Seven Lakes of Ausangate
Seven glacial lakes, each a different colour, at the foot of Ausangate — and hot springs to finish.
- Duration
- 1 day (approx. 14 h)
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Maximum altitude
- 4,600 m
- Group size
- Maximum 12 people
- Acclimatisation needed
- 2 days in Cusco
- Best season
- April to October
A one-day circuit around the seven glacial lakes that form at the foot of Ausangate, the 6,372 m peak that dominates the south of the region. Each lake has its own colour, from turquoise to green to deep blue, according to the minerals the meltwater carries.
The walk takes about five hours and stays entirely above 4,200 m, with no descent to give you a break. It is not technical, but the sustained altitude makes it demanding: it needs at least two days of acclimatisation in Cusco first.
The circuit starts and ends at Pacchanta, a high Andean village with hot springs facing the glacier. It is the alternative to Vinicunca for travellers who want the same mountain scenery without the concentration of visitors.
Next departures
Daily departures
These are the dates this route runs, worked out from its schedule. Availability is confirmed when you enquire: in high season some departures are already closed.
Itinerary
03:30
Pickup in Cusco
Pre-dawn departure heading southeast. About three and a half hours by road to Pacchanta, with a breakfast stop on the way.
07:30
Pacchanta
Arrival at the village at the foot of Ausangate, and the start of the walk.
4,200 m above sea level
08:00
The lakes circuit
Around five hours walking a circuit past all seven lakes. Each one takes its colour from the minerals in the glacier that feeds it, from turquoise to green to deep blue.
4,600 m above sea level
13:30
Lunch and hot springs
Lunch in Pacchanta and time at the thermal pools, which look straight out at the glacier. Entrance is paid separately.
15:00
Return
Drive back to Cusco, arriving around 19:00.
What's included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Return tourist transport
- Breakfast and lunch
- Certified professional guide
- Pacchanta community entrance fee
- First aid kit with oxygen
Not included
- Entrance to the Pacchanta hot springs
- A support horse, if you need one
- Tips
What to bring
- Warm layers — you walk all day above 4,200 m
- Hat, gloves and a windproof shell
- High-factor sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hiking shoes with grip
- Water and snacks
- Swimwear if you plan to use the hot springs
- Cash in soles for the springs and the horse
Frequently asked questions
Is it harder than Vinicunca?
You go less high — 4,600 against 5,036 — but you walk considerably more: five hours against two. It is more demanding through duration, not altitude. Anyone who managed Vinicunca comfortably will be fine here.
Are there crowds?
Considerably fewer than at Vinicunca. Same range, same peak, but the lakes circuit is not on the standard agency itinerary and takes a fraction of those visitors.
Can it be done on horseback?
The community keeps horses for the harder stretches, hired on the spot at a price agreed with the muleteer. It is not in the package because not everyone uses one.
How much acclimatisation does it need?
Two full days in Cusco. You walk five hours above 4,200 m with no descent at any point, which is what makes it demanding for someone newly arrived.
Why are the lakes different colours?
Because of the minerals carried down by the Ausangate meltwater and the depth of each basin. The colour also shifts with the hour and the cloud, so no two photographs come out quite alike.
When not to go: January to March — the lakes lose their colour under cloud and the path turns to mud