The Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour is a full-day adventure for travelers who love nature, hiking, and high mountains. This experience takes you deep into the Ausangate region, one of the most beautiful and sacred areas in the Peruvian Andes. You will walk among colorful glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wide open landscapes far from the crowds.
The day starts very early with hotel pickup in Cusco (historic city center). After a scenic drive through traditional Andean towns, you arrive at the small community of Pacchanta, located above 4,300 meters. Here, you will be welcomed with breakfast. This is also where the 7 lakes of Ausangate hike begins.
During the hike, you follow a high-altitude circuit of about 7 kilometers. Along the way, you visit stunning lakes such as Comercocha, Alqacocha, Patacocha, Otorongo, and Azulcocha. Each lake has a different color, shaped by minerals and glacier meltwater from Ausangate Mountain, the highest mountain in the Cusco region.
This Ausangate trek 1 day is physically demanding due to altitude, but the views make every step worth it. You may see alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, native birds, and with luck, the Andean condor. After completing the circuit, you return to Pacchanta for lunch and have the option to relax in the hot springs before heading back to Cusco.
Activities on the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour
- High-altitude hiking in the Ausangate region
- Visiting seven colorful glacial lakes
- Mountain and glacier sightseeing
- Wildlife observation in the Andes
- Optional soak in Pacchanta hot springs (closed till end of May, subject to weather conditions)
Lakes visited on the Ausangate 7 Lagoons hike
Comercocha Lake
One of the first lakes on the route. Its name means “green lake” in Quechua, and its calm green waters reflect the surrounding mountains.
Alqacocha Lake
Known as the “two-color lake,” Alqacocha often shows shades of turquoise and blue due to glacier minerals and sunlight.
Q’omercocha Lake
Another lake whose name means “green lake.” It sits in a wide open valley and is surrounded by grazing alpacas.
China Otorongo Lake
This lake represents the female otorongo, a wild Andean feline. It holds spiritual meaning for local communities.
Orco Otorongo Lake
Known as the male otorongo lake, it lies at a higher elevation and has darker, deeper-colored waters.
Azulcocha Lake
Famous for its intense blue color, caused by glacier melt and minerals. One of the most photographed lakes on the hike.
Patacocha Lake
Located near the highest point of the hike (~4,740 m / 15,551 ft). Its name means “lake at the summit,” and it offers dramatic mountain views.
Ausangate altitude
The Ausangate region is one of the highest trekking areas near Cusco. During the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike, you walk at very high altitude for most of the day. The starting point in Pacchanta is above 4,300 meters, and the trail climbs steadily from there.
The highest point of the hike reaches approximately 4,740 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy wide views of glaciers and surrounding peaks. Because of the thin air at this altitude, proper acclimatization in Cusco is very important. Walking slowly, staying hydrated, and following your guide’s advice will help you enjoy the hike safely.
Ausangate 7 Lakes weather
The weather at the Ausangate 7 Lakes can change quickly. Mornings are usually clear and cold, with strong sun once it rises. During the dry season, from May to September, days are mostly sunny with blue skies, but temperatures remain low, especially early in the morning.
In other months, light rain can occur, usually in the afternoon. Snow is possible at higher elevations, but it is not common. Even when rain appears, it is often short. Because of the cold climate, warm clothing and rain protection are always recommended, no matter the season.
Ausangate 7 Lagoons elevation overview
The 7 Lakes of Ausangate hike is a high-altitude circuit that starts and ends in the community of Pacchanta. The trail involves a steady ascent to the highest point, followed by a gradual descent. The total walking distance is about 7 km, completed over 5 to 6 hours.
Starting point: Pacchanta village: ~4,300 m / 14,107 ft
This is where breakfast is served and where the hike begins and ends.
Elevation gain and loss
- Total ascent: ~440 meters / 1,443 ft
- Total descent: ~440 meters / 1,443 ft
- Highest point of the hike: ~4,740 m / 15,551 ft
This elevation makes the hike physically demanding, even for experienced hikers. The trail itself is not technical, but the constant high altitude adds difficulty. Spending at least three days acclimatizing in Cusco before the hike is strongly recommended.
7 Lakes of Ausangate difficulty
The 7 Lakes of Ausangate hike is considered challenging. The main difficulty is the altitude, not the terrain. The route involves 5 to 6 hours of walking and a total distance of about 7 kilometers at high elevation.
This hike is best suited for travelers with good physical condition and previous experience hiking at altitude. It is not recommended for beginners or travelers who have not acclimatized. However, with a steady pace, professional guides, and safety equipment, it is a very rewarding one-day adventure.
Extend your adventure: multi-day Ausangate Treks to Rainbow Mountain
If you want more than a one-day hike, Wander Free Peru also offers 2, 3, 4, and 5 day Ausangate treks to Rainbow Mountain. These routes are perfect for travelers who want a deeper experience in the Ausangate region and a quieter visit to Rainbow Mountain.
While the Ausangate 7 Lagoons day hike shows you the highlights in a single day, multi-day treks take you far beyond the usual trails. You explore remote valleys, high mountain passes, glaciers, colorful lakes, and traditional Andean communities over several days.
The biggest benefit of a multi-day Ausangate trek is time. More time means fewer crowds, deeper cultural contact, and access to landscapes that day hikers never see. You also reach Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley from a less crowded route, arriving before the main crowds.
Ausangate Trek options to Rainbow Mountain
2-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
A great option for travelers with limited time who still want a true trekking experience. Includes an overnight stay in the mountains and a quieter approach to Rainbow Mountain.
3-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
Perfect balance between adventure and comfort. Hike remote trails, camp in the Andes, and visit Rainbow Mountain with fewer people around.
4-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
Great for hikers who want quiet trails and amazing scenery. Walk over high mountain passes, through glacier valleys, and past colorful lakes before reaching Rainbow Mountain.
5-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain
The most complete Ausangate experience. Enjoy the widest variety of landscapes, cultural encounters, and a peaceful visit to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.
Background information about the Ausangate region
The Ausangate area is considered sacred by Andean communities. For centuries, local people have believed the mountain protects water, animals, and crops. Many lakes are named in Quechua and describe their colors, shapes, or spiritual meaning.
The lakes are fed by glaciers, which is why their colors change depending on light and season. The hike takes place between 4,300 and 4,740 meters, making it one of the highest day hikes near Cusco. Because of the cold climate, the area remains wild and untouched, offering a true Andes experience.
