Full-Day Tour to Ausangate 7 Lakes

Big scenery demands an early start. This full-day trip from Cusco takes you to the high Andes around Ausangate, where seven colorful lagoons sit beneath snow-covered peaks and wide-open skies. I like the spectacular mountain views and the chance to meet local guides who share Andean traditions, including a Quechua ceremony on some departures. Breakfast, lunch, transport, and a bilingual guide are included, which gives the $69 price good value.

I also like the peaceful setting. This route is quieter than Cusco’s best-known day trips, and the hot springs at Pacchanta offer a welcome soak after the hike. The main caution is altitude: you may walk for several hours above 4,000 meters, with some points near 4,800 meters. This is not a gentle sightseeing ride, and you should be acclimated and in at least moderate physical condition.

Key Points Before You Book

• The hike reaches extreme altitude: Expect several hours above 4,000 meters, with reports of the route reaching about 4,800 meters.
• The scenery is the main event: Seven lagoons, glaciers, broad Andean views, and changing colors provide the tour’s best rewards.
• Pacchanta adds comfort and local flavor: Breakfast, a typical Andean lunch, and optional hot springs round out the demanding walk.
• Guides receive strong praise: Ernesto, Julio, Milton, Roberto, Jehomar, and Juan are named for attentive service, photographs, cultural explanations, and steady support.
• The day lasts about 15 hours: Pickup begins at 4:00 am, with an expected return to Cusco around 6:30 pm.
• A horse is available for an extra fee: The optional ride costs about 80 soles, or roughly $22, paid directly to local villagers.

Why Ausangate Is Worth the Long Day

Ausangate is one of the great high mountain areas near Cusco. The appeal is not a single famous ruin or viewpoint. It is the scale of the setting: open slopes, sharp peaks, glacial water, and small lagoons spread across a remote corner of the Andes.

The seven lagoons give the hike a clear purpose. You are not simply walking uphill and hoping for a view. The route takes you from one body of water to another, with each stop offering a different angle, color, or reflection. The surrounding glaciers help explain why the water can appear so striking against the darker mountain slopes.

I would choose this trip for scenery and stillness. One of the best details from the available accounts is that the area can feel peaceful and not too crowded. That matters in Cusco, where the most famous day trips often involve queues and busy viewpoints.

The trade-off is the journey from the city. The drive to Pacchanta takes about three and a half hours each way. That means you spend a large part of the day in the vehicle, though the route begins early enough for sunrise views and changing scenery along the road.

The 4:00 am Pickup and Ride to Pacchanta

The day begins at 4:00 am with pickup at your accommodation. Have your clothing and day bag ready the night before. At this hour, you do not want to search for gloves, charge a phone, or discover that your warm jacket is buried at the bottom of your luggage.

The trip to Pacchanta takes roughly three and a half hours. The early departure is tiring, but it serves two purposes. First, it gets you to the trail before the day becomes too long and warm. Second, you may see the sunrise during the drive, with Andean scenery appearing as the light improves.

Transportation is included, and the group can include up to 17 people. That is small enough to remain manageable, but it is not a private outing in the usual sense. Pickup times can matter with a long route like this, and one account described a delay of more than an hour, so I would keep your schedule flexible on the morning of the tour.

A bilingual professional guide leads the trip in Spanish or English. The named guides include Ernesto, Juan, Milton, Roberto, and Jehomar. The strongest praise centers on their care during the hike. Roberto is described as checking on people throughout the route, carrying oxygen in case someone needed it, and taking photographs. Ernesto is noted for clear explanations and flexibility, while Juan is praised for humor and steady encouragement.

Those details matter more here than they would on an easy city tour. At high altitude, a patient guide who watches the group can make the day feel far more manageable.

Breakfast in Pacchanta Before the Climb

Pacchanta is the first scheduled stop and the practical base for the outing. After the long drive, you stop for breakfast before setting off toward the lagoons.

This is more than a meal squeezed into the schedule. At 4,000-plus meters, cold and exertion can drain you quickly. A warm breakfast gives you a chance to eat, use the facilities, adjust your clothing, and collect yourself before the main walk.

Bring cold-weather gear even if Cusco feels mild when you leave. The conditions around Pacchanta can be very different from those in the city. A warm jacket, hat, gloves, and layers are sensible choices based on the high elevation and the tour’s own warning to prepare for cold weather.

Food is included at breakfast and lunch. One account specifically notes that vegan food can be supported if you ask. I would make that request when booking or before departure rather than waiting until the meal is served.

The facilities in the village are basic. One account describes the toilets as precarious, reflecting local conditions rather than a polished tourist site. Set your expectations accordingly. This is a rural mountain community, not a resort with tidy facilities at every stop.

The Seven Lagoons Hike Above 4,000 Meters

The walking portion takes about three and a half hours according to the planned schedule. Other descriptions put the full route at around 17 kilometers and more than five hours of walking, so you should prepare for a longer effort than the shorter estimate might suggest.

The important point is not the exact number of hours. It is the altitude. Reports place parts of the walk around 4,000 meters, with one account describing a high point near 4,800 meters. At this height, even paths that are not especially steep can feel difficult.

The route is described as having sections that are not too steep. That does not make it easy. Your breathing may become heavy after a short climb, and the cold, thin air can make the distance feel longer. You should be acclimated to altitude before booking and should not treat this as a casual stroll.

The seven lagoons are the reward. Expect changing views as you move through the high country, with glaciers visible in the distance and water set against stark mountain slopes. The colors can vary from one lagoon to the next, which gives the route a sense of discovery even when the walking is demanding.

This is also a place where the guide can add real value. Roberto shared local traditions and experiences, and another group took part in a Quechua ceremony connected to Andean beliefs about nature. Those moments give the day more meaning than a quick photo stop. Ask questions if the pace and language allow it. The mountains are impressive on their own, but the cultural context helps you understand why they matter to local communities.

