7 Lagoons of Ausangate – Visitor Information

7 Lagoons 🏔️ What is Ausangate?

The 7 Lagoons Ausangate are a day hike around Ausangate Mountain, the highest mountain in the Cusco region. This hiking route is spectacular for its high Andean landscapes. Here you can observe a wide variety of animals, such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas, and there is little agricultural production due to the area’s altitude. Located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, these lagoons are fed by the glaciers of the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain, considered a sacred mountain by the local people and in the Andean worldview. Is one of the most sacred and stunning mountains in the Andes. At 6,384 meters (20,945 ft), it’s the fifth-highest mountain in Peru and part of the Vilcanota range, southeast of Cusco. Enjoy the 7 lagoons of Ausangate.

🌄Why It’s Special

• Considered a sacred mountain (Apu) by Andean communities
• Home to dramatic glaciers, turquoise lakes, wild landscapes, and remote villages
• Famous for the Ausangate Trek, one of Peru’s most scenic high-altitude hikes
• Near Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the 7 Lagoons hike

🥾 Trekking

• Ausangate Trek: 4–6 days, high-altitude circuit around the mountain
• Not as crowded as Inca Trail, but more remote and challenging
• Passes over several high passes above 5,000m, including breathtaking views and hot springs

🧍‍♂️ Local Culture

• Inhabited by Quechua-speaking alpaca herding communities
• Traditional lifestyle remains largely intact
• You’ll likely see locals in vibrant woven clothing tending animals or selling handmade goods

🐾 Wildlife

• Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas
• Andean condors, vizcachas, and more

📍 Location 7 Lagoons.

• Near the village of Pacchanta, in the Cusco region, Peru
• Part of the Ausangate mountain range, in the Andes

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

• Dry season: May to September (clear skies, ideal hiking conditions)
• Avoid rainy season (December–March)

🚶‍♂️ What to Expect

• A moderate to challenging hike, depending on fitness level
• Elevation: ~4,200 to 4,600 meters (13,800 to 15,000 ft)
• Altitude can affect you — acclimatize in Cusco for at least 1–2 days before

🏞️ The 7 Lagoons

You’ll visit:

1. Puca Cocha
2. Patacocha
3. Alqacocha
4. Qomercocha
5. Orco Otorongo
6. China Otorongo
7. Azul Cocha

Each lagoon has unique colors from minerals and glacial melt.

📅 Tour Options

• Day trip from Cusco (approx. 12–13 hours total)
• Or stay overnight in Pacchanta for a more relaxed experience

🧭 How to Get There

• From Cusco:
  • ~3–4 hour drive to Pacchanta
  • Hike starts from Pacchanta (circular route, ~8–10 km / 5–6 miles)

🧳 What to Bring, 7 lagoons

• Warm layers (weather changes fast)
• Rain jacket (even in dry season)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (UV is strong)
• Snacks, water, coca leaves or pills for altitude
• Good hiking shoes

💡 Extras

• Thermal baths in Pacchanta – great for after the hike
• Local community charges a small entrance fee (usually includes a guide if needed).