7 Lagoons of Ausangate: the complete day-trip guide
Beneath the glaciers of sacred Ausangate lies a string of lagoons in impossible blues and greens. The 7 Lagoons day trip is one of Cusco’s most rewarding — and least crowded — high-altitude escapes.
A string of glacial jewels
The trail links a series of glacial lagoons coloured turquoise and emerald by mineral meltwater, set beneath the ice of Ausangate (6,384 m), the region’s most sacred peak. It is high country, wild and quiet.
The hike and the altitude
This is a high day — the trail runs well above 4,000 m, so acclimatize in Cusco for a few days first and go at a steady pace. Expect cold mornings and strong sun; dress in layers (packing guide).
See the 7 Lagoons tour
A guided day trip to the lagoons of Ausangate.
When to go
The dry season (April–October) brings the clearest water and safest trails. Want more of this range? See the Ausangate 5-day trek.
Seven glacial lagoons in one day
The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate (Siete Lagunas) is a day hike to a string of glacier-fed lakes nestled beneath the Ausangate massif, each a different shade of blue, green and turquoise. It is one of the best ways to experience genuinely wild high-Andean scenery without committing to a multi-day trek — but make no mistake, it is a high-altitude day, with the trail sitting around 4,400–4,800 m.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Trail altitude | ~4,400–4,800 m |
| Hiking distance | ~7–9 km loop |
| Hiking time | 3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate — high altitude, undulating terrain |
Why choose the 7 Lagoons over Rainbow Mountain
Both are high-altitude day trips on the Ausangate massif, but they offer different experiences. Rainbow Mountain delivers the famous striped ridge and big crowds; the 7 Lagoons trades the headline colours for solitude, alpine lakes and a stronger sense of wilderness. You will share the trail with a fraction of the visitors. For travelers who have already seen the obvious sights or who prefer landscape over a single photo-stop, the lagoons are the more rewarding day.
Preparing for the day
Start early, dress in warm layers for a cold pre-dawn and strong midday sun, and bring water, snacks and sun protection. Above all, acclimatize in Cusco for two or three days first — this trail begins higher than most travelers have ever been. Read our altitude guide, and if you fall in love with the area, consider the full 5-day Ausangate circuit.
Frequently asked questions
The trail runs well above 4,000 m beneath Ausangate, so acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand is important.
No — it is one of the quieter high-altitude day trips around Cusco, far less busy than Rainbow Mountain.
