Ausangate Lagoons Tour from Cusco: An Expert Review

So, you’re thinking of checking out the Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour from Cusco, are you? Good choice! That is, it’s more than just a hike; in a way, it’s like stepping into a postcard that seemingly came to life. But before you actually lace up your boots and slather on the sunscreen, arguably it’s a good idea to have a realistic look at what this full-day excursion really involves. Honestly, I’ve taken this tour, so too I’m here to hand you the inside scoop, the kind of stuff you won’t just discover on a tour brochure. Basically, I’ll walk you through what to sort of expect, what to pack, and, maybe above all, if it’s a pretty good fit for you. Okay, let’s jump right in!

What’s the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour All About?

Okay, the Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour – well, just a little like the name states – that is a full-day trip from Cusco to seemingly view seven super remarkable lagoons nestled near the Ausangate mountain. Like, Ausangate is that huge, snow-capped peak that seemingly dominates the skyline in that area, it is. But it is not only seeing the lakes; yet, very the whole tour seemingly unfolds through just ridiculously gorgeous mountain landscapes. It is almost like walking through lands untouched, apparently where the air seems crisper and that scenery is utterly breathtaking. Naturally, most tours will likely include transportation to and from Cusco, your meals (lunch, particularly), and maybe a guide who, for instance, explains the history and, definitely important, any significance of the area. Typically, remember that you’re heading to an extreme altitude, possibly higher than Rainbow Mountain, which could be about 4,200 meters (around 13,800 feet).”

Getting There: The Ride from Cusco

Basically, the tour often seemingly kicks off way early, more or less at, like, around 4 AM. It is actually important to be ready since tour operators usually like getting to your hotel or hostel very much on time. I mean, after that initial pickup, expect, well, probably around a three to four-hour ride in some sort of van. Typically, the initial part of the journey could be on regular paved roads, yet, anyway as you get rather closer to the mountains, arguably that road can get quite bumpy and quite unpaved, alright? At the end of the day it might seem a bit long, I mean, yet view this pretty travel as an opportunity to kind of watch the sunrise over the Andes. Honestly, the changing colors on just the mountain peaks definitely do a nice job of taking your mind off all the bouncing! After that van ride, there is another short hike and walk, so to get to what I call the ‘base camp’, I’d tell you.”

On the Trail: Hiking the 7 Lagoons

Anyway, after you arrive, is that time for the actual hike, possibly? That actually total trail, like your adventure through the 7 Lagoons, arguably that comes to roughly 12-15 kilometers, in a way that is approximately 7 to 9 miles or thereabouts. Honestly, this is almost a moderate hike; however, that is where just that altitude makes things quite challenging. So too I’d say pacing yourself and, well, likely listening to your body seemingly are pretty key. First, most of that trail is not too steep; yet it has its ups and downs, literally. Then views – basically those lagoons – all arguably have their charm. Actually, from dramatically turquoise waters seemingly reflecting just those snow-capped peaks to other seriously serene pools, frankly ringed by marshy grasslands and rocky terrain, basically, everything is rather eye-catching! Also, your guide will, in some respects, show interesting facts about basically the area, also the local flora and, really importantly, any fauna as you hike.”

What to Pack: Essentials for the Ausangate Tour

Therefore, what you pack will definitely sort of decide how well you fancy or simply get on, more or less, with your experience, like. Seriously, layers basically are rather important. Then morning may feel pretty cold, anyway yet that sun is utterly intense, right? A few items really include: thermal underwear (possibly?), a fantastic fleece or warm jacket (for instance), and arguably a waterproof outer layer (that is really should any weather change; that would be key). As I was saying also important basically are super sturdy hiking boots. Obviously, you’ll be walking on very uneven terrain, frankly. Also, make absolutely certain they’re broken in so too they actually won’t give you blisters. Honestly, you can’t literally have too much sun protection with respect to altitude: a broad-spectrum sunscreen basically with high SPF, sunglasses, really important, possibly a wide-brimmed hat could be useful. Don’t overlook those blister plasters too and frankly, take trekking poles as this might be helpful for like stability, but is really depending on taste.”

Altitude Sickness: How to Prepare

Right, arguably, tackling altitude sickness is also of critical importance because; frankly, you’re above a certain height above sea level. Is that Cusco sits at already around 11,000 feet (about 3,400 meters)? After that seven lagoons are possibly above 13,500 feet (basically around 4,100 meters), is that. Therefore it’s essential to, potentially, acclimate with respect to altitude to, with no doubt, have an interesting day, is that right, possibly. Then first day or two in Cusco could involve going easier to, right, well, that does tend to let your body adjust, you might feel. And a cup of mate de coca or two has been consumed to basically help ease some symptoms, I suppose it is, could be. As a matter of fact just remain ridiculously hydrated by basically drinking many liquids, really and perhaps maybe sort of try to abstain from too many rich meals as I was saying to allow some comfort. Lastly and perhaps, talk with just that doctor regarding taking altitude sickness medication as a sort of preventative.”

Is the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour Right for You?

Then Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour – it is really beautiful, for sure; actually but is, definitely maybe more, right for several travelers compared to most, basically. By the way it would appeal maybe especially to folk just who appreciate strenuous physical activity for views that, quite simply put, are like no others on planet Earth? Seemingly this kind of, well it might have many challenges for you if you want a day with nature but also would prefer a relaxing type deal! Right and anyone including, with no doubt, significant health issues might seriously think it to prevent problems during your potentially magical travel experience. By way of an analogy it kind of feels like I am walking but a cloud up at crazy elevation and that the sights are crazy awesome!”

Tour Operators: Selecting a Great Guide

Now, choosing well is an area that could actually transform that whole outing you are on too. Then seek a local tour operator but is reliable and potentially, actually known within an ethical tourism scene possibly. Frankly ask loads about their group sizing as a matter of fact plus see possibly what exactly safety precautions could seriously be going on to kind of provide that information for your peace in that place and for yourself too actually!. Naturally check online for sure! Anyway like search around by just skimming on reading stuff like customer ratings also review to just seriously grasp your sense too! In just the day you will enjoy great guides you’re literally more than likely to have the best experience is seemingly the deal because!.”

Other Tips for An Amazing Tour

Firstly, getting little amounts of currency is what I suggest – perhaps by using a money exchanging provider which in truth has been used or liked a whole bunch. I would possibly bring snacks especially stuff that will give energy such as trail mix; also with all honesty perhaps dried food is just fantastic too. Don’t forget either that just being very nice also acting reasonably toward everybody whom I end up meeting really seriously enhances what you could potentially absorb to, for sure. Okay the tour in actual form would not usually be described that will need cellphone coverage, that to take very many pretty images and videos and I like your friends are just bound for just that jealousy you probably expect.

Concluding Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

You probably see it seems as if I loved going so actually far into that pretty area with loads of crazy peaks, is not correct I said. Now if you think I need such day and maybe don’t get seasick really simple. Even given that all from having that extreme beginning to even what that climate probably does mean what they do still I cannot forget seeing things how what that is. If seeing the wild will give such an enormous pleasure and they do even like very challenging walking what’s up ahead; they are a seriously great plan for having your chance, it seemingly is!

Frequently Asked Questions