A full-day hike from Cusco to the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate traverses high-altitude lakes, moraine ridges, and Quechua pastoral lands. Expect 12 km of hiking above 4,300 m, a local buffet lunch, and the option to soak in Pacchanta's hot springs.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light breaks across a high, clear sky as the van climbs out of Cusco and the silhouette of Ausangate sharpens on the horizon. By the time you step into Pacchanta, the air is thin and cold, the kind that forces a steady breathing cadence and rewards every pause with crisper color: turquoise lagoons, rust-red moraine, and snow that still clings to cirques.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
14–15 hours
Fitness Level
Good aerobic base and prior high-altitude experience recommended; be comfortable walking 12 km with elevation and uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Ausangate is a sacred mountain in Andean cosmology; local communities maintain rituals and llama-herding traditions tied to seasonal cycles.
Conservation
The high-Andes lakes are sensitive to warming and glacial retreat; stick to trails, pack out waste, and support local guides who practice low-impact tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Full Day Tour 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 or at similar elevation to reduce acute altitude effects; ascend slowly and hydrate.
Footwear and traction
Wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good tread—trail sections are rocky and can be wet near lagoons.
Sun and cold in one
Bring broad-spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses plus an insulating mid-layer—the sun is strong but temperatures drop quickly at high altitude.
Pace for the day
Plan for 4–4.5 hours of walking with frequent short breaks; avoid sprinting on ascents to conserve oxygen.
Sturdy hiking boots
Protect ankles on rocky, uneven trails and provide grip on wet moraine.
Insulating mid-layer and wind shell
Keeps you warm during long stops and in sudden high-elevation winds.
winter
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+)
High-altitude UV is strong year-round—protect skin and eyes during exposed stretches.
summer
Hydration system and electrolytes
Adequate fluids and salts help reduce altitude-related headaches and fatigue.