Excursion: Explore in one day the 7 lakes of Ausangate from Cusco

Ausangate’s seven lakes are the main event here: high, cold, colorful, and set beneath one of the Andes’ great snow-capped peaks. You leave Cusco before sunrise, ride deep into the mountains, then walk through open country where alpacas and llamas graze. The altitude, more than 4,600 meters, is the serious part.

I like the excellent value at $35, since transport, breakfast, lunch, a guide, and a first aid kit with oxygen are included. I also like the finish at Pacchanta’s hot springs, where you can warm up while looking toward Ausangate. The drawback is the long day and early start, plus one reported pickup mix-up that shows you should confirm the details with the agency the day before.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven high-altitude lakes: Visit Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Q’omercocha.
• More than 4,600 meters high: You need time in Cusco first, ideally two or three days for acclimatization.
• A full 12-hour outing: Pickup begins around 4 a.m., with arrival back near Cusco’s historic center around 5 to 6 p.m.
• Pacchanta adds a welcome recovery stop: The local hot springs follow the hike and offer views of the snowy mountain.
• Meals are included: You receive a traditional breakfast and a filling Andean lunch.
• Bring proper gear: Hiking shoes, water, sun protection, warm clothing, rain gear, and snacks all matter here.

Why Ausangate’s seven lakes are worth the effort

Ausangate is not a quick lookout stop. You are heading into a high mountain zone where the air is thin, the sun is strong, and the scenery is broad and spare. The reward is a chain of lakes with water that can shift from turquoise to emerald green, framed by rocky slopes, grassland, and snow-capped Ausangate.

I like this excursion because it gives you a full day in the Andes without the cost or length of a multi-day trek. You get a taste of remote mountain country, but you sleep in your Cusco accommodation that night.

The word lakes can make the walk sound easier than it is. The route involves roughly four to five hours of hiking, depending on the exact pace and stops. The tour information calls it moderate to challenging, and the altitude can make an ordinary uphill stretch feel much harder than it would at home.

If you have spent only one night in Cusco, I would not book this as your first major activity. Give yourself two or three days to adjust. Altitude sickness can affect fit people, and the excursion reaches a height far above Cusco.

The 4 a.m. departure from Cusco

The day begins early, generally around 4 a.m. Hotel pickup is included, though the exact timing can vary. One booking had an expected pickup window of 4:20 to 4:40 a.m., but the vehicle arrived at 5 a.m. after several confusing phone calls. The guide also changed from the expected Antoni to John.

That kind of coordination problem is especially unpleasant before dawn, so confirm your pickup time and guide by phone the day before. Keep your phone available, and do not assume that the first time given is final.

The ride to Pacchanta takes about three to three and a half hours. That is a long stretch in a van, but it lets the tour reach the high mountain area in a single day. Pack water and a small snack within easy reach, even though breakfast and lunch are provided.

The final drop-off is near Cusco’s historic center rather than necessarily at your hotel. Plan for a short walk or local ride if your accommodation is farther away.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the hike

Pacchanta is the base for the hike and the place where you get breakfast. The meal lasts about 30 minutes and is described as a traditional Andean breakfast, giving you a chance to eat before the hardest part of the day.

Do not treat breakfast as a reason to leave your own snacks behind. Energy snacks are specifically recommended, and the combination of cold air, altitude, and several hours on foot can make you hungry between stops.

This is also your last clear preparation point. Refill your water, adjust your layers, apply sunscreen, and check your shoes. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so keep rain gear handy rather than buried at the bottom of your bag.

Pacchanta is a local community, not simply a parking area. The breakfast and lunch help connect the outing with the place itself, while also supporting food service run by the community.

Hiking past alpacas and llamas

From Pacchanta, you follow the seven-lakes trail through open mountain country. The route includes views of Andean peaks and local plants, with alpacas and llamas often part of the scene.

This is the part where your pace matters. You do not need to race from lake to lake, and a slower rhythm is sensible at this height. Take short breaks, drink regularly, and tell the guide if you feel unwell. The included professional guide, first aid kit, and oxygen bottle provide useful support, but they do not replace proper acclimatization.

The tour schedule gives about three hours for the first hiking section, followed by time at the lakes and another two hours on the trail. That suggests a steady walking day rather than a technical mountain climb. Still, the elevation makes it demanding, especially if you are not used to hiking.

Comfortable trekking shoes are essential. Hiking pants, warm layers, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and rain gear belong in your daypack. At high altitude, bright sun and cold air can arrive together, so do not dress only for the temperature you feel at the start in Cusco.

The seven lakes and their changing colors

The route visits seven named lakes:

• Comercocha
• Patacocha
• Alqacocha
• Otorongococha
• Azulcocha
• Pucacocha
• Q’omercocha

The names may sound similar, but each lake offers a different angle and color. The water ranges from turquoise to emerald green, with the exact look shaped by light, weather, and the surrounding mineral ground.

The schedule allows about 30 minutes for photos and free time at the seven lakes. That is enough to take panoramic photographs and enjoy the views, but it is not an unlimited photography session. If you want thoughtful pictures rather than quick snapshots, keep moving efficiently and listen for instructions about regrouping.

The best photographs should include more than the water. Frame the lakes with Ausangate, the high slopes, and the open Andean setting. A wide-angle view can show why this outing is about the entire mountain setting, not just seven isolated bodies of water.

