When it comes to tourism and discovering a wonderful destination in Peru, the 7 Lakes of Ausangate are all you need to consider. The visual spectacle offered by this stunning snow-capped mountain is truly unique—it's the second-highest peak located in the city of Cusco.
If you're planning your vacation and still don’t know what to do in Cusco, it’s worth taking a look at this blog. Below, we’ll share the most interesting facts about the Ausangate Circuit and its 7 Lakes, along with everything you need to make your experience epic. Let’s dive in!
What Are the 7 lakes of Ausangate?
Before diving into the Ausangate and 7 lakes tour, the first thing you should know is a bit of history about this beautiful place and what you'll see during your visit. As we mentioned earlier, Ausangate is a snow-capped mountain located in the city of Cusco and is known for being the second highest in the region.
This glacier reaches an impressive summit of 6,385 meters above sea level (masl) and stands out for the majestic mountain scenery it offers to visitors. It's worth noting that this peak is not alone—at its base lie seven stunning lakes.
An interesting fact to mention is that both the mountain and the 7 lakes of Ausangate are considered to hold special cultural value, especially for the ancient Inca civilization. In ancient times, it was believed that the mountain was a living deity with power over the life and death of the local people.
According to Inca history, the name “Ausangate” means “Creator of the Waters.” In Inca culture, this destination is considered an Apu, or what is also called a “sacred mountain.”
Where Are They Located and How to Get to the Circuit?
For those traveling to Cusco, taking a trip to the 7 lakes of Ausangate is a great option due to how close the snow-capped mountain is to the city—specifically, about 100 kilometers away.
This mountain holds a significant place in the southeastern part of Cusco, within the same department, and is part of the Ocongate district in the province of Quispicanchis.
The easiest way to reach the 7 lakes of Ausangate is through a guided tour that departs early from the city of Cusco. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, passing through various towns until you reach Pacchanta, which is the starting point of the hike.
From Pacchanta, the hike to the lakes begins. One of the great advantages of joining a guided tour is having the company of an expert guide, highly knowledgeable about the route. They’ll share useful tips and provide valuable information about the natural surroundings, local culture, and the stunning lakes located at the foot of the majestic Ausangate mountain.
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Don’t miss out! Discover all the details of this tour to the 7 lakes of Ausangate (see tour).
Names and Characteristics of Each Lagoon
Although Ausangate 7 lakes is recognized as a single destination, each of its lakes has unique attributes and features. It’s important to keep this in mind when planning your trip.
One key factor you shouldn’t forget is that, since this is a high-altitude snow-capped area, the physical demands are significant—so pay close attention. In this section, we’ll share what you need to know about each lagoon.
Pucacocha Lagoon
This is the first of the 7 lakes of Ausangate, and its name translates to “red” due to the unusual reddish tint of its waters. Many locals in the region call it the “chocolate lagoon.” Among the 7 lakes, this one sits at the lowest altitude, at 4,500 meters above sea level.
Patacocha Lagoon
Continuing along the Ausangate 7 lakes circuit, we come to Patacocha Lagoon, which is located at an estimated altitude of 4,860 meters above sea level. From this point, you can already start enjoying a better view of the snow-capped mountain.
Alqacocha Lagoon
The third lagoon on the Ausangate 7 lakes trail sits at an intermediate altitude between Pucacocha and Patacocha, located at 4,750 meters above sea level. One of the key features of this lagoon is its very low temperature, so it’s essential to wear proper clothing.
Q’omercocha Lagoon
The main attraction of this beautiful lagoon is its turquoise-green color, which gives it its name. Travelers who hike to the snow-capped mountain say that this lagoon offers the best panoramic view of the area, thanks to its altitude of 4,666 meters above sea level.
Orco Otorongo Lagoon
This is the smallest lagoon on the Ausangate 7 lakes circuit. It gets its name from its shape, which resembles a jaguar (otorongo in Quechua), as well as from the combination of its colors that evoke the image of this animal. It sits at an altitude of 4,620 meters above sea level.
China Otorongo Lagoon
This lagoon is located right next to Orco Otorongo Lagoon and shares the same altitude. Its name comes from its position relative to the previous lagoon, as it is said to represent the female jaguar. If you're looking to capture the best photos of the Ausangate 7 lakes, it's worth stopping at one of these two.
Azulcocha Lagoon
Finally, Azulcocha Lagoon marks the end of the full Ausangate 7 lakes journey. Its name comes from the deep blue color of its waters, whose darkness creates a stunning visual contrast with the snow-capped mountain. It sits at 4,610 meters above sea level.
