Tour Description
Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour | Quad Bike & Turquoise Lagoons Adventure
Watch the full-route preview of our exclusive Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour from Cusco. This professional video showcases the premium high-mountain itinerary: from the safety briefing at Japura base to driving powerful quad bikes for 3 full hours round-trip along open trails and Andean pampas. Witness the smooth transition to the scenic 40-minute hike, revealing the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Qorisonqo and Pucacocha lagoons, balanced perfectly with direct, close-up panoramic views of the massive, sacred Mount Ausangate at 16,400 feet.
Review the tour format, effort level and the key details that help you decide faster.
The Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour begins with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. Our journey starts with a comfortable drive toward the South Valley, crossing inter - Andean landscapes and traditional rural villages that offer a glimpse into authentic local life.
Upon reaching the district of Cusipata, we make a strategic stop to enjoy a traditional Andean buffet breakfast. This meal is essential for acclimatization, providing the energy needed before ascending to higher altitudes. Afterward, we continue our trip to the Japura base, the official starting point for this Ausangate quad bike adventure.
Once at the base, your professional guide will provide a technical briefing on safety rules and ATV operation. After a brief practice session to ensure everyone feels confident, we embark on a 1.5 - hour ride. During this strech, you will navigate through high - altitude trails, vast pampas, and grazing areas where you can spot llamas and alpacas under the shadow of the majestic Ausangate Mountain.
The quad bike portion concludes at a strategic transition point near the glacier's edge. From here, we begin a 40 - minute scenic hike through natural trails surrounded by intense reddish tones and glacial formations. This path leads us to the hidden gems of the circuit: the turquoise lagoons of Ausangate. You will have ample time at the lookout to appreciate the Qorisonqo and Pucacocha lagoons, as well as the imposing presence of the sacred "Apu" Ausangate.
Following the visit, we descend for approximately 40 minutes to reconnect with our vehicles. The Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour continues with a return ride to the Japura base, where we board our transport back to Cusipata for a recovery buffet lunch. Finally, we conclude this unforgettable experience by returning to Cusco city in the late afternoon.
Our journey begins with a stop in this traditional village Surrounded by inter - Andean landscapes and agricultural communities. It is the perfect spot for our Andean buffet breakfast and essential acclimatization before reaching higher altitudes.
The official starting point of our adrenaline - filled route. Here, you will receive a safety briefing, professional gear, and a driving practice session. From this base, the Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour officially enters the mountain trails.
As you ride your quad bike, you will traverse vast "pampas" and high - altitude terrain. This stretch offers stunning panoramic views of the Ausangate Glacier, majestic snow - capped peaks, and the chance to observe Andean wildlife like alpacas and llamas in their natural habitat.
This is where the ATV portion ends and the trekking experience begins. In this area, the environment becomes more intimate with the glacier, providing a closer look at the high - altitude ecosystem and the towering sacred peaks.
During the hiking portion, you will explore the most iconic lagoons of the circuit, each famous for its vibrant and unique colors. You will visit the Qorisonqo Lagoon, known for its shifting tones of green and turquoise, the Pucacocha Lagoon with its deep and intense turquoise waters, and the serene Ausangate Lagoon, which is nestled in a pristine natural setting. These stunning bodies of water are fed by glacial meltwater and are surrounded by the imposable peaks of the Andes.
A central point of the entire experience. At 6,384 meters, Ausangate is one of the highest mountains in Peru and a sacred "Apu" in Andean culture. Throughout the tour, you will enjoy direct and impressive views of its massive glacier.
Exclusive Crowd-Free Exploration: Skip the heavily saturated tourist trails. This unique Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour takes you deep into a pristine high-mountain ecosystem, giving you peaceful, uninterrupted access to hidden turquoise lagoons like Qorisonqo and Pucacocha without the large crowds.
Effortless High-Altitude Adventure: Conquer extreme elevations near 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) with significantly less physical toll. By replacing miles of grueling uphill trekking with a powerful and extended 3-hour quad bike ride, you save your peak energy to fully enjoy a short, scenic walk right along the glacier's edge.
Premium All-Inclusive Logistics: Experience a seamless, professionally organized full-day trip from start to finish. This itinerary perfectly optimizes your time in the Andes by fully integrating comfortable round-trip transport, top-tier ATV equipment, expert guiding, and complete traditional buffet meals.
This tour is offered in shared and private service depending on the size of your group.
"Check 24 hours before to confirm availability and avoid setbacks".
Urb. Dolorespata, Jr. Paititi F 3ª 270, Santiago-Cusco
The full-day experience lasts approximately 14 hours, starting very early in Cusco and ending in the late afternoon with the return to the city.
Not at all. The quad bike route is considered moderate and is conducted with a professional guide and a prior practice session. It is suitable for beginners with basic coordination or driving notions.
There is a hike of approximately 40 minutes each way, starting from the point where the ATVs are parked up to the lagoons and glacial lookouts.
Yes, previous experience is not strictly required. However, we recommend having basic coordination or at least knowing how to ride a bicycle, as this helps with balance and vehicle control. Before starting, your guide will provide a full safety briefing and a practice session to ensure you feel secure.
Our team carries portable oxygen and a first aid kit. Furthermore, our guides are trained to assist with altitude sickness and provide immediate support if needed.
Yes, we highly recommend booking in advance as spots are limited, especially during the high season (June to September) when demand for the Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour is at its peak.
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