Description
🧭 Description
The Ausangate 7 Lagoons excursion is one of the most impressive routes near Cusco. In a single day, you can enjoy trekking at over 4,300 meters above sea level, surrounded by high Andean landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and intensely colored lagoons formed by the melting snow of the majestic Ausangate Snow-capped Mountain, the fifth highest mountain and one of the most sacred in Peru.
This tour combines nature, adventure, and vibrant culture. In addition to touring the turquoise, light blue, and emerald lagoons, you’ll also visit the community of Pacchanta, where locals maintain their traditions. The tour concludes with a relaxing soak in the Pacchanta hot springs, surrounded by mountains and a peaceful environment.
Key Facts
Duration: 1 day (full day).
Maximum altitude: 4,700 meters above sea level.
Difficulty: Moderate (3–4 hours hike).
Location: Vilcanota Mountain Range, Cusco, Peru.
Best season: May to September (dry season).
Trekking to the 7 Ausangate Lagoons
During the hike, travelers enjoy unique views of glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and Andean wildlife such as alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and high Andean birds. The tour includes visits to the following lagoons:
- Patacocha Lagoon
- Orqo Otorongo Lagoon
- China Otorongo Lagoon
- Pucacocha Lagoon
- Azulcocha Lagoon
- Comercocha Lagoon
- Alqacocha Lagoon
Each lagoon offers strikingly different hues, from intense turquoise to emerald green, offering an unparalleled natural spectacle.
Pacchanta Community Experience
At the end of the trek, you’ll arrive at the Pacchanta community, where travelers can enjoy a traditional lunch and spend time with the locals. The experience is complemented by a well-deserved soak in the hot springs, a relaxing moment after the hike.
Itinerary
📍 Itinerary – 7 Ausangate Lagoons Tour
🚐 Departure from Cusco to the Pacchanta community
The experience begins early in Cusco. From your accommodation or meeting point, you’ll board a private tourist transport that will take you south to the Sacred Valley, passing through rural towns such as Urcos, Ocongate, and Tinki, small typical Andean villages with adobe houses, potato fields, and herds of alpacas.
During the journey, you’ll observe how the landscape changes: from the temperate valley, you ascend to the high Andes, with snow-capped mountains and puna plateaus covered with ichu (Andean grass). Finally, you reach the community of Pacchanta, located at over 4,200 meters above sea level, at the foot of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
In Pacchanta, you’ll make a stop to acclimatize, have a hot breakfast, and prepare your gear for the hike.
🥾 Start of the 7 Lagoons Hiking Circuit
From Pacchanta, the circuit hike begins. The route is designed to take you on a natural and scenic journey, surrounded by mountains, glaciers, lagoons, and Andean wildlife. The trail crosses high-altitude grasslands, farmland, and rocky areas.
Along the way, you’ll visit, in approximate order, the seven most iconic lagoons on the circuit:
1. Laguna Azulcocha
Deep, dark blue waters surrounded by rocky slopes. It’s the first to appear on the route and offers a stunning reflection of the Ausangate mountain peak, especially on clear days.
2. Laguna Otorongo Macho and Laguna Otorongo Hembra
These two lagoons are very close to each other. The “male” lagoon is larger and deeper, and darker in color. The “female” lagoon is smaller and has a greenish hue. Both are surrounded by legends linking otorongos (jaguars) with spiritual guardians.
3. Laguna Pucacocha
Named for its reddish color (“puca” means red in Quechua), due to the minerals at the bottom of the lagoon. It is one of the most photogenic lagoons due to the contrast between the water, the sky, and the mountains.
4. Alqacocha Lagoon
With its clear, greenish waters, it gets its name from the Quechua term “alqay,” which refers to something multicolored or spotted. It is surrounded by gray stones and sedimentary formations.
5. Qomercocha Lagoon
It means “green lagoon.” From here, you begin to get a closer view of the glaciers and can hear the sound of meltwater running into the valley.
6. Patacocha Lagoon
The last lagoon on the route. It is a little more secluded and surrounded by eroded rock formations. Its isolation makes it one of the quietest and most peaceful on the circuit, ideal for resting for a few minutes before returning.
During the hike, you will also see:
- 🏔️ The Mariposa and Jampa glaciers, and Ausangate itself, as a backdrop for much of the trail.
- 🦙 Herds of llamas, alpacas, and sometimes vicuñas roaming free, grazing near the lagoons.
- 🐦 High Andean birds such as huallatas, Andean ducks, and small puna birds.
- ⛰️ Areas of reddish rocks, eroded formations, and ichu fields.
♨️ Return to Pacchanta and relax in the hot springs
Once you have completed the lagoon circuit, you will return to Pacchanta on a different trail than the one you took, affording you new panoramic views of the valley and the lagoons from a different perspective.
Upon reaching the village, you can relax in its natural open-air hot springs, fed by volcanic waters that emerge at high temperatures. The water is rich in minerals and is believed to have medicinal properties for the muscles and skin. It’s the perfect end to an intense day of hiking.
You’ll have time to shower, change clothes, rest, and enjoy the surroundings. Afterward, you’ll have a traditional lunch prepared by local people, featuring Andean products such as quinoa, native potatoes, hot soup, meat, trout, or vegetarian options upon request.
