Full-Day Tour to Ausangate 7 Lakes

Ausangate’s seven lakes are the main event here: a string of striking mountain pools beneath glaciers and high Andean peaks, reached after a very early start from Cusco. The views are superb, but the thin air is not a minor detail. Much of the route sits above 4,000 meters, with some sections reaching about 4,800 meters.

I like the way this tour combines big mountain scenery with local food, including breakfast in Pacchanta and a traditional Andean lunch. I also like the human touch: guides such as Ernesto, Roberto, Milton, Juan, and Jehomar have been praised for taking photos, checking on hikers, explaining local traditions, and offering calm support on the trail.

The catch is simple: this is not an easy sightseeing outing. The day can involve roughly 17 kilometers of walking, and several hours at serious altitude. A one-hour departure delay has also been reported, so keep your plans for the evening flexible.

Key points to know before booking

• The lakes sit at serious altitude: Expect hiking above 4,000 meters, with the route reaching around 4,800 meters.
• The day begins at 4:00 am: You will spend about three and a half hours driving from Cusco to Pacchanta.
• Breakfast and lunch are included: Both meals help make the long day more manageable.
• Pacchanta hot springs are optional: You can soak after the hike or use the free time to explore the village.
• A horse is available for an extra fee: The optional ride costs about 80 soles, or roughly $22, paid directly to local villagers.
• The group is capped at 17 people: That is small enough for guide support without promising a private experience.

Why the Ausangate lakes are worth the long ride

This tour takes you into the high country around Ausangate, one of the great mountain areas near Cusco. The attraction is not a single archaeological site or one famous viewpoint. It is the steady change in scenery as you leave the city, cross the Andes, and reach a remote setting of glacial peaks, open slopes, and vividly colored lakes.

The route is often praised for feeling peaceful and less crowded than some of Cusco’s better-known day trips. That matters here. The scenery has room to breathe, and the absence of heavy development helps you notice the scale of the mountains and the quiet of the area.

You will see the lakes over a hiking circuit that takes about three and a half hours, according to the planned schedule. One account places the full walking route at roughly 17 kilometers, so you should prepare for a substantial outing rather than a short stroll from the vehicle.

The path is described as not especially steep in every section, but altitude changes the effort. A gentle incline at 4,500 meters can feel harder than a much steeper walk at sea level. I would treat the stated moderate fitness requirement as a minimum, not a guarantee that the hike will feel moderate.

The 4:00 am start and drive to Pacchanta

Pickup begins around 4:00 am from your accommodation in Cusco. You will need warm clothing ready before bed, since the early hours and high-altitude conditions can be cold even before you reach the trailhead.

The drive to Pacchanta takes about three and a half hours. That is a long transfer, but it is also part of the experience. The route opens into Andean scenery, and you may see sunrise along the way. Still, do not book this tour the night after a late evening activity if you need a full night of sleep.

Transportation is included, and the group size is limited to a maximum of 17 people. Several guides and drivers have earned praise for punctuality, careful driving, and steady support. At least one departure was delayed by more than an hour, though, so I would avoid scheduling a fixed evening reservation immediately after your expected return.

You are due back in Cusco around 6:30 pm. In practice, a 15-hour day with mountain roads, hiking, meals, and a possible delay leaves little spare time. Think of this as your main activity for the day.

Pacchanta breakfast before the trail

The first stop is Pacchanta, a small Andean town that serves as the base for the hike. Before setting off, you stop for breakfast. This is practical rather than decorative: after the early departure and long drive, you need food and a chance to warm up.

Breakfast is included in the $69 price. That helps the tour’s value, especially since lunch is included as well. Meals are described as local or Andean in style, and one account specifically praised the traditional food served during the day.

If you follow a vegan diet, ask ahead of time. A vegan meal has been accommodated, but you should not rely on an unspoken request appearing automatically at breakfast or lunch.

Pacchanta also gives you a chance to sort out your clothing and water before walking. Bring layers rather than one bulky coat. Cold-weather gear is specifically recommended, and conditions can change quickly at this elevation.

Hiking to all seven lakes

The hike is the heart of the day. Over roughly four hours, you visit seven lagoons in the Ausangate area before returning to Pacchanta. The route offers a series of viewpoints instead of one single destination, so you get repeated changes in color, shape, and mountain backdrop.

The lakes are the kind of scenery that makes the difficult air worth dealing with. Glaciers are visible in the distance, and the surrounding peaks give the water a dramatic setting. One of the most appealing features is the feeling of being close to untouched high mountain country rather than looking at a single managed attraction.

The trail is not described as extremely steep throughout. That can be encouraging, but do not confuse moderate slopes with an easy day. Reports of walking at 4,000 to 4,800 meters make acclimatization essential. If you have just arrived in Cusco, this may feel much harder than expected.

Plan to walk slowly and stay aware of how you feel. The best guides on this route, including Roberto, Ernesto, Milton, and Jehomar, have been praised for checking on people, helping with photos, and providing support throughout the hike. One guide was also described as carrying oxygen for use if someone needed it. That is reassuring, but it is not a substitute for taking altitude symptoms seriously.

