Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike 1 Day (Pacchanta)

Name: Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike 1 Day (Pacchanta)
Price: 109 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (31 reviews)

1 Days

Easy

Tour Overview

Experience an unforgettable journey through one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Peruvian Andes with the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour. This route takes you through a spectacular circuit of glacial lagoons, each boasting unique hues ranging from intense turquoise to deep blue and emerald green.

Located at the foot of the magnificent Ausangate Mountain (6,384m), the highest and most sacred peak in the Cusco region, this area is home to llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. The tour combines the challenge of high-altitude hiking with the relaxation of the Pacchanta Hot Springs at the end of the day. Ideal for travelers seeking raw nature, adventure, and a connection with Andean culture in a single day.

Tour Highlights

Highlights of the 7 Lakes

views of Ausangate (6,384 m): the region's highest sacred snow-capped peak, with its glaciers serving as a backdrop throughout the journey.

Seven colorful lagoons: featuring intense turquoise, green, and blue hues—including Uyuni, Pucacocha, and Yanacocha, among others depending on the specific route.

Andean wildlife: alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas grazing beside the lagoons.

Quechua communities: encounters with local herders who preserve their ancestral traditions.

Spectacular photography: reflections of the snow-capped peak in the water and stunning high-mountain landscapes.

Away from the crowds: an authentic, peaceful experience that stands in stark contrast to mass-tourism destinations.

1 Days Adventure

Price from USD 109 USD / per person

Trip starts in Hotel

Physical Level Easy

Group Size Max 10

Total Distance 12 km

Departures Daily Guaranteed Departures

Check Availability

Secure inquiry. No payment required yet.

Detailed Itinerary

7 Lagoons. In one of the highest mountains in Peru. Ausangate is a very good option for those who do not have much time but want to have this incredible view of the Andes. Wanting to know a little more about this area that has 7 lagoons of different colors and is an attraction of pure nature. Only that it is at a fairly considerable height and at the same time you can live closer to the camelids of the Andes, such as alpacas, llamas, etc. And many birds. It is located in the Vilcanota mountain range. By visiting this area, you will also be supporting the high Andean communities, where they will be the ones who will welcome us into their home. Breakfast will be prepared by them, as well as lunch with the products they grow.

The tour starts from Cusco as all the tours in Cusco. With pick-up from your hotel at 4.30 am with Guiding Cusco transportation, we will transport you for 4 hours from Cusco to Pacchanta(4200/13780ft) where we will arrive to a local’s house and wait until breakfast is ready. After the energetic breakfast, we will start walking uphill. The hike is gradual, but over (4200/13780ft). The altitude is considerable, but this does not prevent the view around on the way to the first lake you will find many ladies selling gifts made by them, which will be of alpaca wool and at the same time you will find many alpacas. The hike has a duration of 6 hours in these 6 hours you can see the 7 lakes of different colors (4600/15090ft) and then return to the house for breakfast. if lunch is not yet ready, you can enjoy the thermal medicinal waters of Pacchanta and then return to Cusco and arrive at your hotel in Cusco at approximately 6 pm.

Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – 7 Lakes Circuit – Hot Springs – Cusco

Hiking Distance

14 km / 8.5 miles

Duration

5-6 hours

Pacchanta altitude

4,200 m / 13,780 ft.

Maximum altitude

4,600 m / 15,090 ft.

Meals

Breakfast, snacks, lunch

Difficulty

moderate

Inclusions & Exclusions

Price Includes

Briefing: The night before the trip.
Transfers: Private transport Cusco – Pacchanta – Cusco.
Guide: Professional Bilingual Guide (High Mountain Specialist).
Tickets: Entrance fee to the Pacchanta Community / 7 Lakes area.
Meals: 01 Breakfast, 01 Lunch (Local cuisine).
Safety: First Aid Kit and Oxygen tank.
Service: Personalized small group attention

Price Excludes

Dinner.
Hot Springs Fee: Usually paid directly in cash to the community (approx. 10-20 Soles). Note: Confirm if your $90 price covers this; if not, list as exclusion.
Travel Insurance.
Rentals: Trekking poles.
Tips: Optional.

