07 Lagoons Ausangate: The Sacred Mountain of the Andes.

07 Lagoons Ausangate (in Quechua: Qanchis Cocha Awsanqati). It is the highest mountain in the Cusco department and the fifth-highest in Peru. Its maximum altitude is 6385 m a.s.l. It is located about 84 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco.

Overview

• Location: Vilcanota mountain range, ~100 km southeast of Cusco, Peru.
• Altitude: 6,384 m (20,945 ft) — fifth-highest mountain in Peru.
• Status: Considered an Apu (sacred mountain spirit) in Andean cosmology.
• Highlights: Glaciers, turquoise lagoons, alpaca herds, rainbow-colored valleys.

Cultural Significance

• For the Quechua people, Ausangate is a protector and provider.
• It’s central to myths tied to fertility, water sources, and cosmic balance.
• The annual Qoyllur Rit’i Festival (Festival of the Snow Star) takes place nearby — one of the largest pilgrimages in the Andes, blending Catholic and Andean traditions

07 Lagoons Ausangate Hike Guide

Overview

• Location: Pacchanta community, near Ocongate, ~3.5 hours from Cusco
• Duration: 1 full day (5–6 hours hiking)
• Distance: ~7 km (4.3 miles) circuit
• Altitude: 4,300 m – 4,600 m (14,100–15,100 ft)
• Difficulty: Moderate (short but high-altitude)
• Type: Day hike, often done as part of Ausangate trekking circuits

Why It’s Special

• You see seven distinct turquoise, green, and blue lakes (each with Quechua names tied to Inca culture).
• Set against the backdrop of Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft), one of the most sacred peaks in the Andes.
• Bonus: Natural hot springs in Pacchanta village — perfect for post-hike recovery.

The 07 Lagoons Ausangate (Typical Circuit)

1. Q’omercocha – “Green Lake”
2. Orqo Otorongo – “Male Jaguar”
3. China Otorongo – “Female Jaguar”
4. Puka Cocha – “Red Lake”
5. Alqacocha – “Dog Lake”
6. Patacocha – “Step Lake”
7. Blue Cocha – Deep, vivid turquoise

(Note: Sequence may vary depending on your guide’s chosen route.)

07 Lagoons Ausangate: Itinerary (Day Hike from Cusco)

1. 04:30–05:00 AM: Pickup in Cusco, drive to Pacchanta (3.5 hrs).
2. 08:30 AM: Breakfast in Pacchanta, meet local guides.
3. 09:30 AM: Start the hike — gradual ascent through valleys, herds of alpacas, wide views of Ausangate.
4. 10:30–14:30: Visit the 7 lagoons along the loop trail.
5. 15:00: Return to Pacchanta, soak in hot springs (optional).
6. 16:30: Lunch in the village.
7. 17:00: Drive back to Cusco (arrive ~20:30).

What to Pack

• Clothing: Layers (t-shirt, fleece, windproof/rain jacket), gloves, hat.
• Footwear: Hiking boots with good grip.
• Gear: Trekking poles, daypack, water (at least 2L), snacks.
• Other: Sunglasses, sunscreen, coca leaves or pills for altitude.
• Swimwear & towel: For hot springs.

07 Lagoons Ausangate Acclimatization.

• Altitude is the biggest challenge. Spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco before this hike.
• Consider warming up with lower-altitude hikes (Rainbow Mountain or Sacred Valley).

Costs (Approx.)

• Group tour from Cusco: $40–60 (includes transport, guide, meals).
• Private tour: $80–120+ depending on group size.
• Entrance fee: ~10–15 soles ($3–4).
• Hot springs: ~5 soles ($1.50).

07 Lagoons Ausangate Tips.

• Go with a guide — trails aren’t always marked clearly.
• Carry small change for entrance fees and local snacks.
• Weather can change fast — rain gear is essential year-round.
• Respect local communities and sacred sites.

07 Lagoons Ausangate, this hike is great if you want a full Ausangate experience in one day without committing to the multi-day Ausangate trek.