Highlight of the day: Walk through glacial lagoons under the Vilcanota Mountain Range and optional return for the thermal baths of Pacchanta.

Pick up from your accommodation

The Peceros Agency Travel team will pick you up between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

The exact schedule will depend on the location of your hotel, vehicle access and pick-up order.

You must be prepared at reception ten minutes before the confirmed schedule.

Exit technical data

• Pick-up time: Between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Altitude of Cusco: Approximately 3,399 m s. n.m.
• Transportation: Tourist vehicle
• Estimated duration to Pacchanta: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Temperature: Cold during the morning
• Tip: Sleep early and avoid alcohol the night before

Travel to the south of Cusco

We will leave Cusco and advance along the road that connects with the South Valley and the province of Quispicanchi.

During the first part of the tour we will pass through towns, agricultural fields and mountainous sectors.

The road continues to Ccatca and Ocongate before taking access to Pacchanta.

Part of the route uses the South Interoceanic Highway and then a local road that ascends towards the community.

The path has curves, so people sensitive to movement should take the recommended measures by their doctor.

Stop in Ccatca

When the time and operating conditions allow, a short stop may be made in the district of Ccatca.

This stop allows you to stretch your legs, observe the square or use available services.

This is not a long visit and can be omitted if there is delay on the road.

Continue to Ocongate and Pacchanta

The vehicle will continue to Ocongate and then take the detour to Pacchanta.

As the altitude increases, the vegetation changes. Crops decrease and puna grasslands, herds of alpacas, scattered houses and mountains appear.

Pacchanta is part of the scope of the Ausangate Peasant Community and is located in the district of Ocongate, province of Quispicanchi.

The final path may present:

• Water crossings.
• narrow sectors.
• Animals on the road.

Arrival in Pacchanta

Pacchanta will be the point of feeding, beginning of walking and return.

The community is located more than 4,000 meters above sea level and offers basic food services, rural accommodation and thermal baths. The official file of Oqe Qocha points out that Pacchanta is the closest annex to the circuit and has food, accommodation and hot springs.

The infrastructure is simple and responds to the conditions of a high Andean community.

Breakfast in Pacchanta

A local family or the assigned property will serve breakfast before the walk.

The content may include:

• Hot drink.
• Andean products.

We do not recommend eating too much. The hike begins at high altitude and a heavy meal can cause nausea.

Travelers with food requirements must inform before booking.

Preparing for the walk

After breakfast, the guide will give an explanation about:

• Duration of the route.
• Order of the Lagoons.
• Conditions of the trail.
• Use of horses.
• Signs of altitude sickness.

Before you start, you should:

• Adjust your shoes.
• Apply sunscreen.
• Bring water.
• Prepare snacks.
• Dress up in layers.
• Adjust the canes.

Start of the circuit

The tour starts from Pacchanta and gradually ascends to the lagoon area.

The first section crosses grassland where you can see alpacas, llamas and housing of local families.

The trail combines dirt, stones and small slopes. The main difficulty is not technical, but the lack of oxygen.

Walking above 4,000 meters is normal to feel accelerated breathing, even during gentle slopes.

Promotion to Q’omercocha and Alqacocha

The route continues to the first lagoons of the circuit.

Names and order may vary, but some programs identify gaps in this part such as Q’omercocha and Alqacocha.

Shades can go from dark green to blue depending on the light and composition of the water.

The trail gradually ascends and crosses open ground. In a dry season there may be dust; during the rains mud appears and slippery areas.

Views towards the snowfall

During the ascent, views open towards the Ausangate and other snowfalls of the Vilcanota Mountains.

The Ausangate is registered by MINCETUR with an altitude of 6,385 m s. n.m., although other tourist sources publish different figures due to different cartographic measurements.

The lagoons of the circuit receive water from rain, melting and filtrations from the mountain range.

The visible state of the glaciers changes depending on the season, cloud cover and long-term conditions.

Passage through the Otorongo lagoons

Part of the circuit includes lagoons known as China Otorongo and Orqo Otorongo.

In the Quechua nomenclature they can also appear as China Uturunku Qocha and Orqo Uturunku Qocha. These are part of the set declared of tourist interest by Ocongate.

