Ausangate Trek 2 days with Upis Lake and 7 Lakes Trek
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Type of Tour
Adventure, hike
Difficulty
Moderate
Gruop size
2 min. - max.
Highlights
2 days hiking in one of the most beautiful Mountain Ranges of the World.
Upis Lake at 4547 m / 14917 ft.
Wildlife featuring: Llamas, alpacas, vizcachas (chinchillas), Andean fox, cara cara falcon and if lucky Andean condor.
Otorongo sacred lakes.
Pacchanta Hot Springs.
27.9 km / 17.34 mi of trail in 2 days.
Overview
Join us in an expedition to the Vilcanota Range. This 2-day trek will take us over some of the best locations in the Ausangate area, deep in the valleys carved in between the north and northwest faces of the Andean Peak. We will visit several glacier-fed lakes along the trail, each one with a distinctive coloring. Prepare to be amazed by snowcapped peaks, Andean Puna, wildlife and a challenging adventure in the heights of the Andes.
Who is this trek for?
This experience is for those hikers looking for an adventure far from the crowds and close to the wilderness in the Peruvian Backcountry. It is a moderately challenging trip over mountain passes, next to glaciers and with several stops to admire stunning lakes. This experience requires altitude adaptation and moderate fitness condition to tame the challenges along the route.
Itinerary
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 6 am in Cusco. Then you will drive to Tinki, for about 2 hours, along a scenic ride in the South Valley. Once in Tinki you will stop for a tasty breakfast and last-minute shopping before heading to the trailhead.
After this stop, the van will continue for approximately 1 hour to Upis. This part of the road will take you deeper in the Andean Puna. From Upis you will start the adventure.
4 Hours to Upis Lake.
The hike will traverse along a canyon formed by the river Upismayo coming down from the lake above. It will pass Upis Campsite, where we will return after visiting the lake. Once at the lake, you will have a moment to enjoy the highest point of the day, the beauty of the landscape and to capture all the of the best pictures of the imposing Apu Ausangate.
Back to the Campsite.
After 1 hour descending you will arrive back to Upis Campsite, at 4425 m / 14517 ft. There the expedition team will be waiting with a well-deserved lunch. For the afternoon you can enjoy the hot springs in the area.
Later, during the evening the expedition team will serve a tasty dinner. You will have the chance to do some stargazing and of course learn from your guide about the Inca Constellations.
Highlights of the day:
- Distance: 11.23 km / 7 mi.
- Maximum altitude: 4547 m / 14917 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Main attractions: Scenic ride from Cusco, Vilcanota Range, Immersion in the Andean Puna, Apu Ausangate, Upis Lake.
The second day on this trip will start at 7:30 am. Your guide will bring a hot beverage to your tent as a wake-up call. Following this warm start to the day, the expedition team will serve a nutritious breakfast to fuel you up for the day.
The hike for the day will start around 8 am with the goal to reach Pacchanta after looping the 7 lakes of Ausangate. The first stretch of the day will go around one of the ridges derived from Apu Ausangate. This part of the hike will be the perfect introduction for the day’s theme: lakes. 4 hours over the Andean Puna with a mix of dry desertic landscapes and green swampy depressions filled with small lakes.
Around noon you will finally make it to the 7 Lakes trail, at Azulcocha. Here the expedition team will be waiting with a delicious lunch. Make sure to refuel for the afternoon and rest your legs.
7 Lakes of Ausangate
The next part of the day will be filled with highlights. The valley where the 7 lakes are located, is surrounded by the Apus Ausangate, Jampa and Hatun Punta. Hiking around this valley has a very energetic feeling as the imposing peaks offer the perfect background to the experience.
You will visit:
- Male and Female Otorongos.
- Azulqocha.
- Alqacocha.
- Pukaqocha.
- Qomerqocha.
- Orqoqocha.
Each one of these lakes has a distinctive coloring, due to the minerals in the soil.
Pacchanta Hot Springs
After delving into the unique beauty of the high valley, you will descend to Pacchanta. This tiny town in the base of Ausangate will be the last stop of the trek and the most rewarding one. Upon arrival you will have the chance to take a plunge in the local Hot Springs. They are sourced from naturally heated volcanic underground streams.
To wrap up the day, the expedition team will say goodbye. Perfect moment to show your gratitude to the amazing expedition team, they are the heroes that make these trips possible.
The Van will ride back to Cusco, where you will be dropped in your hotel after a 3-hour drive. You can expect to arrive around 10 pm.
Highlights of the day:
- Distance: 16.02 km / 10 mi.
- Maximum altitude: 4622 m / 15164 ft.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
- Main attractions: 7 lakes of Ausangate, Pacchanta Hot Springs.
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What’s included?
Professional Guide
Experienced, English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable about the trail, local culture, and history.
Transportation
Round-trip transportation from Cusco to the start and end points of the trek.
Accommodation
Tents for overnight camping along the trek. These are usually high-quality, weather-resistant tents.
Meals
Our treks include all main meals during the trekking days (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The food is a mix of local and international cuisine, catered to provide the energy needed for the hike.
Porters and Horsemen
Support staff to carry equipment, food, and personal belongings.
Cooking Equipment and Staff
Includes chefs who prepare meals, as well as all necessary cooking gear.
