Walk among turquoise glacial lakes beneath Ausangate and unwind in the natural thermal waters of Pacchanta after the hike.

Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour Full Day

Full Day

Duration

Up to 18 people

Group Size

4,800 m.a.s.l

Max Altitude

Challenging

Difficulty

Overview - Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour

Discover a spectacular collection of glacial lakes on our Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour, a full-day hiking adventure into the remote mountain environment surrounding one of the most impressive peaks in the Cusco region.

The experience begins near the high-Andean community of Pacchanta, where the walking circuit crosses open puna landscapes, wetlands, rocky mountain terrain, and traditional alpaca grazing areas beneath the snow-covered Ausangate massif.

Along the route, discover seven remarkable lakes whose waters display different shades of turquoise, blue, green, and deep glacial colors. Their dramatic setting makes the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike one of the most photogenic high-altitude day trips available in the region.

This is not a technical mountain climb, but the altitude makes it physically demanding. The route can reach approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 ft), so proper acclimatization before departure is essential.

Breakfast and lunch are organized in the Pacchanta area, and after completing the hike, travelers can enjoy an optional visit to the community’s natural thermal baths before beginning the return journey to Cusco.

For travelers looking beyond the city’s traditional archaeological tours, the Pacchanta 7 Lakes experience offers mountains, glacial scenery, local culture, wildlife, and a true high-Andean hiking environment in a single day.

Anqas Qocha Blue Lake surrounded by mountains along the Ausangate Seven Lakes route

Wide Andean lake with snow-capped Ausangate mountains in the background near Cusco

Turquoise alpine lake surrounded by rocky mountains in the Ausangate region of Cusco

Hatun Puka Qocha Red Lake on the Ausangate Seven Lakes trek in Cusco, Peru

Orqo Uturunko Qocha lake on the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour near Cusco, Peru

Scenic Ausangate lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and high Andean landscapes

Mountain lake and snow-covered peaks seen during the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike in Peru

Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour Itinerary

DAY 01

Early Departure from Cusco

Begin the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour with hotel pickup between approximately 4:00 and 5:00 a.m.

Travel southeast through the Cusco countryside toward Ocongate and Tinki before continuing along the mountain road toward Pacchanta.

Arrive in Pacchanta

After approximately three to three and a half hours of travel, arrive in the high-Andean community of Pacchanta.

Enjoy breakfast before preparing for the day’s mountain hike.

Altitude & Safety Briefing

Before entering the trail, your professional guide will explain the route, expected walking time, weather, altitude considerations, group pace, and safety recommendations.

Begin the High-Andean Circuit

Follow the trail into an expansive landscape of glacial valleys, grasslands, wetlands, grazing alpacas and llamas, rocky slopes, and snow-covered mountains.

Discover the Seven Lakes

The circuit connects a series of colorful glacial lakes around the Ausangate region.

Commonly identified lakes include Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha, although spelling and the exact order may vary locally.

High Point of the Hike

The trail reaches approximately 4,800 meters above sea level.

Take regular breaks for hydration, photography, and recovery while enjoying exceptional views toward the Ausangate massif.

Complete the Circuit

After approximately five to six hours of high-altitude walking, return toward Pacchanta.

Lunch in Pacchanta

Enjoy a prepared lunch and rest after completing the mountain circuit.

Optional Pacchanta Hot Springs

Spend approximately 45 minutes to one hour relaxing or enjoying the natural thermal baths.

Entrance is optional and paid separately at approximately S/5 per traveler.

Evening Return to Cusco

Begin the return drive in the afternoon and arrive in Cusco at approximately 6:30 p.m., depending on road, weather, and group conditions.

Full-Day Hiking Information
Walking time: approx. 5–6 hours
Maximum altitude: approx. 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Starting point: Pacchanta
Difficulty: Challenging

What Is Included?

Round-Trip Transportation

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Cusco Hotel Pickup Early pickup from selected accommodations before traveling toward the Ausangate region.

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Cusco – Pacchanta – Cusco Tourist transportation for the complete overland journey.

Guided Mountain Experience

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Professional English / Spanish-Speaking Guide Professional guidance throughout the high-altitude circuit.