Your guide may also take photographs along the route. That is useful because the views are wide and the group may want pictures without handing a phone to a stranger. Still, keep your own phone or camera protected from cold and moisture, and do not let photography distract you from monitoring how you feel.

The Horse Option for a Tough Day

Horseback riding is optional and costs about 80 soles, approximately $22. You pay the villagers directly. This is not included in the tour price.

The horse can be useful if the altitude or distance becomes too much. It is also worth remembering that the route is still in a rural community, so the arrangement may feel informal rather than like a highly structured riding stable.

I would not book the tour assuming a horse will erase every challenge. The trip still involves an early morning, a long drive, high elevation, and time outdoors in cold conditions. Think of the horse as a backup option for part of the route, not a reason to ignore the fitness warning.

If you have a heart condition, ask your doctor before considering this outing. The available information specifically recommends a moderate fitness level, and one account advises against the hike for people with cardiac restrictions.

Lunch, Hot Springs, and Pacchanta’s Best Reward

After visiting the lagoons, you return to Pacchanta. This return is welcome. By then, you may be cold, tired, and ready for food rather than another viewpoint.

Lunch features Andean food and is included in the price. The meal gives you a chance to try local flavors instead of relying only on snacks brought from Cusco. If you have dietary needs, ask ahead, especially if you need vegan food.

The optional hot springs are the day’s simplest pleasure. You can pay to bathe in Pacchanta’s thermal pools, then use your free time to relax or explore the village if you prefer not to enter the water.

I like having this choice. Some people will want the soak after a demanding walk. Others may prefer dry clothes, a quiet meal, and a little time on their feet before the drive back. The hot springs are optional, so you are not forced to add another activity when you are already tired.

Allow time to change and dry off if you use the pools. The return ride to Cusco is long, and sitting in damp clothing for several hours is not a smart ending to the day.

The 6:30 pm Return and What the Price Covers

The tour should arrive back in Cusco around 6:30 pm, though the day can run later if pickup or road delays occur. From a practical point of view, do not book a dinner reservation that requires a precise arrival time.

At $69 per person, the package includes private transportation, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast, and lunch. The value is strongest if you want a guided outing and do not want to arrange transport, meals, and a local guide separately.

The price does not include alcoholic drinks, other meals or drinks not listed, the hot springs fee if one applies, or horseback riding. Bring extra soles for those optional costs and for the horse payment to local villagers.

A group size of up to 17 keeps the price lower than a fully private trip. In return, you give up some control over the pace. Ask your guide early about rest stops, and be honest if you are struggling. The best guides named for this route, including Roberto, Ernesto, Milton, Jehomar, and Juan, are praised for paying attention to the group rather than simply pushing ahead.

The tour is also highly rated overall, with 98 percent of people recommending it and a five-star rating based on 56 reviews. That is a strong signal, but it should not outweigh the altitude warning. The right question is not simply Is it popular? It is Can I handle a high-altitude hike after a three-and-a-half-hour drive?

What to Pack for the Ausangate Day

You should prepare for both cold and exertion. Pack:

• Warm layers, including a hat and gloves
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Water and personal snacks
• Sun protection
• Extra clothing if you plan to use the hot springs
• Cash in soles for optional costs
• Any personal altitude or medical supplies

The tour includes meals, but you should still carry water and snacks. The exact facilities along the walking route are not described, and the village toilets are basic, so plan ahead before leaving Pacchanta.

Bring a camera, but protect it from cold and keep enough battery for a long day. Guides may take photos, but you should not count on a particular guide or camera service being assigned to your group.

Who Should Book This Tour?

I would recommend this outing to people who want dramatic Andean scenery, cultural contact, and a full day away from Cusco. It suits hikers with moderate fitness who have already spent time acclimating to altitude.

It is a good choice if you value a guide who explains local traditions and watches the group carefully. The accounts of Roberto, Ernesto, Milton, Jehomar, and Juan suggest that the human side of the tour can be as important as the route itself.

I would be cautious if you are newly arrived in Cusco, uncomfortable with long drives, or looking for an easy day. The route can be beautiful and peaceful, but it is physically serious. The combination of distance, cold, and elevation is the real test.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour?

Book it if you are properly acclimated, comfortable with a demanding high-altitude walk, and eager to see some of the most striking mountain scenery near Cusco without arranging every detail yourself.

Skip it if you want a relaxed day or have medical concerns related to high altitude. The $69 price is fair for transport, two meals, and a bilingual guide, but the real value comes only if you can enjoy the hike rather than spend it fighting for breath.

For prepared hikers, the seven lagoons, glacial views, Andean food, and Pacchanta hot springs make this a memorable day. Just respect the mountain, start early, pack warm clothing, and leave room in your schedule for the road home.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 15 hours. Pickup begins at 4:00 am, and arrival back in Cusco is expected around 6:30 pm.

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is provided from your accommodation in Cusco at the scheduled 4:00 am start time.

How long is the drive from Cusco to Pacchanta?

The drive to Pacchanta takes about three and a half hours.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast in Pacchanta is included before the hike begins.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch featuring Andean food is included after the lagoon hike.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional guide provides the tour in Spanish or English as a bilingual service.

How difficult is the hike?

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The route involves several hours at more than 4,000 meters, and some accounts place the highest point near 4,800 meters.

Can I ride a horse instead of walking?

Horseback riding is optional and costs about 80 soles, or approximately $22. You pay the villagers directly.

Are the Pacchanta hot springs included?

The hot springs are optional, and the provided tour information does not state that the entrance fee is included. Bring extra money if you want to bathe.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation for personal reasons is available until 24 hours before the start time.