THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A full-day circuit from Cusco to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate and Pacchanta hot springs—expect high-altitude tundra, colorful glacial lakes, and a soak in geothermal pools. This private tour mixes cultural insight, geology, and a demanding day hike above 4,000 m.
A full-day circuit from Cusco to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate and Pacchanta hot springs—expect high-altitude tundra, colorful glacial lakes, and a soak in geothermal pools. This private tour mixes cultural insight, geology, and a demanding day hike above 4,000 m.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cusco Native Tours · Pacchanta, Cusco Region
Dawn arrives over the Vilcanota Range as the road from Cusco unspools into high puna grasslands. You step out at Pacchanta—thin air, a cool wind that seems to prod you uphill—and the first of the seven lakes flashes a hard, alpine blue. The trail climbs through lichen-sprinkled moraine and puna plains, skirting glacial melt and passing herds of alpacas that regard you like another element of the landscape.
challenging.
10–12 hours.
Good cardiovascular fitness and experience hiking at altitude; able to manage sustained climbs and 10–14 km distance.
The route reaches near 4,900–5,100 m; many visitors feel mild altitude effects—headache or breathlessness. Acclimatize in Cusco, hydrate, and descend if symptoms worsen.
Yes; this tour typically includes access to Pacchanta hot springs as part of the itinerary and time to relax after the hike.
Expect mixed terrain—well-trodden dirt paths, rocky moraine, short scree slopes, and open tundra; no technical climbing, but uneven footing is common.
Moderate experience is recommended. Good fitness and prior day-hike experience at elevation improve comfort and safety.
Ausangate has long been venerated by Quechua communities as an Apu (sacred mountain); traditional pilgrimages circumnavigate the massif in multi-day rituals.
The area is fragile: stick to established trails to protect high-altitude vegetation and respect local grazing areas; pack out all waste and support local guides.
Cusco Native Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
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