A demanding but rewarding high-altitude day trek from Cusco to seven Ausangate lagoons, combining Andean culture, glacial landscapes, and a soak in Pacchanta hot springs. Ideal for acclimatized hikers ready for long hours at 4,200+m.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A thin air stings the first steps out of the van as the Andes open into a basin of steel-blue lakes and wind-swept puna. You stand at roughly 4,200 m in the Pacchanta valley, with Ausangate’s ridgeline watching like an old guardian; seven high-altitude lagoons lie along a rolling 10–11 km footpath that threads between rocky moraines and fragile wetlands.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12–15 hours
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness with prior high-altitude exposure recommended; able to hike 10+ km on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Ausangate is venerated in Quechua cosmology as a sacred Apu and has long been a ceremonial landscape for highland communities.
Conservation
High Andean wetlands (bofedales) here are fragile—stay on trails, avoid contaminating water, and support local guides and community-managed tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Excursion to Ausangate & 7 lakes with Coca Ceremony |Private| today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize first
Spend at least 48–72 hours in Cusco before this 4,200+m day to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Pace for altitude
Walk slowly on climbs and take frequent short breaks—oxygen is the limiting factor, not distance.
Protect from sun and wind
High-altitude UV and gusts can be intense—use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a windproof shell.
Hydrate and bring snacks
Carry 1.5–2 L water and electrolyte snacks; guides provide meals but on-trail calories keep energy steady.
Insulated, windproof jacket
Protects from cold winds and sudden temperature drops at high altitude.
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
Good traction and ankle support on rocky, uneven trail sections.
Sun protection (sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, brimmed hat)
High-altitude sun is strong; protect skin and eyes during exposed sections.
Reusable water bottle or bladder (1.5–2 L)
Hydration is critical; carry enough water and electrolyte supplements for the day.