The mountainous geography of Cusco offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Peru, such as imposing snow-capped peaks, green valleys, rushing rivers, and striking lagoons. To the south of the region, under the watch of the Ausangate snow-capped peak, lies the famous 7 Lagoon Circuit. As its name suggests, this natural area features seven lagoons with waters of various colors. From its trails, you can capture some of the most beautiful photographic panoramas of the Andean region. The best way to go is with an all-inclusive tour, discover more about this incredible place.

• What are they?
• Where are they located?
• How to get there?
• Map to reach the 7 Lagoons
• The Ausangate Snow-capped Peak
• 7 Lagoon Circuit
• Wildlife in the lagoons
• 7 Lagoon Tour
• How to go on my own?
• Photos of the place
• The Pacchanta hot springs
• Some tips
• Frequently asked questions

7 Lagoons – Ausangate

What are they?

• The group of lagoons that make up this tourist attraction is fed by the melting of the immense Ausangate snow-capped peak, the highest in the Cusco region. Its summit reaches 6,384 meters above sea level.
• Local towns decided to take advantage of the natural beauty of the place by creating a circuit of 7 lagoons, which are: Pucacocha lagoon, Patacocha lagoon, Alqacocha lagoon, Qomercocha lagoon, Orco Otorongo lagoon, China Otorongo lagoon, and Azul Cocha lagoon.
• By walking through the circuit, you will encounter landscapes alongside mountains, agricultural fields, streams, and a great diversity of Andean fauna.
• The entire route takes about 4 hours. The trails are flat with gentle ascents, which can also be overcome by renting horses from local muleteers.

Where are they located?

• The 7 Lagoon Circuit is located in the town of Pacchanta, within the province of Quispicanchi, approximately 125 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco.
• The town is located at 4,200 meters above sea level. At the top, the Ausangate snow-capped peak stands out, which provides water to the lagoons, rivers, crops, and villages in the area.
• The circuit begins in the town of Pacchanta itself, passing first through the Pucacocha lagoon, Patacocha, and Alqacocha. On the return journey, you pass through the Qómercocha lagoon, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo, and Azulcocha until you return to the town.

How to get there?

• If you decide to go on your own, you must take transportation from Cusco heading towards the town of Tinke (only 8 kilometers from Pacchanta). Once there, take a collective taxi to Pacchanta.
• The return journey is the same, but transportation availability is not as frequent, so you will mainly need to arrange transfers in advance.
• The best way to travel to Pacchanta to do the 7 Lagoon Circuit is through an all-inclusive tour, where you only have to worry about enjoying the experience.

Map to reach the 7 Lagoons

Map to reach 7 Lagoons

The Ausangate Snow-capped Peak

• Ausangate is the second highest snow-capped peak in Cusco and the fifth largest in Peru. Its summit reaches 6,385 meters above sea level.
• It is located approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco. Belonging to the Vilcanota mountain range, it presents a geography surrounded by colorful mountains, glaciers, streams, and lagoons with pure waters.
• In this area, perhaps the most famous attraction is Vinicunca, the 7-color mountain.
• The waters of the Ausangate snow-capped peak feed the lagoons around it. From each of them, part of the immense summit can be seen.
• The Incas greatly revered Ausangate, considering it an Apu (sacred entity) in Andean culture. The people of Cusco humbly bow to each mountain, just as their Inca ancestors did.

Adventure on the Ausangate Snow-capped Peak
To explore the Ausangate snow-capped peak in detail, you can embark on 4- or 5-day adventures where you ascend snow-capped peaks above 5,000 meters above sea level. It is a circular mountain route where you follow exploration-free trails, enjoying dreamlike landscapes with glaciers and little-known lagoons. If you are looking for an experience in one of Peru’s best natural destinations, this is one of the top options.

7 Lagoon Circuit

1. Pucacocha Lagoon – The first lagoon of the circuit, also known as the chocolate lagoon. This is due to the color of its waters, similar to chocolate. It is approximately 4,500 meters above sea level.

2. Patacocha Lagoon – The next lagoon is approximately 4,860 meters above sea level. Its waters are clearer, and the Ausangate snow-capped peak can be seen more clearly than from the first lagoon.

3. Alqacocha Lagoon – This lagoon is located at 4,750 meters above sea level. Due to the altitude, the cold starts to increase. Each lagoon offers a spectacular view of the snow-capped peak and the Vilcanota mountain range.

4. Qomercocha Lagoon – The next lagoon in the circuit has a name that, translated from Quechua to Spanish, means ‘Green Lagoon.’ Its name comes from the turquoise color of its waters. It is located at 4,666 meters above sea level. It offers one of the best views in the area.

5. Orco Otorongo Lagoon – This small lagoon, due to its shape and the surrounding landscape, resembles the form and fur (the spots) of an otorongo, a feline that inhabits the jungles of the Americas. The lagoon is located at 4,620 meters above sea level. Its name refers to the male otorongo.

6. China Otorongo Lagoon – Close to the previous lagoon is the ‘China Otorongo’ lagoon, which refers to the female of this American feline. The panoramic views of both lagoons are impressive and ideal for taking photographs.

7. Azul Cocha Lagoon – The last lagoon of the 7 lagoon circuit has a dark blue color in its waters. The beauty of this lagoon, as well as the surrounding mountainous landscape, is highly appreciated by tourists who often take photos here.

Wildlife in the Lagoons

• The 7 Lagoon Circuit and the Vilcanota mountain range are home to several species of wild and domesticated animals.
• It is important to highlight the presence of camelids such as llamas and alpacas (both domesticated animals), as well as the vicuña, a wild species with valuable fur. These animals are usually seen grazing on the vast stretches of icchu, or wild grass from the Andes.
• Other species, such as the vizcacha (a rodent similar to a rabbit), wild ducks, and even the Andean condor, can also be found.

