{"id":51811,"date":"2024-04-27T18:23:58","date_gmt":"2024-04-27T23:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/blog\/como-llegar-a-7-lagunas-del-ausangate\/"},"modified":"2025-04-24T09:40:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T14:40:48","slug":"how-to-get-to-the-7-lagoons-of-ausangate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freewalkingtoursperu.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-get-to-the-7-lagoons-of-ausangate\/","title":{"rendered":"Cusco: The 7 Lagoons of the Apu Ausangate"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mount Ausangate is much more than just a mountain<\/strong> or the highest peak in the Vilcanota range. It is an apu<\/a>, a powerful deity with a living essence, and it also generates life. It is the “creator” of the waters that nourish Mamapacha<\/strong> (Mother Earth) in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A religious and cultural icon since ancient times, Apu Ausangate<\/a> is the fifth highest mountain in Peru<\/strong> at 6,385 metres. Yet its true grandeur isn’t measured in centimetres but in the respect<\/strong> and affection it inspires in the people of Cusco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Majestic and proud, its glaciers give rise to seven lagoons with crystal-clear<\/strong> waters that sparkle thousands of metres above sea level. It is a natural spectacle that’s hard to imagine. It’s a place where you’ll feel the mountain winds and the protective embrace of the peaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where are the lagoons located?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first step to visiting the Ausangate lagoons<\/a> is to know exactly where they are. Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll provide you with the details so you can start planning your trip.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This challenging high-altitude destination is located in Pacchanta<\/strong> (4,200 m above sea level), in the Ocongate district<\/a> of the Quispicanchi province. It is 110 km from Cusco, and accessible by road.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we give you more information on how to get there, we\u2019d like to share some details about the route andApu Ausangate<\/strong> to fuel your excitement for exploring the 7 lagoons circuit during your holiday in Peru.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The source of the water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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The melting glaciers of Mount Ausangate create the seven shimmering lakes in this circuit. But what is the origin of the mountain range where the revered apu of Cusco <\/strong>is located?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer takes us back to the end of the Mesozoic era<\/strong> (Late Cretaceous), when the Nazca and South American plates converged, giving rise to the Vilcanota mountain range, one of the branches of the Andes.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This mountain chain stretches between the Cusco and Puno regions<\/strong>. Its snow-capped peaks formed numerous U-shaped valleys and stunningly beautiful lakes that provide valuable ecosystem services<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lagoons are formed due to the action of moraines<\/a>, which act as natural dams<\/strong> that hold back glacial meltwater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the ice melts due to the sun’s action, the water filters through the ground, creating streams and brooks that feed the lakes<\/strong> you\u2019ll visit on your trek through the mountain range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the names of the seven lagoons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n