INFORMATION GENERAL
Duration: 1 Full day.
Starting Point: Cusco City (we pick you up at your hotel).
End Point: Cusco City (Historic Downtown).
Hike Ranking: El Circuito Siete Lagunas de Ausangate es una forma muy recomendable de descubrir el encanto y la magia de los Andes peruanos.
Difficulty level:
Hiking Time: Around 3 hours (1h30 to and 1h30 back).
Hiking distance: 8 km. / 4.9 miles
Group size: Only 20 people (19 travelers + 1 guide).
Tour Dates: Daily departures
Altitude:
Cusco City: 3400 m.a.s.l. (Main square).
Start of the Walk: 4200 m.a.s.l. (Pacchanta village).
Maximum Height: 4550 m.a.s.l. (Puca Cocha Lagoon).
WALK TO THE 7 LAGOONS OF THE AUSNAGATE 1D
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
This hike is designed for travelers with limited time who are looking for an authentic experience in the highlands of southern Peru. The route winds through landscapes of uncommon beauty and leads into the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range, where the Ausangate glacier, the highest peak in the Cusco region at 6,385 meters above sea level, commands the horizon with a presence that leaves a strong impression from the very first moment.
The trail begins at the rural community of Pacchanta and makes its way to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, a series of mountain lakes formed by the permanent snowmelt of the glacier. Each lake has its own character: some display deep turquoise tones, others reflect shades of red, brown, or pure crystal clear water, depending on the mineral composition of the surrounding terrain. The panoramic views of the glacier from this point are hard to match anywhere else in the area.
At the end of the route, the Pacchanta hot springs offer a well-earned finish: warm thermal waters surrounded by nature that remains almost entirely untouched, with clean rivers, wildlife, and genuine quiet.
The adventure starts in Cusco. If you are looking for a short day out that stays with you, the Seven Lakes of Ausangate have very few rivals across the southern highlands. Welcome.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Seven Lakes of Ausangate each have their own Quechua name, and each one reflects a different color depending on its glacial origin and mineral composition:
- Puca Cocha, the lake of reddish waters.
- Huaca Cocha, known as the sacred lake.
- Oque Cocha, with its gray tones and still surface.
- Qomer Cocha, with deep green waters.
- Otorongo Cocha, the lake of the highland puma.
- Alqa Cocha, where the waters blend colors in constant motion.
- Azul Cocha, deep blue with a clear reflection of the glacier.
Beyond the lakes, the trail offers:
- Direct views of the Ausangate glacier, at 6,385 meters, from several points along the route.
- High mountain scenery with canyons, puna grasslands, and Andean wildlife including alpacas and native birds.
- End-of-day soak at the Pacchanta hot springs, included in the tour.
- Local guide with real knowledge of the land, its geography, and its culture.
- Hotel pickup included from all accommodations in Cusco.
- Free luggage storage during the excursion.
- Suitable for couples, groups of friends, and families with a basic level of physical fitness.
TOUR ACTIVITIES
- Ausangate glacier: The route offers direct views of the highest mountain in southern Peru and the fifth highest peak in the country, the Ausangate glacier, standing at 6,385 meters above sea level. Its presence dominates the landscape throughout the entire day.
- The seven lakes: Each of the Ausangate lakes displays a different color, ranging from turquoise and green to reddish, brown, and crystal clear, all a result of the mineral composition of their glacial waters. They are the most remarkable photography spot on the entire route.
- Puna landscapes: The trail crosses ravines, valleys, rivers, and high mountain plains, with vegetation typical of Andean ecosystems above 13,000 feet.
- Andean wildlife: Along the way it is common to spot groups of llamas and alpacas grazing freely across the grasslands, along with bird species native to the high plateau.
- Local communities: The route passes through areas inhabited by Quechua-speaking communities whose way of life maintains a close relationship with the land and its natural resources.
IS THIS ROUTE FOR ME?
The Seven Lakes of Ausangate tour is a full-day experience designed for travelers who have a free day and want to spend it in a high-altitude natural setting. No prior trekking experience is required, although a basic level of physical fitness is recommended, as is being well acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before setting out. The hike is accessible for most travelers, including families with adult members and groups of varying ages.
