From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

The best part of this day trip is the setting: Ausangate rises to 6,384 meters, and the trail threads through a stark, high Andean world of snow, rock, grass, alpacas, and vivid mountain lakes. You get a big mountain experience without committing to a multiday trek.

I like the mix of effort and comfort. Breakfast and lunch are included, and the Pacchanta hot springs give your legs a warm reset at the end. I also like that guides such as Kevin, Eduardo, Carlos, and Inti have been praised for checking on slower walkers and helping people manage the altitude.

The catch is the altitude, not the distance alone. You’ll hike about 13 kilometers at elevations that can reach 4,620 meters, while the tour warning tells you to prepare for sections above 4,800 meters. Add a rough three-hour road journey each way, and this is a long, tiring day.

The five things to know before booking

• Ausangate views arrive early: You see the huge snow-covered Apu Ausangate from Pacchanta before the trek begins.
• The hike is about 13 kilometers: Expect roughly four and a half hours of walking over changing, steep terrain.
• Altitude is the real test: The highest stated point is about 4,620 meters, with warnings to prepare for elevations above 4,800 meters.
• Breakfast, lunch, transport, and a guide are included: You pay an extra 30 soles for entrance and the hot springs.
• Horse rentals can help: Local horses may be available for an extra 120 to 130 soles, but rentals are separate from the tour provider.
• Pacchanta’s hot springs finish the day: The pools are simple but well timed after the cold, demanding hike.

Why Ausangate feels different from Cusco’s other day hikes

Ausangate is not a small viewpoint with a short walk attached. It is a broad, high mountain region where weather, altitude, and distance shape the day. The seven lakes are the main attraction, but the appeal is also the sense of space around them.

The route gives you repeated views rather than one final photo stop. You move through changing ground, past several bodies of water, with the snow-covered Ausangate massif appearing across the open Andes. Alpacas and llamas may be grazing near the trail, adding a bit of life to an otherwise spare setting.

This is also a useful alternative to Laguna Humantay. The Ausangate route is longer and colder, but the walking is not described as one relentless steep climb. Several people have found it less crowded than Humantay, especially on quieter departure days. That matters if you want time to hear the wind, watch the animals, and take in the mountains without a dense line of people around you.

The price is strikingly low at $29 per person. For that amount, you receive hotel pickup, transport, a professional English or Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, first aid supplies, oxygen, and a drop-off near central Cusco. Add 30 soles for the entrance fee and hot springs, plus any horse rental, and it remains strong value for a full-day outing.

You should not read the low price as an easy excursion. The cost covers the basics, not a private luxury vehicle or a gentle sightseeing loop. You are paying for access to a remote mountain area and practical support on a demanding day.

Leaving Cusco before sunrise

Pickup from the historic center begins around 4 to 4:30 am. The vehicle may take 30 to 45 minutes to collect everyone, so you could wait in the lobby before setting off. If you are picked up first, expect a longer wait while the rest of the group is gathered.

The drive to Pacchanta takes about three hours, sometimes longer depending on road conditions and pickups. The dirt road is reported to be rough, and the combination of winding travel and high elevation can make some people feel sick before the hike even starts.

This is where preparation pays off. Keep water, snacks, altitude medicine if you normally use it, and warm clothing within reach. Do not pack a large bag, since luggage and bulky packs are not allowed. A light day pack is the sensible choice.

Morning temperatures in the area can range from 5 to 9 degrees Celsius. Bring a warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves, even if Cusco feels mild when you leave. Rain gear is also wise because the local partner does not control sudden weather changes.

Breakfast in Pacchanta and the first Ausangate views

Pacchanta is your staging point for the day. You stop for breakfast for about 30 minutes and can buy last-minute water or snacks if you forgot them in Cusco. The meal is described as simple but filling, with some praise for the quantity and some criticism of the food being cold or plain.

After breakfast, you prepare your day pack and get your first clear view of Apu Ausangate. At 6,384 meters, it gives the morning a serious scale. The mountain is not just a distant backdrop. It helps you understand why this region feels so exposed and demanding.

Use this stop to make practical decisions. Adjust your layers, apply sunscreen, put on your sunglasses, and decide how much water you need accessible. Sunglasses are mandatory throughout the hike, and the bright high-altitude light can be harsh even when the air feels cold.

Hiking the seven lakes at high altitude

The walk covers about 13 kilometers, or eight miles, and takes around four and a half hours in total. The exact rhythm depends on the group, weather, stops, and individual pace. The route includes steep sections, varied ground, and changing elevation.

The first part may feel manageable, then the altitude catches up. At this height, breathing becomes the main issue for many people. You might need to slow down, pause, or use a horse. That is not a failure. The point is to reach the lakes safely, not to win a race.

Guides are expected to spread out along the route because people walk at different speeds. Stronger walkers may move ahead while the guide checks on others behind. Names praised for patient support include Kevin, Eduardo, Carlos, Joseph, Inti, Noe, Waldri, and Diana. The important thing for you is to tell the guide early if you feel breathless, dizzy, or unwell.

The tour includes a first aid kit and an oxygen bottle, but those are safety measures, not a guarantee that altitude will be comfortable. You should already be acclimatized to Cusco’s elevation before attempting this outing. The tour is not suitable for people with heart, respiratory, or mobility problems, back problems, or for wheelchair users. It also excludes people over 120 kilograms.