Entrance Fees
Any required entrance fees to the Ausangate site and other included attractions.
Camping Equipment
Apart from tents, this includes sleeping pads/mats, dining tents, kitchen tents, and toilet tents.
First Aid and Emergency Equipment
Guides carry a first-aid kit for basic medical situations and emergency equipment, if needed.
Water
Provision of clean drinking water for the second day.
Excludes
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but, not included.
- Airfare: Flights are not included.
- Accommodation in Cusco: Hotel stays are not included
- Meals in Cities: Meals in Cusco or other cities before and after the trek are not included.
- Sleeping Bags: You will require you to bring your own or rent one for an additional fee.
- Trekking Poles: Available for rent at an extra cost.
- Personal Clothing and Gear: Hiking boots, clothing, backpacks, and other personal gear are the responsibility of the trekker.
- Tips for Guides and Support Staff: Gratuity for the guides, cooks, and porters is not included and is at the discretion of the trekker.
- Extra Snacks and Drinks: While main meals are included, extra snacks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled drinks are not.
- Personal Expenses: Any additional expenses such as souvenirs, laundry services, or additional tours are not included.
- Emergency Transportation: If you need to leave the trek early due to illness or other reasons, the cost of emergency transport is not covered.
- Entrance Fees for Optional Sites: Some side trips or additional archaeological sites do have entrance fees not included in the trek package.
Recommend to carry
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Warm jacket (down or similar for cold nights).
- Hiking pants and casual pants for evenings.
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts.
- Thermal underwear.
- Sun hat and woolen hat for cold nights.
- Gloves, especially for the higher, colder altitudes.
- Comfortable underwear and sports bras for women.
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof and broken-in).
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for camp.
- Woolen or hiking socks and lighter socks for evenings.
Backpack and Daypack
- Backpack (if not using porter service).
- Lightweight daypack for personal items.
Sleeping Equipment
- Sleeping bag (appropriate for temperatures as low as -10°C / 14°F).
- Inflatable pillow (optional).
Hydration and Snacks
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (minimum 2 liters).
- Water purification tablets or filter.
- Energy bars, snacks (nuts, dried fruit, chocolate).
Health and Personal Items
- Personal medication.
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters).
- High SPF sunscreen.
- Lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper and small shovel (if needed for nature calls).
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap).
Accessories
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended).
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
- Camera with extra batteries and memory card.
- Portable power bank.
- Lightweight, quick-dry towel.
Documents
- Passport and necessary visas.
- Travel insurance information.
- Emergency contact information.
Miscellaneous
- Plastic bags (for wet clothes and trash).
- Earplugs and eye mask.
- Small notebook and pen.
- Maps and guidebooks (optional).
FAQS
This is a 2-day hiking route starting in Upis and finishing in Pacchanta, covering approximately 27.27 km and taking you through the scenic Upis Lakes and the Seven Lakes of Ausangate.
The trek is 2 days in duration, with one overnight stop en route.
The trip includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.
The total distance is about 27.27 km. The terrain is high-Andean, with lakeside trails, moderate ascents and descents, and high-altitude conditions.
The best seasons are during the dry months in the Andes (typically May to September) when the skies are clearer and the trails are more stable.
It’s a moderate trek: you should be physically fit and comfortable hiking in high-altitude terrain, though it does not require technical climbing.
Entering the Ausangate area has a cost of 20 soles, but it is covered in the price of this tour.
On our 2 days hike from Upis to Pacchanta the groups go from minimum 2 persons to 8 persons.
Client Cancellation:
To cancel, send a written notice to “69 Explorer.” The initial deposit is not refundable. Check your insurance for potential coverage for cancellation reasons.
Cancellations more than 15 days before departure result in a 50% deposit forfeiture. For cancellations between 7 and 15 days before departure, if full payment has been made, 50% of the total cost will be refunded. No refunds are given for cancellations less than 48 hours before departure or for partial tour cancellations.
Alterations/Cancellations by Us:
In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues, adverse weather, strikes, government actions, or civil disturbances, “69 Explorer” will try to provide alternative arrangements or equivalent trips, without offering refunds. Itinerary adjustments may be necessary, but we will aim to maintain the agreed services.
Significant changes will be communicated before your trip, with comparable alternative plans offered. Any additional costs from these changes are the client’s responsibility. We cannot compensate for expenses like international flights, visas, vaccinations, etc.
If “69 Explorer” cancels a tour, a full refund will be provided.
All 69 Explorer trips are guided by Local Experienced, English-speaking guides familiar with the trail and Incan history.
For our Group Experiences we recommend 18 – 45 years old.
Families with kids or seniors can opt for a Private Trip Experience.
Yes, we can arrange customized trips in Peru.
We offer an extensive range of experiences in Cusco, like hikes or treks, Salkantay & Humantay, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail & Alternative Inca Trail, South Valley & Sacred Valley, Ausangate & Vilcanota Range experiences and recently we added E-biking to our brochure.
Contact us for tailored experiences, we can arrange the perfect plan for your Peru Vacation.
Yes, we count with all the legal permits and the experience to make your dream trip to Peru a reality.
Plus, all of our local guides have degrees in tourism and a minimum of 2 years’ experience. They all speak English and Spanish and many also speak Quechua, the native language of Peru.
