7 Lagoons at the Foot of the Sacred Apu Ausangate
The attraction of the Ausangate 7 Lagoons is located in the province of Quispiqanchis, district of Ocongate, near the picturesque town of Tinke. A little further in lies the community of Pacchanta, the starting point of the hike toward this magical circuit. From there, visitors walk through breathtaking landscapes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, turquoise waters, and a unique natural energy that stays forever in memory, turning the experience into something truly unforgettable.
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Distance from Cusco to Ocongate
To access the impressive Ausangate 7 Lagoons circuit, travelers must first head from Cusco to the district of Ocongate. Then, they continue to the charming town of Tinke, and finally take a local transport to the community of Pacchanta, the last vehicle-accessible point and the beginning of the memorable trekking route to the lagoons.
Climate on the Ausangate Route
The climate along the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate is cold and unpredictable, with altitudes around 4,800 meters above sea level, where sun, wind, and cold alternate constantly. In the highest areas of Mt. Ausangate (up to 6,385 m a.s.l.), temperatures can drop below 0 °C, making proper acclimatization essential. Overall, the route offers an impressive Andean environment, filled with natural beauty and mystical energy.
Route of the Ausangate 7 Lagoons
During this unforgettable adventure through the Ausangate 7 Lagoons circuit, you will explore and admire each of them—lagoons with different colors and unique charms that invite you to connect with nature, feel the energy of Apu Ausangate, and experience an unrepeatable journey in the majestic Peruvian Andes.
- Hatun Puka Qocha (4,756 m a.s.l.)
- Huchuy Puka Qocha (4,620 m a.s.l.)
- O’qe Qocha (4,620 m a.s.l.)
- China Uturunku Qocha (4,600 m a.s.l.)
- Chuñu Qocha (4,770 m a.s.l.)
- Orqo Uturunku Qocha (4,570 m a.s.l.)
- Anqas Qocha (4,550 m a.s.l.)
o conclude the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate adventure…
We can visit the Pacchanta hot springs (4,310 m a.s.l.) either before starting the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate hike or after finishing it, to relax and enjoy their warm, therapeutic waters surrounded by an impressive Andean landscape.
Flora
The flora of Ausangate is diverse and representative of the Peruvian Andes. Notable species include eucalyptus, pine, molle, kantu, chachacomo, queuña, capulí, chillca, ceticio, ichu, and yareta. Together, they form a unique high-Andean ecosystem full of life and natural beauty.
Fauna
The fauna of Ausangate is varied and characteristic of the Andean ecosystem. It includes vicuñas, vizcachas, Andean deer, and Andean foxes, along with birds such as the Andean woodpecker, Andean caracara, Andean gull, puna ibis, wallata goose, puna duck, and flamingos. All of these reflect the rich biodiversity of the region.
Mt. Ausangate and the 7 Lagoons are protected by the Ausangate Private Conservation Area (ACP), officially recognized by Peru’s Ministry of the Environment in August 2025, at the request of the Ausangate Peasant Community and with technical support from SERNANP. This designation safeguards the ecological and cultural value of the area. Additionally, in Andean cosmovision, Ausangate is revered as the Apu, or protective spirit, of Cusco.
What to Bring to Ausangate
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes with good traction.
- Bring warm clothing suitable for cold high-altitude weather.
- Don’t forget sunscreen—essential due to strong UV radiation.
- Pack water and light snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
- Consider bringing trekking poles for better stability.
Walk at a slow, steady pace to avoid altitude sickness.
Conclusion
The Ausangate 7 Lagoons circuit, accessed from the community of Pacchanta in Ocongate (Quispiqanchi), is a high-altitude trekking route offering spectacular views dominated by the Ausangate glacier. The journey, which requires acclimatization and warm clothing due to the cold and variable weather, crosses a Private Conservation Area rich in Andean flora and fauna. Visitors can marvel at seven unique-colored lagoons and finish the adventure with a well-deserved rest in the Pacchanta hot springs, making it an unforgettable experience of mystical connection with the protector Apu of Cusco.
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