7 Lagoons of Ausangate: A Full Day Among Glacial Lakes at 4,600 Meters
Seven glacial lagoons in seven shades of blue, green and red, circling the base of Apu Ausangate — Cusco’s highest sacred mountain — followed by natural hot springs.
Talk to a local advisor about acclimatization, dates and private options.
What is the 7 Lagoons circuit?
The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate hike circles the base of Apu Ausangate (6,384 m), the highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the most revered apus (sacred mountain spirits) in Andean cosmology. The trailhead starts near the community of Pacchanta, a small settlement famous for its alpaca herds and natural hot springs, roughly three hours from Cusco.
From there, a loop trail climbs through open valleys and glacial terrain to link seven lagoons, each fed by Ausangate’s meltwater and colored differently by mineral sediment — from turquoise and emerald to deep red. It’s traditionally the final stretch of the multi-day Ausangate trek, but it’s now also offered as a standalone full-day tour for travelers with limited time.
🦙Wildlife along the way: Expect to see alpacas, llamas, vizcachas (Andean chinchillas) and, if you’re lucky, wild vicuñas grazing across the high plains.
The seven lagoons
Names and exact colors vary slightly by operator and route, but these are the lagoons most itineraries include:
Pucacocha
A striking reddish lagoon, colored by mineral-rich sediment.
Patacocha
Crystal-clear waters with dramatic views of Ausangate itself.
Alqacocha
A smaller, reddish-toned lake and a good spot for wildlife.
Qomercocha
Famous for its vivid turquoise color, arguably the circuit’s highlight.
Orco Otorongo
A unique lagoon whose tones echo the fur of a jaguar (otorongo).
China Otorongo
A green-hued lake sitting beside its “jaguar” neighbor.
Azulcocha
A deep blue lagoon, the perfect final stop for photos.
Full-day itinerary
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4:00 AM
Hotel pickup in Cusco
A roughly 3-hour drive to Pacchanta (4,200 m), gateway to Ausangate.
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~7:00 AM
Breakfast & trailhead prep
Box breakfast before setting off, with walking sticks and an oxygen kit on hand.
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Morning
Trek the 7 lagoons circuit
4–5 hours of hiking, linking all seven lagoons with photo stops at each one.
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Early afternoon
Return to Pacchanta
A descent back to the village, where a well-earned lunch awaits.
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~1:00 PM
Pacchanta hot springs
Optional soak in natural thermal pools with Ausangate’s glaciers as a backdrop.
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~4:00–5:00 PM
Drive back to Cusco
Arrival at your hotel by early evening.
Let us handle the altitude planning
We build in the right acclimatization days, oxygen support and pacing so you can focus on the views.
1-day vs. multi-day Ausangate: which is right for you?
| Option | Duration | Highlights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Lagoons — 1 Day | 1 day | All 7 lagoons + hot springs | Limited time, day-trip travelers |
| Ausangate Trek — 2 Days | 2 days, 1 night camping | Upis camp, lagoons, hot springs | A taste of camping without the full commitment |
| Ausangate Trek — 4–6 Days | 4–6 days | Full circuit, Rainbow Mountain, remote passes | Experienced trekkers seeking the complete Ausangate experience |
Difficulty & altitude
This is one of the highest single-day hikes offered near Cusco, reaching close to 4,850 meters at its top point. The trail itself isn’t technical, but the combination of distance, elevation gain and thin air makes it demanding — rated moderate to challenging by most operators.
⚠️Spend at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before this hike. Horses are available near the trailhead for a portion of the route if needed, and most tours carry an oxygen tank as a precaution.
What to pack
Clothing
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof, windproof jacket
- Warm hiking boots
Cold & sun protection
- Gloves, wool hat, buff or scarf
- Sunglasses (snow glare is real)
- High-SPF sunscreen
Trail essentials
- Swimsuit for the hot springs
- 2–3 liters of water
- Trekking poles and snacks
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No technical skills are required, but a good fitness level and proper acclimatization make a big difference at this altitude.
Can I hire a horse for part of the trek?
Yes, horses are usually available from local community members near the trailhead, though a short central section between lagoons must be walked on foot.
Is the 1-day tour worth it compared to the multi-day trek?
If your schedule is tight, absolutely — you’ll see all seven lagoons and the hot springs in a single day. Multi-day trekkers get to add Rainbow Mountain and remote mountain passes to the experience.
What age range is this suitable for?
Most operators recommend it for travelers over 15 in good health; travelers over 60 should be in very good physical condition and consult a doctor before booking.
Walk among seven glacial lagoons at the foot of a sacred Apu
Small-group and private departures, with oxygen support and expert guiding included.
