Tour from Cusco
Ausangate 7 Lakes
A full-day hike to seven turquoise lakes at 4,860 m (15,950 ft), at the foot of snowcapped Ausangate. Departure from Cusco at 4:30 a.m., 5 to 6 hours of hiking, breakfast and lunch included, and an optional dip in the Pacchanta hot springs.
- We assist you in English on WhatsApp
- English-speaking guides
- Local Cusco agency since 2003, registered with MINCETUR
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5 a.m.
Commentary in English, Spanish or Portuguese along the whole route
Azulcocha, Patacocha, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo
We confirm your booking in under 2 hours
Seven turquoise lakes at the foot of snowcapped Ausangate, on a full-day trip from Cusco
The Ausangate 7 Lakes tour is a full-day trip from Cusco to the mountain range of snowcapped Ausangate, the highest apu (sacred mountain) in the region. We leave before dawn for the village of Pacchanta, about three hours away, and have breakfast there before we start hiking.
The round-trip hike takes 5 to 6 hours and passes seven lakes in shades of turquoise, blue and green — Azulcocha, Patacocha, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo — at about 4,860 m. Along the way, you’ll often see Andean birds, alpacas, llamas and vizcachas. At the end of the hike, back in Pacchanta, lunch and the village’s hot springs are waiting for you.
The tour costs US$ 55 per person and includes tourist transport, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, a trekking pole and constant support with an oxygen tank. If you’re looking for other day hikes in the same region, we also run the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) tour and, with a much shorter and easier walk, the Palcoyo tour.
Seven colorful lakes
Azulcocha, Patacocha, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo, in shades from deep blue to turquoise and green.
The Ausangate range
The route runs at the foot of one of Cusco's most iconic mountain ranges, with glaciers in view for much of the hike.
Andean wildlife in the wild
Along the way, you'll often see Andean birds, as well as alpacas, llamas and vizcachas in their natural habitat.
Pacchanta hot springs
After the hike, lunch in Pacchanta and time to relax in the warm hot springs before the drive back to Cusco.
Itinerary
Your full day, step by step: from Cusco to the Ausangate 7 Lakes
- 4:30–5 a.m. · Pickup from your hotel in CuscoWe leave by tourist transport for the village of Pacchanta, a drive of about 3 hours.
- Pacchanta · BreakfastA hearty breakfast in the village before the hike.
- Start of the hikeA round-trip hike of about 5 to 6 hours through the Ausangate range, with a trekking pole and a professional guide.
- The seven lakesA route past Azulcocha, Patacocha, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo, spotting Andean birds, alpacas, llamas and vizcachas.
- Back to Pacchanta · LunchLunch after the hike and time to relax in the hot springs (optional entrance).
- ≈7:30 p.m. · Return to CuscoDrive back and arrival in the city.
What does your Ausangate 7 Lakes tour include?
No surprises and no fine print: this is exactly what the service covers and what you pay separately on the day of the tour.
1 day (full day), approx. 4:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
4,860 m above sea level
Daily predawn departure; the tour starts at 4:30 a.m.
English, Spanish or Portuguese
Included
- Round-trip tourist transport
- Professional guide throughout the route
- Breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta
- Trekking pole
- Constant support and an oxygen tank
Not included
- Entrance fee for the 7 Lakes circuit
- Hot springs entrance (optional)
- Extra drinks and snacks
- Tips and personal expenses
Note: the entrance fee is paid separately, in cash, directly at the community checkpoint. Entrance to the Pacchanta hot springs is optional and is also paid separately.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the most common questions, so you can book with peace of mind.
Do I need to acclimatize before the 7 Lakes tour?
Yes, it’s essential. The hike takes place at about 4,860 m and lasts several hours. We recommend spending at least two or three days in Cusco before this trip and doing easier tours first.
How difficult is the tour?
Moderate to challenging. It’s 5 to 6 hours of round-trip hiking at high altitude, with ups and downs. We provide a trekking pole and carry an oxygen tank, but you need to be in good shape and acclimatized.
Which tickets do I need to buy separately?
The entrance fee for the 7 Lakes circuit and, if you want to use them, the Pacchanta hot springs, which are optional. Both are paid in cash on the day.
What time does it start and how long does it last?
Pickup from your hotel is between 4:30 and 5 a.m. The drive to Pacchanta takes about 3 hours, and the hike 5 to 6 hours. We’re back in Cusco around 7:30 p.m.
What should I bring?
Warm layers and a windbreaker, hiking boots, a rain poncho, gloves and a warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and snacks, a swimsuit and towel if you want to use the hot springs, cash for the entrance fee, and your passport.
How do booking and payment work?
You can book right on this page, choosing your date and number of travelers. We confirm your booking in under 2 hours and agree on the exact pickup time with you. You can also message us on WhatsApp before booking. We have English-speaking guides.
What happens if the weather affects the departure?
The trip runs year-round, although the weather in the mountains changes fast and there may be rain or snow. If conditions don’t allow a safe hike, we’ll agree on a date change or a suitable alternative with you.
How much does the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour cost?
The price is US$ 55 per person. It includes round-trip tourist transport from Cusco, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta, a trekking pole and constant support with an oxygen tank. You pay for the circuit entrance fee and, if you want to use them, the Pacchanta hot springs.
Which lakes does the tour visit?
Seven lakes in the Ausangate range: Azulcocha, Patacocha, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo. You visit them on a 5- to 6-hour round-trip circuit from Pacchanta, with water in shades from turquoise to green, depending on the lake and the light.
Who is this tour for?
For travelers who are already acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude, enjoy hiking for several hours and want high-mountain scenery without crowds. It’s not the best option for your first day in the city, if you’re traveling with young children or if you’d prefer a short tour: in that case, the Palcoyo tour, with a 30- to 45-minute walk, is a better fit.
Ready to book or have a question?
Talk to a travel advisor in English. We reply Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Peru time, GMT-5).