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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.
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.
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.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Exclusive Peru Tours · Pacchanta, Cusco Region
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.
Geologically, Ausangate is part of the high Andes’ uplifted core—glacial sculpting left basins that now hold turquoise and green lakes stained by minerals and algal mats. Culturally the route threads through Quechua communities like Pacchanta; herders tend llamas and alpacas and the guide’s commentary often includes local legends and seasonal herding patterns.
Expect roughly 12 km of hiking with about 600–900 m of cumulative ascent, altitude peaking near 4,700–4,800 m. Trails vary from packed earth to loose gravel; short steeper sections require surefootedness. Typical rhythm: long, steady climbs punctuated by photo stops at each lagoon, then a restorative lunch and a soak in Pacchanta’s thermal pools.
Practical notes: go slow to acclimatize, carry water and layers for wind and sun, and allow extra time for the drive from Cusco (about 3 hours each way). The trek is a compact way to access high-Andean scenery, wildlife sightings, and community hospitality in a single long day.
moderate.
6–8 hours.
Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness used to uphill walking; be prepared for sustained aerobic effort at high altitude.
The route is moderate but altitude is the main challenge; if you’ve rested in Cusco for 48+ hours and move at a steady pace you should manage fine.
Yes — access to Pacchanta hot springs is included; the pools are basic community-run facilities that are generally safe, though not always chemically monitored.
Expect llamas and alpacas near communities and occasional birds like Andean geese; larger wildlife is rare but the landscape supports typical high-Andean fauna.
Full refund available if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; check your booking terms for specifics.
The Ausangate massif holds spiritual importance in Andean cosmology; local communities still perform seasonal offerings and maintain traditional llama husbandry.
High-Andean wetlands are fragile—stick to established trails, avoid contaminating lakes, and support local guides to benefit community conservation efforts.
Exclusive Peru Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
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.
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.
Geologically, Ausangate is part of the high Andes’ uplifted core—glacial sculpting left basins that now hold turquoise and green lakes stained by minerals and algal mats. Culturally the route threads through Quechua communities like Pacchanta; herders tend llamas and alpacas and the guide’s commentary often includes local legends and seasonal herding patterns.
Expect roughly 12 km of hiking with about 600–900 m of cumulative ascent, altitude peaking near 4,700–4,800 m. Trails vary from packed earth to loose gravel; short steeper sections require surefootedness. Typical rhythm: long, steady climbs punctuated by photo stops at each lagoon, then a restorative lunch and a soak in Pacchanta’s thermal pools.
Practical notes: go slow to acclimatize, carry water and layers for wind and sun, and allow extra time for the drive from Cusco (about 3 hours each way). The trek is a compact way to access high-Andean scenery, wildlife sightings, and community hospitality in a single long day.