Nature, Mountains & Turquoise Waters
5.0 on Google (13) · 132 reviews on TripadvisorAusangate, at 6,384 metres, is the highest mountain in Cusco and its principal apu. On its northern side, above the community of Pacchanta, a one-day circuit passes seven glacial lakes of different colours, from turquoise to green to cobalt blue, with the snow peak and its glaciers above. It is the most complete day hike in the region: high, long and without crowds, with herds of alpacas, hot springs at the end and scenery that in any other country would be a national park.
Departure from Cusco at 3:30 in the morning, about three and a half hours of driving via Ocongate and Tinki to Pacchanta, at 4,300 metres, with breakfast on the way. The lake circuit is about twelve kilometres in four to five hours, with gentle climbs and a high point near 4,800 metres. Each lake has its colour and its viewpoint; the guide adapts the route to the group’s pace and, if the weather advises it, prioritises the most spectacular ones. Back at Pacchanta, a soak in the community hot springs and lunch. Return to Cusco at nightfall.
The circuit, the altitude and the hot springs are covered in more detail in the Ausangate 7 Lakes guide.
For hikers in good shape with at least three days in Cusco. It is not technical, but it is five hours above 4,300 metres. Being private, the circuit can be shortened to the main lakes if someone in the group needs it: the guide decides on the ground. How to prepare for altitude is in the acclimatisation guide.
| Ausangate 7 Lakes | Humantay Lake | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest point | Close to 4,800 m (15,748 ft) | 4,200 m (13,780 ft) |
| Hike | About 12 km in 4 to 5 hours, with gentle climbs | About 3 km uphill in 1 h 30 – 2 h |
| Length of the day | About 14 hours | About 12 hours |
| What you see | Seven coloured lakes beneath Ausangate | A turquoise lake beneath Humantay peak, facing Salkantay |
| Crowds | Very few | Many by mid-morning |
Humantay is the shorter, lower option for a first mountain day; the 7 Lakes is the more complete hike for anyone already acclimatised who wants lakes without crowds.
May to October, with clear skies and the snow peak in view. In the rainy season the trail gets muddy and clouds tend to cover the mountain in the afternoon.
Waterproof trekking shoes, warm layers, gloves, hat, high-factor sunscreen, two litres of water, snacks and a swimsuit for the hot springs. Poles are included, as is emergency oxygen. There is no separate community fee; access to the hot springs is included.
Click each segment to see the detailed itinerary.
Pickup at 3:30 in the morning and about three and a half hours of driving via Ocongate and Tinki, with breakfast on the way. Arrival at Pacchanta, 4,300 metres, at the foot of Ausangate.
About twelve kilometres in four to five hours, with gentle climbs to near 4,800 metres. Each lake has its colour and viewpoint; stops at your pace with views of the snow peak.
Time at the most spectacular lakes of the circuit, facing the Ausangate glaciers. An explanation of the mountain as an apu and of life in the alpaca-herding communities.
A soak in the Pacchanta hot springs, lunch in the community and the drive back to Cusco, arriving at nightfall.
Physically demanding tour due to altitude and hiking distance. Not recommended for people with severe cardiac or respiratory issues. Our guides are certified in altitude first aid.
| Ticket | Price | Where to pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pacchanta hot springs (no separate community fee) | Included | — |
Included in the tour price, subject to the rates in force when booking.
Quick answers to the most common questions about this tour.
The full circuit passes seven. Depending on the weather and the group's pace, all are visited or the most spectacular are prioritised; being private, it is decided on the ground.
Good: four to five hours of hiking between 4,300 and 4,800 metres. It is neither technical nor very steep, but the altitude makes it demanding. Allow three days in Cusco first.
Yes. After the circuit, the soak in the Pacchanta hot springs is included. Bring a swimsuit and towel.
Yes, community horses can be hired at Pacchanta for part of the circuit, for a separate payment.
May to October, with clear skies and the snow peak in view. In the rains the trail gets muddy and clouds cover the mountain in the afternoon.
We design itineraries with generous pacing, so you can truly immerse yourself and connect with Cusco.
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Want to stop for a photo or stay longer at a site? It is your private tour: you control the clock.
From safety protocols to altitude tips, our local team looks after every step of your journey.
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