From Cusco: 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour

High in the Andes, color does the talking. This full-day trip from Cusco takes you to seven turquoise-green lakes beneath Ausangate, with wide mountain views and a quieter feel than Cusco’s busiest sights. I like the mix of serious mountain scenery and time with local Andean communities. I also like that breakfast, lunch, transport, a guide, and hiking poles are included. The catch is simple: the five-hour walk is strenuous, and high altitude can make it much harder than the distance suggests.

The strongest part of the experience is the setting. You walk through the Vilcanota mountain range among llamas and alpacas, then finish near the Pacchanta hot springs. Guides such as Anibal, Rubin, and Ruben have earned praise for being friendly, prepared, encouraging, and good at allowing rest breaks. You should still arrive ready for fast-changing weather, steep walking, and an entrance fee that is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven turquoise-green lakes: The main reward is a chain of high Andean lakes around Ausangate, each framed by snowy peaks and open mountain country.
• Five hours on foot: This is a real hiking day, not a quick viewpoint stop. Bring proper hiking shoes and be ready for altitude.
• Breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta: Meals are built into the day, which saves you from arranging food for a remote outing.
• Llamas, alpacas, and local communities: You pass through the natural home of these animals and meet people connected to the land.
• Pacchanta hot springs: The day ends with a chance to visit the hot springs after the mountain walk, though the supplied details do not state the hot spring entrance fee.
• Small groups or private trips: You can choose a more personal format, useful when your pace is affected by altitude.

What makes the 7 Lakes of Ausangate special

Ausangate gives you a different side of the Cusco region. Instead of ancient stonework or city streets, you get broad views, snowy summits, cold air, colorful water, and long stretches of open country.

The seven lakes are the main attraction. Their turquoise-green tones contrast with the darker rock and high mountain surroundings. Exact colors can change with weather and light, but the scenery should feel dramatic from the first lake to the last.

I like this outing because the scenery is not reduced to one photo stop. You spend hours walking through the Vilcanota range, so the mountains keep changing as you move. You also see the area as a lived-in place, with local communities, traditional ornaments, colorful textiles, llamas, and alpacas.

That human element matters. You are not only looking at a famous natural site from a road. You are walking across land used by Andean people and seeing an environment where livestock and mountain life remain part of the picture.

The trade-off is effort. The beautiful setting does not make the hike easy. One visitor described it as quite strenuous and noted that paying to ride a horse may be possible during the route, but that option is not listed as an included service. Treat the horse as a possible extra, not a guaranteed part of the tour.

The early ride to Pacchanta

Your day begins with pickup in Cusco’s Centro Histórico. You are asked to wait at your hotel front desk at the provided time, so keep the morning simple and be ready before pickup.

The journey takes you away from busy roads and into the high Andes. The supplied schedule gives breakfast in Pacchanta, listed at about one hour. That is more than a quick snack. It gives you time to eat before the walk and prepare for the long morning ahead.

Breakfast and lunch are included in the $130 price, which improves the value of a remote full-day trip. You do not need to arrange both meals yourself, though you should still bring water and any personal snacks you rely on during a demanding hike. The supplied information does not specify the menu, so do not book this expecting a particular dish.

Pacchanta is also important because it is the base for the mountain route and the location of the hot springs later in the day. You return here after the hike for lunch before heading back toward Cusco.

Five hours around Ausangate’s seven lakes

The walking portion is scheduled for about five hours. That time gives you a proper outing through the mountain range rather than a short visit to a single lake.

Expect open views, snowy peaks, mountain air, and the chance to see llamas and alpacas in their natural setting. You also pass local people and see ornaments and brightly colored textiles connected with Andean culture.

The guide makes a real difference here. Anibal has been praised for being friendly, humorous, well prepared, and encouraging. Another guide named Rubin was singled out for his knowledge and for giving regular breaks when the altitude became too much. Ruben also received warm praise for his guiding.

Those details matter because a long high-altitude walk needs more than directions. You want someone who notices when the group needs to slow down, explains what you are seeing, and keeps the day moving without turning it into a race.

Still, do not confuse a helpful guide with an easy route. Several people describe the scenery as breathtaking, but one clear warning is that the hike can be strenuous. High altitude conditions are part of the challenge, and one person specifically advised preparing for them.

You should pace yourself from the beginning. Use the supplied hiking poles if they suit you, take the breaks offered by the guide, and avoid treating the first part of the route like a test of speed. A small group or private trip may be a better choice if you want more control over walking pace.

The seven lakes give the walk a useful sense of progress. Each stop provides another view and another reason to continue. The setting is the reward, but the journey between the lakes is just as important. You get a stronger feel for the scale of the Andes when you move through it on foot.

Meeting local people in an Andean setting

This tour includes contact with native communities, but the information provided does not promise a formal village visit, workshop, or performance. Think of the cultural side as part of the route rather than a staged show.

You may see local ornaments and colorful textiles, and you may meet people living and working in the area. That can be more meaningful than a brief shopping stop because it places local culture within its mountain setting.

Approach this part with respect. You are entering a working region, not a theme park. If you want to buy something, ask your guide how to do so appropriately. The supplied details do not state that purchases are included, so carry money only if you plan to buy local goods.

