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Ccatca – Pacchanta – Comercocha – Azulcocha – Return to Cusco
Your unforgettable Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day Tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco. As we head south on the Interoceanic Highway toward the high Andes, we’ll pass through charming Andean villages, where locals proudly wear their vibrant, traditional attire — a living celebration of Quechua culture.
Our first stop is the quaint town of Ccatca, where we’ll stretch our legs and stroll through its picturesque plaza and streets. Then, we continue toward Pacchanta community, located at a breathtaking altitude of 4,100 meters (13,451 ft). Upon arrival, a warm local family will greet us with a traditional Andean breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients, giving us the perfect energy boost for the hike ahead.
After breakfast, our journey to the Vilcanota Mountain Range begins. Towering in the distance, the majestic Ausangate Glacier comes into view — a sacred peak and one of the most stunning in the Andes. The glacier’s melting snow feeds the colorful high-altitude lakes that we will explore today.
We’ll begin our uphill hike of approximately 3.5 hours to the panoramic Ninaparayoc Viewpoint. Along the trail, we’ll pass several shimmering lakes, each with its own story and significance. Among them are:
Comercocha: Known as the “Green Lake” in Quechua, this enchanting body of water is one of the first scenic gems on the hike — an ideal photo opportunity.
Alqacocha: Translating to “Two-Colored Lake,” these twin lakes offer stunning contrasts of turquoise and emerald hues at the base of the Callangate Glacier.
Patacocha: This group of three lakes is named “Lake at the Peak” due to their high elevation and panoramic setting.
China Otorongo: A spiritually significant lake for locals, its name means “Female Jaguar,” inspired by the spotted tones of its waters.
Orco Otorongo: Located at 4,590 meters (15,059 ft), this “Male Jaguar” lake represents duality and balance in Andean cosmology.
Azulcocha: As its name suggests, this “Blue Lake” will mesmerize you with its vivid sapphire tones that reflect the highland sky.
As we descend, we’ll take time to soak in the serenity of each lagoon and enjoy the tranquility of nature at high elevation. The fresh mountain air and surreal alpine scenery create the perfect atmosphere for reflection and unforgettable photos.
Back in Pacchanta, a delicious homemade lunch prepared by our host family awaits. Afterward, you’ll have the option to relax your muscles in the Pacchanta hot springs, surrounded by spectacular mountain views — a perfect ending to this adventure.
Finally, we’ll board our private transport for the return trip to Cusco, arriving in the early evening with our hearts full and memory cards packed with epic shots of one of the most scenic treks in Peru.
