🏔️ The 7 Ausangate Lagoons
A spectacular hike in the heart of the Andes

📍 A unique hike in the heart of the Andes

The 7 Ausangate lagoons circuit is a must-do one-day excursion for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. This hike takes you through the majestic Vilcanota mountain range, at the foot of Apu Ausangate, the highest sacred mountain in the Cusco region.

The trail, less crowded than other tourist sites, allows you to discover seven glacial lakes with exotic colors: blue, green, turquoise, and even reddish. Among them, you will admire **Laguna Azul Cocha** with its brilliant blue waters, as well as **Otorongo Macho**, **Otorongo Fembra**, **Puca Cocha**, **Alqa Cocha**, **Ccomer Cocha**, and **Pata Cocha**.

🗺️ Full-day Itinerary

This full-day excursion begins early in the morning with a pickup at your hotel in Cusco, followed by a 3-hour drive towards Mount Ausangate.

• **Departure from Cusco:** around 5:00 a.m.
• **Start of the hike:** around 8:30 a.m., after a briefing on altitude sickness.
• **Lagoon Exploration:** The 15 km (round trip) hike takes you through the 7 lakes. You will reach the highest point at 4,650 meters of altitude.
• **Lunch:** A picnic is planned around 1:00 p.m., with a breathtaking view of the snowy peaks.
• **Pacchanta Hot Springs:** After the hike, you can relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta (entry fee not included).
• **Return to Cusco:** The departure is scheduled for around 6:00 p.m. for an arrival at your hotel around 9:00 p.m.

📊 Practical Info and Difficulty

• **Distance Covered:** 15 km (round trip).
• **Max. Altitude:** 4,650 meters.
• **Difficulty Level:** Moderate to difficult. Good physical condition and excellent acclimatization are essential. It is recommended to take this tour after at least two days spent in Cusco.
• **Fauna and Flora:** An opportunity to spot alpacas, vizcachas, and, with a bit of luck, condors.
• **Alternative Option:** If you do not wish to hike, it is possible to rent a horse for about 120 Peruvian soles.

🎒 What to bring for the 7 lagoons circuit?

The high-altitude climate can change quickly. It is therefore essential to prepare accordingly for this one-day excursion.

• **Clothing:** Fleece jacket, waterproof jacket, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, spare clothes (that don't dry easily at high altitude).
• **Footwear:** Solid and comfortable trekking shoes. Remember slippers or sandals for the hot springs.
• **Equipment:** Water bottle, headlamp, hiking towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, cash (soles) for entrance fees and other expenses.
• **For the hot springs:** Don't forget your swimsuit and a towel. The entrance fee is 5 soles.