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The 7 lakes of Ausangate tour is a full-day excursion from Cusco to Pacchanta and the high-Andean landscapes surrounding the Ausangate mountain. This route takes you along mountain trails to a series of glacial lagoons with different colors and tones, formed by meltwater from Ausangate, while you experience the scenery and wildlife of this remote area of the Peruvian Andes.
During this 7 lakes tour Cusco experience, you may see alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, Andean geese and, depending on the conditions along the trail, other native species. After completing the Ausangate 7 lakes tour, you will return to Pacchanta for lunch. The program also allows time to visit the Pacchanta hot springs when conditions and timing permit; admission to the thermal pools is not included.
Day 1
Your Ausangate 7 lakes day trip begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. From the city, you will travel south for around 3 hours and 30 minutes until reaching Pacchanta, a high-Andean community located at approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft above sea level and the starting and finishing point of the hike.
Pacchanta was long known mainly among travelers following trekking routes around Ausangate. Today, it also welcomes visitors who come for the Ausangate full day tour 7 lakes experience, combining rural landscapes, glacial lagoons, high-altitude trails and the community's thermal springs.
The hike lasts approximately five hours and follows terrain described as easy to moderate. Throughout the 7 lakes of Ausangate tour, you will walk through high-Andean scenery where alpacas, llamas, vizcachas and Andean geese may be seen.
Pucacocha is the first lake on the route. Its waters have reddish tones associated with mineral sediments in the area. This is one of the first stops on the hike, with time to observe the landscape, take photographs and learn more about the surroundings.
The next stop stands out for its clear waters and views toward Ausangate and Callangate. Because of its elevation, Patacocha is one of the highest points reached during the Ausangate 7 lakes tour.
Alqacocha displays reddish tones linked to the mineral composition of the area. The surrounding high-mountain landscape also provides opportunities, depending on trail conditions, to observe native Andean wildlife.
Known for its green and turquoise tones, Qomercocha is another distinctive stop on the 7 lakes of Ausangate tour. During the visit, your guide explains aspects of the area's biodiversity, geology and natural features before the hike continues.
Orco Otorongo forms part of the Otorongo section of the route. Its name refers to the male otorongo, or jaguar, and its waters display tones that help distinguish this part of the circuit.
Located close to Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo takes its name from the female otorongo. Together, the two lakes form one of the characteristic sections of the Ausangate 7 lakes day trip.
Azulcocha is one of the final lakes on the circuit and is known for the deep blue tone of its waters. Surrounded by the mountain scenery of Ausangate, it provides another striking stop before the return hike to Pacchanta.
After completing the circuit, you will hike back to Pacchanta. The program allows time to visit the community's thermal pools before or around the lunch period, depending on the confirmed operating sequence and available time. Admission to the hot springs is not included. After lunch, you will begin the return journey to Cusco.
Included
Not included
Recommendations
The Ausangate 7 Lakes tour was one of the most impressive experiences we had in Cusco. The van picked us up from our hotel early in the morning to begin the trip toward the Ausangate area, a long journey but filled with incredible scenery, mountains, Andean villages, and spectacular views of the Andes.
Upon arrival, we began the hike surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpacas, and lagoons with different shades of blue and turquoise. The altitude makes the route demanding, but walking calmly allows you to truly enjoy the landscape and the view of the imposing Ausangate. At the end, we visited the hot springs in the area, although I couldn’t enter because I forgot to bring my swimsuit. Even so, it was a good place to relax after the
The Ausangate 7 Lakes tour was one of the most impressive experiences we had in Cusco. The van picked us up from our hotel early in the morning to begin the trip toward the Ausangate area, a long journey but filled with incredible scenery, mountains, Andean villages, and spectacular views of the Andes.
Upon arrival, we began the hike surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpacas, and lagoons with different shades of blue and turquoise. The altitude makes the route demanding, but walking calmly allows you to truly enjoy the landscape and the view of the imposing Ausangate. At the end, we visited the hot springs in the area, although I couldn’t enter because I forgot to bring my swimsuit. Even so, it was a good place to relax after the hije.
The circuits and schedules of your visit are subject to availability at the time of booking. See booking and cancellation policies →
Explore images of the 7 Lagunas de Ausangate tour: high Andean trails, glacial lagoons of different colors, views of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, landscapes of Pacchanta, and scenes from the hike through one of Cusco's most remarkable natural circuits.
Find answers to your main questions about schedules, difficulty, altitude, services, and recommendations for the 7 Lakes Ausangate - Cusco tour.
The hike takes approximately 5 hours, not including transfers between Cusco and Pacchanta.
Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco is scheduled for approximately 4:00 a.m.
The route is described as easy to moderate in difficulty and takes place at high altitude, so it is important to consider prior acclimatization.
The circuit begins and ends in the community of Pacchanta, located at approximately 4,200 m above sea level.
No. The program includes time to visit the hot springs, but entry to the pools is not included in the tour price.
We recommend bringing a backpack, warm clothing, sunscreen, hiking boots, water, and rain gear. If you plan to use the hot springs, also bring swimwear, a towel, and sandals.
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