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Live an unforgettable adventure in the majestic Ausangate mountain range, one of the most impressive high-altitude landscapes in Cusco. Discover three beautiful turquoise lagoons and get a close look at the imposing Ausangate glacier, surrounded by mountains, llamas, and alpacas. An authentic experience that combines nature, adventure, and unique landscapes of the Andes, ideal for those looking to discover a different and less explored side of Cusco.
Ausangate Glacier and 3 Lakes 1-day tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 16 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your adventure with complete confidence.
- An off-the-beaten-track route: Leave the busiest tourist circuits behind and explore a high-mountain landscape where turquoise lakes, glaciers and Andean communities create a unique setting.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
Programme summary
Cusco – Cusipata – Predio Ausangate – 3 Lakes – Glacier – Cusco
Discover a spectacular glacier and three turquoise lakes of Mount Ausangate on a one-day adventure from Cusco. Along the way you will take in the wide landscapes of the South Valley until you reach Predio Ausangate, where the hike to the lakes and the glacier begins.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hiking distance | 4 to 5 km / 2.5 to 3.1 miles, round trip |
| Hiking time | Approx. 3 hours, including the ascent, the walk between the lakes and the descent |
| Maximum altitude | Ausangate Glacier: 4,950 m / 16,240 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Cusipata: 3,460 m / 11,352 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging, mainly because of the altitude and the high-mountain terrain |
Highlights
- Ausangate Glacier: an impressive glacier of Mount Ausangate, whose vast ice fields, surrounded by mountains and turquoise lakes, create a landscape of great beauty.
- 3 turquoise lakes: the Ausangate, Qori Sonqo and Ancascocha lakes stand out for their blue and green waters, which contrast with the surrounding mountains and snow-capped peaks.
- Mount Ausangate: the highest and most important sacred mountain in Cusco, surrounded by glaciers, lakes and spectacular Andean scenery.
- Cusipata: a traditional Andean village south of Cusco, where breakfast and lunch are served during the excursion.
Ausangate Glacier and 3 Lakes 1-day tour itinerary
Cusco – Cusipata – Predio Ausangate – 3 Lakes – Glacier – Cusco
A high-mountain adventure among turquoise lakes, Andean communities and one of the most impressive glaciers of the Vilcanota range.
- The adventure begins very early, between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We travel in tourist transport towards the Vilcanota range, enjoying the first Andean landscapes and the sunrise.
- Our first stop is Cusipata (3,460 m / 11,352 ft), where we will have breakfast before continuing to the high-mountain area of Mount Ausangate.
- After breakfast we drive for about an hour to Predio Ausangate (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Along the way we pass through Andean communities that have preserved their customs for generations, with alpacas and llamas grazing on the high plains and local families engaged in traditional activities such as weaving.
- We begin our high-mountain hike and, after just 10 minutes, reach the first lake, with turquoise waters surrounded by imposing mountains.
- Around 30 minutes later we reach Qori Sonqo Lake (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), at the foot of the Ausangate Glacier. Here we will have time to take in the surroundings, take photographs and enjoy the peace of the place.
- From Qori Sonqo we climb to the Ausangate Glacier viewpoint (4,950 m / 16,240 ft), one of the most impressive landscapes in the range, with time for photographs and to enjoy this spectacular natural setting.
- Continuing the route we reach Ancascocha Lake (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), whose turquoise waters contrast with the mountains of the Ausangate range. We then descend to the transport.
- We return to Cusipata for lunch and then set off back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m.
What the Ausangate Glacier and 3 Lakes tour includes
Guaranteed entrance
- Entrance ticket, included in the service.
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- Trekking poles, which provide greater stability and support on the ascents and descents, reducing the effort required.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Meals
- Buffet breakfast and lunch in Cusipata, before and after the hike.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour.
Not included
- Horse hire (optional). Please ask your sales executive about the cost.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Ausangate Glacier and 3 Lakes tour price
Rates by group size
| Your group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 85 USD |
| 3 people | To be confirmed |
| 4 people | To be confirmed |
| 5 people | To be confirmed |
| 6 or more people | To be confirmed |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings, more time for photographs and the freedom to stop whenever you wish. |
| Ancestral walk with llamas | On request | A private, exclusive service accompanied by llamas from the local community that carry part of the luggage during the hike, with moments shared with Andean families and a traditional herbal drink from the region. |
High-mountain weather
Conditions around Ausangate can change quickly: rain, snow, wind, low temperatures or poor visibility may affect the route. Our team assesses conditions every day to put the group's safety first.
