We will begin our 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour – Cusco 7 Lakes Private Day Trip with Palcoyo Tours early at 4:30 a.m. from Cusco. Our private transport will take us to Pacchanta, a high Andean community. After a scenic 3.5-hour drive, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast in a local restaurant. From there, we will prepare to start the hike to the stunning Cusco 7 Lakes.
We will hike through rugged Andean terrain, surrounded by glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and wide alpine valleys. Our route will reach a maximum altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level, so we will ascend at a steady pace. The hike will be moderately challenging and perfect for active travelers who enjoy nature and adventure. The private tour ensures a relaxed and personalized experience throughout the journey.
We will visit the seven shimmering lagoons of Ausangate: Pucacocha, Azulcocha, Otorongo, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orco Otorongo, and Patacocha. Each lake offers its own stunning color, from deep blues to vivid greens. We will pause to admire each site, take unforgettable photos, and connect with the quiet beauty of the high Andes. Wildlife like llamas and alpacas may also appear along the trail.
We will take free time to rest and breathe the fresh Andean air before finishing the loop. At the end of the hike, we may choose to relax in the thermal baths of Pacchanta. The warm waters will soothe our muscles while we enjoy views of the mountains. Remember to bring a swimsuit and towel for this optional but rewarding treat.
After the soak, we will have a nourishing lunch at a local restaurant in Pacchanta. Our private transport will then bring us back to Cusco around 18:00 p.m. The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour offers a rich day trip full of color, nature, and quiet discovery. This Cusco 7 lakes private tour will leave us with deep memories of Peru’s breathtaking highlands.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
4:30 AM
We will begin our day trip at 4:30 a.m. with a hotel pickup in Cusco. Our private transport will head southeast toward the village of Pacchanta. During the 3.5-hour journey (approx. 125 km), we will pass Andean valleys and farming communities. As dawn breaks, we will enjoy panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Once in Pacchanta (4,300 meters above sea level), we will enjoy a hot breakfast in a cozy local restaurant. We will rest briefly before starting the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour. The trail begins through wide puna grasslands, where llamas and alpacas graze freely. We will walk slowly, adjusting to the altitude and taking in the raw Andean beauty.
We will reach Pucacocha first, a stunning lake whose name means “red lake” in Quechua. Its color shifts between rust and burgundy due to glacial sediment. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, this lake mirrors the peaks of Ausangate in its surface. The scenery is both dramatic and deeply peaceful.
We will pause here to take photos and breathe the crisp mountain air. As the sun rises, the lake’s reflection becomes more vivid. We may spot wild vizcachas resting among boulders or highland birds in flight. The energy at Pucacocha will energize us for the trek ahead.
Azulcocha lies slightly above Pucacocha and lives up to its name: “blue lake.” The water glows turquoise under the morning sun. Surrounded by spongy moss and icy peaks, the landscape looks untouched by time. The atmosphere is calm and invites silent reflection.
We will walk around part of the shore to explore different perspectives. The wind may ripple the water, creating mesmerizing patterns on the surface. This lake sits at approximately 4,500 meters above sea level, so we will hydrate frequently. From here, we will continue toward the next glacier-fed gem.
We will find Otorongo Lake and its twin, Orco Otorongo, side by side. These lakes are named after the Andean puma, “otorongo” in Quechua. Darker in tone, the waters carry a mystical air that locals believe connects to sacred mountain spirits.
Tall cliffs and jagged peaks surround the lakes, casting dramatic shadows. We will listen to the silence broken only by wind and the occasional bird call. Some travelers say these are the most spiritual stops of the Cusco 7 Lakes circuit. We will stop here longer to soak in the powerful Andean energy.
Alqacocha features lighter-colored shores and gentle curves. Snowmelt feeds this lake, keeping the water pure and refreshing. Its pale blue waters contrast with the surrounding green slopes and scattered ice. We may spot herds of alpacas grazing nearby.
We will walk carefully along its rim, where the terrain turns softer and wetter. This area marks the transition toward the higher sections of the hike. Our guides will help us pace ourselves, especially if we feel the altitude. The view of Ausangate’s glaciers from Alqacocha is unforgettable.
Q’omercocha, or “green lake,” earns its name from the algae and minerals that color its surface. The lake rests at around 4,650 meters above sea level. Surrounded by mossy rocks, it’s often described as the most photogenic lake of the circuit. In clear weather, snow peaks reflect perfectly on the water.
We will rest here to recover and take some amazing landscape shots. Some may wish to meditate or simply sit and observe the stillness. The sense of connection to nature is strong at this spot. It’s one of the highlights of the private tour.
Our last stop is Patacocha, a small and serene lagoon that offers a gentle farewell to the trail. The name means “step lake” and comes from its tiered edges. Surrounded by shrubs and tiny flowers, it marks the descent back toward Pacchanta.
We will reflect on the entire 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour here. The feeling of achievement blends with gratitude for this hidden paradise. The return trail allows us to take in new angles of the landscape. We will feel accomplished as we approach the end of this adventure.
Back in Pacchanta, we will have the option to soak in natural hot springs for an additional cost. The warm waters offer the perfect reward after the hike. Views of Ausangate Mountain rise above the steam, completing the magical experience. We will change, relax, and prepare for lunch.
A fresh Andean meal will restore our energy before we return to Cusco. Around 18:00 p.m., our private transport will bring us back to the city. We will carry with us memories of the lakes, the landscape, and the quiet majesty of Ausangate.
A truly magical experience!
We saw llamas, glaciers, and mirror-like lakes surrounded by mountains. The private tour made everything smoother and more personal. The food in Pacchanta was fresh and delicious. We’ll never forget this day in the high Andes!
We booked this private tour with Palcoyo Tours and loved every minute.
The hike was well-organized, and the landscapes were surreal. Our guide adjusted the pace for our group and explained a lot about local culture and geography. Totally recommend this tour if you’re in Cusco!