Why Choose This Tour?

The Guiding Cusco Difference

Discover what makes this specific itinerary unique, authentic, and perfectly tailored for an unforgettable Andean adventure.

Why choose the 1-day Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour?

The Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour is less frequently chosen by travelers due to the high altitude—reaching over 4,800 m at its highest point. It is a challenging trek suited for travelers with a high level of physical fitness, and it serves as an ideal acclimatization hike for those planning to visit Huaraz.

WHY CHOOSE GUIDING CUSCO ?

Guiding Cusco is a locally owned tour operator based in Cusco with extensive hiking experience; we are a 100% local company, with no middlemen or outside shareholders. Our goal is to make your trip unforgettable and leave you eager to embark on another adventure. We specialize in small-group tours featuring high-quality, personalized service, allowing you to travel at your own pace without feeling rushed.

We value our reputation as a responsible and sustainable tour operator. The Guiding Cusco team is like family to us, and we support them with fair wages. We are incredibly proud of our staff and the tremendous effort they put in every day to create unforgettable experiences for our clients.

SMALL GROUPS

We specialize in personalized service for small groups; Guiding Cusco limits group sizes to a maximum of 10 people (with a minimum of 4), unlike other companies that handle much larger groups.

Our Team of Guides

All our guides are highly qualified, licensed professionals certified by GERCETUR and MINEDU. Every year they complete refresher courses in first aid and languages, so you are always in safe, well-informed hands.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Important Information

Please review these recommendations to ensure you have the best possible experience on your adventure.

Important information before your Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour

Please read these guidelines from Guiding Cusco before booking. They will help you prepare for your full-day excursion.

Acclimatization
The Ausangate 7 Lagoons are located at an elevation of approximately 4,400 to 4,800 meters (14,400–15,700 ft) above sea level, whereas Cusco sits at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft). This is a higher altitude than Humantay, so we recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco before the tour. Drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and get some rest the day before. If you have heart or respiratory issues...

Pick-up time
The tour starts very early. Hotel pick-up is usually between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., and the return to Cusco is in the evening (around 7:00–8:00 p.m.). The drive to the Pacchanta/Tinki area takes approximately 3 hours each way. Your guide will confirm the exact time the night before.

How do I book?
For each traveler, we require the following information via our booking form:

Full name as it appears on your passport
Date of birth
Nationality
Dietary requirements (if any)

A deposit of US$ 55 per person is required to secure your spot. The balance is payable in Cusco or prior to the tour. Payments can be made via bank transfer, online payment, Openpay, or through our website. (Online payment via WeTravel incurs an additional 8% surcharge, and card payment via Openpay incurs a 5% surcharge. Payments made in Cusco do not incur a surcharge.)

Can I change the date?
Please double-check your dates before booking. Changes are subject to availability and must be requested in advance; last-minute changes are treated as a "no-show."

What does the hike include?

Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours of hiking in total, at a comfortable pace with stops at each lagoon.
Difficulty: Moderate to demanding due to the altitude. No technical experience required.
Entrance fees / community access fees: Included.

What meals are included?
Breakfast and lunch are included. We can accommodate special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free); please let us know when booking.

Weather
The weather in the high Andes changes rapidly. Mornings are very cold, the midday sun can be intense, and rain, hail, wind, or fog can occur at any time—especially between November and March. The dry season (May to September) offers clearer skies and better views of the snow-capped peaks, though temperatures are very low. Always bring a poncho or raincoat.

What to bring

Warm, layered clothing and a waterproof jacket or poncho
Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Comfortable, broken-in trekking shoes (not brand new)
Reusable water bottle and a small backpack
Snacks (chocolate, nuts, or fruit)
Cash (soles) for additional entrance fees, horses, and small purchases
[Swimsuit and towel, if the tour includes hot springs]

Can I rent a horse?
Yes, horses are available for certain sections at an additional cost of approximately ___ soles. Please pay the owner directly in cash.

Where will we be dropped off?
Our service includes pickup from your hotel (or a nearby point). At the end of the tour, we drop you off at your hotel in Cusco (or a nearby point).

Should I bring extra money?
Yes. Bring cash (soles) for emergencies, souvenirs, and meals not included.

Is tipping necessary?

It is not mandatory, but it is customary to tip the guide and the driver. (Suggested: around 10%.)

Pricing Details

Standard Price

From USD 109

Availability: Daily from March through January · Suspension: February (rainy season and trail maintenance work) · Group size: Small-group adventure with guaranteed departure for 2 or more people · Booking: 50 USD advance payment per person; balance payable in Cusco · Guarantee: Price guaranteed once booking is confirmed (will not increase)

2026 Standard Price (per person)

Option	Price
Group standard price	99 USD
1 person	99 USD
2–5 people	88 USD
6–8 people	77 USD
Private – 2–4 people	150 USD
Private – 5–8 people	120 USD

Booking: 50 USD advance payment required per person; remaining 49 USD paid upon arrival in Cusco.

Payment Methods

Method	Surcharge
Online payment (WeTravel)	8% additional fee
Credit or debit card (Openpay)	5% additional fee
Cash in Cusco or directly to staff	No additional fee

Extensions / Additional Hikes

Extra	Price
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain	50 USD

Discounts

Age	Discount
Students aged 17 or younger	20 USD

Price Guarantee

Once your booking is confirmed, the price is guaranteed and will not increase.

Book This Tour

Price per person USD 109 USD

Book via WhatsApp

Secure inquiry. No payment required yet.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 31 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carol B 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable Salkantay Trek
Excellent Experience doing the 5 Day Salkantay trek with Guiding Cusco. The landscapes were increíble and everything was very well organized. Our Guide was friendly and always made sure we were doing well. Definitely and adventure i highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Laura C 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable Day at Rainbow Mountain
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edwin and it was perfect. From start to finish, the Guiding Cusco tour company made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone in the group felt happy and taken care of. The views at Rainbow Mountain were truly unforgettable. Edwin handled all the logistics perfectly so everyome could relax and enjoy the experience. Edwin is an amazing guide - funny, and a fantastic storyteller. He knows everything about Peru and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. I would absolutely recommend a tour with Guiding Cusco to anyone visiting. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   AnoukWolfs 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip
An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Trek11142408297 
 
 
 
 Verified reliable and individual support
We had direct contact with our guide from the beginning and were completely satisfied with his support. He was extremely accommodating, flexible, and addressed our wishes at all times. His advice on choosing the tour was particularly helpful: Based on his experience, he recommended a route to us where there were significantly fewer people and which suited us very well. We also felt in the best of hands with him during the tour itself. He accompanied us up the mountain and safely back down with a lot of experience and prudence. Overall, the entire service—from planning and personal support to execution—was more than satisfactory.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marjorie Ocampos 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing Salkantay Trek experience
I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Skyle A 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing 5 day Trek.
We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arnaldo g 
 
 
 
 Verified Five days of hiking in Cusco.!
Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cosmopolitan382563 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide!
We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   H B 
 
 
 
 Verified Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions
Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   onialias 
 
 
 
 Verified Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain
I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the altitude of the circuit, and what is the difficulty level?

The starting point (Pacchanta) is at 4,300 meters above sea level, and the highest point of the circuit reaches approximately 4,850 meters above sea level. The difficulty is moderate; although the hike is flat in several sections, the main challenge lies in the altitude and the lack of oxygen.

How long does the hike take, and what is the distance covered?

The loop circuit covers between 6.5 and 7 km, taking approximately 3.5 to 5 hours of hiking at a steady pace, including stops to rest, take photos, and listen to the guide's explanations.

What are the names of the 7 lagoons we will visit?

During the tour, you will visit: Pucacocha (Red), Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha (Green), Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo, and Azulcocha. All of them are fed by meltwater from the majestic, snow-capped Mount Ausangate.

