Full-Day Adventure to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate

Day 1: Cusco | Ccatca – Pacchanta – 7 Lagoons Circuit – Return to Cusco

We’ll start the day by picking you up from your hotel and heading south of Cusco. Along the way, we’ll pass through small traditional villages where locals still wear their traditional clothing and keep their customs alive. We’ll make a short stop in the town of Ccatca to visit its main square and some of its charming streets.

Then, we’ll continue along the Interoceanic Highway that connects Peru with Brazil, until we reach the community of Pacchanta, located at over 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) above sea level. There, a local family will welcome us with a homemade breakfast prepared with fresh Andean ingredients.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our hike toward the Vilcanota mountain range, where we’ll have the chance to admire Ausangate, one of the region’s most important glaciers and the source of the lakes we’ll visit. The hike takes about three and a half hours, passing by Comercocha and Algacocha — stunning blue and turquoise lagoons that lie at the base of the Callangate glacier.

Later, we’ll continue toward the Patacocha, Otorongococha, and Azulcocha lagoons before returning to Pacchanta. There, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by our local host. Finally, those who wish can relax in the soothing hot springs of Pacchanta before heading back to Cusco in private transportation — ending a day filled with Andean landscapes and positive energy.

Lagoons We’ll Visit During the Hike

Along the trail, you’ll see several lagoons scattered across the route. Here are the main lagoons you’ll visit — get your camera ready to capture this one-of-a-kind experience!

Comercocha Lagoon

This is one of the first lagoons you’ll encounter. Its name in Quechua means “green lagoon.” Located at 4,550 meters (14,925 feet) above sea level, it stands out for the greenish tone of its waters.

Algacocha Lagoons

These are two lagoons that share the same name. “Algacocha” means “two colors” in Quechua, referring to the different shades of their waters. They are located at an altitude of 4,680 meters (15,354 feet).

Patacocha Lagoons

Composed of three small lagoons, their name comes from Quechua and means “lagoon on the summit.” They are found at 4,620 meters (15,157 feet) above sea level.

China Otorongo Lagoon

This lagoon holds great significance for the local people, as it represents duality in the Andean worldview. Its name means “female jaguar,” inspired by the color of its waters that resemble the fur of this feline.

Orco Otorongo Lagoon

Located at 4,590 meters (15,060 feet) above sea level, its name means “male jaguar” in Quechua, also inspired by this animal native to the Peruvian jungle.

Azulcocha Lagoon

Its name in Quechua means “blue lagoon.” Situated at 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level, it captivates visitors with its deep blue tones contrasting beautifully with the Andean landscape.