Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike 1 day

Our journey will start at 5:00 a.m. We will pick you up from your hotel and drive for approximately 3.5 hours south of Cusco to Pacchanta, a small Quechua-speaking community located at more than 4,100 m (13,451 ft). Temperatures here are noticeably colder than in Cusco. As we gain elevation, the air becomes colder, and the scenery grows more dramatic, with expansive mountain landscapes and breathtaking views.

Once in Pacchanta we will have a breakfast at local restaurant, while your guide provides a briefing about the day’s hike, weather conditions, and helpful altitude tips that make the day much easier.

After breakfast and a short break, we begin our hike through the stunning Ausangate Seven Lakes Circuit. The trail starts with a gradual uphill ascent at a steady, comfortable pace, passing through open valleys, crystal-clear streams, and traditional alpaca grazing areas. Before long, you will encounter the first glacial lakes, each displaying its own unique shades of turquoise, emerald, and deep blue, depending on the sunlight, minerals, and weather conditions.

Along the route, you will visit the seven beautiful lakes: Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Cocha, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha (4,860 m /15,944 ft). One of the highlights of this trek is the constantly changing scenery, from wide alpine valleys and rocky trails to peaceful lakeshores, grazing alpacas, and spectacular glacier views beneath the towering Ausangate Mountain.

After the circuit, we hike back down toward Pacchanta at a relaxed peace, giving you plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Back in the village, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Optional: Pacchanta natural hot springs, where you can soak and warm up after a full day hiking.

Finally, we will board our private transportation to return to Cusco, and drop you off at your hotel, arriving at around 6:30 pm. We will drop you off at your hotel or at a nearby central location if your street is not accessible by vehicle.