The presence of llamas and alpacas adds another layer to the walk. These animals are not just decorative photo props. They are part of the local pastoral setting, and seeing them among the high mountain scenery helps connect the natural and human sides of the trip.

Lunch, hot springs, and the return to Cusco

After the five-hour walk, you return to Pacchanta for lunch, listed at about one hour. A hot meal should feel welcome after the route, especially if the weather has turned cold or wet.

The plan then includes a visit to the Pacchanta hot springs. This is a smart ending to a strenuous day because it gives you a chance to rest before the return journey.

The supplied details do not state the entrance price for the hot springs. They do state that entrance to the seven lakes is not included, so budget for that separate cost as well. Because the price is not provided, check the current total before departure rather than assuming every entry is covered by the $130.

The return includes drop-off in Cusco’s historic center, with Centro Histórico and Plazoleta Regocijo listed as options. That is convenient if you are staying near central Cusco, though you should confirm the exact drop-off point when booking if your hotel is outside the center.

Is $130 good value?

At $130 per person, this is not a cheap half-day sightseeing trip. It is a full-day mountain outing with round-trip transport from Cusco, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and hiking poles.

That package has practical value. Transport is especially useful because the destination is far beyond the city, and arranging a private vehicle for the same sort of day could be inconvenient. Meals also remove two planning problems in a remote area.

The price becomes more attractive if you choose a small group or private format and want close help with pacing, photography, and interpretation. One guide was praised for taking great pictures, which may matter if you want more than quick snapshots at the lakes.

The main extra cost is the entrance to the seven lakes. The fee is not given here, so you should confirm it before paying. The hot spring entrance fee is also not specified.

I would judge the value by your priorities. If you want a serious mountain day with transport, meals, and a guide, $130 is a reasonable package price. If you dislike long walks or mainly want a quick scenic stop, you may not get enough from it.

Weather, clothing, and physical demands

The Andes can change mood quickly. Bring rain gear even if Cusco starts bright and dry. The tour specifically recommends hiking shoes and rain gear, and both are sensible rather than optional extras.

Wear footwear that can handle a long walk over uneven mountain ground. You should also dress in layers because conditions may shift during the day. The exact altitude and trail surface are not provided, so I would avoid relying on casual sneakers or a thin city jacket.

The provider lists the activity as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, and people over 65. That is a firm screening point, not a minor footnote.

High altitude deserves attention for everyone else too. The day starts in Cusco, but the lakes are in much higher mountain country. The experience details do not give a required acclimatization period or medical advice, so you should consider your own condition and speak with a medical professional if altitude or heart health is a concern.

This is not the right choice if you want a relaxed coach excursion. It is best for people who enjoy walking, accept basic mountain conditions, and understand that the views come with physical work.

Guide quality and group choices

The guide is one of the most important parts of this experience. Anibal has been praised for his humor, preparation, encouragement, and clear explanations. Rubin was appreciated for his patience with altitude-related breaks, while Ruben also received strong praise.

Names and guide assignments can change, so you should not book solely to receive one particular person. The useful point is that the guiding style can shape the day. A patient guide makes a major difference when the route becomes tiring.

Private and small-group options are available. A private trip gives you the best chance of adjusting the pace and stopping when you need to. Small groups can offer a good balance between personal attention and cost, though the exact group size is not provided.

If you are traveling with different fitness levels, ask about the format before booking. A strong hiker may want to keep moving, while someone affected by altitude may need more time. The tour can be rewarding for both, but only if expectations are clear.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want big Andean views without committing to a multiday trek. It gives you a full day in the mountains, contact with local communities, time around llamas and alpacas, and a relaxing stop at Pacchanta.

It also suits people who prefer scenery that feels less crowded and less tied to busy roads. The route offers a sense of distance from Cusco and a chance to see a more rural side of the region.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you are not comfortable with a five-hour hike, sudden weather, or high-altitude conditions. The scenery may be spectacular, but it cannot remove the strain from the route.

The perfect candidate is an active visitor who has prepared for the Andes, brings the right clothing, and is happy to trade comfort for wide-open mountain views.

Should you book the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour?

Book this tour if you want one of Cusco’s most dramatic nature days and are ready to work for it. The seven lakes, snowy peaks, local communities, llamas, alpacas, included meals, and Pacchanta hot springs create a full experience rather than a quick photo stop.

Choose a private or small-group option if altitude may affect your pace. Confirm the separate lake entrance fee and ask about the hot spring charge before you go. If the thought of five hours on foot makes you uneasy, pick a gentler outing instead.

For fit visitors who prepare well, this is a strong choice at $130. The setting is the star, but a good guide, solid planning, and a willingness to walk are what turn the day into a success.

FAQ

How long does the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour last?

The experience lasts one full day. The schedule includes about one hour for breakfast, five hours of walking around the lakes, and one hour for lunch.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is included from Cusco’s Centro Histórico. You should wait at your hotel front desk at the provided time.

Which languages are available for the guide?

Live guiding is available in Spanish and English.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after the hike are included.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transport from Cusco is included, with drop-off options in Centro Histórico and at Plazoleta Regocijo.

Is the entrance to the seven lakes included?

No. The entrance fee to the seven lakes of Ausangate is not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes and rain gear. Weather can change suddenly in the Andes.