Their names are popularly associated with stains or shades that recall the otorongo’s coat.

The exact interpretation may vary according to local explanation.

Ninaparayoc Viewpoint

The itinerary contemplates the ascent to a sector known as Ninaparayoc.

The indicated time to reach the upper part can reach approximately three and a half hours, depending on the pace, the conditions of the road and the exact starting point.

From the high sectors there are several lagoons and the mountains that surround the circuit.

Oqe Qocha and other gaps

Oqe Qocha is officially registered as part of the circuit of the 7 Lagunas and has tourist signage, hygienic services and studs in certain sectors of the route.

The availability of these services may vary and should not be assumed to be operational throughout the year.

During the circuit you can also see gaps with names such as:

• Anas Qocha.
• Hatun Puk’a Qocha.
• Huch’uy Puk’a Qocha.

An extensive stop is not always made in each. The guide will arrange the weather according to the climate and the status of the group.

Time for photographs

The circuit offers several points to take pictures.

You should stay inside the trail and avoid approaching unstable shores.

To protect the area:

• Don’t get into the water.
• Don’t throw objects.
• Don’t remove stones.
• Don’t feed animals.
• Don’t build new apachets.
• Do not use drones without authorization.

The batteries can be discharged faster by the cold, so it is advisable to carry an additional battery.

Real Walking Conditions

The route may have major changes in the same day.

It is possible to find:

• Intense sun.
• Strong wind.

The visibility of the Ausangate cannot be guaranteed.

If the clouds cover the mountains, the guide will be able to modify the residence time, but the circuit will continue when the conditions are safe.

Bad height

Pacchanta and the lagoons are at a considerable altitude.

Mild symptoms may include:

• Lack of appetite.
• Accelerated breathing.

Serious symptoms may include:

• Loss of coordination.
• Breathing difficulty at rest.
• Inability to walk.
• Pain in the chest.
• Blue lips.

In the face of severe symptoms, it should be lowered.

The small oxygen tank is an initial aid and does not replace an evacuation.

Optional Horse Use

Horses can be hired in Pacchanta or during part of the route.

The original price indicated is approximately S/60.00, but this rate may change depending on the distance, demand and decisions of the supplier.

Conditions of horse service

• It’s not included.
• It pays on suns.
• It is subject to availability.
• You can cover only part of the circuit.
• Some sectors must be done on foot.
• The passenger must follow the arriero.

Peceros Agency Travel can help with coordination, but the service is provided directly by local residents.

Start of the descent

After completing the circuit we will begin the return to Pacchanta.

Descending requires less respiratory effort, but increases pressure on knees and ankles.

Use canes and avoids running.

Keep distance from horses and animals.

Return to Pacchanta

When you arrive in Pacchanta you will have time to rest, organize your belongings and lunch.

The guide will verify that the whole group is complete.

Before you get away from the trail check out:

Lunch with a local family

Lunch will be served in Pacchanta.

The menu may include:

• Chicken or meat.
• Local preparations.

The exact content depends on the family or restaurant assigned.

Vegetarian requirements must be communicated before the tour.

Thermal baths of Pacchanta

After lunch, and when the weather permits, you can optionally enter the thermal baths.

The price indicated in the program is approximately S/5.00, although it may vary.

The hot springs are located in Pacchanta and are part of the services available for travelers who travel through the Ausangate area.

Recommendations for hot springs

• He’s wearing swimwear.
• He’s wearing a towel.
• He’s wearing sandals.
• Don’t go in if you feel dizzy.
• Avoid staying too long.
• Hydrate before and after.

Entering immediately after a demanding walk can cause a pressure drop in some people.

Return to Cusco

After lunch and the optional visit to the hot springs, we will board the vehicle to return to Cusco.

The arrival is scheduled between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The schedule may vary by:

• Rhythm of the group.
• Conditions of the trail.
• Use of horses.
• Time in the hot springs.
• State of the road.

Technical Details

• Transportation: Tourist vehicle
• Duration: Subject to programming
• Approximate altitude: Between 4,100 and 4,200 m s. n.m.
• Type of terrain: Land, grasslands and stone
• Difficulty: Moderate for altitude
• Recommended equipment: Canes and trekking shoes
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch