Ausangate 7 Lagoons: High Mountain Compressed Into One Day
Ausangate 7 Lagoons: High Mountain Compressed Into One Day
Not every traveler has four or five days to spend in the Ausangate range — and this tour exists precisely for them. In a single day we walk among seven lagoons of glacial origin, each with a distinct shade depending on the minerals in its bed and the light of the moment: intense turquoise, emerald green, near-black blue. No camping required, no heavy gear to carry — the visual essence of the full circuit fits into one well-planned day.
Executive Summary
- Duration: Full Day (approx. 13-14 hours, including transport)
- Difficulty: Moderate-Challenging (short walk, high altitude)
- Max Altitude: Approx. 4,900 m
- Group Size: Max 10 people
- Highlights: Seven glacial lagoons in distinct shades, frontal view of the Ausangate massif, high-Andean wildlife (vicuñas, alpacas)
Detailed Itinerary
01
DAY
Day itinerary
Departure from Cusco very early (approx. 4:00 - 5:00 am) toward the Pacchanta area, the walk's starting point. The ascent to the first lagoons happens during the morning's best light, when the glacier's reflection on the water is sharpest. As we advance, the landscape opens into high-Andean grasslands where herds of vicuñas and alpacas commonly graze freely. After completing the circuit through the seven lagoons and enjoying a picnic-style lunch with a view of the massif, we begin the descent and return to Tinki for the drive back to Cusco, arriving in the evening.
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Round-trip ground transport from Cusco
- Professional bilingual guide
- Breakfast and box-lunch/picnic-style lunch
- Conservation area entrance fee
- First aid assistance
What's Not Included
- Dinner
- Trekking poles (rental available)
- Personal cold-weather gear
- Tips
Why Choose This Tour with AndeanDiscovery.pe?
Many operators sell this as a "mini Ausangate" tour without factoring in that the altitude (up to 4,900 m) demands the same respect as a multi-day trek. Our guides assess your acclimatization level before leaving Cusco and adjust the walking pace in real time — the goal isn't to check off a rigid itinerary, but for you to enjoy the seven lagoons safely.