7 Lagoon Tour

• The 7 Lagoon tour is a one-day experience that explores the landscapes of the Southern Valley and the beautiful circuit on the slopes of the Ausangate snow-capped peak.
• This service includes: full transportation, breakfast, lunch, a tour guide, and entrance to the 7 Lagoon Circuit.
• The tour can be booked with a travel agency in Cusco, such as Ticketmachupicchu. The experience can be reserved just a few days in advance.
• The tour cost ranges from 60 to 80 dollars per person. Despite the beauty of the place, not many visitors yet venture to take this tour, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the experience in a more immersive way.

How to go on my own?

• To travel to the 7 lagoons on your own, you must leave Cusco very early (around 6 AM) and take a collective transport to the town of Ocongate. Buses depart from Huayruropata Avenue.
• The journey takes approximately two hours, and you should use the stop in Ocongate to have breakfast.
• Then, you must find transport (collective taxi) to the town of Tinke, located just 9 kilometers away.
• Finally, from there, you must take a taxi or collective transport to the town of Pacchanta.
• In Pacchanta, you will need to pay 10 Peruvian soles (3 dollars) to enter the ‘7 Lagoon Circuit’.
• The rest of the experience is an adventure through hiking trails to explore each lagoon and its predominant landscape.
• The return to Cusco should be made using the same means of transport as the outbound journey.

Images of the 7 Lagoons in Ausangate

The Pacchanta Hot Springs

• The perfect attraction to combine with your 7 Lagoon tour is to visit the Pacchanta hot springs.
• This place is one of the most famous in Cusco, as it is located in the middle of the town with panoramic views of the Ausangate snow-capped peak and all the biodiversity surrounding it.
• The Pacchanta hot springs only have two water pools with temperatures around 40ºC, ideal for the cold that is often felt in high-altitude areas.
• What makes this place remarkable are the views of the Ausangate snow-capped peak. The entry ticket costs only 5 Peruvian soles (approximately 2 dollars). The facility includes changing rooms, bathrooms, restaurants, and small basic service shops.

Some Tips

• The climate in Pacchanta and the 7 Lagoon Circuit is cold, especially at night when the temperature can drop to -5ºC.
• For your visit, don’t forget to bring layered warm clothing: first a t-shirt, then a sweater, and finally a jacket.
• Due to the altitude at which you will be (always above 4,000 meters above sea level), you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, so it is essential to acclimatize at lower altitudes during your first days of travel.
• To reduce the natural symptoms of altitude sickness, drink plenty of water (especially coca leaf infusions) and avoid fatty foods.
• Booking the 7 Lagoon tour is very simple, and due to the low influx of visitors, you will enjoy a more tranquil experience alongside some of the best Andean landscapes.
• If you enjoy high Andean landscapes like the 7 Lagoon Circuit, you can also visit other similar tourist attractions, such as the Humantay Lagoon or the 7-color Mountain. Both are among the best tourist destinations in the Cusco region.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How can I visit the 7 lagoons of Ausangate?

  The easiest way is to book an organized tour from the city of Cusco. This service includes complete transportation, food, a professional guide, and entry to the circuit. It is also possible to travel independently to the town of Pacchanta, the starting point for the walk to the lagoons.

• 2) Where are the 7 lagoons of Ausangate located?

  The 7 Lagoon Circuit is located in the Quispicanchi province, in the Cusco region, at the foot of the Ausangate snow-capped peak. The walk begins in the Pacchanta community, at over 4,200 meters above sea level.

• 3) How long does the 7 Lagoon tour of Ausangate last?

  The tour usually lasts a full day. Departure from Cusco is very early in the morning (around 5 AM), and return is in the evening (around 7 PM). The walk through the lagoon circuit takes approximately 4 hours.

• 4) What is the best time to visit the 7 lagoons of Ausangate?

  The best time to do this hike is during the dry season, from April to October. During these months, the weather is more stable, and there is a higher chance of clear skies and good views of the snow-capped peak and surrounding landscapes.

• 5) Is the hike to the 7 lagoons of Ausangate difficult?

  The hike has moderate difficulty, mainly due to the altitude, as the route is above 4,200 meters above sea level. The path is mostly flat, and there is also the option to rent horses to help cover the distance.

• 6) Do I need to acclimatize before visiting the 7 lagoons?

  Yes, it is recommended to spend at least one or two days in Cusco before doing the tour. This helps your body adjust to the altitude and reduces the chance of experiencing altitude sickness during the hike.

• 7) Which lagoons are visited during the circuit?

  During the hike, you will visit seven lagoons: Pucacocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo, and Azulcocha. Each one is unique in its colors and offers panoramic views of the Ausangate snow-capped peak.

• 8) At what altitude are the 7 lagoons of Ausangate?

  The lagoons are located at an altitude of approximately 4,200 to 4,600 meters above sea level. Due to this altitude, it is important to walk slowly and stay hydrated during the entire hike.

• 9) What else can I do after visiting the lagoons?

  Many visitors take the opportunity to relax in the hot springs of Pacchanta. These hot springs have temperatures close to 40 °C and offer direct views of the Ausangate snow-capped peak.

• 10) Can I rent horses during the hike?

  Yes, in the town of Pacchanta, some locals offer horse rental services. This can be useful for people who prefer to reduce physical effort during the hike.

Advice from people who have been there

Cusco

By: Daniela B.

“Hike through the 7 lagoons of Ausangate“

“The hike through the circuit allows you to appreciate different colored lagoons and stunning views of the Ausangate snow-capped peak. After the adventure, the best way to unwind is in the hot springs. It was the perfect way to end a day of hiking.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, March 10, 2026