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A full‑day, high‑altitude trek from Cusco to the seven alpine lakes at the foot of Ausangate. Expect long distances, dramatic glacial lakes, and a cultural encounter with Andean shepherd communities.
A full‑day, high‑altitude trek from Cusco to the seven alpine lakes at the foot of Ausangate. Expect long distances, dramatic glacial lakes, and a cultural encounter with Andean shepherd communities.
Morning air is thin and sharp as the minivan slips out of Cusco before dawn, the city lights shrinking behind you while the Andes grow taller and colder.
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Operated by World Explorer Peru · Pacchanta, Cusco Region
Morning air is thin and sharp as the minivan slips out of Cusco before dawn, the city lights shrinking behind you while the Andes grow taller and colder.
By the time the group reaches Pacchanta, steam rises from thermomedicinal pools and the first pans of sunlight hit the ridges of Ausangate. The trail climbs through puna grass and scattered boulder fields; after two hours you stand at a viewpoint where seven alpine lakes sit like mirrors threaded along a glacial cirque. Lighter steps take you between tarns—Red Lake’s mineral streaks, the deep blue of “Blue Lake,” and smaller ponds that reflect cloud and peak.
Geology here is recent in glacial terms: moraines and cirque basins carved by the retreat of ice fed the lagoons, while mineral-rich soils tint water and scree red. Ausangate is also a living cultural landmark—Quechua communities revere it as an Apu, and shepherds still move llamas and alpacas across the slopes.
Practically, this is a demanding high‑altitude day: expect 10 km of walking, initial elevations around 4,300 m and peaks near 4,630 m. Guides include breakfast, lunch and oxygen; carry water, layered insulation, sunscreen and sturdy boots. Move steadily, watch for altitude symptoms, and leave no trace—the fragile bofedales and wetlands recover slowly.
By late afternoon the circuit returns to Pacchanta for lunch and a warm ride back to Cusco, the Andes silhouette softening as the sun slides behind Ausangate.
The itinerary covers roughly 10 km of walking with starting elevations around 4,300 m and viewpoints reaching about 4,630 m above sea level.
Yes—spending at least 48 hours in Cusco or similar elevation beforehand is strongly recommended to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Yes—the tour includes breakfast, lunch (with vegetarian options) and a first‑aid kit with oxygen available if needed.
Bring broken‑in, ankle‑supporting hiking boots, insulating layers, rain shell, hat, gloves and high‑SPF sun protection.
World Explorer Peru operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Morning air is thin and sharp as the minivan slips out of Cusco before dawn, the city lights shrinking behind you while the Andes grow taller and colder.
Morning air is thin and sharp as the minivan slips out of Cusco before dawn, the city lights shrinking behind you while the Andes grow taller and colder.
By the time the group reaches Pacchanta, steam rises from thermomedicinal pools and the first pans of sunlight hit the ridges of Ausangate. The trail climbs through puna grass and scattered boulder fields; after two hours you stand at a viewpoint where seven alpine lakes sit like mirrors threaded along a glacial cirque. Lighter steps take you between tarns—Red Lake’s mineral streaks, the deep blue of “Blue Lake,” and smaller ponds that reflect cloud and peak.
Geology here is recent in glacial terms: moraines and cirque basins carved by the retreat of ice fed the lagoons, while mineral-rich soils tint water and scree red. Ausangate is also a living cultural landmark—Quechua communities revere it as an Apu, and shepherds still move llamas and alpacas across the slopes.
Practically, this is a demanding high‑altitude day: expect 10 km of walking, initial elevations around 4,300 m and peaks near 4,630 m. Guides include breakfast, lunch and oxygen; carry water, layered insulation, sunscreen and sturdy boots. Move steadily, watch for altitude symptoms, and leave no trace—the fragile bofedales and wetlands recover slowly.
By late afternoon the circuit returns to Pacchanta for lunch and a warm ride back to Cusco, the Andes silhouette softening as the sun slides behind Ausangate.