Cusco Ausangate 7 Lagunas Trek Review: Is it Worth It?

Thinking of escaping the bustle of Cusco for a day of unbelievable mountain views? The Ausangate 7 Lagunas Trek, which typically comes with lunch included, might be what you are looking for. But, is this high-altitude hike actually worth the time and expense? You might be after detailed breakdown to help you make that choice. You see, having actually experienced this trek, I’m here to provide an insightful look at what to expect, and hopefully give my recommendations. My goal is that I assist you in planning the trip and determine if this very scenic experience aligns with your interests and physical capabilities. It is very likely to be very physically demanding, you know?

What to Expect from the Ausangate 7 Lagunas Trek

Okay, first things first, let’s have a bit of chat about what the Ausangate 7 Lagunas Trek actually involves. Usually, it’s a full-day commitment. This starts super early, usually with a pickup from your Cusco accommodations around 4 am-ish. So you might be a little bit sleepy when you start the trip, just maybe. Then, there’s a long drive to the trailhead, somewhere near the Ausangate area. Don’t expect a comfortable sleep on the way as roads can be really bumpy. Once you actually get there, you should expect to find yourself at quite a significant altitude, as well, so keep that in mind. From there, it’s hitting the trail and starting your ascent into views that you might find are truly remarkable. Seven different lagoons will stun you with a very pretty view.

Expect a fairly challenging hike too. This trek can sit around 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level, so altitude sickness is not unusual and very possible, and that means, it may have to take its toll if you’re not properly acclimatized. In many ways, the path winds you past bright turquoise waters, against the impressive backdrop of the Ausangate Mountain. Very, very stunning, really! Usually, the tour wraps up in the afternoon, after the lunch, and includes your return transport back to Cusco. You will get a little tired by the looks of it.

The Stunning Scenery: More Than Just Lakes

The highlight of the trek actually might be in its namesake: the seven lagoons, obviously. Each lagoon seems to show a completely different hue and unique background. To my eyes, each presents what looks to be like a postcard-worthy view, too it’s almost unbelievable that are all within this single hike. These lagoons present unbelievable reflective surfaces capturing the intense blues of the Peruvian sky and reflecting it back onto your camera. However, this trek is certainly about far more than the lakes. Very, very possibly you get to experience the landscape in the high Andes. A pretty raw and unforgiving setting is what is likely.

Keep in mind, too, you may very well be seeing herds of alpacas grazing in the distance. Now, that is beautiful. You might even see local villagers clad in traditional clothes. You are also very likely seeing different geological rock forms. So, each turn might bring a completely new sight to appreciate. It feels like, I think, seeing how the mountains are standing guard for this secret paradise is what gets people so pumped about the experience.

Is the Included Lunch Any Good?

So, now, what about this “lunch included” thing that gets thrown around quite often with the tours? You might find, expectations should remain fairly tempered. Many tours may provide a packed lunch or arrange for a stop at a very local eatery following the hiking part of the experience. So what this tends to mean in practicality, might be, you know, is fairly simple, fairly wholesome Peruvian food. Think maybe some soup for warmth, some rice, potatoes, possibly with chicken, maybe even some vegetables.

The great thing about a lunch situation that presents in that manner, is what tends to come from the meal is probably going to warm and restore your energy right away after a chilly trek. You could say, it’s perhaps not a culinary experience of a lifetime; you know it won’t have Michelin stars. It likely offers an appropriate and much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge prior to beginning your trip back. Just remember that!

Physical Demands and Altitude Sickness: Be Prepared

You might remember what I noted way at the very top? If you do, awesome! If not, don’t worry, it comes next… Okay, very important thing; the Ausangate 7 Lagunas Trek is a demanding physical task, maybe quite so. The altitude might make even relatively short climbs seem taxing and more strenuous than they really are at ground level, so to speak. I have learned that many guides advise participants should be adequately acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude – and, that sits at 3,400 meters (11,200 feet) – for at least a couple of days prior to trying out the hike.

Basically, watch out for signs associated with altitude sickness. Symptoms may include things like headaches, dizzy spells, being tired, nausea. It may not be unusual for there to be times in which people find that those experiences affect how well one may perform at that particular altitude, because everybody reacts a bit different. Talk to your guide should any sign start cropping up. You may, possibly, need rest, or possibly have to head down to a more lower elevation setting.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator: Questions to Ask

Choosing the correct tour is, in a way, important for a smooth, enjoyable experience. You might consider the research involved beforehand. A few points need to be considered and taken in to consideration. First up is checking on the operator credentials, or better yet, any prior reviews.

Some very important questions you might ask of tour operators include: 1)What are the emergency protocols and altitude sickness management procedures? What’s their experience managing it?; 2) Will they be using knowledgeable, well-trained guides? 3) What specifically, beyond transport and also food, is covered by this cost involved?; and 4) How big is the group size of tours? 5)Do they take you off the beaten track, too?. Be fully informed ahead. It really, I feel, minimizes difficulties when you get higher up there!

Packing Essentials for the Trek

Smart packing may enhance, perhaps dramatically, the 7 Lagunas experience too. Begin, clearly, with the weather: mountainous and changeable weather. It is a very common place where you will experience four seasons over the same day, so it could be sunny, and you turn around it might rain or sleet.

Here’s what I would say to bring. First: layering up will offer a little of that flexibility so you stay warm when it’s chill and have layers to remove if conditions get warmer. Second: sunscreen! Sunburns happens quite often in high altitude spots so skin protection from exposure remains critical, I mean it. Next: remember those comfy hiking boots – your tootsies won’t forgive the decision to go cheap if that altitude affects how comfortably you stand! And definitely don’t skimp here as they do matter lots at altitude! More specifically still – a backpack with the essentials that gets brought from your own supply kit: enough drinking water plus a variety of snacks because this excursion drains strength levels by just hiking about many hours then it gets chilly. Finally always don’t forget camera gear, it is nice to get pictures of the awesome area. It’s like this; proper planning on what gets packed helps make every mile seem worth more in the face of challenging moments during one unbelievable Peruvian adventure up high!

Photography Tips: Capturing the Beauty

Well, you can capture some beautiful images on the Ausangate 7 Lagunas Trek! Okay, here are some considerations. When taking photos, consider how weather may impact visibility and shots from above in this kind area, that is really remote. Typically this part requires, it may be worthwhile setting the alarm super-early when trying best catches as mornings are generally crisp without haze disrupting all of the picturesque scenes around during such hours!

Think too about including lots more of mother nature in shots, really make people get amazed. For the most unbelievable and unforgettable photos from your trek it may often involve waiting through several rounds involving elements mixing, so sometimes that is needed. When done just perfect you get the kind that inspire someone else somewhere thinking “what can be realer?”. Don’t skip capturing individuals meeting locals, this enhances perspective especially those from outside who likely have few encounters or views into South American traditions.

Making the Most of Your Ausangate Experience: Final Thoughts

Hopefully, I’ve managed to set clear expectations about this trip now that this piece has reached end point! Yes it stands physically demanding at times involving substantial preparation – and this matters a huge lot; I’d advise acclimatizing through two-to three prior nights within city heights before you begin!

By now hopefully I brought out that every vista turns positively astonishing as well those little considerations make huge gain – from having a comfy fit set involving layers so it isn’t uncomfortable at that high point right thru proper operator support throughout whole operation chain (which may give confidence regarding management involving possible symptoms appearing suddenly, it happens), also that extra level insight adds benefit!