Meals in Pacchanta

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Breakfast Morning meal before beginning the hike.

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Lunch Meal after completing the Ausangate lake circuit.

Hiking Equipment

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Trekking Poles Walking support for uneven mountain terrain.

Altitude Support

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First-Aid Kit & Emergency Oxygen Basic safety equipment available during the high-altitude hike.

What Is Not Included?

Community Entrance Fees

Ausangate 7 Lakes Entrance – S/20 Paid directly at the local community access point.

Pacchanta Hot Springs – S/5 Optional thermal-bath entrance paid locally.

Optional Trail Assistance

Horse Rental Local service available for an additional fee and subject to availability.

Additional Food & Drinks

Dinner Not included after returning to Cusco.

Personal Drinks & Snacks Additional refreshments outside the included breakfast and lunch.

Personal Costs

Travel Insurance Personal travel and medical coverage is separate.

Tips & Personal Purchases Gratuities and individual expenses remain at the traveler’s discretion.

Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour Pricing

Choose between shared and private service for the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour, a full-day journey into the remote high-Andean landscapes surrounding Pacchanta.

2026 Rate

GROUP SERVICE

Starting from US$ 36 per person

Daily departures subject to operational requirements, local access, weather, and road conditions.

Private Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour

PRIVATE SERVICE

Starting from US$ 200 per person

Final rate varies according to group size and service arrangements.

Additional Local Costs

7 Lakes Circuit Entrance S/20 per person

Pacchanta Thermal Baths S/5 per person

Horse Assistance Local price · Subject to availability

Reservation & Payment

A deposit may be required to confirm the reservation. Final booking and payment conditions will be provided before confirmation.

Online card payment is available and any applicable processing fee will be shown before completing payment.

Booking Details We Need

Full name
Preferred tour date
Number of travelers
Accommodation in Cusco
WhatsApp number with country code

Changes, Cancellations & Refunds

At Least 48 Hours Before Departure

A partial refund may be possible when cancellation is requested at least 2 days before departure.

Transaction fees and services already purchased or considered non-refundable will be deducted.

Less Than 48 Hours Before Departure

Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Mountain conditions can change quickly. The itinerary or timing may be adjusted when weather, roads, altitude, or trail conditions require it for safety.

Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour Packing List

Pack for cold wind, strong sun, possible rain, and elevations approaching 4,800 meters on the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour.

Documents & Cash

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Personal ID Carry your passport or another valid identification document.

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Peruvian Soles Bring cash for community admission, hot springs, horse rental, and personal expenses.

Cold-Weather Layers

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Thermal Base Layer Useful during the cold early morning and higher sections.

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Fleece or Insulated Jacket Carry a warm layer even when Cusco’s forecast appears mild.

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Waterproof Shell Mountain weather can change rapidly.

✓

Gloves & Warm Hat Helpful against cold and strong winds.

Trail Equipment

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Hiking Shoes Use footwear with solid grip and good walking comfort.

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Small Daypack Carry only your daily mountain essentials.

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Reusable Water Bottle Regular hydration is particularly important at this altitude.

UV Protection

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High-SPF Sunscreen High-altitude UV levels can be intense.

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UV Sunglasses Useful around glacial lakes and snow-covered terrain.

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Sun Hat Protect exposed skin during the long circuit.

Hot Springs Kit

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Swimsuit For the optional Pacchanta thermal baths.

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Quick-Dry Towel Lightweight and easy to carry.

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Dry Change of Clothes Useful for the return journey to Cusco.

Personal Essentials

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Personal Medication Keep required medication accessible while hiking.

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Energy Snacks Useful between breakfast and lunch.

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Phone / Camera & Power Bank Charging and phone reception can be limited in the remote mountain area.

Acclimatization Matters

The route reaches approximately 4,800 meters above sea level. This is considerably higher than Cusco. Arrive properly acclimatized, walk slowly, and follow your guide’s instructions throughout the hike.

Contact us by email to check availability, request detailed information, and receive your secure payment link. Our team will reply within a short time to assist you with your booking.

Booking

Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour

Starting from

$ 36.00 USD

per person

Group & private options available

BRIEF CONDITIONS

• 50% deposit required
• Secure payment link provided (+7%)
• Balance paid in Cusco

Why Choose Our Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour?

