Join the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour. A full-day trek with turquoise landscapes, the majestic snow-capped peak, and natural hot springs. Book today!
The 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour is the ultimate high-mountain experience in Cusco. Enjoy a full-day trek exploring a circuit of turquoise and emerald glacial lakes nestled at the foot of the imposing Ausangate snow-capped peak, the most sacred mountain in the Andes.
In addition to trekking, this tour includes a cultural immersion in the Pacchanta community, culminating in a well-deserved, relaxing bath in natural hot springs with direct views of the glaciers.
Pacchanta community, 7 glacial lakes circuit, and the foothills of Ausangate.
Full Day (Approx. 13 hours). Departure from Cusco at 04:00 AM.
Professional expert high-mountain guide (Spanish / English).
We will start early by picking you up directly from your hotel. We will embark on our journey in our tourist transport along the southern interoceanic highway, enjoying the Andean sunrise during the approximately 3-hour drive.
We will arrive at the picturesque alpaca-raising community of Pacchanta (4,300 masl). Here, we will prepare for the glacial cold and enjoy a nutritious traditional breakfast prepared by locals to energize ourselves before hiking.
Under our guide’s instructions, we will begin the gradual ascent. We will walk at a steady pace to acclimatize to the altitude, making our way through stunning puna landscapes, herds of llamas, and wild vizcachas.
We will reach the heart of the circuit. Throughout the morning, we will visit: Azulcocha, Otorongococha, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, and Q’omercocha. We will have free time at each lake to take spectacular photos with the imposing Ausangate snow-capped peak in the background.
After completing the 10 km circuit, we will descend back to Pacchanta. As a great reward for the effort, you will have free time to soak in the rustic hot spring pools (35°C – 40°C), perfect for relaxing tired muscles.
Completely relaxed after the thermal bath, we will enjoy a hearty, traditional lunch made with local ingredients by the families of the Pacchanta community.
We will board our transport back to the city of Cusco. The tour will conclude dropping you off near the Plaza de Armas, marking the end of an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes.
The trek for the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour takes place above 4,600 masl. The climate is typical of high mountains: freezing mornings, intense midday sun, and chilly winds. Dressing using the “layering system” is key to enjoying both the hike and the hot springs. Here are the essentials:
The full circuit covers approximately 10 to 12 kilometers (6 to 7.5 miles). Hiking the entire route (with frequent stops to take photos at the turquoise glacial lakes) takes around 4 to 5 hours at a moderate pace.
We classify it as Moderate to Challenging. The entire route is situated above 4,600 masl. Unlike Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), the trail here features much more gradual and less steep inclines, but the main challenge lies in enduring the cold temperatures and several hours of high-altitude hiking.
Definitely not! Due to the extreme altitude at the foothills of Mount Ausangate, it is strictly necessary to spend at least 48 hours (2 days) acclimatizing in Cusco city or the Sacred Valley prior to this excursion to prevent altitude sickness (soroche).
They are beautiful, rustic open-air natural thermal pools managed by the local community. Their therapeutic waters range between 35°C and 40°C. Soaking in the hot water with views of the snow-capped peaks is extraordinary. Admission is only S/ 5.00 Soles (paid in cash on-site).
Yes, community members in Pacchanta offer saddle horse rentals (approx. S/ 80.00 Soles). It is a great support; however, please keep in mind that for your safety, along certain rocky sections or when very close to the lakes, the muleteer will ask you to dismount and walk short stretches.
The ideal time is during the Andean dry season, between May and November. During these months, the skies are generally clear and direct sunlight strikes the water minerals, intensely accentuating the turquoise, emerald, and deep blue hues.
Due to freezing winds, 5 hours of trekking, and extreme altitude, we do not recommend it for children under 12 years old or seniors over 60, unless they are in exceptional physical condition and well experienced with high-mountain hiking.
Admission tickets to the circuit (S/ 20.00) and hot springs (S/ 5.00) are paid directly in cash to the villagers of Pacchanta. We believe in sustainable community-based tourism; this is the most transparent way to guarantee that revenues directly benefit and support local alpaca-farming families.
Select your preferred payment method. We will not make any automatic charges now; we will use this information to send you the exact instructions and secure link to your WhatsApp and email.
