One-day hike to the Ausangate lagoons

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.

Highlights

Ausangate 7 Lakes circuit: walk through a high-Andean route connecting seven glacial lagoons with distinctive colors and mountain scenery.
Seven individual lagoons: visit Pucacocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo and Azulcocha, each presented as a separate stop along the route.
High-Andean landscapes: hike through mountain terrain near Ausangate, surrounded by remote valleys, peaks and natural scenery.
Andean wildlife: look for alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, Andean geese and other species that inhabit the area.
Pacchanta: start and finish the hike in this high-Andean community located at approximately 4,200 m / 13,780 ft above sea level.
Hot springs: after the hike, you may have time to relax in the thermal pools of Pacchanta; admission is paid separately.

Itinerary

Day 1

Cusco – Pacchanta – 7 Lagunas del Ausangate – Cusco

Pick up in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. – hike through the seven lagoons, approx. 14 km – return to Cusco at 6:00 p.m.

Person beside a mountain lake on the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour.

Turquoise waters of Laguna Verde during the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour.

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 Lake - 4,500 m / 14,764 ft

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.

Patacocha Lake - 4,860 m / 15,945 ft

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 Lake - 4,750 m / 15,584 ft

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.

Qomercocha Lake - 4,666 m / 15,308 ft

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 Lake

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.

China Otorongo Lake

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 Lake

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.

What's included?

Included

Pre-tour information: orientation and practical information before the excursion.
Tourist transportation: round-trip transportation between Cusco and Pacchanta in a tourist vehicle equipped with oxygen.
Assistance: support throughout the excursion.
Professional guide: guided service in English and Spanish.
Entrance ticket: the entrance ticket listed in the tour program; the exact access covered should be confirmed before publication.
Trekking poles: walking support for the hiking route.
Breakfast: breakfast in Pacchanta before beginning the hike.
Lunch in Pacchanta: lunch after completing the main hiking circuit.

Not included

Hotel in Cusco: accommodation before or after the tour is not part of the service.
Pacchanta hot springs admission: entrance to the thermal pools is paid separately.
Tips: gratuities are voluntary and are not included.
Horse rental: horseback support may be arranged separately when available.
Other services: any service not expressly listed as included is not part of the program.

Recommendations

Daypack: carry a comfortable backpack for your personal items during the hike.
Warm clothing: bring a jacket and layers suitable for low temperatures at high altitude.
Sun protection: use high-protection sunscreen and bring sunglasses and a hat or cap.
Rain protection: during the rainy season, carry a rain poncho or waterproof outer layer.
Trekking footwear: wear suitable hiking shoes with good grip for mountain trails.
Water: bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
Swimwear: bring a swimsuit if you plan to enter the Pacchanta hot springs.
Towel and sandals: these are useful if you intend to use the thermal pools.

What's included?

What is included in the 7 lakes of Ausangate tour?

Pre-tour information: orientation and practical information before the excursion.
Tourist transportation: round-trip transportation between Cusco and Pacchanta in a tourist vehicle equipped with oxygen.
Assistance: support throughout the excursion.
Professional guide: guided service in English and Spanish.
Entrance ticket: the entrance ticket listed in the tour program; the exact access covered should be confirmed before publication.
Trekking poles: walking support for the hiking route.
Breakfast: breakfast in Pacchanta before beginning the hike.
Lunch in Pacchanta: lunch after completing the main hiking circuit.

What is not included in the Ausangate 7 lakes tour?

Hotel in Cusco: accommodation before or after the tour is not part of the service.
Pacchanta hot springs admission: entrance to the thermal pools is paid separately.
Tips: gratuities are voluntary and are not included.
Horse rental: horseback support may be arranged separately when available.
Other services: any service not expressly listed as included is not part of the program.

¿What should you bring for the 7 lakes tour Cusco?

Daypack: carry a comfortable backpack for your personal items during the hike.
Warm clothing: bring a jacket and layers suitable for low temperatures at high altitude.
Sun protection: use high-protection sunscreen and bring sunglasses and a hat or cap.
Rain protection: during the rainy season, carry a rain poncho or waterproof outer layer.
Trekking footwear: wear suitable hiking shoes with good grip for mountain trails.
Water: bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
Swimwear: bring a swimsuit if you plan to enter the Pacchanta hot springs.
Towel and sandals: these are useful if you intend to use the thermal pools.

Route map

The route is for reference only and may vary slightly.

Prices of the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour

Choose the travel option that best suits you. Prices are shown per person and may vary depending on the service and type of train selected.

Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour

Transfers and professional guide

US$ 65

US$ 185

Pacchanta Hot Springs

The entry to the hot springs is paid on site

Inquire

The circuits and schedules of your visit are subject to availability at the time of booking. See booking and cancellation policies →

Are 4 or more people traveling?

We can offer a special rate for your group.

Ask about group rates

Experiences of our passengers on the Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour

This is how Rodrigo experienced his tour to the 7 lagoons of Ausangate

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 hike.

Rodrigo C.

October 2024

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Moments from the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour

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.

Local herder guiding pack animals along the Ausangate mountain route.

Turquoise mountain lake with an information sign on the Ausangate route.

Hiking along a rocky trail on the Ausangate 7 Lakes day trip.

Panoramic view of a turquoise lake on the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour.

Group hiking a mountain trail during the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour.

Herd of alpacas grazing beneath the snow-capped Ausangate mountains.

Hiking across an open Andean valley on the 7 Lakes tour in Cusco.

Rural Andean life along the trail to the lakes.

Frequently asked questions about the 7 lakes tour of Ausangate

Find answers to your main questions about schedules, difficulty, altitude, services, and recommendations for the 7 Lakes Ausangate - Cusco tour.

How long does the hike through the 7 lakes of Ausangate take?

The hike takes approximately 5 hours, not including transfers between Cusco and Pacchanta.

What time does the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour start?

Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco is scheduled for approximately 4:00 a.m.

How difficult is the Ausangate lagoons tour?

The route is described as easy to moderate in difficulty and takes place at high altitude, so it is important to consider prior acclimatization.

Where does the hike begin?

The circuit begins and ends in the community of Pacchanta, located at approximately 4,200 m above sea level.

Is admission to the Pacchanta hot springs included?

No. The program includes time to visit the hot springs, but entry to the pools is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring for the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour?

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.