Do I need to be acclimatized before taking the tour?

Yes, it is essential. We recommend spending at least 1 to 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before undertaking this hike to minimize the risk of altitude sickness (*soroche*).

¿Qué incluye y qué debo llevar para la excursión?

Incluye: Transporte turístico ida y vuelta, guía profesional, desayuno, almuerzo andino y botiquín de primeros auxilios con balón de oxígeno. Debes llevar: Ropa abrigadora en capas (windbreaker/chomba/casaca), ponchera/impermeable, lentes de sol, bloqueador solar, toalla y traje de baño (para las termas), bastones de trekking y dinero en efectivo en soles

What is the best time of year for this tour?

May through September, when skies are clearer and views of the snow-capped peak are better. Mornings and nights are very cold. November through March is the rainy season, bringing more fog and mud.

Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 31 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Carol B 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable Salkantay Trek
Excellent Experience doing the 5 Day Salkantay trek with Guiding Cusco. The landscapes were increíble and everything was very well organized. Our Guide was friendly and always made sure we were doing well. Definitely and adventure i highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Laura C 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable Day at Rainbow Mountain
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edwin and it was perfect. From start to finish, the Guiding Cusco tour company made sure everything went smoothly and that everyone in the group felt happy and taken care of. The views at Rainbow Mountain were truly unforgettable. Edwin handled all the logistics perfectly so everyome could relax and enjoy the experience. Edwin is an amazing guide - funny, and a fantastic storyteller. He knows everything about Peru and makes the whole experience so much more meaningful. I would absolutely recommend a tour with Guiding Cusco to anyone visiting. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   AnoukWolfs 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing trip
An Unforgettable Experience in Ausangate – Guiding Cusco Treking Ausangate with Guiding Cusco was one of the best experiences of our trip to Peru. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire adventure. I want to give a special mention to Nazario, our cook, because he truly surprised us with the quality of the food. Being in such a remote place and at such a high altitude, we never imagined we would eat so well. Each meal was different, plentiful, fresh, and delicious. After long hikes, arriving at camp and finding a hot and well-prepared meal was incredible. We also want to give a special thanks to Percy, our muleteer, who did an excellent job throughout the trek. He was always attentive to the equipment, the horses, and making sure everything was ready at each campsite. It's clear he knows the mountain perfectly and works with great dedication. The campsites were excellent; everything was prepared and organized so we could rest after each day of hiking. Sleeping surrounded by the Ausangate mountains and waking up to those landscapes was simply spectacular. But the best part was the team. Everyone was kind, attentive, and professional, and we truly felt like we weren't just tourists on a tour, but rather having an authentic experience in the Andes. I highly recommend Guiding Cusco for Ausangate. If you're looking for a local, professional company with excellent organization, good food, good campsites, and a team that genuinely cares about its travelers, this is an excellent choice. Thanks to Nazario, Percy, and the entire Guiding Cusco team for making our Ausangate trip an unforgettable experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Trek11142408297 
 
 
 
 Verified reliable and individual support
We had direct contact with our guide from the beginning and were completely satisfied with his support. He was extremely accommodating, flexible, and addressed our wishes at all times. His advice on choosing the tour was particularly helpful: Based on his experience, he recommended a route to us where there were significantly fewer people and which suited us very well. We also felt in the best of hands with him during the tour itself. He accompanied us up the mountain and safely back down with a lot of experience and prudence. Overall, the entire service—from planning and personal support to execution—was more than satisfactory.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Marjorie Ocampos 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing Salkantay Trek experience
I did the 5 day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu with Guiding Cusco as a solo traveller and had such a great experience. I felt comfortable and well looked after throughout the trek, and the group quickly became good company. The scenary was incredible and reaching Machu Picchu at the enf made all those challenging hiking dayscompletely worth it. So glad i decided to do this.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Skyle A 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing 5 day Trek.
We had an incredible trek to Machu Picchu with Lisbeth from Guiding Cusco. Everything was well organized, from the beautiful mountain scenery to the journey toward Machu Picchu. The team was friendly, professional, and always helpful. A challenging but unforgettable experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Highly recommended.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Arnaldo g 
 