ITINERARY
TOUR SCHEDULE
- 5:00 a.m. Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- 5:15 a.m. Departure by tourist transport from the city of Cusco.
- 8:00 a.m. Arrival at the rural community of Pacchanta.
- 8:20 a.m. Breakfast at a local restaurant.
- 9:00 a.m. Start of the hike toward the seven lakes.
- 10:30 a.m. Visit to Puca Cocha, first lake.
- 10:50 a.m. Visit to Huaca Cocha, second lake.
- 11:10 a.m. Visit to Oque Cocha, third lake.
- 11:30 a.m. Visit to Qomer Cocha, fourth lake.
- 12:20 p.m. Visit to Otorongo Cocha, fifth lake.
- 12:30 p.m. Visit to Alqa Cocha, sixth lake.
- 12:50 p.m. Visit to Azul Cocha, seventh lake.
- 1:50 p.m. Return to the rural community of Pacchanta.
- 2:00 p.m. Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 3:00 p.m. Visit to the Pacchanta hot springs.
- 4:30 p.m. Departure by tourist transport back to Cusco.
- 7:00 p.m. Arrival in the city of Cusco.
All times are approximate and may vary depending on the pace of the group and the conditions of the day.
DETAILED ITINERARY
- Between 4:30 and 5:00 in the morning we will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. The early departure is necessary because the drive to the starting point of the hike takes around two and a half hours. The route heads south along a paved road to the town of Tinki, and from there continues for another 30 minutes on a dirt road to the rural community of Pacchanta, where we arrive at approximately 8:00 a.m. Upon arrival, the group has breakfast at a local restaurant before starting the trail.
- At around 9:00 a.m., the guide gives a brief introduction to the area and the route, and the hike begins. The first stretch is a moderate uphill climb of about 30 minutes, during which it is common to see groups of llamas and alpacas grazing nearby, along with several bird species native to the area. The trail then levels out for approximately 40 minutes, with a short stop to rest and have a snack, before one final ascent of around 20 minutes.
- After an hour and a half of hiking, at around 10:30 a.m., we reach the first lake: Puca Cocha, with its reddish waters and panoramic views stretching across the full surroundings of the glacier. A few minutes away are Huaca Cocha and Oque Cocha, the second and third lakes, located very close to one another. This is a good spot to rest, take photos, and refuel before moving on.
- From here the trail descends gently and runs along the slopes of the Ausangate glacier. Within about 10 minutes you reach Qomer Cocha, the fourth lake, with intense turquoise waters and one of the most photogenic stretches of the entire route. In this section of the trail there is a chance to spot the Andean condor, the largest bird in the world by wingspan, soaring above the surrounding peaks.
- Continuing another 10 minutes brings you to Otorongo Cocha, the fifth lake, known for the clarity of its waters. Five minutes further along is Alqa Cocha, the sixth lake, where the group pauses to rest and photograph the surroundings before pressing on. The final stretch leads to Azul Cocha, the seventh and last lake, whose name reflects the deep blue color of its waters. This is the highest point of the route and the spot that offers the clearest views of the southern face of the Ausangate glacier.
- From Azul Cocha the trail descends for approximately one hour, passing stone corrals and traditional dwellings typical of the area, with llamas and alpacas along the way. The descent continues for another 30 minutes back to Pacchanta, arriving at around 2:00 p.m., where the group has lunch at the local restaurant.
- After lunch, travelers can enjoy the community hot springs, a particularly welcome option after a full day at high altitude. Once the visit to the hot springs is done, we board the transport back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival of around 7:00 p.m.
NOTES
All times listed are approximate and may vary depending on the pace of the group and the conditions of the day. At least one day in advance, please let us know the name of your accommodation in Cusco so we can coordinate a timely pickup on the day of the excursion.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Hotel pickup on the day of the tour.
- Round-trip tourist transport between Cusco and the rural community of Pacchanta, the starting point of the hike.
- Professional tour guide.
- All meals during the tour: one breakfast and one lunch.
- Vegetarian meals or special dietary options available upon request at no additional cost.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder carried by the guide throughout the hike.
- Return tourist transport from the rural community of Pacchanta back to the city of Cusco.
