The adventure would begin with a pre-dawn pickup from my hotel in Cusco (11,152 ft / 3,399 m) for the 3.5-hour drive south. The destination is the remote village of Pacchanta, perched at a breathtaking 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). I love that this village, once a quiet outpost for expert adventurers tackling the Ausangate mountain range, is now a welcoming hub for travelers like me, drawn by the magic of its lagoons and the promise of its thermal waters.

From Pacchanta, the 5-hour hike begins. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for the incredible local wildlife—alpacas, llamas, vizcachas (a type of chinchilla), huallatas (Andean ducks), foxes, the carancho (an Andean hawk), and even the yanarico (an Andean bog crow). It’s a chance to learn not just about the stunning landscapes, but about the rich biodiversity of the Peruvian Andes.

But the real jewels of the day are the seven lagoons themselves. I plan to take my time at each one, soaking in the unique colors and stories the guide will share. My hit list for the day includes:

• Laguna Pucacocha (4,500 m / 14,763 ft): The first stop. I’m desperate to see its famous reddish color, a result of iron sediments in the water. I can just picture this oval-shaped, two-square-kilometer lake being the perfect place for photos and hearing local legends.
• Laguna Patacocha (4,860 m / 15,944 ft): The next stop promises incredibly clear water and surreal views, with the mighty Ausangate and the neighboring Callangate peaks looming in the background.
• Laguna Alqacocha (4,750 m / 15,583 ft): Another reddish-hued lake, though a bit smaller. Being at such a high altitude, I know it will be chilly here, and I’ll be hoping for a chance to spot wild vicuñas.
• Qomercocha (4,666 m / 15,308 ft): This rectangular, two-square-kilometer lagoon is famous for its stunning turquoise color. I’m excited to hear the guide’s explanation of the geology that creates this vibrant hue.
• Laguna Orco Otorongo (4,570 m / 14,993 ft): One of the smaller lagoons on the circuit, its name comes from the unique color of its water, said to resemble the fur of an otorongo, or jaguar.
• Laguna China Otorongo (4,600 m / 15,091 ft): Located near the previous one, this lagoon has a beautiful green color. Its name translates to “female jaguar,” creating a lovely pairing with its neighbor.
• Laguna Azulcocha (4,550 m / 14,927 ft): The final lagoon on the route, boasting a deep blue shade. I imagine its beauty, set against the dramatic mountain scenery, is the perfect spot for those final, epic photographs.

We’d be due back at our base in Pacchanta around 1:00 p.m. And I can’t think of a better way to reward my efforts than by immediately slipping into the thermo-medicinal pools. Soaking in the warm, healing waters while gazing at the very mountains I just hiked is my idea of perfection. To top it all off, we’ll enjoy a delicious Andean lunch, cordially hosted and prepared by a local family in their home.

Hike Level

For anyone wondering about the difficulty, the 7 Lagunas Tour hike is classified as a Level 1 to 2, based on the following scale:

• Level 1: Easy, on flat terrain with no major difficulty.
• Level 2: A mix of flat terrain and gentle slopes.
• Level 3: Some flat terrain with steeper slopes.
• Level 4: Steep and rugged terrain.