Our Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour takes you beyond the usual Cusco day trips into an exceptional high-mountain environment of glaciers, colorful lakes, wildlife, and living Andean culture.

A Complete Glacial Lake Circuit

Instead of visiting a single viewpoint, walk through a mountain circuit connecting seven distinctive high-Andean lakes.

Ausangate Mountain Scenery

Hike beneath one of the most impressive peaks in southern Peru and enjoy extensive glacier and mountain views.

A Remote Side of Cusco

Travel through Pacchanta and landscapes shaped by traditional alpaca and llama herding far from the city’s busiest attractions.

Guided High-Altitude Support

Professional guiding, trekking poles, first-aid equipment, and emergency oxygen help support the demanding mountain experience.

Meals Organized for the Day

Enjoy breakfast before hiking and lunch after completing the circuit.

Hot Springs After the Hike

Finish the physical challenge with the option to relax in Pacchanta’s naturally heated thermal pools.

Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour FAQs

What is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour?

It is a full-day high-altitude hiking experience beginning near Pacchanta and following a circuit of glacial lakes beneath the Ausangate mountain range.

How far is Pacchanta from Cusco?

Pacchanta is roughly 100 km southeast of Cusco. Driving time is normally around three to three and a half hours each way depending on road conditions.

What time does pickup start?

Pickup normally takes place between approximately 4:00 and 5:00 a.m.

How long is the entire tour?

Expect a long full-day experience of approximately 13–14 hours including transportation, hiking, meals, and the optional hot-springs stop.

How long do we walk?

Most groups spend approximately 5–6 hours hiking, although exact walking time varies according to altitude, weather, trail conditions, and group pace.

How difficult is the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike?

The trail is not technically difficult, but the altitude makes it challenging. Travelers should be physically prepared for several hours of high-altitude hiking.

What is the maximum altitude?

The upper sections reach approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 ft), depending on the exact circuit and trail conditions.

Do I need to acclimatize?

Yes. We recommend spending at least two days at altitude before this tour.

Which seven lakes do we visit?

Commonly listed lakes include Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha. Spellings and the order of the circuit can vary locally.

Will we see Ausangate Mountain?

Yes. Weather permitting, the route provides excellent views of the Ausangate massif and surrounding glacial mountain scenery.

Can we see alpacas and llamas?

They are commonly seen grazing in the high-Andean areas surrounding Pacchanta, although wildlife and livestock sightings can never be guaranteed.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast before the hike and lunch after the circuit are included.

How much is the entrance to the lakes?

The current local entrance fee used for this tour is approximately S/20 per person and is paid separately.

How much are the Pacchanta hot springs?

The current local entrance used for this itinerary is approximately S/5 per person.

Are the hot springs mandatory?

No. They are optional. Travelers can relax outside the pools if they prefer not to enter.

How much time is available at the hot springs?

Approximately 45 minutes to one hour is normally available depending on the day’s timing.

Are trekking poles provided?

Yes. Trekking poles are included in the standard service.

Is emergency oxygen available?

Yes. The guide carries emergency oxygen and a basic first-aid kit for high-altitude support.

Can I take a horse?

Local horse rental is often available for an additional fee. Availability and price are controlled locally and can vary.

What should I bring for the hot springs?

Bring a swimsuit, quick-dry towel, sandals if desired, and a change of dry clothing.

What weather should I expect?

Conditions can include strong sun, cold wind, cloud, rain, and rapid temperature changes. Layered clothing and waterproof protection are essential.

What happens if weather conditions become unsafe?

Your guide may change the pace, shorten the route, modify the circuit, or cancel optional stops when weather or trail conditions create a safety concern.

What is the best season for this hike?

The drier part of the year generally provides more stable trail conditions and clearer mountain views, but weather in the Ausangate region remains unpredictable.

Is this suitable for someone arriving in Cusco the day before?

It is not recommended. The circuit reaches around 4,800 meters, so travelers should acclimatize before attempting the hike.

Is travel insurance recommended?

Yes. Insurance covering hiking, medical emergencies, and trip interruptions is recommended for this remote high-altitude excursion.

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