 
 
 Verified Five days of hiking in Cusco.!
Amazing experience! The smoll group made the Salkantay Trek feel very personal and relaxed. The guides were friendly, supportive, and the views were absolutely unforgettable. Reaching Machupicchu after five days of hiking was truly special.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cosmopolitan382563 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Trek, Incredible Guide!
We did the 5 day/4 night Salktanay trek and it was awesome! Edwin is a local celebrity on the trail-- he knows every guide and all the community members along the trail. He was able to seamlessly resolve little the inevitable little hiccups (arranging cars, etc) and even helped us snag some Circuit 2 (the best circuit) Machu Picchu tickets when we arrived in Aquas Calientes. One thing that's special about Guiding Cusco Expeditions is that it's a smaller outfit and they do things a little differently from the two big trekking companies. Edwin knew different trails that were less crowded (both people and mules) that were far more beautiful than the mainline trails that we could see the other group taking across the valley. Edwin is also extremely knowledgable about the local ecology, plants, and birds. After going over the Salktanay pass and dropping into the cloud forest, he pointed out all the different species of flowers and even the wild orchids along the trail. I also have to give a special shout out to Nassario, the mountain chef who accompanied us for most of the trek-- every day he put together these incredible meals that were diverse, full of local flavor, and perfect for a long day of trekking. He even taught us how to make lomo saltado one afternoon. We had a fantastic experience and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Guiding Cusco Expedition-- they're a really awesome outfit who were a pleasure to work with at every step of the journey and we had an absolute blast.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   H B 
 
 
 
 Verified Six Stars for Guiding Cusco Expeditions
Outstanding Trip! Pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. We just completed the 5 day / 4 night Salkantay Trek with Guiding Cusco Expeditions led by expert guide Edwin and chef Nosario. I cannot recommend Guiding Cusco more highly. First of all, the trek is spectacular. Every day is a completely new ecological environment, from high alpine peaks to a rainforest full of wild orchids and half a dozen different species of hummingbirds. Guiding Cusco Expeditions is a particularly good guide company. Coordinating with Lisbet over WhatsApp prior to the trip was easy and efficient. Edwin has over a decade of experience guiding in the Andes and he and Lisbet recently started Guiding Cusco. The entire trip was both safe, fun, and exceeded anything I could have organized myself. Edwin is extremely knowledgeable about history, geography, and the natural world and a true pleasure to learn from. Edwin also made our hike absolutely seamless, from the hotel pickup to the pass at 15,000 feet, to the 45th mile. He is able to juggle many logistics while making everything seem effortless (certainly felt that way to us). The accommodations were really great. Edwin knows the region very well and our hike benefited from his expertise. For example, there were several parts of the trek where we would see other companies walking along the road whereas Edwin would take us on forested trails with waterfalls and wildlife. I also have a severe food allergy and Guiding Cusco Expeditions expertly accommodated this throughout the entire trip. Guiding Cusco Expeditions was extremely diligent. They even led a cooking class one day on the trail! It was spectacular to cook classic Peruvian cuisine surrounded by the peaks of the Andes. If you want to support a local business and enjoy hiking in small groups with great vibes, pick Guiding Cusco Expeditions. You'll have an amazing time.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   onialias 
 
 
 
 Verified Ausangate 4d3n + Rainbow Mountain
I went with Guiding Cusco for a private Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain trip organised by Lisbet and guided by Edwin at the end of April 2026. They are amazing team and has been the easiest and professional operator to deal with. Lisbet is extremely responsive on Whatsapp communication and went above and beyond to help me in my last minute travel plan. Edwin and his team looked after me very well during the trek. Vegetarian food prepared by Nazario was amazing and you will never ever go hungry! Any extra food is shared with local community so nothing goes to waste. Guiding Cusco is the operator to go with particularly if you are looking for experienced local guide for your trekking around Cusco.

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