Clouds and weather can affect the colors. Do not expect every lake to look equally bright on every morning. The appeal is the variety of the route and the scale of the mountains around you.

Returning to Pacchanta for lunch

After the lakes, you hike back toward Pacchanta. The return section is scheduled for about two hours, and it may feel easier because you know the route and have already seen the main sights. It can also feel tiring, since the early start and high altitude catch up with you by this point.

Lunch is served in Pacchanta and lasts about 40 minutes. It is a typical Andean meal prepared by the local community. The food is described as basic, plentiful, and tasty, which is exactly what you want after several hours on foot.

Do not expect a long restaurant meal with many choices. This is practical mountain food, designed to restore energy before the ride back to Cusco. Eat well, but leave room for the next stop.

Soaking at Pacchanta’s hot springs

The Pacchanta hot springs are one of the smartest features of the day. After the hike, you have about 30 minutes of free time to soak in the thermal baths while looking toward the snow-capped Ausangate.

This is a short visit, not a full spa afternoon. Bring a swimsuit and a small plastic bag for wet clothing, although these items are not specifically listed among the required supplies. The entrance fee for the lakes and thermal baths is not included and costs 30 soles.

The hot springs also give the day a better rhythm. Instead of walking, eating, and immediately sitting in a van for three hours, you get a chance to relax your legs first. The contrast between warm water and cold mountain air is part of the appeal.

If you are already exhausted, keep your soak comfortable and brief. You still have the return ride ahead, and the day does not end until roughly 5 to 6 p.m.

What the $35 price really includes

At $35 per person, this is a low-cost way to reach a remote high-altitude area from Cusco. The price includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English or Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and an oxygen bottle.

That bundle matters because transport alone would be inconvenient to arrange independently for a one-day visit. The meals also save you from organizing food before a 4 a.m. departure.

You still pay 30 soles for entry to the lakes and thermal baths. Keep cash available for that fee. The value remains strong, but the actual day costs more than the advertised tour price once you add the entrance charge and any personal snacks or transport needed after the drop-off.

The tour received a 4.7 rating from 10 reviews, but the small number means I would treat that score as useful guidance rather than a guarantee. The main sightseeing experience can be excellent, yet early-morning coordination deserves attention.

Guides, transport, and tour coordination

The tour is offered in English and Spanish with a live guide. One guide named John was described as friendly and professional, while the driver was also reported as professional. The guide’s role matters here because the route, altitude, and group pace all need practical handling.

The reported pickup issue is worth taking seriously. The problem was not the hike itself, but unclear communication about the arrival time and the assigned guide. Contact the agency one day before departure, as requested, and confirm:

• Your pickup time
• The vehicle meeting point
• The guide’s name
• The expected drop-off location
• Whether the 30-soles entrance fee should be paid in cash

The journey takes about six and a half hours of total van time, so comfort and patience matter. A long ride is the tradeoff for seeing the lakes in one day from Cusco.

Who should book this excursion

I would recommend this outing to active adults who want a high-mountain day and are comfortable with an early start. It is a good match if you have already spent a few days in Cusco, enjoy walking for several hours, and want scenery beyond the city and nearby ruins.

It is not a good fit if you have heart, respiratory, or blood pressure problems without medical approval. The excursion is also not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people over 65, or anyone who is not prepared for strenuous walking at more than 4,600 meters.

The age restriction is broad, so health and hiking ability still matter more than a number alone. If you are unsure, ask a doctor before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Cusco plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to prepare for the altitude.

What to pack for the seven lakes

Use a small backpack and pack for both sun and rain. I would bring:

• Water and energy snacks
• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Comfortable hiking pants
• Warm, layered clothing
• Rain gear
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A sun hat
• Trekking equipment if you already own it
• A swimsuit and bag for the hot springs
• Cash for the 30-soles entrance fee

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. More important, do not underpack water or sun protection. High-altitude sun can feel harsh even when the air is cold.

Should you book the Ausangate seven-lakes tour?

Book it if you want a big Andean scenery day at a modest price and you have allowed time to adjust to Cusco’s altitude. The seven lakes, views of Ausangate, local meals, and Pacchanta hot springs give the outing a satisfying mix of walking, culture, and recovery.

Skip it if you have just arrived in Cusco, dislike long van rides, or need an easy sightseeing day. The route is demanding, the departure is very early, and the one reported pickup mix-up means you should confirm the details in advance.

For a prepared hiker, this is a strong-value excursion. Bring the right clothing, take the altitude seriously, and treat the hot springs as a welcome finish rather than proof that the hiking will be easy.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate seven-lakes tour take?

The excursion lasts about 12 hours. Pickup generally begins around 4 a.m., and return to Cusco is expected between 5 and 6 p.m.

How high are the seven lakes?

The lakes are located more than 4,600 meters above sea level. Spending two or three days in Cusco before the excursion is recommended for acclimatization.

What meals are included?

Breakfast in Pacchanta and a typical Andean lunch are included. Lunch is served after the hike and before the hot springs visit.

Is the entrance fee included?

No. Entrance to the lakes and Pacchanta thermal baths costs 30 soles and is paid separately.

Is transportation from Cusco included?

Yes. Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco is included, along with transportation to Pacchanta and a drop-off point near Cusco’s historic center.

What languages are available for the guided tour?

Live guides are available in English and Spanish. The agency is expected to contact you one day before departure, so confirm your pickup details and preferred language then.