A full-day private drive-and-hike from Cusco to the Ausangate 7 Lagoons takes you across high Andean plains to jewel-toned glacial lakes and ends with a restorative dip in Pacchanta Hot Springs. Expect high altitude, rocky trails, and close encounters with alpaca herds and Quechua highland culture.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the van into thin, cold air and the first lagoon catches the light like a struck coin. Snow rims the distant ridges of Ausangate; wind tugs at your jacket and a line of alpacas grazes the high puna. The route threads between turquoise lakes carved by glacial action, each basin a different blue, each moraine a sharp, stony spine beneath your boots.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and experience with day hikes at altitude are recommended; expect long periods of walking and uneven footing.
Wildlife
History
Ausangate has long been revered in Andean cosmology as an Apu (sacred mountain), and local Quechua communities maintain pastoral traditions on its slopes.
Conservation
High-Andean wetlands (bofedales) and fragile puna grasslands are easily damaged by off-trail traffic; follow Leave No Trace principles and support local guides to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Private Tour to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend 2–3 days in Cusco or at moderate altitude before the tour to reduce risk of altitude sickness.
Start early
Departures are long — begin before sunrise to avoid afternoon storms and to maximize light on the lagoons.
Protect against sun & wind
High-altitude UV and reflective water increase exposure; use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a windproof shell.
Bring cash and respect local space
Small vendors or shepherd families nearby may accept cash; ask before photographing people or corrals.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
Keeps core warm during cold mornings and windy ridge sections.
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
Rocky, uneven trails and loose scree demand supportive, grippy footwear.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 50 sunscreen, UV sunglasses)
Clear high-altitude sun and reflective lakes increase burn risk.
Hydration system (2–3 L) and electrolyte snacks
Sustains energy and helps manage altitude-related dehydration.