One of the destinations gaining popularity in the Cusco region is the Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour, an experience that takes you through breathtaking landscapes through gentle hikes, but which can ultimately be rewarded with the Pacchanta hot springs. Find out more about the 7 lagoons tour and schedule it for your next visit to Cusco.

• The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate
• What is the tour to the 7 Lagoons like?
• What does the 7 lagoons tour include?
• What does the 7 lagoons tour not include?
• Characteristics of the 7 Lagoons
• Tips for your trip to the 7 Ausangate Lagoons
• Frequently Asked Questions

Observing one of the 7 Ausangate Lagoons

The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate

A natural destination par excellence in Cusco are the seven lagoons formed by the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, the highest in the entire region. During the tour, we can appreciate how different each one is, including: Puca Cocha (red lagoon), Pata Cocha (shore lagoon), Alqa Cocha (mixed water lagoon), Qomer Cocha (green lagoon), Orqo Otorongo Cocha (male jaguar lagoon), China Otorongo Cocha (female jaguar lagoon), and Azul Cocha (blue lagoon).

The seven Ausangate lagoons are located in the province of Quispicanchis, three hours from the city of Cusco. During your visit, you’ll discover beautiful mountain landscapes, lagoons, streams, and snow-capped mountains that will make your adventure in one of Cusco’s best destinations unforgettable.

Hatub Puka Qocha – 7 Ausangate Lagoons

Ausangate Mountain Height
The Ausangate snow-capped mountain is located at an altitude of 6,384 meters above sea level, making it the highest snow-capped mountain in the entire Cusco region. Other important snow-capped mountains in the region are: the Salkantay snow-capped mountain (6,271 meters above sea level), the Verónica snow-capped mountain (5,792 meters above sea level), the Chicón snow-capped mountain (5,800 meters above sea level) and the Humantay snow-capped mountain (4,120 meters above sea level). Remember that the snow-capped mountains or mountains were considered Apus, who were sacred spirits that protected and sheltered a people, which is why their respect and veneration in the Andean culture is always present.

What is the tour to the 7 Lagoons like?

• Start of the Tour

  • The tour of the 7 Ausangate lagoons begins very early, at approximately 4:00 a.m., with pickup from your hotel.
  • The trip will take just over 3 hours to reach Pacchanta, enough time for us to catch up on lost sleep.
  • In Pacchanta, we can enjoy our included breakfast. This is also the starting point for the hike that will take us to the 7 lagoons.

• Hike to the 7 lagoons

  • The hike can take up to 4 hours, although there are also horses available for rent at the beginning of the route to make the journey easier.
  • The hike is not strenuous, and is mostly on flat paths. The altitude (4,200 meters above sea level) and the cold weather found in these regions can be a problem.
  • During the tour, we’ll first see Pata Cocha Lagoon, followed by Alqa Cocha Lagoon and Qomer Cocha Lagoon. The tour is circular, as we’ll be closer to Pacchanta when we reach the last lagoon. Depending on your preference and guidance, you can choose one route or another.
  • After short breaks to admire the immense Ausangate snow-capped mountain range and the flora that accompanies it, we will continue our journey until we reach Puca Cocha lagoon.
  • Next we will see smaller lagoons, which are Orqo Otorongo Cocha and China Otorongo Cocha.
  • Finally, we’ll visit the last lagoon, and one of the largest, Azul Cocha, where we can take an unforgettable photo next to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
  • The walk ends through vast green fields filled with agricultural land and alongside a stream that makes the entire landscape magical.

• Rest in Pacchanta

  • After returning to Pacchanta, we’ll stop for a restorative lunch, where we’ll sample the best of Andean cuisine.
  • Afterwards, we will have a few free hours to rest or enjoy the Pacchanta hot springs, which are outdoors and allow us to see the snow-capped Ausangate in the distance, a completely beautiful landscape.

• End of the Tour

  • The return journey begins after a relaxing break surrounded by beautiful views. Arrival in Cusco is approximately 6:00 PM, at your hotel or a central location in the city.

Route from the city of Cusco to the town of Pacchanta

What does the 7 lagoons tour include?

• Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
• Tourist transport in large transport.
• Professional tour guide service throughout the tour.
• Entrance to the tourist circuit of the 7 lagoons of Ausangate.
• Breakfast in the village of Pacchanta.
• Lunch in the town of Pacchanta.
• Return to your hotel or a central location in the city.
• First aid kit for emergencies during the tour.

What does the 7 lagoons tour not include?

• Entrance to the Pacchanta hot springs.
• Horseback riding tour of the 7 lagoons
• Tourist boat rides in the lagoons.
• Tips.
• Snacks or drinks.
• Trekking poles.

Characteristics of the 7 Lagoons

Tips for your trip to the 7 Ausangate Lagoons

To help you venture out on a tour of the 7 Ausangate lagoons, we’ll provide you with a series of tips and recommendations that will help you have a better experience, by being better informed and prepared to explore this incredible natural destination.

• The snow-capped mountain Ausangate is located 6,384 meters above sea level.
• The 7 lagoons hike takes place at an average altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level.
• Before embarking on the tour of the 7 Ausangate lagoons, remember to acclimatize to lower altitudes in Cusco to avoid altitude sickness and make your trip much easier.
• The Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour is a full-day tour, starting at 4:00 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m.
• If you’re doing the 7-lake hike during the dry season (April to October), you’ll enjoy more stable, clear weather, ideal for appreciating all the landscapes.
• During the rainy season (November to March), you should be prepared with waterproof clothing or a rain poncho on the 7 lagoons tour, as heavy rain is highly likely.
• Visiting the 7 Ausangate lagoons with a tour will provide you with much greater security and information, in addition to providing transportation, meals, a guide, tickets, and an itinerary where you’ll focus solely on enjoying the experience.
• Stop at each of the lagoons along the way; the landscapes you’ll encounter will be some of the most beautiful in the Cusco region.
• Remember that along with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your experience at the 7 Ausangate lagoons. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) How high is the Ausangate snow-capped mountain?

  The Ausangate snow-capped mountain, the highest in Cusco, is 6,384 meters above sea level.

• 2) What are the names of the 7 lagoons of Ausangate?

  The names of the 7 lagoons of Ausangate are: Puca Cocha (red lagoon), Pata Cocha (lagoon on the shore), Alqa Cocha (mixed water lagoon), Qomer Cocha (green lagoon), Orqo Otorongo Cocha (male otorongo lagoon), China Otorongo Cocha (female otorongo lagoon) and Azul Cocha (blue lagoon).

• 3) What is the tour of the 7 Ausangate Lagoons like?

  The hike is approximately four hours long, spanning breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by mountains, colorful lagoons, streams, and the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain. At the end, you can relax in the Pacchanta hot springs.

• 4) Is the hike to the 7 lagoons very difficult?

  The hike isn’t considered difficult, but it does require accustomedness to the altitude. The terrain is mostly flat, although the cold and altitude can make it a bit more challenging if you’re not well acclimatized.

• 5) What does the tour to the 7 lagoons include?

  The tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional guide, lagoon entrance fees, breakfast and lunch at Pacchanta, and a first aid kit for any emergencies.

• 6) What is the best season to do this tour?

  The best time to visit is during the dry season, between April and October, when the weather is more stable and the landscapes are best enjoyed under clear skies.

• 7) Is it necessary to acclimatize before doing this tour?

  Yes, it’s highly recommended to acclimatize in Cusco at least one or two days beforehand to avoid altitude sickness and better enjoy the experience.

• 8) Are there restrooms available during the tour?

  Restrooms are only available at Pacchanta, both at the beginning and end of the trail. There are no restrooms during the hike.

• 9) Can I rent horses for the tour?

  Yes, at the beginning of the Pacchanta trail, there is an option to rent horses if you prefer not to hike the entire route. The cost is not included in the tour.

• 10) How long does the entire tour last?

  The tour lasts approximately 14 hours. It begins at 4:00 a.m. and ends around 6:00 p.m. with return to your hotel or the city center.

Advice from people who have been there

7 lagoons of Ausangate

By: Katerine A.

“Breathtaking landscapes“

“I took the tour to the 7 lagoons and it was an experience that exceeded my expectations. The guide was very attentive, he explained everything about the lagoons and the culture of the Apus. The scenery is incredible, but the best thing was to finish the day in the hot springs of Pacchanta, relaxing with a view of the snow-capped Ausangate.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, July 25, 2025