A Quechua ceremony has also been part of the experience for some participants. The tour description refers to the mysticism surrounding the lakes, and local traditions can add meaning to what might otherwise be treated as a quick photo stop. The exact ceremony should not be assumed on every departure, but the cultural side of the route is worth asking about.

What the guides add to a demanding walk

Guide quality matters more here than on a simple city tour. At this altitude, you want someone who watches the group, sets a sensible pace, and explains the place without turning the day into a lecture.

Ernesto has been praised for being friendly, flexible, detailed, and helpful with family photos. Roberto has received strong praise for his care on the trail, explanations of local traditions, and attention to well-being. Milton has been described as punctual and supportive from start to finish, while Jehomar has been noted for staying attentive throughout the walk.

Juan has also been singled out for humor, care, and a good understanding of the region. Guide assignments can change, so you should not book expecting a specific person. The useful point is that this operator has several guides who appear comfortable leading a physically demanding high-altitude outing.

The guide can also help you decide how to handle the optional horse ride. Horses cost about 80 soles, or $22, paid directly to local villagers. That option could be useful if you are struggling, but it does not turn the entire outing into a relaxed ride. Ask the guide how far the horse can take you and what payment arrangements apply before committing.

Lunch, hot springs, and the return to Cusco

After visiting the lakes, you return to Pacchanta. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, with Andean food and regional flavors. This meal is included, and it arrives at the right moment: after several hours of walking, you will want a proper break rather than another quick snack.

Then comes the most appealing choice of the afternoon. You can pay for an optional soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs, or spend the free time exploring the village and resting before the drive back.

The hot springs are not included in the tour price, and the provided information does not give a separate admission cost. Ask locally before entering so you know the current fee. If you choose the bath, bring what you need for changing and keep your expectations practical. This is a local stop at a high-altitude village, not a polished resort.

Basic toilet facilities may also feel rough. One account specifically described the WC structures as precarious and connected that condition to local poverty rather than the tour company. It is useful to know this before you go, especially if you expect developed facilities at every stop.

After lunch and the optional hot springs, you begin the long drive back across the Andes. Arrival in Cusco is scheduled for about 6:30 pm. You may be tired enough to skip dinner, so keep the evening easy.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69 per person, this tour offers solid value for a full day in a remote mountain area. The price includes transportation, a bilingual Spanish and English guide, breakfast, and lunch. It also covers a long transfer that would be difficult to arrange independently in a single day.

The value is strongest if you want a straightforward package. You do not need to find a driver, arrange meals, or work out how to reach Pacchanta. The group limit of 17 keeps the price below a private outing while still giving the guide a manageable number of people.

There are extra costs to keep in mind. The hot springs are optional and not included, alcoholic drinks are excluded, and the horse ride costs about 80 soles. Meals and drinks beyond those specified are also your responsibility.

The main compromise is the very long day. You are paying $69 for access and convenience, but you are also giving up most of a day to transport and hiking. If you have only a short stay in Cusco and want a relaxed schedule, this is not the best use of your time. If you want dramatic high-country scenery and accept the physical cost, the price is reasonable.

Who should book the Seven Lakes tour?

I would recommend this outing to you if you are already acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude, can handle several hours of walking, and want mountain scenery more than museums or city sights. It suits people who enjoy a full day outdoors and do not mind an early alarm.

You should think twice if you have heart restrictions, poor physical conditioning, or little time to adjust to elevation. The route is intense, and the altitude can cause problems even when the path itself does not look steep.

This can work for families with older children or active teenagers, but only if everyone understands the conditions. A guide can offer support, but nobody can remove the thin air or shorten the long drive.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the 4:00 am start time. Cancellations made later are not refundable, and changes within that window are not accepted. Poor weather can also cancel the outing, in which case you will be offered another date or a full refund.

What to pack for the Ausangate day

Pack for changing conditions and a long stretch away from Cusco. Your most useful items are:

• Warm layers and a windproof outer layer
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Water and personal snacks
• Sun protection
• A small towel and change of clothes if you plan to use the hot springs
• Cash for the optional horse ride and local extras
• Any personal altitude medication you have been advised to carry

Bring a phone or camera, but do not let photography set your pace. The guides are often willing to take photos, and the best moments may come when you stop looking at the screen and pay attention to the mountains.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a demanding but rewarding day among high-altitude lakes and you have allowed time to adjust to Cusco. The combination of transport, two meals, bilingual guiding, mountain scenery, and an optional hot spring stop makes $69 a fair deal.

Skip it if you want an easy day, polished facilities, or a predictable return time. The seven lakes are beautiful, but they require effort. Go prepared for thin air, cold weather, basic toilets, and a long ride, and you will give yourself the best chance of enjoying what makes this route special.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins at approximately 4:00 am from your accommodation in Cusco.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about 15 hours, with an expected return to Cusco around 6:30 pm.

How high does the hike go?

The route takes you above 4,000 meters, and sections may reach approximately 4,800 meters.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Is the Pacchanta hot spring visit included?

No. The hot spring visit is optional and is not included in the listed tour price.

How much does the optional horse ride cost?

The horse ride costs about 80 soles, approximately $22, paid directly to local villagers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund.