The Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day Tour from Cusco takes you to explore seven stunningly colorful lagoons, such as Pukaqocha (reddish) and Azul Qocha (turquoise), located between 4,100 and 4,800 meters in the Ausangate mountain range. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpacas, these Andean gems offer a moderate trekking experience (3–6 hours) that blends nature, Inca traditions, and spirituality—perfect for photographers and adventurers looking for an experience beyond Machu Picchu.
Summary
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day Tour from Cusco is a unique adventure for lovers of trekking, photography, and Inca traditions. In just one day, you’ll explore the 7 lakes of Ausangate, located between 4,100 and 4,800 meters in the Ausangate mountain range, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpacas, and a sacred silence. This moderate trek (3–6 hours) takes you through remote Andean landscapes, far from the crowds of Machu Picchu or Humantay, offering a deep connection with nature and Andean spirituality.
Places You’ll Visit on the Tour
During the Ausangate 7 Lakes trek from Cusco, you’ll visit seven lakes, each with its own unique charm:
- Pukaqocha Lagoon: Reddish due to minerals, located at 4,200 m, ideal for sunrise photos.
- Patacocha Lagoon: Calm and crystal clear, surrounded by Andean grasslands.
- Alqa Qocha Lagoon: Emerald green, reflecting the nearby snow peaks.
- Q’ome Qocha Lagoon: Deep green, a serene oasis at 4,500 m.
- Orccococha Lagoon: Bright turquoise, with stunning views of Mount Ausangate.
- China Orccococha Lagoon: Small and charming, with bluish tones.
- Azulcocha Lagoon: The most iconic, with deep blue waters at 4,600 m.
After the hike, you’ll enjoy a relaxing soak in the Pacchanta hot springs, located in the local community of Pacchanta, offering spectacular views of the Ausangate glacier.
Logistics and Experience with Top Inka Travel
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour begins at 4:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco, followed by a 3-hour drive to Pacchanta. The tour includes safe transportation, a traditional breakfast and lunch prepared by the local community, and expert local guides who share Inca history and traditions. The hike is moderate, ideal for travelers with basic trekking experience and 1–2 days of acclimatization in Cusco. After exploring the lakes, you’ll relax in the Pacchanta hot springs, perfect for unwinding before returning to Cusco at sunset.
Why Choose Our Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco
Unlike the popular Humantay Lake (1 lake, 4,100 m), our Ausangate 7 Lakes 2025 Tour offers seven colorful lakes in a more remote setting—ideal for photographers and lovers of Andean culture. With Top Inka Travel, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience, unhurried exploration, bilingual guides (Spanish and English), and attention to every detail.
Book your Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco now on our reservations page and experience the magic of the Andes!
Itinerary
Itinerary
HOTEL PICKUP TIME: 4:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We will begin our adventure with pickup at your hotel in Cusco, from where we will travel by tourist transport to the Pacchanta community, a trip of approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast before starting our hike.
After receiving instructions from our guide, we will begin a tour of approximately 3 hours exploring a set of impressive crystal-clear lagoons, surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks. Our first stop will be at Pukaqocha Lagoon, followed by Pataqocha Lagoon and Alqa Qocha Lagoon, each with its own natural charm. We will continue to Q’ome Qocha Lagoon, and later visit Orq’o Otorongo and China Otorongo Lagoons, known for their scenic beauty and serene waters.
Finally, we will reach Azul Qocha Lagoon, a true natural treasure with intensely blue waters.
After this fascinating tour, we will return to Pacchanta, where a typical regional lunch awaits us. Here, we will also have the opportunity to relax in the hot springs, enjoying a moment of rest with impressive views.
Around 2:30 p.m., we will begin our return trip to Cusco, concluding this unforgettable experience in contact with Andean nature. We will end the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Excursion in the city, taking with us unforgettable memories of the impressive landscapes and the unique energy of the mountain range.
Includes
Includes
- Hotel pickup (central locations)
- Tourist transportation (round trip)
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Breakfast and lunch (Buffet)
- First aid kit and oxygen tank
- Walking sticks
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Entrance ticket (20 soles)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Snacks and/or refreshments
Important Information
Hotel pickups are conducted in central locations near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. If your hotel is outside the historic center, the meeting point will be at the Plaza de Armas fountain. The exact pickup time will be confirmed one day before the tour. Our tour ends at Plazoleta Regocijo, located one block from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
Recommendations
Recommendations for the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour
To fully enjoy the Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day Tour from Cusco, make sure to bring the following:
- Comfortable, non-slip trekking shoes for hiking between 4,100–4,800 meters above sea level.
- Thermal clothing, a windbreaker, and a warm jacket for temperatures ranging from -5°C to 15°C.
- Hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 50+).
- 1-liter water bottle, energy snacks, and coca candies to help with altitude.
- Passport or ID card (required for entry).
- Camera or phone with enough storage to capture the 7 lakes of Ausangate.
- Extra cash for tips or souvenirs in Pacchanta.
For the best photos, aim for 9:00–11:00 a.m., when the light enhances the vibrant colors of lakes like Pukaqocha and Azulcocha. See more in the Itinerary section.
Preparation for the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour takes place in a sacred area of the Vilcanota mountain range, about 100 km from Cusco, with lakes located between 4,100 and 4,800 meters above sea level. Acclimatize for 1–2 days in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness.
For travelers without experience in high-altitude trekking, we offer optional horse assistance or easier tours with less effort—ideal for families, seniors, or beginners. Our bilingual guides (Spanish and English) go at your pace, with frequent breaks. Check all available options on our booking page.
Useful Information for Your Adventure
The tour starts at 4:00 a.m. with hotel pick-up in central Cusco (Plaza de Armas or San Blas) and a 3-hour drive to Pacchanta in a tourist vehicle. Along the way, you’ll enjoy Andean landscapes filled with snowy peaks, alpacas, and crystal-clear rivers. The trek ends with a relaxing bath in the Pacchanta hot springs, surrounded by the majestic Ausangate Glacier.
The tour includes breakfast, a traditional lunch, and a first-aid kit with oxygen for your safety.
The best time to visit is from April to October (dry season). See more in the Weather section.
Why Choose Our Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour
With Top Inka Travel, the Ausangate 7 Lakes Trek from Cusco is more than just a hike—it’s a spiritual connection with Inca traditions. Our guides, many of them Quechua speakers from Pacchanta, share the legends of the lakes such as Pukaqocha, Azulcocha, Q’ome Qocha, and others.
We offer private tours for couples or small groups, walking sticks, rain ponchos, and VIP options with gourmet lunch. Unlike the Humantay Lake Tour (1 lake, 4,100 m), our Ausangate 7 Lakes 2025 Tour explores seven unique lakes in a remote and peaceful setting, ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
Final Tips and Combinations
The Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour is a perfect warm-up for Machu Picchu or the Inca Trail, helping your body adjust to the altitude. You can also combine it with nearby destinations such as Humantay Lake (turquoise and more accessible) or Tipón (Inca archaeology).
Read real traveler reviews on our website to learn more about the punctuality and quality of our guides.
Book your Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day Tour from Cusco now on our reservations page and experience the magic of the Andes!
FAQ
How long is the hike to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?
The actual hike lasts between 3 and 4 hours, but the full tour from Cusco —including transfers, breakfast, hike, and return— takes between 8 and 10 hours. It’s a full-day tour ideal for lovers of high-altitude trekking.
Which lagoons are visited on the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour?
During the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour, you’ll visit: Pucacocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo, and Azulcocha. Each lagoon has unique colors due to its mineral and glacial composition.
What altitude does the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour reach?
The highest point of the tour is around 4,900 to 5,000 m.a.s.l. (16,076 ft). It’s important to acclimate in Cusco before doing this trek.
Is the Ausangate 7 Lakes trekking difficult?
The trekking is of moderate to high difficulty, mainly because of the altitude rather than the distance. It’s recommended to have a basic fitness level and spend at least one day in Cusco beforehand.
Is it recommended to do the tour without prior acclimatization?
No. Due to the high altitude, it’s recommended to acclimate for at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before doing this full-day tour to Ausangate.
Where does the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour depart from?
The tour departs from Cusco early in the morning, heading to Pacchanta, a community near Tinki, from where the hike begins.
What’s included in the Top Inka Travel packages?
Our tours include round-trip transportation from Cusco, professional guide, breakfast, traditional Andean lunch, entrance to Pacchanta hot springs, oxygen, trekking poles, and rain poncho (during the rainy season).
What are the Pacchanta hot springs?
At the end of the tour, you can enjoy the Pacchanta hot springs, perfect for relaxing your muscles after the hike. It’s one of the travelers’ favorite experiences.
When is the best time to visit Ausangate and the 7 Lakes?
The best time is between April and November, during the dry season. It’s ideal for trekking with clear views and no rain.
Can I book the tour online?
Yes. You can book the Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day Tour from our website, with guaranteed availability and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Is it possible to take a private tour to Ausangate 7 Lakes?
Yes. We offer private Ausangate tours for small groups, couples, or families seeking flexibility, personalized attention, and custom schedules.
Is it possible to go by horse?
Yes, you can rent a horse in Pacchanta if you prefer not to walk the entire route. It’s a great option if you’re not fully acclimated.
Does the tour include a Quechua-speaking guide?
Yes, we offer the option of a native Quechua-speaking guide for those who want a deeper and more authentic cultural experience.
Can I combine this tour with Machu Picchu?
Of course. Many travelers choose this tour as preparation before visiting Machu Picchu or doing the Inca Trail, as it helps with altitude acclimatization.
Can I combine this tour with Humantay Lake?
Yes. We can arrange combined packages that include Humantay Lake and Ausangate 7 Lakes, both available as day tours from Cusco.
Is travel insurance required for this tour?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s always recommended to have insurance that covers high-altitude hiking activities.
Is there phone signal along the route?
Coverage is limited or non-existent in the trekking area. That’s why it’s ideal for disconnecting and reconnecting with nature.
What should I bring for the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour?
Thermal clothing, waterproof jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water, energy snacks, passport or ID card.
Are drones allowed?
Yes, but prior authorization is required. Check with your agency before the trip to obtain the necessary permits.
Can children or seniors do the tour?
Yes, but it’s recommended only for children over 10 years old in good physical condition. For seniors, it’s best to consult a doctor beforehand and consider using a support horse.
Map
Map
