Just a few hours from Cusco, deep in the Andes, there’s a place where glacial lakes shine in shades of turquoise and emerald, and towering mountains seem to touch the sky. Welcome to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots you can explore in a single day.
This full-day adventure takes you through the heart of the Andes, along a route that visits seven stunning lagoons fed by the Ausangate glacier — one of Peru’s most sacred peaks. Each lake offers a unique view, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, wide open valleys, and pure, high-altitude air. Some call it the Ausangate 7 Lakes, others the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate, but all agree it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression.
The hike is a great way to experience the Ausangate region without needing to do a long trek. You’ll walk through peaceful landscapes dotted with alpacas and llamas, and maybe even spot Andean birds flying overhead. And because the trail is still off the radar for most tourists, you’ll feel like you have the mountains all to yourself.
More than just a beautiful place, Ausangate is considered a protector by local communities — an Apu, full of energy and meaning. Being here is not just about nature, but also about connecting with something deeper.
If you’re in Cusco and looking for a rewarding and quiet high-mountain experience, the Ausangate 7 Lagoons day hike is the perfect escape.
Our journey to the breathtaking 7 Lagoons of Ausangate begins very early in the morning. Between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., we pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco to begin an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Andes. The drive south takes us through small traditional towns and scenic valleys until, after approximately 3.5 hours, we arrive at the high-Andean community of Pacchanta, located at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level — the starting point of our hike.
Upon arrival in Pacchanta, we enjoy a delicious Andean buffet breakfast, offering a variety of options such as eggs, Andean bread, pancakes, seasonal fruits, cooked quinoa, and hot herbal teas made from coca and muña, all locally sourced. This energizing breakfast helps us adapt to the altitude while our guide gives us an introductory briefing about the region, the route ahead, and the spiritual importance of Ausangate, considered a sacred mountain (Apu) by local Quechua communities.
Around 9:00 a.m., we begin our trek along a natural trail surrounded by spectacular landscapes with panoramic views of the mighty Ausangate snow-capped peak. Along the way, we visit the seven main lagoons: Azulcocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Patacocha, and Pucacocha. Each lagoon is unique in color, shape, and energy — from turquoise to emerald, dark or crystalline waters — all nestled among glaciers and mountain peaks. The hike takes place at altitudes ranging from (4,200 m / 13,780 ft ) to (4,850 m / 15,912 feet), and it’s common to see llamas, alpacas, vizcachas, and even high-Andean birds like geese and eagles.
After approximately 4 to 5 hours of hiking (including rest stops and photo breaks), we return to Pacchanta, where a traditional Andean buffet lunch awaits us. The lunch includes several tasty and healthy options such as cooked quinoa, native potatoes, lentils, rice, fresh vegetables, and local meats like chicken or alpaca — all accompanied by natural herbal teas. Served buffet-style, this meal allows each traveler to enjoy a variety of regional flavors and recharge their energy.
After lunch, you have the option to relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta, with an incredible view of the Ausangate glacier. These mineral-rich waters are perfect for soothing sore muscles after the hike and offer a peaceful moment of rest in the midst of towering mountains and pure Andean air.
Finally, around 3:00 p.m., we begin our return trip to Cusco. We arrive back in the city between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m., leaving behind a day filled with unforgettable landscapes, vibrant culture, and deep connection with nature. The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate is not just a high-altitude hike — it’s a soul-refreshing experience in the heart of Ausangate Peru.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about 7 lakes of Ausangate Tour full day in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
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Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike Company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
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I had never heard of the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate until a friend mentioned it. What a hidden gem! The air is pure, the colors of the lakes are unbelievable, and there were hardly any other tourists. A peaceful, powerful, and unforgettable day.
If you’re looking for something different from the usual tourist spots near Cusco, go for the Ausangate 7 Lagoons trek. It’s remote, authentic, and visually stunning. The hike is a bit challenging due to the altitude, but absolutely worth every step.
The Ausangate 7 Lakes tour was beyond magical. The landscapes were surreal, especially the view of the emerald and turquoise lagoons surrounded by snow-capped peaks. I’ve done many hikes in Peru, but nothing compares to this experience. Highly recommended!
I was blown away by the beauty of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate. Each lagoon had its own personality, and the surrounding views were breathtaking. This is an experience I’ll cherish forever. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers!
Ausangate 7 Lakes is hands down one of the best full-day treks in Peru. The scenery is wild and untouched, and the spiritual vibe of the place really stays with you. I’d do it again in a heartbeat
