If you’re planning to visit the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, the dry season between May and September is your best option. During these months you’ll find clear skies, less rain, and more passable trails that will make your hike much safer and more enjoyable.
May to September: the ideal window
These five months concentrate the most favorable conditions for trekking. Mornings dawn with intense frosts, but the midday sun warms up enough to walk comfortably. The lakes display their turquoise and emerald green colors with greater clarity because the sky is clear. The trails remain dry and firm, which considerably reduces the risk of slips or accidents.
June and July are the driest months of all. If you’re looking for the lowest probability of rain, aim for these dates. August also works well, although the possibility of occasional drizzle starts to increase slightly toward the end of the month.
April and October: transition months
April marks the end of the rainy season and October its beginning. You can still do the route in these months, but prepare for less predictable conditions. You’ll need to bring a rain poncho and should be flexible with your schedules. The advantage is that you’ll find fewer tourists on the trails and tour prices usually drop.
The landscapes in these months have a particular appeal: the vegetation is greener after the rains and the mountains retain more snow on their peaks.
November to March: avoid these months
The rainy season turns the routes to the lakes into muddy and dangerous terrain. Rainfall is daily, especially in the afternoons, and fog can completely hide the lakes just when you arrive. January and February are the months with the most rain of the year.
The trails become slippery, rivers swell, and crossing bridges becomes complicated. Many tour agencies suspend their tours during these months for safety reasons. If you have flexibility in your dates, completely rule out this period.
What temperature to expect
Nights in Ausangate are cold year-round because you’re above 4,000 meters. In the dry season, nighttime temperatures drop to -10°C or lower. During the day, with sun, you can feel between 15°C and 20°C, but in the shade or with wind you’ll still feel cold.
In the rainy season, nighttime temperatures are slightly higher, hovering around -5°C, but the humidity makes the cold feel more penetrating.
When to book your tour
Tours to Ausangate fill up quickly between June and August, which is the high tourist season in Cusco. Book at least three weeks in advance if you plan to go during those months. For May or September, one or two weeks ahead is enough.
If you travel in April or October, you’ll probably find availability even with just a few days’ notice, but confirming earlier gives you more options for agencies and groups.
Final decision
To see the 7 lakes in their maximum splendor and with the best safety conditions, schedule your visit between May and September. If I had to choose just one month, it would be June: stable weather, fewer tourists than July and August, and spectacular scenery.
