Ausangate 7-Lake Tour with Lodge – Travel Information
Are you planning a trip to the majestic Mount Ausangate region? Whether you want to trek past vibrant, turquoise glacial lakes or unwind at Casa Cóndor Ausangate in the peaceful mountain community of Pukarumi-Pacchanta, getting here is easier than you think. Sitting at 13,123 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, our family-run lodge is your cozy, authentic basecamp for exploring the wild heart of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
- More Time to Enjoy Ausangate: Avoid 4:00 AM alarm clocks and endless rush. Experience the Andes at a human, unhurried pace.
- Authentic Family-Run Lodge: Stay in an authentic community-based lodge at the foot of Mount Ausangate, offering genuine cultural connection and cozy comfort.
- Virtually Zero Trail Traffic: Because you sleep locally, you start hiking early in the morning and experience the turquoise lakes in serene solitude before mass tour groups arrive.
- Direct Local Impact: Your stay directly supports indigenous families in Pukarumi and Pacchanta, promoting sustainable and ethical mountain tourism.
How to get from Cusco to Casa Cóndor Ausangate
Casa Cóndor Ausangate is located roughly 62 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of Cusco. Depending on your travel style and preferences, you can easily reach us via private transport or local public transit.
Option 1: Private Transport
If you prefer a seamless, stress-free journey, private transport is by far the best option. At Casa Cóndor Ausangate, we can arrange a private SUV or van with a trusted local driver to pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
- Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
- Route: Cusco – Urcos – Ocongate – Tinke – Pukarumi-Pacchanta (Casa Cóndor Ausangate).
- Key Advantages: Door-to-door service, flexible departure times, total freedom to stop for photo opportunities at scenic mountain lookouts, and zero hassle with heavy luggage.
Option 2: Public Bus & Local Taxi
For independent travelers looking for a genuine local experience, taking public transit is straightforward and very affordable.
- Step 1 (Bus from Cusco to Tinke): Head to the bus terminal on Av. Huayruropata in Cusco and board a public bus bound for Tinke (Tinki). Buses depart frequently throughout the morning, and the ride takes about 3 hours.
- Step 2 (Taxi from Tinke to Pukarumi): Once you arrive at Tinke’s main square, hire a local taxi or hop into a shared colectivo car for the final 20-to-30-minute drive to the community of Pukarumi / Casa Cóndor Ausangate.
- Travel Time: Plan on roughly 4 to 4.5 hours total.
Altitude preparation
Staying at 13,123 feet (4,000 meters) is an unforgettable experience, but high altitude requires proper respect and preparation so you can enjoy every moment without feeling altitude sickness (soroche).
Please do not travel directly to Casa Cóndor on your first day in Peru! We strongly recommend spending at least two full days in Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,399 m) or the Sacred Valley before heading up to the lodge. Drink plenty of water, eat light meals during your first couple of days, and sip local coca tea or muña (Andean mint) tea to help your body adapt smoothly.
High-Mountain weather
Days in the Ausangate region are typically crisp, sunny, and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 64°F (10°C to 18°C). However, as soon as the sun drops behind the peaks, temperatures plunge rapidly below freezing (23°F to 32°F / -5°C to 0°C). While we equip every guest room with heavy thermal bedding, packing warm, layered clothing is essential.
What to Bring to Ausangate
Packing smart ensures you stay warm, comfortable, and prepared both on the trail and around the lodge. Here is what we recommend bringing in your duffel or daypack:
Warm & layered clothing
- Thermal Base Layers: Moisture-wicking Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
- Fleece or Down Jacket: A warm mid-layer fleece and a lightweight down puffer jacket for chilly evenings.
- Windproof & Waterproof Shell: A high-quality, breathable rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar) in case mountain weather shifts.
- Trekking Pants: Comfortable, quick-drying hiking pants.
- Cold-Weather Accessories: A cozy beanie (chullo), thermal gloves, a scarf or neck gaiter, and thick wool hiking socks.
Footwear & Gear
- Sturdy Trekking Boots: Waterproof, well-broken-in hiking boots with reliable ankle support.
- Daypack (20L–30L): Ideal for carrying your water, camera, and extra layers during day hikes.
- Trekking Poles: Highly recommended for protecting your knees on steep mountain descents.
- Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, UV lip balm, and polarized sunglasses (the Andean sun at 13,000 feet is extremely intense!).
- Personal Essentials: A reusable water bottle, portable power bank, and personal toiletries.
7 Lakes of Ausangate
Right at our doorstep lies one of Peru’s most stunning day hikes: the 7 Lakes of Ausangate loop. This breathtaking circuit winds past seven distinct glacial lagoons ranging from vivid turquoise to deep emerald green, including iconic spots like Azulcocha, Otorongococha, and Pukaqocha. As you hike beneath the towering ice walls of Mount Ausangate (20,945 ft / 6,384 m), you’ll see alpacas and llamas grazing freely, and you can wrap up the trek with a relaxing soak in the natural Pacchanta hot springs.