- Entrance ticket to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate circuit.
THIS TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Travel insurance.
- Entry to the hot springs: only applicable if you wish to use the facilities, paid directly at the entrance, S/. 5 soles per person.
- Tips for the guide and cooking staff: entirely optional and left to the discretion of each traveler at the end of the tour.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS FOR THE AUSANGATE SEVEN LAGOONS TOUR
Please read this list and remember that everything is very important for the success of your trip.
Documents
- Original passport.
- Printed or digital Tour receipt, issued by our company.
Essential
- Small backpack.
- Bottle of water and some snacks such as: cookies, sweets, chocolates, cereals, fruits, among others.
- Extra cash if you want to buy some souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Jacket for the cold.
- Waterproof clothing: raincoat or rain poncho.
- Hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Comfortable hiking boots or sneakers.
Pharmaceutical products
- Sunblock.
- Lip cream.
Personal hygiene items
- Wet wipes.
- Toilet paper.
Other articles
- Sunglasses.
- Hiking sticks with rubber tips (optional).
- Good sense of humor
- We recommend prior acclimatization, at least arriving in Cusco City 1 day before this hike, and good health in general…
Frequent questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find the Frequently Asked Questions of our Customers. Before you ask any questions we invite you to read these questions and answers carefully, as well as all our links on this Tour. This will help you to find out in a simple, quick and practical way.
1. WHAT IS THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE 7 LAKES OF AUSANGATE HIKE?
The hike has a moderate to challenging difficulty level, mainly due to the altitude. During the route, you will walk along Andean trails surrounded by mountains, lakes, and natural landscapes. It is recommended to have good physical condition and walk at a calm pace.
2. IS IT NECESSARY TO ACCLIMATIZE BEFORE TAKING THIS TOUR?
Yes, it is highly recommended to acclimatize for at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before doing this hike, as the tour takes place at a high altitude. Good acclimatization will help you enjoy the experience better and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
3. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?
Tips are not mandatory, and there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour, you may give tips to the tour guides, cooks, and porters. As you can see, this is something additional and completely voluntary. Whatever you consider appropriate will be greatly appreciated by our service staff.
4.ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?
Yes, for this tour we offer discounts and special rates for infants, children, and students.
Infants under 2 years old traveling with their parents travel free of charge.
Children and students up to 17 years old receive a discount by simply sending a scanned copy of their passport at the time of booking.
5. IF I HAVE ALREADY PAID MY FIRST INSTALLMENT AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I GET A REFUND?
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds under any circumstances. However, we do offer date changes or tour changes, as long as we are notified in advance. Any previous payment is non-refundable, as it allows us to organize and guarantee your reservation ahead of time.
We understand that unexpected situations beyond your control may arise, but according to our company policy, exceptions cannot be made. we invite you to review our change and cancellation policies on the website: http://incredibleperutours/es/terminos-y-condiciones/
6. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?
Yes, only if you want to buy snacks such as cookies, dried fruit, chocolates, etc. or an additional drink such as soda, beer or an energy beverage, since it is possible to purchase these products in small commercial stores in the area, on day one.
Also, if you want to buy any souvenirs from the trip, you can do it on the route. For all this, we recommend you bring between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in the event of an Emergency, you should make sure having enough cash.
7. HOW DO I BOOK THIS TOUR?
Booking this Tour with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also enjoy Payment Facilities such as Paying for your Excursion up to 1 day before your Tour and in 2 Parts:
- Single payment, you can do it online from the comfort of your house by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our secure and reliable money transfer system. It will be made through a deposit of USD 45 per person tour cost + 5% visa fee (Click on the Reserve link)
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.
2. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it to you immediately after you have made the Payment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you want to make the Payment by other means such as: a virtual payment link, Bank Transfer or some other methodt, let us know to send you all the required information to do so.
8. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TREK WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to book your tour with us, let’s look at some:
- Very good location of Our Travel Office which allows for better coordination at any time. We are located in Cusco City’s Historic Downtown, just 1 block from the Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
- Tour organized by an Authorized Peruvian Tourism Agency. We are 100% local workers. We are very proud to be Peruvian and have the great opportunity to share our Culture with you, with more than 15 years of experience organizing the best Tours to the most incredible tourist destinations in our region. We have all our documentation updated and valid, complying with all procedures and formalities before the Local Government, thus being a Travel Agency recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this gives you peace of mind and security. It also guarantees our seriousness and commitment to your satisfaction, which will be achieved with great responsibility and pleasure.
