours I kinda dozed in the back of the van as we got closer to this remote spot.

We only stopped once maybe 2 hours in just grabbed some water and bread from a tiny local market super quick. I was pretty happy I’d used the bathroom before we left Cusco haha. Because it’s so remote there just aren’t any public restrooms anywhere. Like if you really had to go it was find a spot on the side of the road.

Starting the Day: Breakfast and Horses

After that long drive we finally got there. The air in the Andes mountains felt really crisp and cold. Hugo led me from the van into this little local restaurant. It was super basic just a dining room and a small kitchen area but it was perfect for 7 AM.

We got settled warmed up with hot coca tea scrambled eggs and that bread Hugo bought earlier. Simple breakfast but definitely needed it for the hike coming up.

Hugo talked to the chef to see if a local guide and a horse could come with us up the mountain. While he did that I decided to check out the restroom. It was the only one around just a small cement outhouse thing outside the restaurant. Seriously I was never happier to have brought my own toilet paper.

When I came back Hugo was standing with our guide for the day and a small tan-colored horse. We said hi I hopped on the horse and off we went up the trail to the 7 Lakes.

Horseback Riding the Ausangate Trail

The trail going up was totally empty just us and some alpacas wandering around which was awesome. The path just kept going winding past fallen rocks little mountain streams and old broken stone walls. Felt like something out of Lord of the Rings honestly I kept imagining I was travelling through Middle Earth.

Hiking the Seven Lakes

When we got to the first lake Hugo and I left our guide and the horse there and started hiking.

The lakes were so peaceful no crowds nothing. I felt lucky to have them all to myself just soaking in how beautiful and huge the mountains were all around me. A very different feel than many Peru Trips to Machu Picchu.

Like the name says we visited 7 lakes after getting off the horse. My favorite was probably the third one it was the biggest and had the best spots for taking pictures. The whole visit was totally worth the early wake up call in Cusco.

A Musical Surprise by the Lake

After hiking past the last lake through some kinda marshy ground we met back up with our local guide and the horse. He said something to Hugo in Quechua (the local indigenous language) and Hugo told me what he said:

“He’s a musician and wants to play us a song in front of the lake”.

So we sat down on a big rock nearby and our guide pulled out his harmonica. He played us two beautiful Quechua songs and even did a little dance. Hugo translated the words they were about the nature around us thanking Pachamama (like Mother Earth for the Andean people) for the beautiful day. Pretty cool surprise.

Lunch and Local Connection: Pachamanca Feast

Back at the little restaurant Hugo and I sat down for lunch while our guide took the horse back. We had a traditional meal called Pachamanca its alpaca meat and potatoes cooked underground buried in the earth with hot stones.

But then Hugo and Edwin our driver surprised me with a bottle of rosé wine to share sort of a thank you for a bottle I’d bought them a few days before. We enjoyed the food and wine then invited the cook and his family to drink with us and even opened some beers from the kitchen. Good food good company.

Unexpected Fun: Music and Dancing!

Our local guide must have sensed a party starting because he came back with his harmonica a flute and two drum sets Everyone just grabbed an instrument and started playing.

For the first few songs I just listened enjoyed the music and hanging out. The cook and his son played drums our guide played the flute.

Maybe cause it was a small group or maybe the wine haha but soon I asked if I could join in. They immediately welcomed me gave me one of the drums and we all just kept playing music and laughing into the afternoon. It was such a blast a highlight different from planned excursions like some Peru Trips to Machu Picchu.

After a bit the cook’s wife went inside and came back out with some of her traditional Andean clothes an extra set. She pointed to the skirt jacket and hat. Hugo explained she wanted me to put them on and dance with her.

So I did! We danced it was just… pure magic. The whole day ended on such a high note I had the best dreams sleeping in the van on the ride back to Cusco.

Tips for Your Ausangate Trip

Planning your own visit? Here’s some stuff to keep in mind.

Recommendations to visit Ausangate 7 Lakes

• Definitely think about booking with a local tour company like Peru Summit Adventures they know the area well.
• Take acclimatizing seriously Cusco is high but Ausangate is higher. Don’t rush it.
• If you’re not a super strong hiker or worried about the altitude hiring the horse is a really good idea. It lets you enjoy the views without getting totally wiped out.
• Ausangate is a fantastic addition if you’re already planning other Peru Trips to Machu Picchu it shows you a different quieter side of the Andes.

Key Tips to visit Ausangate 7 Lakes

• Altitude is No Joke: You need to be properly adjusted to the altitude in Cusco before you go to Ausangate. The trek goes up to almost 16,000 feet (about 4,877 meters) at its highest point. This is significantly higher than even some parts of popular Peru Trips to Machu Picchu. Give yourself a few days in Cusco first.
• It’s Remote: Facilities are basic to non-existent. Be prepared.
• Weather Changes Fast: Mountain weather is unpredictable. It can get cold windy or rainy quickly even if it starts sunny.

What to Pack for Ausangate 7 Lakes

• Warm Layers: Think fleece jacket waterproof/windproof outer jacket hat gloves scarf. It gets cold.
• Good Hiking Boots: Broken in ones are best.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen sunglasses a wide-brimmed hat. The sun is strong at high altitude.
• Water: A reusable bottle or hydration pack. Stay hydrated.
• Snacks: Energy bars nuts fruit whatever keeps you going.
• Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer: You absolutely gotta bring your own TP.
• Camera: You’ll want pictures.
• Cash: Small bills (Soles) for tips or maybe small local purchases if available.
• Imodium or similar: Just in case your stomach doesn’t agree with something. Better safe than sorry.
• Coca Leaves/Candy: Optional locals use it for altitude helps some people.

Best Time to Visit Ausangate 7 Lakes

The best time generally is during the dry season which runs from about April to October.

• Pros: You’ll likely get clearer skies less rain and better trail conditions.
• Cons: It’s peak tourist season in Peru overall (though Ausangate stays less crowded) and nights can be very cold.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): Can be great too maybe fewer people than peak season weather still pretty decent.

Wet Season (November to March):

• Pros: Greener landscapes fewer tourists potentially lower prices.
• Cons: Higher chance of rain snow at high altitudes muddy trails clouds obscuring views. Some tour operators might not run trips daily.

Prices and Considerations

Prices for an Ausangate 7 Lakes day trip can vary quite a bit. It depends on the tour company what’s included (transport guide meals horse etc) and if you’re in a group or private tour. Best to check directly with operators.

Final Thoughts on Ausangate 7 Lakes

Seriously visiting Ausangate 7 Lakes was an amazing unforgettable experience. It felt real connecting and just pure magic especially the unexpected music and dancing at the end. If you want to see a different side of Peru get away from the big crowds and experience something truly special I’d say go for it.