Are you looking for a landscape that looks like something out of this world? Or do you prefer a challenging trek that will leave you breathless? Welcome to two natural gems of Cusco: the 7 Ausangate Lagoons and Palcoyo Mountain.
Both options look like something out of a postcard, but they are very different in experience, difficulty, and magic. Today I’ll tell you everything—from how to get there to what no one tells you—to help you choose which one is for you… Or if you should do both!
📍 Ocongate District, Pacchanta Community
🕒 3-4 hours by car from Cusco
🏔 Altitude: between 4,300 and 4,800 m above sea level
🌈 Expectations: epic, wild landscape, almost untouched by humans.
📍 Checacupe District, Canchis Province
🕒 About 3:30 hours from Cusco
🏔 Average elevation: 4,900 m above sea level
🌈 Expectations: colorful, accessible, more Instagram-friendly mountain.
Did you know?
Although Palcoyo is less famous than its sister mountain, Vinicunca, it has more than three rainbow mountains visible on a single hike. And no, it’s not an Instagram filter.
🥵 Difficulty: Medium to High
🚶♂️ 3- to 4-hour hike (round trip)
🌬️ Altitude: Between 4,200 and 4,800 meters above sea level
🔥 What awaits you: Steep climbs, thin air, and a physical challenge that will make you sweat… but every drop is worth it.
💎 The reward? Seven surreal colored lagoons, postcard-perfect views of Ausangate, and hot springs at the end to soothe your muscles.
💪 Ideal for travelers looking for a more intense experience, who feel well acclimatized, and aren’t afraid of a little extra effort for epic landscapes.
😌 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
🚶♂️ Duration: 30 to 45 minutes of hiking
🌬️ Altitude: Around 4,900 m above sea level, but with almost direct access
📷 What awaits you: Three colorful mountains, a mysterious rock forest, and panoramic views of the Ausangate… all without feeling like you’re going to collapse.
👣 It’s perfect if:
You’re still acclimatizing
You’re traveling with children or older adults.
Or you want to enjoy yourself without exhausting yourself.
🎒 Bonus: You can take your time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the Andean air without rushing.
✨ In short:
Looking for adventure, sweat, and pride? ➡️ 7 Lagoons
Do you prefer something light but equally photogenic? ➡️ Palcoyo
Both offer stunning postcard views; you can choose whether to earn them with effort or take a more leisurely hike. 😄
Fun Fact
The Palcoyo trail used to be almost unknown before Vinicunca’s tourist boom. Locals recommend it as the “quiet sister” to avoid the crowds.
Each lagoon has its history and color: A true natural spectacle where each lagoon has its personality. It’s not just water… It’s liquid art surrounded by sacred mountains!
And many more: each with distinct shapes, colors, and legends.
🐾 As you hike, you’ll see alpacas grazing, towering glaciers on the horizon, and you’ll feel like you’re walking in a sacred and silent world.
♨️ And the best comes last:
Relax in the Pacchanta hot springs, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and natural steam. After so many climbs, your body will thank you.
Less effort? Yes. Less beauty? Not at all!
🎨 Multicolored mountains unfold like an Andean watercolor palette. Unlike Vinicunca, here you’ll see several colorful mountains… no need to wait in line for a photo!
Rock formations that look like surreal sculptures created by nature. Many travelers didn’t even know they existed and ended up falling in love with this magical spot.
On clear days, you’ll see the great Apu Ausangate looming in the distance, lending a mystical touch to the landscape.
📸 This place is a paradise for photos, but also for a peaceful retreat. No rush, no crowds. Just you, the colors, and the silence of the high plateau.
🎯 In short:
7 Lagunas is raw nature, glaciers, legends, and magical lagoons… with the bonus of hot springs.
Palcoyo is color, calm, and surprise, all in a “light” but impressive format.
💬 And you, what do you prefer? A challenging hike to find a hidden paradise or a short route with landscapes that seem otherworldly?
Did you know?
The Palcoyo Stone Forest is one of the few of its kind in Peru and was formed by wind and ice erosion over thousands of years. It’s an incredible geological phenomenon!
7 Lagunas: Although increasingly popular, it’s still rarely visited. There are days when you’ll feel like the landscape is all to yourself.
Palcoyo: It’s much quieter than Vinicunca, but during peak season, there can be tour groups (although nothing compared to Machu Picchu).
Both destinations share the same advice:
👉 May to October, during the dry season.
Avoid the rainy season (November to April) if you don’t want to hike in fog or without seeing the colors.
Bring Coca-Cola candies or altitude sickness pills, especially for the 7 lagoons, as the physical demands are greater.
Wild nature, glacial lagoons, physical challenge 7 Lagunas del Ausangate
Short hike, colorful views, great photos, Palcoyo Mountain
Escape the crowds without going too far. Both are good options!
You don’t have to choose just one. Many travelers combine Palcoyo as a light hike before venturing to the 7 Ausangate Lagoons. This way, you acclimate your body and mind.
Both places are jewels of the Andes. Different, unique, unforgettable.
And now that you know what not everyone tells you… Which will you choose first?
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