This guide is continuously maintained and verified by our resident Andean mountain leaders, ensuring accurate permit guidance, altitude protocols, and route recommendations for travelers in Peru.
Table of Contents (11 Sections)
- 1 7 Lakes of Ausangate at a glance
- 2 What Are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?
- 3 Why Visit the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?
- 4 Where Are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?
- 5 How to Get to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate
- 6 The Seven Lakes
- 7 Hiking Difficulty
- 8 Altitude and Acclimatization
- 9 Best Time to Visit
- 10 Flora and Wildlife
- 11 Frequently asked questions about the 7 Lakes of Ausangate
High in the Peruvian Andes, the 7 Lakes of Ausangate offer one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Cusco region. While thousands of travelers visit Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain every day, this hidden destination remains relatively untouched, rewarding visitors with crystal-clear glacial lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, colorful valleys, and authentic Andean culture.
Located at the foot of Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region, this hike passes turquoise, green and deep blue lakes below the glaciers. Along the way, you’ll encounter herds of alpacas and llamas, traditional Quechua communities, and the soothing natural hot springs of Pacchanta.
If you are looking for a quieter alternative to the busiest sites near Cusco, or for mountain photography, the 7 Lakes of Ausangate are worth the trip.
7 Lakes of Ausangate at a glance#
| Where | Pacchanta, Ocongate district, Quispicanchi province, about 3 to 3.5 hours by road southeast of Cusco |
| Start of the hike | About 4,200–4,300 m (13,780–14,100 ft) |
| Highest point | About 4,600–4,850 m (15,100–15,900 ft), depending on the route |
| Distance and time | About 10–16 km (6–10 miles), 4 to 6 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderately challenging to challenging, because of the altitude |
| Best time | Dry season, April to October |
| Main peak | Ausangate, 6,384 m (20,945 ft), the highest mountain in the Cusco region |
What Are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?#
The 7 Lakes of Ausangate are a collection of glacial lakes located near Pacchanta, a small Andean village in the Ocongate district, Quispicanchi province, roughly three hours southeast of Cusco.
Fed by the melting glaciers of Ausangate Mountain, each lake displays a unique shade of blue or green thanks to the minerals found in the surrounding mountains. Together, they make one of the most scenic hikes in southern Peru.
One thing worth knowing upfront: there isn’t a single “official” list of the seven lakes. Different communities, guides, and tour operators name slightly different combinations depending on the route they follow, so two travelers can both hike the “7 Lakes circuit” and end up seeing a different set of lakes. Still, a core group of names shows up on nearly every route.
Why Visit the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?#
Incredible Mountain Scenery
The route offers continuous panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain, which rises to 6,384 meters (20,945 feet) above sea level, along with neighboring peaks such as Jampa and Puca Punta.
Seven Unique Glacial Lakes
Each lake has its own personality and color. Depending on the weather and sunlight, the water can appear turquoise, emerald green, sapphire blue, or even silver.
Authentic Andean Culture
The local communities still preserve centuries-old traditions. Visitors often see local shepherds wearing traditional clothing while raising alpacas and llamas.
Relaxing Hot Springs
After completing the hike, travelers can unwind in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta while enjoying incredible mountain views.
Where Are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?#
The lakes are located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, about 100–120 kilometers (62–75 miles) southeast of Cusco, in the community of Pacchanta.
The adventure begins in Pacchanta, situated at approximately 4,200–4,300 meters (13,780–14,100 feet) above sea level. From there, hikers follow a scenic trail through high-altitude valleys, passing several of the seven glacial lakes before looping back to the village.
How to Get to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate#
Most visitors join a full-day guided tour from Cusco, typically departing very early between 3:00 and 4:30 a.m. to make the most of the day.
The drive to Pacchanta takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, passing through traditional Andean villages and high-altitude farmland.
Independent travelers can take a bus or combi from Av. Tomasa Tito Condemayta in Cusco to the town of Tinki (about 3 hours), then a taxi to Pacchanta (roughly 30 more minutes). That said, a guided tour is usually more convenient given limited public transport schedules and the logistics of hiking at altitude.
The Seven Lakes#
Each lake is formed by glacial meltwater and offers spectacular scenery. Names that recur across most routes include:
- Azulcocha, known for its brilliant turquoise color.
- Pucacocha, surrounded by rugged mountain slopes.
- Alqacocha, famous for its crystal-clear water.
- Otorongo Macho and Otorongo Hembra (sometimes grouped together as one “Otorongo Lake”), reflecting the snow-covered peaks.
- Qomercocha, with striking emerald tones.
- Patacocha, located at one of the higher points of the route.
Exact lake names and order can vary slightly by operator, but the character of the circuit vividly colored lakes ringed by glaciers stays consistent.
Hiking Difficulty#
The 7 Lakes of Ausangate hike is considered moderately challenging to challenging.
The trail itself isn’t technically difficult, but the high altitude makes the trek more demanding than many visitors expect.
The hike covers roughly 10 to 16 kilometers (6–10 miles) depending on the route, and takes approximately 4 to 6 hours. Several uphill sections require a reasonable level of fitness.
Altitude and Acclimatization#
One of the biggest challenges is the elevation.
The hike begins at around 4,200–4,300 meters (13,780–14,100 feet) and reaches elevations close to 4,600–4,850 meters (15,100–15,900 feet), depending on the route.
To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, it’s highly recommended to spend at least two or three days in Cusco before attempting the hike. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, eating light meals, and walking at a comfortable pace will help your body adjust.
To spend several days walking around Ausangate, see our Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 5 Days.
Best Time to Visit#
The best months to visit are during the dry season, from April to October, which usually brings:
- Clear blue skies
- Better mountain views
- Less rainfall
- Safer hiking conditions
- Excellent photography opportunities
The rainy season runs from November to March, when trails may become muddy and cloud cover can partially hide the surrounding peaks. However, the landscape turns greener, creating a beautiful contrast with the glaciers.
Flora and Wildlife#
The region is home to a surprising variety of wildlife despite its harsh climate. During the hike, you may encounter:
- Alpacas and llamas
- Vicuñas and viscachas
- Andean geese and mountain ducks
- Caracara birds
- Occasionally, Andean foxes and condors
Native high-altitude plants and colorful wildflowers cover the valleys, adding even more beauty to the landscape.
Frequently asked questions about the 7 Lakes of Ausangate#
How high are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?
The hike starts at Pacchanta, at about 4,200–4,300 m, and reaches about 4,600–4,850 m at its highest point, depending on the route. Spend at least two or three days in Cusco before you go.
How long is the 7 Lakes of Ausangate hike?
About 10 to 16 km, or 4 to 6 hours of walking, plus about 3 to 3.5 hours each way by road from Cusco, so it is a very long day trip.
Which lakes do you see?
The names vary by route, but most include Azulcocha, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongo, Qomercocha and Patacocha, below the glaciers of Ausangate.
Can I see the Ausangate lakes and Rainbow Mountain on the same trip?
Yes, on a multi-day trek. Our Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain 5 Days crosses the Ausangate range, passes high Andean lakes and ends at the Pacchanta hot springs. For Rainbow Mountain alone, see our Rainbow Mountain full-day tour.
Written by Joel Cárdenas Gonzales
Founder & CEOFounder and CEO of Southern Peru Explorers since 2009. Born in Cusco and trained as an official tour guide at Instituto Khipu. About the author
