Ausangate 7 Lagoons Trek: A Super Helpful Review

Alright, so you’re thinking of hiking the Ausangate 7 Lagoons trek in Peru? That’s pretty cool! This really amazing hike is seriously getting popular, and it’s almost like a must-do for those people wanting incredible mountain scenery near Cusco. But is that worth all the hype? We’re going to have an actual close look at what the trek involves, you know, like the route, the altitude challenges, what kind of food to actually expect, and basically whether it’s the best choice for you, so listen up!

What to Really Expect on the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Hike

The Ausangate 7 Lagoons trek, well, that one often gets done as a single day adventure from Cusco. Basically that means it’s really going to be a long day, starting super early, but actually it lets you experience those views without needing to sleep at altitude, if you know what I mean. Often people leave Cusco around 4 am to make sure they arrive at the trailhead with good time for sunrise. The trailhead, it seems to me, is almost usually near Pacchanta, that’s a village that’s known for its hot springs, by the way. Very cozy. The hike itself, I should say, goes around a loop that features, apparently, these stunning alpine lagoons, each showing some different shades of blue and green. We can all agree with that.

The entire hike, it sounds like, you know, typically covers about 10 to 12 kilometers (6-7.5 miles). Remember this is, maybe not so easy, considering the altitude is roughly above 4,300 meters (14,000 feet). So, yeah, I almost forgot! The air is thinner up here, okay? You’ll definitely want to pace yourself, and hydrate very much. Usually, you will return to Cusco very late at night, more or less around 7 or 8 pm, and I believe this will provide some real time for reflection after your day in the mountains. A nice, fulfilling moment to keep for the memories.

The Altitude Factor and What You Can Do About It

Alright, so altitude, very important, I am telling you. That’s going to be one of the biggest challenges on the Ausangate 7 Lagoons trek. Cusco sits at like 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), and yeah, the trek climbs way above that. Basically, altitude sickness might be a real concern, especially if you flew directly into Cusco without spending some time acclimatizing, right? I’m almost positive you need to plan this ahead. Now, the smartest thing you can do, maybe, spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco first, that sounds reasonable to me, before trying this hike. That’s the bare minimum. If you’re sensitive to altitude, well, consider even more days. You might consider visiting the Sacred Valley. Lower than Cusco! Another option to see.

There is this very traditional remedy, too. Drinking coca tea. It’s almost very commonly available in Cusco. And yeah, it can assist you in easing the milder symptoms of altitude sickness. The hojas de coca have been used for centuries by the local people to ease with high-altitude situations, and for very understandable reasons. If things do get kind of bad, then you need to think about talking to your doctor about altitude sickness medication before your trip. Diamox, that may be prescribed and that can help, anyway.

The Scenery: Is That Truly Worth It?

Okay, now let’s get to that amazing part, the reason you’re very likely considering this hike: the scenery. The Ausangate area, it’s almost remarkably beautiful, no questions asked. You will find stunning lagoons, yes, you got that one right. Also, like those insane views of the Ausangate glacier. If the weather is very favorable, you may also see rainbow mountains in the distance. Those views on their own make the trek really worthwhile, or that’s what I think, at least.

I believe each lagoon presents a different hue depending on the minerals and the sunlight, very incredible indeed. From turquoise to emerald to the deeper blues, that makes each view something a little different, you see. And let’s face it, who doesn’t wish to get mind-blowing, spectacular photographs, by the way? Because of the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Trek, there will be plenty, or, at least, some great opportunities there to do so.

What’s the Deal With Food on the Ausangate Trek?

Well, food, quite important. A large amount of tours include meals. Those are generally basic but nourishing to keep you energized all day long. It is usual that a box lunch and sometimes, anyway, a hot lunch at a base camp will be served to you, which is quite helpful.

What might you find? Well, it is typical you may see sandwiches, fresh fruit, and some snacks, right? For hot lunches, one very might actually get local things, something along the lines of quinoa soup, or a hearty stew with vegetables. The tour operators actually know what’s the deal. They tend to make the point of providing the food that fits, it’s easy to digest at altitude, you see?

So if you do have a restricted diet, you have to tell your tour operator in advance so it all works out for you. Usually, at that point, there might be alternatives. One cannot guarantee. Some might decide to carry their own preferred snacks and food, well you can actually do that, so I’ve heard. Energy bars, that is an example.