What to See and Do During the Tour
One of the main reasons to visit the 7 lakes of Ausangate is that you won’t just admire these natural wonders—you’ll also enjoy a full experience surrounded by nature, culture, and adventure. Some of the most notable activities and attractions include:
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Take in the view from the Ausangate Viewpoint
At one point along the trail, you can stop to admire the majestic snow-capped peak in all its glory. This is not only the best spot to see the mountain but also to marvel at the beauty of the Pacchanta River. -
Soak in the Pacchanta Hot Springs
Many travelers who take the Ausangate 7 lakes circuit look forward to the natural relaxation offered by this stop. The water in these baths comes directly from the glacier, yet maintains a pleasant temperature of around 40°C (104°F). -
Admire the vegetation and wildlife
One of the most beautiful aspects of the entire Ausangate 7 lakes route is its flora and fauna. Along the way, you'll likely spot llamas and alpacas, as well as various bird species and other wildlife.
If you’re looking to discover even more adventures, check out all the tour options in Cusco that we have for you.
Trekking Recommendations
If you’re ready to explore the Ausangate 7 lakes, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest. Here’s what you need to know:
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Hydration:
During the hike, it’s essential to drink as much water as possible. Due to the physical effort required at high altitude, staying hydrated is key. -
Acclimatization:
Keep in mind that traveling to Cusco means exposing yourself to a significant change in elevation. The best recommendation is to wait at least two days before starting the hike to allow your body to adjust to the altitude and climate conditions. -
Proper clothing:
As mentioned earlier, the closer you get to the Ausangate glacier, the colder it will feel. A crucial tip is to dress in layers so you can stay warm in the colder areas. Some essential items for the hike include:
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Trekking shoes (comfortable and waterproof)
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Warm hiking clothes
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Gloves
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Beanie or warm hat
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Face mask
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Sun hat
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Swimsuit (if you plan to visit the hot springs)
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Other Essentials: In addition to the items mentioned above, make sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a power bank for your phone, cash, water, toilet paper, a backpack, and healthy snacks.
Important Information About the Hike::
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The trail covers a total distance of 6.5 kilometers to reach the glacier.
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The average time to complete the hike is around 6 hours.
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The minimum altitude is 3,780 meters above sea level, and the maximum altitude is 4,750 meters.
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The difficulty level of this hike is rated 4 out of 5.
Why Choose a Tour with Guru Explorers?
As you’ve seen, the experience of touring the 7 lakes of Ausangate is truly one-of-a-kind—but to make the most of every step, you need expert guidance.
At Guru Explorers, we offer professionally guided tours with the highest quality in customer service. Our offerings go beyond Cusco—we also have tours in Lima and other regions of Peru.
We guarantee safety, transparency, and flexibility through our pre-designed packages. We tailor everything to suit your needs!
Want to explore Ausangate and its 7 lakes? Don’t wait—book TODAY with Guru Explorers!
Frequently Asked Questions About the 7 lakes Tour
If you’ve made it this far and still have questions about the Ausangate 7 lakes tour, here are some common FAQs to encourage you and help make your trip the best one yet.
What is the path to Ausangate 7 lakes like?
The trail is well-designed to provide visitors with the best possible experience. Along the way, it’s common to find locals selling water, coca leaves to prevent altitude sickness, and candies. You’ll also encounter local artisans offering essential items for the hike such as hats, scarves, and other souvenirs.
What is the best time of year to do the Ausangate 7 lakes tour?
Any time of year offers a valuable opportunity to visit Ausangate 7 lakes. However, if you prefer the dry season, you should plan your visit between April and October. Keep in mind that this is the high season, so you’ll need to book in advance.
Where can you eat during the Ausangate 7 lakes route?
The 7 lakes area is a rural region, far from both Cusco city and the Sacred Valley. Despite its remoteness, you can find some places to eat along the route. Small restaurants and eateries are run by families from local communities.
It’s important to note that these establishments have very basic infrastructure: simple spaces often built with local materials, rustic tables, and informal service. However, they offer homemade meals made with traditional regional ingredients such as native potatoes, quinoa, alpaca meat, or trout, among others.
Unlike more touristy or commercial routes, here you’ll experience a more authentic and close-to-daily-life atmosphere of Andean villages. You won’t find international menus or a wide variety of dishes, but you will enjoy honest, tasty food served with genuine hospitality by those who know and love their land.
Are there more lakes in Cusco?
Of course! Besides having the great opportunity to visit the 7 lakes of Ausangate, Cusco offers other tours that will allow you to discover lakes just as impressive, such as the tour to Humantay Lake.
Conclusion
The experience of discovering the charms of Ausangate and its 7 lakes is incomparable, and the best part is that if you are in Cusco, you can take this tour since the mountain is quite close. If you want to enjoy something unique and keep the best memories for a lifetime, don’t miss this natural paradise in Peru!