What to Expect on the 7 Lakes of Ausangate in Group Tour?

Discover the hidden gems of the Andes on our 7 Lakes of Ausangate in Group tour, the most scenic shared trekking experience in Cusco. This full-day journey takes you through a turquoise chain of glacial lagoons at the foot of the sacred Ausangate mountain, offering breathtaking landscapes and a relaxing finish at the Pacchanta hot springs. Our 7 Lakes of Ausangate in Group service is perfectly designed for adventurers looking for an affordable, high-altitude challenge with professional guidance and social vibes

Itinerary: 7 Lakes of Ausangate in Group Service

Full Day: 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour in Cusco

This exciting tour begins early in the morning, with pick-up from your hotel between 4:30 am and 5:00 am. From there, we will travel by bus for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to Pacchanta, located at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast, providing us with the energy we need to start the adventure.

Next, we will begin our hike to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate, a journey that will take around 4 hours. Along the way, we’ll explore the stunning lagoons at the foot of the Ausangate mountain. The lagoons we will visit are:

• Lake Pata Cocha
• Lake Otorongo Macho
• Lake Otorongo Hembra
• Lake Puca Cocha
• Lake Ccomer Cocha
• Lake Azul Cocha
• Lake Alqa Cocha

During the hike, we will be amazed by the breathtaking mountainous landscapes and the crystal-clear waters of these lagoons as we ascend to an altitude of 4650 meters. This challenging yet rewarding trek is perfect for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.

After enjoying this incredible experience, we will return to Pacchanta, where we can relax in the area’s famous hot springs, known for its volcanic activity. The hot springs will offer a well-deserved rest and rejuvenation opportunity.

Finally, we’ll enjoy a delicious traditional lunch, before heading back to Cusco. The return journey will take approximately until 7:00 pm, when we will arrive at Cusco’s city center, specifically at Plaza de Armas, where this unforgettable adventure will conclude.

As you make your way through the high-Andean landscape at the foot of the sacred Ausangate mountain, you’ll discover a series of stunning glacial lagoons, each with its own mesmerizing beauty. This journey is a visual feast, introducing you to seven unique bodies of water.

First on the path, you’ll find Pata Cocha, a serene lagoon with calm, reflective waters. Moving on, the trail reveals the unique pair of Otorongo Macho and Otorongo Hembra, two lagoons named after the powerful jaguar that are situated side by side, creating a striking visual.

Further along, the vibrant colors of the lagoons become more dramatic. You’ll be captivated by the reddish hues of Puca Cocha, a lake that seems to change color with the light. Following this, the emerald tones of Ccomer Cocha will catch your eye, showcasing a truly vibrant green that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding rocky terrain.

Finally, the journey culminates with the deep, captivating blue of Azul Cocha and the truly special Alqa Cocha, a multicolored lagoon that beautifully reflects a spectrum of colors from the sky and mountains. This series of seven lagoons offers a breathtaking and unforgettable experience, connecting you directly with the raw beauty of the Andes.

🏔️ Explore the Sacred Landmarks of the Ausangate Circuit in Group Service

To fully appreciate the 7 Lakes of Ausangate in Group service, it is essential to understand the unique beauty and spiritual significance of each stop. These glacial wonders are located at the base of the Vilcanota mountain range, offering a landscape that feels like another planet.

The Majestic Mount Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,945 ft)

Before exploring the lagoons, you will be humbled by the presence of Mount Ausangate. It is the highest peak in the Cusco region and is considered the most powerful “Apu” (Sacred Mountain) in Andean cosmology. Because the glacier’s meltwater feeds all seven lakes, the entire circuit is imbued with a sense of ancient energy. Its snow-capped peaks serve as a constant, breathtaking backdrop throughout our entire trek.

💧 Detailed Description of the 7 Lagoons:

1. Pata Cocha (The Upper Lake)

Initially, we encounter PataCocha. Located at high altitude, its name in Quechua refers to its position “on top” or “on a ledge.” The water is crystal clear, reflecting the early morning sky. Notably, the silence here is profound, broken only by the occasional sound of distant ice cracking on the glaciers above.

2. Otorongo Macho (The Male Jaguar Lake)

Moving forward, we reach the first of the twin “Jaguar” lakes. Named after the Andean feline, Otorongo Macho is known for its darker, more intense blue color. The rugged terrain surrounding it gives it a strong, masculine energy, fitting for its traditional name.

3. Otorongo Hembra (The Female Jaguar Lake)

Right next to its counterpart, we find Otorongo Hembra. This lake is slightly more serene and often displays softer reflections. In contrast to the Macho lake, the shores here are a bit more accessible, allowing for stunning panoramic photos where the water meets the golden Andean grass (ichu).

4. PucaCocha (The Red Lake)

Undoubtedly, one of the most striking stops is PucaCocha. Its name comes from the reddish sediments found in the surrounding soil. Depending on the light, the water can take on a unique copper or deep orange hue, creating a spectacular contrast with the white snow of the Ausangate glacier.

5. CcomerCocha (The Green Lake)

Subsequently, we arrive at CcomerCocha. In Quechua, Ccomer means green, and this lake lives up to its name with a vibrant turquoise-green color. It is widely considered by local healers (Paqos) as a sacred place for rituals due to the purity and energy of its mineral-rich waters.

6. AzulCocha (The Deep Blue Lake)

As we continue, we find AzulCocha. This lake is famous for its deep, sapphire blue color. It is one of the most photogenic spots on the 7 Lakes of Ausangate in Group tour. The stillness of the water often creates a perfect “mirror effect,” reflecting the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains.

7. AlqaCocha (The Multi-colored Lake)

Finally, we visit AlqaCocha. This lake is unique because of its varied tones, which change according to the sun’s position. Alqa refers to “split” or “mixed” colors. It is the perfect final lake to visit before heading down to the hot springs, summarizing the incredible geological diversity of the Ausangate region.

♨️ Finishing at Pacchanta Hot Springs

After trekking past these seven wonders, our journey concludes in the small community of Pacchanta. Here, you can soak your tired muscles in natural thermal baths while still looking up at the Ausangate glacier. It is the ultimate reward for a high-altitude challenge.