Is It Okay To Go With a Tour, Or Go Solo?

So, organizing this trek on your own is actually possible, well in theory, but maybe not the most recommended choice. You might find this challenge, and it may be hard because there is a lack of very clearly marked trails, right? That is to consider!

Having a tour guide with you, it’s almost a bit of a relief. You will also have support and, yeah, transport arranged already. A guide almost helps you understand a bit more of the area, basically providing insights with local knowledge about the Ausangate region, right?

As such, it is super recommended that you find a trusted tour provider in Cusco after you made it there. Then, well, ask around a lot. Consider comparing very carefully the offerings that each company can offer to you, that one will likely make sure you end up having one fulfilling experience. Not everyone’s experience can be positive, right? I totally recommend you seek some that has great feedback and ratings.

Things You Have To Take with You

Alright, so you’ve decided to actually get out there to the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Trek. That actually makes total sense. But now that’s time, very important indeed, to take some precautions about what you are carrying in your bag.

First of all, warm clothing. Bring layers. I think I need to restate this: always, ALWAYS bring layers. Consider thermals, fleece, and a solid winter coat, since temperatures tend to shift quite suddenly at that height. Also, never neglect to actually get a hat and gloves, okay? That’s going to really assist you so you don’t lose heat when you are exposed to cooler situations out there. Then you definitely must consider good, supportive hiking boots. You will see a large amount of rough trail walking so, I guess, comfortable footwear must always be your first criteria when evaluating some good, quality hiking boots, it does make sense, honestly.

Bringing rain gear with you is also super essential because mountain weather ends up shifting very quickly. Just in case, right? High-SPF sunblock is actually crucial to keep your skin safe coming from that intense high-altitude sunshine. The solar irradiation in that area is very intense, therefore I totally think you must protect your skin as actually any health measure that needs to be seriously followed at every point.

Finally, a small daypack should actually be sufficient for you. You want to load it up. Put water, and some personal stuff. You may consider using trekking poles, which could easily relieve some tension from the knees on steep parts, right? Yeah, I totally recommend you put this gear so the body feels alright out there.

The Ausangate 7 Lagoons Trek: Is That For You?

The Ausangate 7 Lagoons hike, you have to really consider this before you actually commit to that. That’s not an adventure for the faint of heart. You need an attitude, right? If you love being up in the mountains and seeing the best vistas, basically and specifically if you’re properly acclimatized and ready for some real hiking at very high altitudes, you’re quite actually prepared to love that experience. That does involve pushing yourself and doing everything smart, anyway.

Though this tour actually poses certain demanding challenges and a bit of rough situations (specifically with that altitude and very variable climate in that area), if actually you’re well ready, well prepared, that is to be thought about and considered very seriously as one of those unforgettable, jaw-dropping and memorable high-altitude encounters. It could actually have a very lasting impact for yourself, really.

Alternative Treks to Ausangate

If actually that idea of facing the Seven Lagoons trek just makes your thoughts a bit weird, well then perhaps I guess you might wanna try thinking about a totally new option.

There is, anyway, an alternative trek route there nearby. The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Also, Humantay Lake, with that dazzling, astonishing turquoise shade it presents out there, so maybe think a bit about visiting the Humantay Lagoon, near Cusco, as actually it’s considered among some very wonderful, breathtaking spots that are easy to travel from Cusco in one simple, rewarding journey and, really, at low altitude!

Even think a bit to a further place that really isn’t too far. You see? If actually I am trying to figure that one thing out to make it happen. The Colca Canyon. Famous around the region there by it’s jaw dropping gorgeous view. Plus condors soaring very slowly while the sun is falling, just amazing.

Important Things to know: FAQs

So, to actually recap a tiny bit, a walk with that Seven Lakes thing? Great scenic. Really makes a choice good. Though a little tiring a high point over from top level? Really! Don’t just get out for fun but thinking well well okay right? But after you consider how just magnificent place very that might probably make it happen when coming a decision great by doing actually it!

Key Takeaways:

• Altitude is not really to play thing along when coming at high points but go out for just great and incredible environment when thinking the smartest decision okay, just, so you see?.
• Get to carry an ideal garment clothing and put into thoughts actually you will go on at sun so bring cream! So bring all to feel a good emotion to be fine so?.
• The view by the seven Lakes really looks amazing if the season fits. That. Right? But also may get very high! Be conscious that?