The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate: day trip guide
The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate (Siete Lagunas) is the wildest day trip from Cusco: a loop of about five hours past glacial lakes of different colours, beneath the glaciers of Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Cusco region — with herds of alpacas around you and a soak in natural hot springs at the end.
The day at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pickup | 4:30 am from your Cusco hotel |
| Hike | A loop of about 5 hours from the village of Pacchanta |
| Altitude | High: Pacchanta is at about 4,200 m and the trail climbs higher |
| Difficulty | Moderate to demanding because of the altitude |
| Price with us | US $40, including breakfast, lunch, entrance and hot springs |
The route
After an early start and breakfast in Pacchanta, a traditional herding village at the foot of Ausangate, you walk a loop past a chain of glacial lakes — among them Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha and Q’omercocha — each a different colour, from deep blue to turquoise and red. Glaciers rise above you, and alpacas and llamas graze around the lakes.
Seven lagoons and hot springs in one day
Transport, breakfast, lunch, entrance, hot springs and guide — US $40.
Lunch and hot springs
Back in Pacchanta, a buffet lunch and a well-earned soak in the natural hot springs, with the snow-capped Ausangate in front of you. Then the drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
What is included
- Hotel pickup and return transport
- Breakfast and buffet lunch
- Entrance to the trail and to the Pacchanta hot springs
- Professional guide, trekking poles and oxygen
Bring a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs, warm layers, sun protection and some cash in soles.
How hard is it?
The walk itself is not technical, but the whole day is at high altitude. Do it after at least two or three days in Cusco, ideally after another high excursion. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you feel unwell. Weather changes quickly near the glaciers: snow is possible even in the dry season.
Want more of Ausangate?
If one day is not enough, the Ausangate trek circles the mountain over several high passes — read our Ausangate 5-day guide. For other high day trips, compare Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake in the best day trips from Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
A loop of about five hours from the village of Pacchanta, plus breakfast, lunch and the hot springs.
The trail is not technical, but the altitude makes it moderate to demanding. Acclimatize in Cusco for two or three days first.
Yes. Entrance to the Pacchanta hot springs is included in our tour; bring a swimsuit and towel.
Pickup is at 4:30 am from your hotel in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain is famous for its coloured stripes; the 7 Lagoons is quieter, with glaciers, lakes, alpacas and hot springs.
