The 7 Lagunas de Ausangate Tour is a spectacular full-day adventure designed for travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the majesty of the high Andean mountains without undertaking a multi-day trek. Located in the imposing Vilcanota Mountain Range and at the foot of the sacred Apu Ausangate—one of the most powerful stone deities in the Cusco region—this route, operated by Vilcabamba Tours, invites you to explore a circuit of glacial lakes whose colors range from bright turquoise to deep blue and emerald green.
Operated under a premium format in small groups, the experience combines overcoming the altitude challenge at a smart pace with the comfort of private transportation, local gastronomy in the town of Pacchanta, safety assistance, and the comforting option of ending the day in relaxing natural hot springs. With Vilcabamba Tours, every detail is strictly planned to ensure a safe, authentic, and unforgettable high-mountain journey.
Short Itinerary
- 04:00 a.m. – Pickup: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and private transportation trip southeast along the Vilcanota Mountain Range with the Vilcabamba Tours team.
- 07:30 a.m. – Arrival at Pacchanta: Arrival at the high-Andean town of Pacchanta to enjoy a local breakfast and receive the orientation talk.
- 08:30 a.m. – Start of the trek: Start of the constant-paced trek through open valleys, small streams, and pastures filled with alpacas.
- 11:30 a.m. – High Viewpoint: Arrival at the highest viewpoint of the circuit (4,850 m / 15,912 ft a.s.l.) with our guide, offering panoramic views of the 7 glacial lakes and the walls of the Ausangate snow-capped peak.
- 01:30 p.m. – Return: Completion of the hiking circuit and walk back to the town of Pacchanta.
- 02:00 p.m. – Lunch and Hot Springs: Restorative lunch at a local restaurant and optional free time to enjoy the medicinal hot springs.
- 04:00 p.m. – Return Trip: Boarding the private vehicle to begin the return trip to the city of Cusco.
- 06:30 p.m. – 07:30 p.m. – Arrival: Arrival in Cusco and direct transfer back to your hotel.
Detailed Itinerary
Cusco — Tinki Area — Pacchanta
The day begins very early in the morning with direct pickup at your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m., an ideal strategy by Vilcabamba Tours to take advantage of the best natural lighting in the Andes and avoid any haste on the road. The comfortable transport will head southeast, crossing high-Andean plains and traditional villages like Tinki, while the air gradually becomes colder and the snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon.
The vehicle journey culminates upon arrival in Pacchanta, a rural community that serves as the gateway to the Ausangate massif. At this point, a comforting breakfast will be served at a local restaurant, which the professional agency guide will use to provide safety recommendations, breathing guidelines, and key tips for properly assimilating the altitude.
Pacchanta — 7 Lagoons Circuit — High Viewpoint
After breakfast, the official trek begins, progressing at a slow, coordinated, and staff-supported pace. The first hours pass through gently sloping trails that cross open valleys, small crystalline streams, and extensive grazing areas filled with llamas and alpacas. As the trail gradually gains altitude, the imposing circuit of glacial lagoons, fed by the meltwater from Apu Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,945 ft a.s.l.), unfolds before travelers.
The route seamlessly connects the edges and viewpoints of the water mirrors locally known as Azul Cocha, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, and Pata Cocha, each exhibiting unique mineral tones that change according to the refraction of sunlight. Upon reaching the highest viewpoint of the route, situated at about 4,850 meters (15,912 ft) above sea level, the group will have extended free time with the Vilcabamba Tours guide to contemplate the Andean silence, take photographs, and appreciate the magnitude of the hanging ice walls.
High Viewpoint — Pacchanta — Hot Springs — Cusco
After completing the photo session at the circuit’s summit, the descent walk begins, following the return path toward Pacchanta. This section of the trek is physically lighter, allowing for a detailed observation of the surroundings and the customs of the local residents of the mountain range. Upon returning to the community, a hot lunch based on local ingredients will be served at a selected local restaurant.
After the meal, and provided the group’s pace and the weather allow, free time will be available to enter Pacchanta’s outdoor medicinal hot springs, whose warm pools offer a relaxing contrast to the high-mountain climate. Finally, around 4:00 p.m., the transport will be boarded for the return journey to the city of Cusco, concluding the services with a direct transfer back to your hotel between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Included
- Direct pickup and return at your hotel in Cusco by the Vilcabamba Tours team.
- Comfortable, private, and climate-controlled tourist transportation for the entire round trip.
- Certified professional bilingual guide service (English and Spanish).
- Energetic breakfast and hot lunch served at local restaurants in Pacchanta.
- Official entrance ticket for the 7 Lagunas de Ausangate circuit.
- Professional trekking poles (upon prior request and subject to availability).
- Safety implements: Complete first aid kit and emergency oxygen tank for altitude assistance.
- Personalized orientation and monitoring throughout the day.
Not Included
- Entrance ticket to the medicinal hot springs in Pacchanta (optional cash payment on site).
- Rental of emergency or support horses (service managed by local villagers and paid directly in cash).
- Personal adventure travel insurance (highly recommended).
