Ausangate Full Day Tour 7 Lakes
We are going to begin in the early morning and be taken by private transportation starting at our hotel in Cuzco. An awe-inspiring Andean valleys create the 105 km stretch of the drive south-eastwards. The way will be kept entertained by snow-capped mountains and grazing alpacas. The Fours Ways Expedition tour guide will tell us of local culture, wildlife, and tips of survival at high altitude.
Our destination will be a village named Pacchanta (3,800 meters above the sea level) which is situated at the base of the Ausangate Mountain. The breakfast shall be served, and cooked by our trekking cook. The impression of the snow-capped mountains is fantastic and invigorating. We will have a couple of minutes to enjoy some nice mountain air and get our backpacks ready for the trip.
The walk starts leisurely, at the hamlet of Pacchanta, over a very distinct path, through open valleys and swellings of soft hills. Alpacas and llamas can come in our way and wild flowers can color the landscape. We will be making frequent stops to get pictures, to taste the fresh air and to hear our guide tell us about the Andes. Each of the steps will be serene, with all-around panoramic views.
The first lagoon destination will be Azul Cocha, a bright turquoise water pond, which mirrors the nearby mountains. On to Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q'omercocha, and two smaller lakes we shall go. The lakes have a distinct atmosphere and color. As we relax and drink lots of water our guide will discuss the myths surrounding the lakes, as well as taking a multitude of photographs.
On the path, the tall Ausangate (6,384 meters) and other mountain ranges such as Mariposa and Jampa will be treasured. Condors could fly by, and vizcachas could be seen on the rocks. The place is also wild and untouched, and we can have ample opportunities to appreciate the calm. Our guide will draw our attention to animals and how people live in this place with the high altitude.
Once we come to the last lagoon we will head-slowly back to Pacchanta. We will have the natural hot springs, which will be ideal to relax the tired bodies. We are going to spend our time in mineral waters and have a beautiful view of mountains. It is a relaxing break after a day trekking at the seven lakes.
Prior to going back to Cuzco we are going to have freshly made Andean lunch in Pacchanta. Then we are going to take our own vehicle and drive back to our homes recounting the adventure of the day. The landscape will fly by, however, the recollection of the lakes of turquoise color, hills with snow on them, Andean wildlife would never leave us. This is a day excursion that every lover of nature would love to explore and any other person who desires to have a painless and yet breathtaking adventure.
Day Statistics:
Distance walked: 15 kilometers round-trip
Highest altitude: 4,650 meters above sea level at the lakes
Lowest altitude: 3,800 meters above sea level in Pacchanta
Route type: Loop trail with gentle to moderate ascents
Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging depending on altitude tolerance
