7 Lake Hike Cusco – 7 Lakes Tour Cusco​

Full Day
  • Availability Daily departures
  • Transport Hotel pickup
  • Service type Shared service
  • Cancellation policy Non-refundable
  • Difficulty Easy

About this activity

The 7 Lake Hike in Cusco cuts through land Ausangate glacier left behind. Seven lakes along the route, each one looks different. Some dark blue, others more green, depends on the minerals and what sits underneath the water. Grasslands stretch across the flat sections, mountains rise steep on both sides. Super Tour Machu Picchu runs the route, trail is marked, stops included for photos or catching breath.

Around 14 km total, high point near 4,600 m above sea level. The thin air hits hard up there, legs and lungs both. Llamas and alpacas roam free through the area, not fenced in. The guide explains how meltwater fills these basins and why each lake ends up a different color, enough to understand what you’re walking through.

Pace stays flexible because above 4,000 m people slow down at different rates, that’s just how it goes. Hot springs at the end of the trail, most hikers sit there a while before heading back, cold air outside, warm water, full day on the legs.

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Itinerary

01
Day 01

7 Lake Hike Cusco

We'll start the day with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. We'll drive approximately 3 hours to Pacchanta (4,200 m), enjoying views of mountains, valleys, and Andean villages along the way. In Pacchanta, we'll have breakfast and receive instructions from our guide regarding the route and safety measures.

We'll begin our hike with an approximately 1.5-hour ascent to the first lagoon (4,400 m). During the trek, we'll observe high-altitude flora, small streams, and rock formations. Upon arrival, we'll take photos and learn how the lagoons are formed by the melting snow from Ausangate Mountain.

From the first lagoon, we'll hike to the remaining six lagoons along mostly flat or downhill trails, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,800 m / 15,092 ft. We'll stop to observe llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, while the guide explains the geography and local legends. The hike will proceed at a comfortable pace, allowing you to enjoy each spot along the way.

At the end of the hike, we'll have lunch near Pacchanta and relax in natural hot springs before returning to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7:00 pm.

Day statistics:

  • Hiking Distance: 8 km
  • Minimum altitude: 4,800 m 
  • Maximum altitude: 4,200 m
  • Route: Cusco – Pacchanta – 7 Lagoons – Cusco
  • Difficulty level: Moderate

What's included

Inclusions

  • Hotel pickup in Cusco
  • To and from transportation (privately transported) to Pacchanta.
  • Professional local guide
  • Breakfast in Pacchanta
  • Lunch in Pacchanta
  • First aid kit and oxygen
  • Tour of the seven lakes.
  • Ausangate viewpoint visit

What's Not Included

  • Admission to the hot springs - Pacchanta.
  • Riding or carrying equipment horses.
  • Travel insurance
  • Dinner
  • Tips for guide or driver
  • Personal expenses

Tour Policies

Initial Deposit:

To guarantee your reservation for a tour or package with Super Tour Machupicchu, a non-refundable initial deposit is required. The amount of this deposit varies depending on the selected itinerary.

Payment can be made via PayPal or credit/debit card. Please note that a 5% service fee will be applied to card payments, and an 8% fee will be applied to PayPal transactions.

By proceeding with the reservation, you confirm that you have read, understood, and fully accepted our Terms and Conditions.

Reservation Confirmation:

Your reservation will be considered confirmed and binding once Super Tour Machupicchu has received all your information and verified your deposit. At that moment, a legally binding contractual agreement will be established between both parties, marking the official beginning of your next adventure.

Shared Responsibility:

All individuals included in the reservation are jointly responsible for the agreement with Super Tour Machupicchu. The person signing the contract represents each individual listed in the reservation, meaning all parties are informed and agree to our Terms and Conditions.

Required Information for Reservation:

Along with the non-refundable deposit, it is essential to provide the following personal details during the reservation process:

  • Full name

  • Passport or ID number

  • Gender

  • Nationality

  • Date of birth

 

These details are crucial to ensure your experience with Super Tour Machupicchu is safe, organized, and memorable.

Recommendations

Clothes

Hat, scarf and gloves

Bufanda, guantes y gorro

Warm jacket

Casaca abrigadora

Essential

Passport or ID card (and digital copies)

Pasaporte

Reusable water bottle

Botellas de agua

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the 7 Lake Hike Cusco?

The full tour, including transportation, takes about 12 hours. The hike itself usually lasts 4 to 5 hours, depending on pace and weather conditions along the trail.

What is the elevation in the 7 Lakes Tour Cusco?

The Pacchanta area sits at 4,400 meters above sea level, and the hike reaches a peak of around 4,800 meters. Visitors should be cautious and prepared to prevent altitude sickness.

Is the hike difficult?

The hike is considered moderate, with non-technical terrain that most people can manage. However, the high elevation can make the path challenging for some travelers.

Is past hiking experience required?

No previous hiking experience is needed, and beginners are welcome. Participants should be physically fit and comfortable walking at high altitudes.

Are the hot springs included?

Admission to the Pacchanta hot springs is not included in the tour. Visitors can pay on-site if they wish to relax after completing the hike.

What lakes shall we see on the way?

The tour passes by the seven main lakes of the Ausangate area, each with distinct colors. These include Otorongo, Puca Cocha, Alqa Cocha, Qomer Cocha, Orqo Otorongo, China Otorongo, and Azul Cocha.

What is the 7 Lake Hike Cusco dress code?

Visitors should wear warm clothing, a hat, gloves, weatherproof outerwear, and comfortable trekking shoes. Weather in the Andes changes quickly, so layered clothing is recommended.

Is lunch included in the tour?

No, lunch is not included in the tour fee. Visitors can enjoy a hot or regular meal at Pacchanta after the hike, which is payable separately on-site.

How shall we know the weather?

Mornings are usually cold, midday tends to be sunny, and afternoons may bring rain. The clearest conditions occur during the dry season from May to September.

Will children find this tour enjoyable?

This tour is recommended only for teenagers and adults. The physical effort and high altitude make it unsuitable for younger children.

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