Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM Pickup window from your accommodation
- Arrival in the ending city
- 7:00 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends
Highlights
- See all seven Ausangate lagoons (Comercocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Patacocha (3), Otorongo, and Azulcocha) in one day
- See alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, native birds, and possibly the Andean condor
- Breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta included
What is included
Included
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Breakfast and lunch
- Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- First aid kit
- Oxygen
- Basic walking pole
Not included
- Entrance fee to the 7 Lagoons of the Ausangate
The Ausangate 7 Lagoons are managed by local communities. To help protect the area, visitors must pay an entrance fee directly at the control point. The cost is 20 soles per person. This fee is paid in cash and goes to the local community. - Horse rental (Optional)
If you feel tired during the hike, horses are available for rent in Pacchanta. A local handler will lead the horse along the trail. The average cost is 80 to 90 soles, paid directly to the horse owner. This service is offered by local people and may not always be present. It can be arranged on the spot. - Entrance to Pacchanta Hot Springs
The Pacchanta hot springs are currently closed until the end of May. Once reopened, visitors may be able to relax in the natural hot springs after the hike. The warm water helps reduce muscle fatigue after walking at high altitude. The entrance fee is 5 soles per person, paid in cash at the hot springs, if applicable. - Snacks and water
Snacks and drinking water are not included in the tour. Due to the cold weather and high altitude, we recommend bringing enough water and energy snacks such as chocolate, nuts, or energy bars to stay hydrated and energized during the hike. - Tips
Itinerary
Morning
04:30 – 05:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel or hostel in the historic center of Cusco. Once the group is complete, we begin the journey south of the city.
Scenic drive through Andean landscapes and traditional villages. We pass through the town of Tinke and continue to the community of Pacchanta, located at 4,310 meters above sea level.
Breakfast in Pacchanta. A light meal helps prepare your body for hiking at high altitude.
Start of the Ausangate 7 Lagoons hike. We begin walking through open mountain terrain and visit the first lakes, including Comercocha and Alqacocha, known for their green and turquoise colors.
Continue hiking while enjoying views of colorful glacial lakes, wide valleys, and snow-capped peaks. Along the trail, you may see alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and native birds.
Afternoon
Reach the highest point of the hike at approximately 4,740 meters. From here, enjoy panoramic views of glaciers and the impressive
Ausangate Mountain. Time for photos and a short rest.
Begin the descent back toward Pacchanta, completing the circuit and visiting more lakes such as Patacocha, Otorongo, and Azulcocha. The changing light makes the lake colors even more vibrant.
Return to Pacchanta for a well-deserved lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Optional visit to the Pacchanta hot springs. These hot springs are currently closed until the end of May. If they reopen, a visit may be possible depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions. The entrance fee, if applicable, is paid locally.
Evening
07:00 PM: Board our private transport and return to Cusco. Arrival is around 7:00 PM, with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Practical information
Meeting and timing
- End point
-
7:00 PM
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Tour duration
- 1 day
- Average group size
- 14 people
Full tour description
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 12 km, completed over 5 to 6 hours.
Starting point: Pacchanta village: ~4,390 m / 14,107 ft
This is where breakfast is served and where the hike begins and ends.
Elevation gain and loss
- Total ascent: ~350 meters / 1,443 ft
- Total descent: ~350 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 12 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.
What to bring
- Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes or boots for the trail.
- Warm clothing: Pack thermal wear, fleece, and a down jacket to adapt to changing weather.
- Hiking clothes: Lightweight, breathable outfits for comfortable trekking.
- Rain gear: A waterproof jacket or rain poncho to stay dry.
- Sun protection: A hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield you from the sun.
- Water: A water bottle or hydration system to keep you hydrated.
- Snacks: Energy bars or snacks to fuel your hike.
- Camera and/or phone: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for pictures.
- Extra cash: Bring some cash for personal expenses.
- Backpack: A small backpack to carry all your essentials.
- Swimwear: Pack a swimsuit and towel if you plan to enjoy the Pacchanta thermal baths.
Remember, mountain weather can be full of surprises, so layering your clothing is key to staying comfortable throughout the day. Be prepared for different conditions to fully enjoy your adventure!
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the full-day Ausangate trek?
The 1-day Ausangate trek is considered challenging. It involves hiking on high altitude. Good physical condition and prior acclimatization in Cusco are strongly recommended.
How hard is the Ausangate Trek in 1 day?
The main challenge of the Ausangate trek in 1 day is the altitude, not technical difficulty. Hikers walk above 4,000 meters and cross high passes. Strong legs, good stamina, and acclimatisation are important.
What does Ausangate mean?
Ausangate comes from the Quechua language. While the exact meaning is debated, it is often linked to strength, sacred power, and protection. The mountain is considered a holy guardian by local Andean communities.
What is the difference between Salkantay and Ausangate?
Salkantay is more popular, has better infrastructure, and is busier. Ausangate is more remote, less crowded, and more challenging. Ausangate offers stronger cultural experiences and untouched landscapes.
Is Ausangate worth it?
Yes, Ausangate is worth it for travelers seeking adventure and solitude. It offers colorful lakes, glaciers, wildlife, and deep cultural connections. It is ideal for hikers who want a less touristy trek.
Is Ausangate a glacier?
Ausangate is not a glacier, but a massive snow-capped mountain with several glaciers. These glaciers feed the rivers and colorful lakes found along the Ausangate day hike.
Where is Ausangate, Peru?
Ausangate is located in the Cusco region of southern Peru, about 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco city. It sits within the Vilcanota mountain range.
How long is the Ausangate hike?
The Ausangate 7 lakes day hike takes about 5-6 hours. The distance is about 6.5 – 7 kilometers.
When to do the Ausangate trek?
The best time to do the Ausangate hike is during the dry season, from May to September. These months offer clearer skies and safer trail conditions. Mornings and evenings are cold, especially in June and July. In other months, if it rains, rain is usually limited and. If it occurs, it often falls in the afternoon. Trails are less crowded and landscapes are greener.