At the high points, the views are the reward for every slow step. The seven lakes vary in color and setting, and the open Andes give you wide views in every direction. Weather can change quickly. One person may get a clear blue-sky day, while another may face cloud and rain, so bring protection rather than relying on a perfect forecast.

The optional horse: useful help, not a free extra

Horse rentals are available locally for people who struggle with the altitude or steep sections. The reported price is about 120 to 130 soles, paid separately in cash. The tour provider does not manage the rental process, so confirm the cost and arrangement locally before setting off.

A horse can make a major difference if your breathing is poor or you are not used to high elevations. One person with asthma and a heart problem used a horse to reach the lakes and return to Pacchanta. That experience also shows the limit of the option: riding does not remove the altitude, cold, or rough road.

If you rent a horse, you may still walk parts of the route and stop at the same viewpoints. Treat it as a practical backup, not something to reserve mentally as part of the $29 package.

Photo stops and the pace of the group

The schedule includes about 30 minutes around the seven lakes for photographs, followed by the return hike. That sounds generous, but the day has a long drive, meals, and a fixed return to Cusco. You may get time for photos without having endless time to sit beside each lake.

If you want more quiet viewing, stay near the front of the walking group when possible. Faster walkers may reach viewpoints sooner and have more time before the group gathers. If you walk slowly, do not feel pressured to match someone else’s pace. Tell your guide what you need.

This is a group excursion, so there can be pauses while the group regathers. Some people have found the trail a little rushed, while others appreciated the flexible pace. Your experience will depend partly on the day’s group and weather.

Returning to Pacchanta for lunch

After the lake circuit, you walk back to Pacchanta for lunch. The meal is usually described as basic but sufficient, with some good comments about the variety and quantity. One less favorable assessment called it cold and low quality, so keep expectations at the level of a practical mountain meal rather than a culinary highlight.

Lunch matters here because you have spent hours in cold air at high elevation. Eat what you can, drink water, and give yourself a moment before entering the hot springs. If you rely on snacks, carry your own because food preferences and availability on the road may be limited.

Bring cash in Peruvian soles for the 30 soles entrance and hot spring fee, water, souvenirs, or a horse. Card payment is not the safe assumption for these extra costs.

Pacchanta hot springs: a well-timed finish

The hot springs are close to Pacchanta and provide about 30 minutes of swimming and rest. After the cold trail and return walk, warm water is more than a pleasant extra. It gives you a chance to loosen up before the long ride back to Cusco.

The pools are not the reason to book the excursion, but they improve the day. If you are exhausted, 30 minutes may feel short. Still, the timing is smart: the springs come after the physical work rather than before it.

Pack a swimsuit and a small towel if you have them, though only the listed essentials are guaranteed. You will need to manage your belongings lightly because large bags are not permitted.

The long ride back to Cusco

The return drive takes roughly three hours, and arrival is expected between 6 and 7 pm. Drop-off is available near the historic center, including the area around San Bernardo 132.

This is an important part of the value calculation. You get a remarkable mountain day for little money, but you give up most of a day and evening to transport. If you have an early train, flight, or fixed evening plan, leave plenty of room for delays.

The vehicle journey can also worsen fatigue and altitude discomfort. Drink water, keep warm layers handy, and do not assume the return trip will feel effortless simply because the hiking is finished.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want dramatic Andes scenery, can handle a long day, and are comfortable with a serious high-altitude walk. It suits people who prefer a natural setting and a quieter route to a short, crowded viewpoint.

It is especially useful if you want a guided option with meals and transport arranged. The included oxygen and first aid kit offer some reassurance, while guides such as Eduardo, Kevin, Carlos, and Inti have shown care toward people who needed extra help.

I would hesitate if you are still adjusting to altitude, have a heart or respiratory condition, or dislike cold, rough roads, and early starts. The trek can be tiring even for fit people, and a horse rental still costs extra.

The experience has earned a 4.8 rating from 360 bookings, and the strongest praise centers on the scenery, helpful guides, and sense of accomplishment. The weaker points are clear too: food can be basic, pickup may be confusing or slow, and the high elevation can overpower the day.

Should you book the Ausangate seven-lakes trek?

Book it if your priority is big mountain scenery at a low price, and you are willing to work for it. The lakes, snow-covered Ausangate, alpacas, and hot springs make this a memorable full-day outing.

Skip it if you want a relaxed sightseeing trip or have not prepared for high altitude. For everyone else, pack light, dress warmer than you think necessary, carry cash in soles, and treat the horse as a useful backup. This is a demanding day, but the setting gives you a very good reason to keep walking.

FAQ

How long is the Ausangate seven-lakes tour?

The full experience lasts one day. Pickup begins around 4 to 4:30 am, and arrival back in Cusco is expected between 6 and 7 pm. The drive takes about three hours each way, and the hike covers roughly 13 kilometers.

How high does the trek go?

The stated highest point is about 4,620 meters above sea level. The tour information also warns you to prepare for sections above 4,800 meters, so you should treat this as a serious high-altitude trek.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike, and lunch is served after you return from the lakes. The meals are generally simple and filling, though food quality can vary.

Is the entrance fee included?

No. Entrance fees and the hot springs cost an additional 30 soles. Bring cash in Peruvian soles for this charge and for other extras.

Can I rent a horse during the hike?

Yes, horses may be available locally for about 120 to 130 soles. The rental is not included, and the local partner does not manage the horse arrangement.

What should I bring?

Bring water, snacks, rain gear, hiking shoes, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and extra warm layers including a sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.