Ausangate 7 Glacial Lakes & Pacchanta Hot Springs
High-altitude glacial tarns, grazing alpaca herds, and natural volcanic hot springs under Peru's most sacred snow peak.
Ausangate 7 Glacial Lakes & Pacchanta Hot Springs
High-altitude glacial tarns, grazing alpaca herds, and natural volcanic hot springs under Peru's most sacred snow peak.
For accommodations in Cusco's historic center with vehicle access, our tourist transport arrives as close as legally permitted. Due to Cusco's colonial pedestrian alleys, if your hotel is on a narrow stone walkway, we wait at the nearest corner (usually 1/2 to 1 block away). We coordinate with you via WhatsApp/phone in advance, and our assistant welcomes you at the vehicle.
Lodging outside the center? If your hotel or Airbnb is outside the historic center perimeter, meeting is coordinated at a central landmark (such as Plaza Regocijo).
Need dedicated walking escort right to your door or pickup outside the historic center? Select Boutique Private in the booking card above.
Experience overview
A focused high-altitude alpine hike around the lower tarns of the Cordillera Vilcanota. Starting from Pacchanta (4,300m), the trail ascends past seven glacial lagoons including Azulcocha, Otorongococha, and Comercocha, fed directly by the hanging seracs of Ausangate. Conclude the afternoon soaking in open-air volcanic hot springs with direct views of the southern Andean icecaps.
High-Altitude Safety Profile
Effective O₂ at 4,850m
Prior rest recommended
+1,378 ft vertical gain
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (1D)
- Day 14,850 m(15,912 ft)
Cusco – Tinki – Pacchanta – Ausangate 7 Glacial Lakes Circuit – Hot Springs – Cusco
Depart Cusco early morning (04:30 AM) to Pacchanta village (4,300m). Enjoy a hearty Andean breakfast before embarking on the 5-hour loop past seven turquoise, emerald, and cobalt glacial tarns directly beneath Ausangate glacier. Return to Pacchanta to soak in open-air natural hot springs, enjoy a hot lunch, and return comfortably to Cusco by 6:30 PM.
Key highlights
What's Included & Excluded
What is Included
100% Pre-PaidPre-paid services verified & delivered on route
- Professional bilingual trekking guide
- Roundtrip tourist transportation from Cusco
- Hearty Andean breakfast and freshly prepared hot lunch in Pacchanta
- Entrance fees to Ausangate conservation area and Pacchanta hot springs
- Emergency medical oxygen tank and comprehensive first aid kit
- Trekking poles provided upon request
What is Not Included
Out-of-PocketPersonal expenses & discretionary gratuities
- Dinner in Cusco
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Towels and swimwear for hot springs
- Gratuities for guide and driver
Optional Journey Upgrades
Premium UpgradesNominal permit slots & panoramic train cars available on request
- Optional horse rental with community handler (approx. S/ 80–90 on site)
Field Realities & Pocket Cash
Real ground notes from our team in CuscoIdeal Traveler Fit
Who enjoys this route mostWilderness lovers, landscape photographers, and active hikers wanting pristine glacial tarns directly beneath snowcapped Mount Ausangate (6,384m), followed by natural thermal baths.
4.5 to 5.5 hours of high-altitude alpine hiking between 4,300m and 4,850m with gradual ascents and rocky terrain.
Radical Honesty: Who This is NOT For
We prefer honesty over unsuitable bookings- ✕Travelers on their first 48 hours in Cusco (this high-altitude circuit reaches 4,850m / 15,912 ft).
- ✕Anyone looking for a flat, paved walk without physical exertion.
- ✕Travelers uncomfortable with basic rural Andean amenities at Pacchanta village.
Route Pocket Expenses (Carry Cash Soles in Daypack)
Mandatory checkpoint fees, community tickets & coin-operated restrooms
Conservation Entry Ticket
Direct communal admission to Ausangate lakes preserve in cash.
Hot Springs Locker & Towel
Small coin fee if renting a towel or locker at Pacchanta pools.
Optional Trail Horse Rental
Available directly from local muleteers at Pacchanta if needed.
Luggage & Transit Rule: Pickup from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 AM. Leave main luggage in Cusco; bring a 20-30L daypack with warm layers, swimwear, and towel.
What to pack for this journey
Tested on the trail by our team in CuscoEssential Terrain & Practical Ground Notes
- •Glacial lakes at 4,800m+
- •Natural thermal spring relaxation
- •Authentic high Andean Quechua communities
Real Traveler Reviews & Experiences
Independent traveler feedback verified on TripAdvisor and Google Maps.
“Amazing tour operator with incredible coordinators, collegiate guides, and mountain chefs! Did half a dozen treks and day tours around Cusco and loved all of them. Very reliable, highly recommend!”
“Working with Daspe Travel was completely seamless. From our early morning hotel pickup in Cusco to the Vistadome train tickets and citadel entrance, our guide was exceptionally punctual, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy. Zero stress, everything was flawlessly organized.”
“I was looking for a trek along the Choquequirao route and contacted them. From the very start they gave me complete confidence, and I was not wrong. Of all the operators I have used across Peru, they were by far the most professional and attentive. The route is spectacular, perhaps the finest I have done. Standing up there taking in that beauty remains one of the best sensations of my life.”
Frequently asked questions
Have custom requests?
Dietary accommodations, hotel upgrades or a slower photography pace? Speak directly with our local Cusco specialists.