Make your way through the outstanding Andean mountain range and discover one of the most impressive natural sceneries of the region, guarded by the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain. On this occasion, you’ll get to visit 7 authentic lagoons located over 4,500 m.a.s.l. Learn more about it with this section.
If you’ve been following our Cusco Travel Guide, then you surely must know that the cusqueñan region is full of natural wonders, history and mysticism. Therefore, we’ve come up with an adventure so you can experience our cultural and natural heritage from the very heart of the Andes.
As the name hints, this excursion will take you to the 7 lakes that originate from the thaw of the Ausangate peak. These awe-inspiring water bodies are surrounded by a unique landscape, where towering mountains, alpacas, llamas and vicuñas will welcome you from the distance.
Travel off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of the Andes with us! There are so many magical places in our country that you surely haven’t heard of and here we are to show you everything about them.
The adventure will take place in the Vilcanota mountain range, a beautiful part of the Andes where the Rainbow Mountain and the Ausangate Peak are located. On the way there, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the region. Here’s what you should expect:
1. Pacchanta
It is a small town located at the base of the Ausangate glacier. This beautiful Andean town is located right in the heart of the mountain range and it’s the starting point for those who are taking the Ausangate Trek or, like us, the 7 lakes trek.
The town is famous for its slow-paced life, where the community depends on tourism and agriculture. Also, there are some famous thermo-medicinal baths located right there, which you can visit at the end of the excursion.
2. The 7 Lakes
As we mentioned before, the main attraction of this excursion will be the 7 lakes that originate from the Ausangate mountain.
This group of lagoons are located over 4,600 meters above sea level and each comprises a unique scenery, where their turquoise and emerald-like waters make the perfect contrast with the surrounding mountains.
These are the lakes that we’ll get to visit: Pucacocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, China Otorongo and Azul Cocha.
3. Ausangate Mountain
Right at the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range lies the 6th highest peak of Peru, the Ausangate Mountain. The famous snow-capped mountain is located 100 kilometers away from Cusco and rises up to 6,384 meters above sea level.
Although we won’t be climbing up to its summit, we’ll get to appreciate it from up close, guarding its beautiful water bodies and the land that surrounds it.
Quick Tip: Looking for something special to do in Peru but still can’t find the right destination? Don’t Worry, we got you covered! Contact our travel specialists and start planning the trip of your life while you’re here.
On this opportunity, you’ll get to experience the natural scenery of the Vilcanota mountain range. We want you to feel comfortable, so we have prepared an exclusive itinerary where you’ll get to visit each site calmly so you can fully appreciate everything.
04:00h - 04:30h | Pick up from the hotel
Our team will pick you up at your accommodation. Make sure to be ready at the stipulated time. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes for this adventure!
04:30h - 07:30h | On the way to Pacchanta
It will take about 3.5 hours to get to Pacchanta from Cusco. On the way, you’ll be able to see the sunrise and the beautiful landscapes along the route.
07:30h - 08:30h | Breakfast stop
Once in Pacchanta, we’ll make a stop so you can have some energizing breakfast and get all warmed up before starting the trek.
08:30h - 12:00h | Trek to the 7 Lakes
It will take about 3.5 hours to visit all the lakes on the way up. On this occasion, you’ll get to know these magical lagoons as well as the mysticism that surrounds them.
12:00h - 14:00h | Back to Pacchanta
Once we’ve visited all the 7 lagoons, we’ll head back to the small village of Pacchanta so we can have a well-deserved rest.
14:00h - 15:00h | Lunch time
As soon as we get to Pacchanta, we’ll head to a restaurant to have a delicious andean meal, where the endemic flavors of the region will delight your palate.
15:00h - 15:40h | Pacchanta Hot Springs (optional)
If you want, you can take a bath in the Pacchanta Hot Springs. Keep in mind that this is an optional activity, if you’d like to skip it you can have some time to explore around this magical town.
15:40h - 18:30h | Return to Cusco
Now it’s time to lay back and relax as we cross the Andes back to the Imperial City of the Incas. We’ll be arriving back to Cusco around 18:30h.
Important Note:
- If you wish to have a more intimate and exclusive experience, please contact our travel agents. You can take the 7 Lakes Trek on a private tour with Viagens Machu Picchu.
- Our team is highly capacitated to assist you in case of any inconvenience. In case you’re feeling any altitude sickness symptoms, make sure to talk to any of our guides so they can assist you right away.
If you wish to experience this trek at its fullest, we have the perfect adventure for you. Keep in mind that you can organize your trip according to your interests, we are here to help you with any inquiry you may have, including assistance during your travel planning process.
To book the 7 Lakes Trek, you just need to contact our travel agents. Our local expert team will make sure to optimize your time and adventure with a tailored-made travel plan for you.
Likewise, we care to provide top-quality services to each and every one of our passengers, which is why we count with certified drivers, professional guides, and an all-time monitored car fleet with GPS tracking.
General Information
- Duration: 14 hours approx.
- Entrance: All entrance fees are included in our travel packages.
- Included: Transport, entrance fees, English speaking guide, pick up at the hotel, breakfast, buffet lunch, oxygen tank, first aid kit.
Viagens Machu Picchu cares to provide everything you need to have an authentic adventure through our country. Get to know all the special offers we have in Peru travel packages and start planning the trip of your life!