🚐 Return to Cusco
After lunch and a short rest, the return journey to Cusco begins along the same route. During the return journey, you’ll have one last look at the high Andean landscapes, Quechua villages, and the impressive range of snow-capped mountains that surrounds the entire route
📍 Technical Details of the Tour
- Walking Distance: Approx. 8 to 10 km (circuit)
- Minimum Altitude: 4,200 m above sea level (Pacchanta)
- Maximum Altitude: 4,700–4,800 m above sea level (highest point of the circuit)
- Walking Duration: Approx. 4.5 to 5.5 hours (with breaks)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Terrain Type: Natural trail, rocky areas, wetlands, and grasslands
Inclusions
✅ What’s included in the Tour?
- 🚐 Round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco to Pacchanta to Cusco
Comfortable service in a tourist vehicle with an experienced driver, photo stops, and complete safety throughout the journey. - 🍽️ Traditional breakfast and lunch
Hot breakfast in Pacchanta and a typical Andean lunch prepared by the community, with a vegetarian option available upon request. - 🧑🏫 Professional bilingual guide (Spanish-English)
Specialist in trekking, Andean culture, and high mountain geography. Permanent accompaniment throughout the trek. - 🎟️ Admission to the 7 lagoons circuit and community contribution
Access fee to the Pacchanta rural community, which manages the route and its natural resources. - ♨️ Admission to the Pacchanta hot springs
Free access to the hot spring pools at the end of the trek, with space for relaxation and muscle recovery. - 🩺 First aid kit and emergency oxygen
In case of altitude sickness or discomfort during the trek. The guide is trained to provide basic assistance. - 📸 Panoramic photo stops
Free time at each lagoon for photography, contemplation, and connection with the natural environment. - 👥 Small group
Personalized experience with a maximum of 10 travelers per group, ideal for greater safety and authentic contact with the environment.
Not Included
❌ What’s not included?
- 🧥 Trekking clothing and personal equipment
Travelers must bring their own thermal clothing, gloves, hat, raincoat, boots, personal backpack, walking sticks, and water bottle. - 🩺 Medical or travel insurance
Not included. It is recommended to purchase it at the traveler’s own expense, especially due to the altitude. - 🐎 Assistance horse rental
If you are unable or unwilling to complete the hike, you can hire a horse from local residents (approx. S/. 80 to S/. 100), payable directly. - 🥤 Additional Snacks or Drinks
Bring your own energy snacks, dried fruit, or isotonic drinks if you wish. - 💸 Voluntary tips
Not included. They are appreciated as a way of thanking the guide, driver, or local residents. - 🪪 Personal expenses or purchases not specified
Such as souvenirs, textiles, or local products purchased in Pacchanta or along the way.
Recommendations
🎒 Recommendations
- 🧤 Protection from the Cold
Bring a wool hat, thick gloves, a buff or neck gaiter, and thermal socks. The cold can be intense in the morning. 💧 Stay Well Hydrated
Bring at least 1 liter of water per person. High altitude dehydrates you more quickly than normal and helps prevent altitude sickness. - 🩱 If you want to enter the hot springs, bring swimwear and a towel.
Don’t forget light sandals for comfort when you get out of the water. - 🧥 Dress in Layers
Bring thermal clothing, a fleece, and a waterproof or windproof jacket. The weather at high altitudes changes constantly, and there may be strong winds or unexpected drizzle. - 👟 Wear hiking boots or sturdy footwear.
It’s important to wear comfortable, non-slip, and waterproof footwear. Avoid flat sneakers, sandals, or urban shoes.
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🗻 Do I need previous trekking experience?
No. It is a moderately difficult hike. It does not require technical experience, but it does require good physical fitness and prior acclimatization, as it reaches altitudes above 4,600 m above sea level.
🎒 How long is the hike?
The total distance is approximately 8 to 10 km in a loop. The average duration is 4.5 to 5.5 hours, including stops to rest and take photos.
💧 At what altitude does the tour take place?
The hike starts from Pacchanta (4,200 m above sea level) and reaches heights between 4,600 and 4,800 m above sea level. It is important to be acclimatized.
🐎 Can I rent a horse if I get tired?
Yes. In Pacchanta, you can hire a horse from local residents. This is ideal if you have difficulty walking or are affected by the altitude. The cost is additional and must be paid in cash.
🩺 What if I’m affected by altitude?
The guide carries portable oxygen and a basic first-aid kit. If you experience mild symptoms, the pace will be adjusted. To prevent altitude sickness, it’s essential to acclimatize at least one day before the tour.
👙 Are the hot springs included?
Yes. Admission to the Pacchanta hot springs is included. Don’t forget to bring swimwear, a towel, and sandals if you wish to enjoy the thermal baths.
🥗 Are there vegetarian options for meals?
Yes. A vegetarian or special lunch can be prepared with advance notice. Just indicate this when booking.
🚻 Are there restrooms available during the tour?
Only in Pacchanta. There are no formal restrooms during the hike, as it takes place in a natural area.
📷 Can I bring a camera or drone?
Yes, but bring enough battery power. Drone use is permitted on the route, but you must be responsible for the natural environment and consult your guide.
🕘 How long is the total tour?
From departure in Cusco to return, it takes approximately 11 to 12 hours. It’s a full day, ideal for an in-depth experience in nature.