This full-day Ausangate hike packs seven colorful high-altitude lagoons, alpine scenery, and a soak in Pacchanta hot springs into a long but accessible outing from Cusco. Ideal for hikers with moderate fitness and basic acclimatization.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold pre-dawn bus eases out of Cusco and the world narrows to starlight and the steady rumble of an Andean highway. By first light you’re in the high puna: wind-scoured grass, scattered stone corrals, and the blue flashes of lagoons tucked against a raw backbone of granite and ice. The Ausangate 7 Lagoons circuit pulls you along moraine ridges and gentle scree slopes to a series of colorful high-altitude lakes beneath scree and snow-capped peaks.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness used to uphill walking; be prepared for sustained aerobic effort at high altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Ausangate massif holds spiritual importance in Andean cosmology; local communities still perform seasonal offerings and maintain traditional llama husbandry.
Conservation
High-Andean wetlands are fragile—stick to established trails, avoid contaminating lakes, and support local guides to benefit community conservation efforts.
Reserve your spot on the 1 Day Ausangate 7 Lakes Hiking Tour & Hot Springs today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend at least 48 hours in Cusco (3,400 m) and hydrate well to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures swing; bring a windproof shell plus sun protection—UV is strong above 4,000 m.
Wear grippy footwear
Trail sections include loose gravel and short scree pitches—sturdy hiking shoes with tread help stability.
Bring cash for community purchases
Small, family-run stalls in Pacchanta accept cash for snacks or small crafts; ATMs aren’t available.
Daypack (20–30L)
Carries water, layers, snacks and camera while keeping shoulders mobile.
Warm insulated jacket
Late-morning winds and high-altitude exposure make a down or synthetic jacket valuable.
winter
Trekking poles
Helpful on steep sections and to reduce knee strain during descents.
Water purification tablets or filter
Ensure safe drinking water if you want to refill from streams or lakes.