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A full‑day trek from Cusco to the seven high‑Andean lagoons near Ausangate, combining glacial scenery, native wildlife and a relaxing soak in Pacchanta hot springs. Expect high altitude, short rocky sections, and dramatic views of Ausangate all day.
A full‑day trek from Cusco to the seven high‑Andean lagoons near Ausangate, combining glacial scenery, native wildlife and a relaxing soak in Pacchanta hot springs. Expect high altitude, short rocky sections, and dramatic views of Ausangate all day.
You start before dawn in Cusco, the van slipping through shadowed puna toward Pacchanta as the first light rims Ausangate’s ice. High grass whispers; peaks sharpen from blue haze. By midmorning you’re walking—thin air, a stony trail, and a chain of glacial lagoons that change from green to cobalt as clouds move and the mountain watches.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by QORIANKA TOURS · Cusco, Cusco
You start before dawn in Cusco, the van slipping through shadowed puna toward Pacchanta as the first light rims Ausangate’s ice. High grass whispers; peaks sharpen from blue haze. By midmorning you’re walking—thin air, a stony trail, and a chain of glacial lagoons that change from green to cobalt as clouds move and the mountain watches.
Ausangate is an Apu, a sacred Andean mountain tied to local Quechua pastoral life for centuries; the lakes are carved by Pleistocene ice and fed by melt from 6,300‑m cirques. The landscape alternates bofedales (peaty wetlands) and volcanic scree, and communities around Tinke and Pacchanta still herd llamas and tend high‑altitude crops. Expect to see alpacas, llamas, vizcachas and, if luck runs right, an Andean condor riding the thermals.
Practically: the itinerary covers roughly 6.5 km round trip with sustained altitude up to about 4,740 m, so pace matters more than speed. Guides typically provide walking sticks, oxygen and a hot springs stop in Pacchanta for the return. Hydrate well the day before, layer for sun and wind, and give yourself time to acclimatize in Cusco (2+ days recommended).
Trail surfaces are compacted dirt and rocky steps; the route is exposed in places but not technical. Bring sun protection, an insulated midlayer, sturdy boots and a light first‑aid kit. Aim for early starts to avoid afternoon snow squalls in shoulder seasons and to catch the lagoons at their most luminous.
The highest lagoon sits around 4,740 m (15,551 ft); the trailhead in Pacchanta is about 4,310 m, so expect substantial altitude gain.
Yes—operators often offer horse rides for guests who need assistance, but availability and safety briefing depend on local conditions.
This trek is not recommended for pregnant travelers or very young children due to high altitude and remoteness; check with your provider for age limits.
Weather is variable—sunny, cold mornings can shift to windy or snowy showers in the afternoon, especially outside the dry season (May–September).
QORIANKA TOURS operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You start before dawn in Cusco, the van slipping through shadowed puna toward Pacchanta as the first light rims Ausangate’s ice. High grass whispers; peaks sharpen from blue haze. By midmorning you’re walking—thin air, a stony trail, and a chain of glacial lagoons that change from green to cobalt as clouds move and the mountain watches.
You start before dawn in Cusco, the van slipping through shadowed puna toward Pacchanta as the first light rims Ausangate’s ice. High grass whispers; peaks sharpen from blue haze. By midmorning you’re walking—thin air, a stony trail, and a chain of glacial lagoons that change from green to cobalt as clouds move and the mountain watches.
Ausangate is an Apu, a sacred Andean mountain tied to local Quechua pastoral life for centuries; the lakes are carved by Pleistocene ice and fed by melt from 6,300‑m cirques. The landscape alternates bofedales (peaty wetlands) and volcanic scree, and communities around Tinke and Pacchanta still herd llamas and tend high‑altitude crops. Expect to see alpacas, llamas, vizcachas and, if luck runs right, an Andean condor riding the thermals.
Practically: the itinerary covers roughly 6.5 km round trip with sustained altitude up to about 4,740 m, so pace matters more than speed. Guides typically provide walking sticks, oxygen and a hot springs stop in Pacchanta for the return. Hydrate well the day before, layer for sun and wind, and give yourself time to acclimatize in Cusco (2+ days recommended).
Trail surfaces are compacted dirt and rocky steps; the route is exposed in places but not technical. Bring sun protection, an insulated midlayer, sturdy boots and a light first‑aid kit. Aim for early starts to avoid afternoon snow squalls in shoulder seasons and to catch the lagoons at their most luminous.