- The Best Price for your trip and no hidden costs. Getting the best price is great and getting the best return is even better. We offer an All-Inclusive trip at an affordable price, guaranteeing the best deals. We save you searching time with our Low Price Guarantee. How do we achieve it?… Simply because we are a Direct Tour Operator, managing business costs locally and employing local workers who will develop your trip without any intermediary.
- Travel with Experts: The best Tour Guides, Cooks and Porters in the region. Our support team, known locally as “The Iron Team” is highly trained to serve all types of groups, families, friends, couples and anyone who loves the outdoors.
- High quality equipment for your trip. From a simple trekking pillow to the most sophisticated walking stick, including the most comfortable sleeping tents and the best quality sleeping bags that guarantee a good rest. We buy new equipment every year, on a 2-year rotation, constantly searching for the best brands, the most comfortable and safe for your tour.
- Excellent meals – All inclusive. You don’t need to worry about food, as it is included throughout the Walk. Our chef will impress you with the quality of the meals prepared in a small kitchen tent. All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients, we do not use canned or dehydrated foods. Furthermore, there is the possibility of preparing vegetarian or special diets at no extra cost, according to your needs.
- Safe and guaranteed departures. We are the only Tour Operator that guarantees all departures, as we operate 100% of our tours. Other agencies hope to have enough customers to start a tour. Even if we only have a single traveler for a Travel Date, this trip will be operated by us at the prices listed on this website and at no additional cost. Normally our groups are small and have an average of 4 to 8 people.
- We treat our travel team in the best way possible and are committed to social projects in our region. We practice good treatment of our workers. That’s why we offer tickets to the Inca Trail, accommodation, transportation, uniforms and good food for all our employees. The cooks and porters have paid health insurance and all have reasonable salaries for the work they do. We are also committed to social program projects that bring benefits for children in local communities in the areas of Health and Education, which helps to improve their living conditions.
- We practice Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. We are an ecological company committed to the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources, which must suffer minimal impact from Tourism. An important action is for our kitchen staff to use biodegradable dishwasher detergents. We also constantly take part in Cleaning Campaigns along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Personalized service and support. When you ask a question, we will always answer. We’re here to help provide personalized service and support. Call or email our contact center from anywhere, anytime.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- We recommend you book this Tour as soon as possible, in order not to miss this great experience.
- If there is no longer availability for the date of your tour, you can search for other similar ones on this website.
- If you are interested in doing this Tour and wish to book, or want more information, please contact us: Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
PRICES
We are committed to providing you with safety, quality, and the best service at the best price. That is why we keep our rates affordable, so you can enjoy a reliable, well-organized, and memorable experience.
For the 1-Day 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour, we offer 2 types of service, designed to suit your needs and preferences:
1. SERVICE IN GROUP
Traveling with other people in the same group (Maximum of 19 travelers).
| By person: | USD 45 for each person |
2. PRIVATE SERVICE
Traveling only with your friends and/or relatives, depending on the number of people in the group.
| From 2 to 3 people: | USD 110 for each person |
| From 4 to 5 people: | USD 100 for each person |
| From 6 to 7 people: | USD 90 for each person |
| From 8 to 10 people: | USD 80 for each person |
| From 10 to more people: | USD 70 for each person |
OPTIONAL SERVICES
If you wish, for an additional cost there is the option of adding some extra services to the tour, such as:
- A pair of hiking poles (can be rented from our office + USD 5 per day).
TO CONSIDER
- Prices are shown in US dollars (US$)
- Our passion is group travel, so if you come with friends or relatives, get in touch to offer you our promotions.
- Our company also offers promotions and discounts for student groups. Contact us to receive our offers.
- For your peace of mind and comfort, our Tours have no hidden charges or expenses.
- If you are interested in doing this Tour and would like to book, or would like more information, please contact us:
- Cell: +51 984 525 006
- WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047
- Email: info@incredibleperutours.com
