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7 Lagoons Tour
- Duration1 Day
- DifficultyModerate
- Group sizeMax. 15
Overview
At over 4,600 meters above sea level, you'll explore 7 LAGOONS in a single day. 💙 With hues ranging from turquoise to emerald green. 💚 An UNFORGETTABLE experience in the Andes! ✨
At over 4,600 meters above sea level, you'll explore 7 LAGOONS in a single day.
💙 With hues ranging from turquoise to emerald green. 💚
An UNFORGETTABLE experience in the Andes! ✨
General conditions
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Passport Mandatory: An original physical passport or national identity card is required for vehicle check-in and local community registry checkpoints.
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Extreme Elevation Advisory: The trek starts at Pacchanta (4,200 m) and ascends over 4,600 meters (15,090 feet) above sea level. Mandatory prior acclimatization of at least 48 to 72 hours in Cusco and good physical conditioning are strictly required.
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Early Departure Schedule: This is an intensive full-day tour with an early morning pickup from Cusco (typically between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM) and a 3.5-hour drive each way to the trailhead.
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Trail & Weather Variability: Alpine mountain weather is unpredictable. High winds, rapid temperature drops, freezing conditions, or light rain/snow can occur. The guide reserves the right to alter the route for group safety.
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Inclusions & Local Fees: Package rates include group/private transport, professional guide, breakfast, and lunch. Optional activities—such as entry to the Pacchanta thermal hot springs (approx. 10 to 15 Soles) or personal emergency horse hires—are paid directly on-site in cash (Peruvian Soles).
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Non-Refundable Policy: Guide, vehicle, and community logistical arrangements are non-refundable and non-changeable within 24 to 48 hours of departure.
Itinerary
•7 LAGOONS TOUR
A Magical Day Trip to the 7 Lakes of Pacchanta
4:00 AM - 4:30 AM: Hotel Pick-up
Our day begins with our team picking you up from your hotel in Cusco. Prepare with warm clothing for the Andean chill, and if you wish to enjoy the hot springs, bring a towel and swimsuit.
4:30 AM - 7:30 AM: Travel to the Village of Pacchanta
A 3.5-hour drive takes you from Cusco to the village of Pacchanta. Along the way, admire the sunrise painting the Andean mountains: an unforgettable spectacle!
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Breakfast in Pacchanta
In Pacchanta, a revitalizing breakfast awaits you to replenish your energy and warm your body for the adventure.
8:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Exploring the 7 Lakes
The highlight of the day is exploring the 7 Lakes. We'll hike for 3.5 hours, enjoying the unique beauty of each lagoon and the tranquility of the mountains.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch
After the hike, we'll return to Pacchanta to relax and have lunch. Enjoy a delicious Andean lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional dishes that celebrate the region's culture.
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Return to Cusco
The return trip to Cusco is the perfect opportunity to reminisce about the best moments of the day and share some laughs. We'll arrive in Cusco around 6:00 PM, knowing we've had an unforgettable day.
Our van will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas, so you can continue exploring this historic and charming city.
What's included
Included
- • Round-trip private transportation
- • Professional guide in Spanish and English
- • Entrance to the waterfall
- • Constant assistance from our team.
Not included
- • Personal expenses / Food
What to bring
- Dress in Thermal Layers: Temperatures before sunrise at the trailhead often hover near or below freezing (-2°C to 5°C / 28°F to 41°F), but midday sun can feel warm. Wear thermal underwear, a fleece layer, a down jacket, a windbreaker shell, a beanie, and warm gloves.
- Pack Swimwear & Towel: If you intend to use the Pacchanta thermal hot springs at the end of the trek, pack a swimsuit, a lightweight quick-dry towel, and sandals/flip-flops in your daypack.
- Wear Sturdy Trekking Boots: The high-alpine trail features loose rocks, gravel, and damp grassy patches. High-cut hiking boots with good traction and ankle support are strongly recommended over regular sneakers.
- Prepare for Intense UV Radiation: Solar exposure at 4,600 meters is extreme even on cloudy days. Bring high-SPF sunblock, lip balm with UV protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses.
- Bring Local Cash (Peruvian Soles): Pack cash in small denominations (Soles) for the hot springs entry fee, towel rentals, snacks, horse rentals, or tipping your local guide and driver. Card readers do not function in Pacchanta.
Frequently asked questions
How physically demanding is the 7 Lagoons hike?
The hike is rated as moderate to challenging primarily due to the extreme altitude (above 4,600 meters / 15,090 feet). The trail covers roughly 10 to 12 kilometers (6 to 7 miles) over 3.5 to 5 hours of walking across undulating mountain terrain.
Can I hire a horse if I feel tired during the hike?
Yes. Community members in Pacchanta offer local horses for rent at the trailhead or along the initial sections of the path. Horse rentals are arranged independently on-site and paid directly to local handlers in cash (Peruvian Soles).
What makes these mountain lagoons different colors?
The seven lagoons (including Azulcocha, Oqecocha, Puqacocha, and Comercocha) derive their distinct turquoise, emerald, and dark blue hues from varying concentrations of glacial minerals and fine rock dust washed down from the surrounding Ausangate glacier peaks.
Do we visit the Pacchanta Hot Springs during the tour?
Yes. After completing the lagoon circuit hike, you will return to Pacchanta village, where you will have dedicated free time to relax in the outdoor natural thermal hot springs overlooking the snow-capped Ausangate mountain before heading back to Cusco.
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