What to bring to the Ausangate Glacier and 3 Lakes
These are the most important items for this high-mountain excursion.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and a snack.
- Cash, preferably in small notes, for purchases and souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Trekking shoes or boots with good non-slip soles.
- Layered clothing: a breathable base layer, a warm layer and a down jacket, as it gets very cold at the glacier.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Woollen hat and gloves for the morning.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- Bandana or buff to protect yourself from the wind, dust and solar radiation.
- A special outfit for your photographs.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
- Energy snacks: chocolate, nuts or bars.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Power bank.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- Acclimatise for at least 2 days in Cusco before this tour.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Ausangate Glacier and 3 Lakes
How difficult is the tour?
The experience is moderate to challenging, mainly because of the altitude. The hike starts at around 4,200 m / 13,780 ft and reaches approximately 4,950 m / 16,240 ft at the glacier viewpoint.
How long is the hike?
Approximately 3 hours in total, including the ascent, the visit to the three lakes, the walk to the glacier and the descent. The time may vary depending on the group's pace and the weather conditions.
What is the maximum altitude of the route?
The highest point is near the Ausangate Glacier, at approximately 4,950 m / 16,240 ft. Because of this altitude, proper acclimatisation before the experience is important.
Could I suffer from altitude sickness during the tour?
Yes. As the experience takes place between 4,200 and 4,950 m, you may experience altitude-related symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue or nausea. We recommend spending a few days in Cusco beforehand to acclimatise, resting well, staying hydrated and telling your guide about any discomfort.
Do I need to be acclimatised before this experience?
Yes. This experience reaches a considerably higher altitude than Cusco, so it is not advisable to do it immediately after arriving from a low-altitude area.
Do I need trekking experience?
No technical experience is required. However, you should be in adequate physical condition and prepared to walk on high-mountain terrain at an altitude of close to 5,000 m / 16,404 ft.
Is the hike very steep?
The route has some uphill sections and uneven terrain. Although the distance is not excessive, the altitude makes the physical effort greater. The hike is done at a controlled pace, with breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Will I see llamas along the way?
Yes. Llamas and alpacas are part of the landscape and culture of the local communities, and it is common to see them grazing along the way. If you would like to share the hike with them, you can request the ancestral walk with llamas as an add-on: a private service in which the community's llamas carry part of the luggage.
Which lakes will I visit?
Three turquoise lakes: Ausangate Lake, the first on the route, Qori Sonqo and Ancascocha.
At what altitude are the lakes and the glacier?
Qori Sonqo lies at approximately 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, at the foot of the glacier, and is one of the highlights of the hike. Ancascocha is at around 4,400 m / 14,436 ft, surrounded by the landscapes of the Ausangate range. The glacier viewpoint is at around 4,950 m / 16,240 ft.
Can older travellers take this tour?
It depends on their physical condition and ability to walk at high altitude. As the route reaches almost 5,000 m, we recommend a medical check-up beforehand for older travellers or anyone with pre-existing health conditions.
What clothing should I bring?
We recommend dressing in layers: thermal clothing, a warm jacket, comfortable trousers, trekking shoes with good grip, gloves, a hat, sun protection and a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
What should I bring for the hike?
Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, light snacks, personal documents and a small backpack. We also recommend bringing extra clothing because of the temperature changes typical of the high mountains.
What happens if I feel unwell during the hike?
Tell your guide immediately about any symptoms. The guide will assess the situation and decide on the best option: to continue, rest or return. Your safety is always our priority.
Is there mobile phone signal along the route?
The signal may be limited or non-existent in several sections of the route. We recommend letting family or contacts know in advance that you may be out of touch for part of the tour.
Can the weather affect the tour?
Yes. Conditions in the high mountains can change quickly, and the route may be affected by rain, snow, wind, low temperatures or poor visibility. Our team will assess the conditions to put the group's safety first.
Are breakfast and lunch included?
Yes. The programme includes breakfast in Cusipata and lunch after the hike, before the return to Cusco.
How long does the whole tour last?
It is a full-day experience. The pickup in Cusco is between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., and the return is expected between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., depending on road and traffic conditions.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides, porters and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
