7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour from Cusco

The high Andes reward an early alarm. This 12-hour outing from Cusco takes you to the seven lakes below Ausangate, where turquoise-green water, mountain views, and nearby local life make a strong case for leaving the city before dawn. I like the peaceful setting and the chance to visit a less crowded side of the Vilcanota range. I also like that breakfast, lunch, transport, and hiking poles are included.

The main caution is the $186 price, especially since the PEN 20 entrance fee, snacks, and dinner are extra. The hike also requires moderate fitness, and the 3:30 am start can make the day feel long before you even reach the lakes.

The essentials at a glance

• Seven lakes near Ausangate: See a chain of turquoise-green lakes close to one of Peru’s major mountain peaks.
• A long but focused day: Plan for about 12 hours from Cusco, including transport, the hike, meals, and the return trip.
• Small group or private format: The shared tour accepts a maximum of 15 people, while a private option offers more control.
• Helpful hiking equipment: Hiking poles, a first aid kit, and therapeutic oxygen are included.
• Meals are covered: Breakfast and lunch are provided, but you should bring snacks and budget for the PEN 20 entrance fee.
• Strict timing matters: The group format means the guide may need to wait for slow walkers or photographers, but not indefinitely.

Why the Ausangate lakes are worth the long ride

The appeal here is not a list of monuments or a busy archaeological site. It is the open mountain setting and the steady reward of reaching seven high-altitude lakes in one day. The lakes are part of the Vilcanota mountain range and sit close to Ausangate, giving you broad views of the surrounding peaks.

I like this kind of excursion for visitors who want to see a quieter side of the Cusco region. The destination offers a different mood from the city and from the more heavily visited mountain sights. You get time around water, rock, and high Andean scenery, along with views of local life.

The description does not provide the names or exact colors of each lake, so you should not expect a detailed lake-by-lake program. The clear promise is the chance to visit all seven during one day hike. That simple focus is part of the attraction.

The setting can also be demanding. A beautiful view does not make a high-altitude walk easy, and the tour specifically calls for a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable walking for much of the day and keeping to a group schedule.

A 3:30 am departure from Cusco

The day begins at 3:30 am, with pickup from your Cusco hotel. That is an excellent convenience, but it is also the first test of the tour. You are trading sleep for access to a remote mountain area far from the city.

The provided tourist transport keeps the morning simple. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi or work out how to reach a distant meeting point. For a full-day outing, that door-to-door pickup matters. It also means you can keep your attention on resting and preparing for the hike.

At this hour, you should have your clothing and small items ready the night before. Bring water and snacks, since snacks are not included. You should also remember that the supplied meals do not cover dinner, so plan for food after returning to Cusco.

The shared vehicle has a maximum of 15 participants. That is smaller than a large coach tour, but it is not the same as having a private guide. A group of this size can work well when everyone keeps a similar pace. It becomes less efficient when people stop often or need long breaks.

Breakfast before the seven-lake hike

Breakfast is included, which is useful on a departure this early. You avoid starting the day with only a hurried drink or whatever you can find before leaving your hotel. Lunch is included as well, so the basic food needs of the outing are covered.

Still, the quality and suitability of the meal deserve a little caution. One low-rated account described the alpaca dish as very difficult to eat and criticized the food and operator service. The same account said the meal choice changed at the last minute from fish to alpaca, which caused an added delay.

That does not prove every meal will be poor, but it does tell you to keep expectations practical. Food is part of the package, not the reason to book the tour. If you have a strong preference, allergy, or dietary concern, ask the operator before departure. The supplied information does not confirm special meal arrangements.

Bring snacks even though breakfast and lunch are provided. A long hike and a long vehicle ride can leave you hungry between meals, and snacks give you more control over your energy.

Walking among the lakes near Ausangate

The central activity is a one-day hike to the seven lakes. You will be close to Ausangate and surrounded by mountain views, with local life forming part of the setting. The guide leads the outing, and hiking poles are included.

The poles are a useful touch. They can help with balance and reduce some strain on uneven ground, especially during descents or when you are tired. They do not turn the walk into an easy stroll, but they are better than having to rent or carry your own.

A first aid kit and therapeutic oxygen are also provided. These supplies are sensible on a high mountain excursion, but they are not a replacement for good preparation or medical advice. The tour requires moderate fitness, and you should take that requirement seriously.

The supplied information does not give the exact walking distance, elevation gain, trail surface, or time spent at each lake. That makes it harder to judge the hike precisely. Before booking, ask for those details if you have concerns about altitude, knees, balance, or endurance.

You should also expect the group to follow the guide’s timing. A shared tour cannot allow every person to set an independent pace. The low-rated account describes a dispute after the guide and group reportedly waited about 40 minutes for people who stopped repeatedly for photographs. The operator also said the group later faced another delay after a phone was misplaced near the restaurant.

The lesson is simple: take your photos, but stay aware of the group. If you want to stop whenever you like, the private option may offer better value than a shared outing, even if its price is higher.

The shared group versus a private day

The shared version accepts no more than 15 people. That limit is helpful because it keeps the vehicle and walking group smaller than a mass-market excursion. It also allows the guide to pay more attention to the group than on a large coach.

Still, 15 is enough to create different needs. Some people will want to photograph every angle, while others will focus on covering the route. Some may walk quickly, while others need more time. The experience works best when you are prepared to respect the schedule.

A private option is the better choice if you value flexibility. It may allow more control over photo stops, walking speed, and meal decisions, though the supplied information does not state its price or exact conditions. You should confirm those details before paying.

For solo participants or couples who mainly want transportation and a guide, the shared tour may be reasonable. For a family, small group of friends, or anyone who dislikes group pressure, private travel deserves a serious look.

What the $186 price really buys

At $186 per person, this is not a bargain day trip. The price includes tourist transport, hotel pickup, a professional guide, hiking poles, a first aid kit, therapeutic oxygen, breakfast, and lunch. You are paying for a full-day service that reaches a remote mountain area without requiring you to arrange the transport, meals, equipment, and route yourself.

That package has real value. Organizing a remote hike independently can be difficult, especially when you do not know the roads, trail, local entry arrangements, or return transport. The guide and included vehicle remove much of that work.

The value becomes less convincing if you judge the trip mainly by meal quality or service polish. One rating of 2 out of 5 called the tour expensive for the service and raised concerns about food and safety procedures. The operator responded that masks were used in the van and during the hike, with more than two meters of distance in the open area. The response also described the difficulties caused by group changes and delays.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 16 reviews, which suggests that the tour has delivered a good experience for many people, but the sample is not large. I would book it for the destination and convenience, not because the food or organization is guaranteed to feel luxurious.

Remember the extra costs. The entrance fee is PEN 20 per person. Snacks and dinner are not included. The tour price may cover the major parts of the day, but it does not cover every expense from your hotel door back to your evening meal.

Safety, altitude, and sensible preparation

The operator includes a first aid kit and therapeutic oxygen. Those are reassuring provisions for a high-altitude outing, particularly since the route is near Ausangate in the Vilcanota range. The supplied information does not promise medical staff or detailed accident protocols, so you should not treat the equipment as full emergency coverage.

One low-rated account criticized the lack of clear accident protocols and questioned biosafety procedures before boarding the vehicle. The operator replied that masks were used and that staff kept distance in open areas. Since these comments conflict, you should ask current questions before departure if health procedures matter to you.

Your own preparation remains important. Bring water, snacks, warm clothing, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes. These items are practical suggestions for a mountain hike, while the tour specifically confirms only the inclusion of hiking poles, a first aid kit, and therapeutic oxygen.

The best candidates are people who already feel comfortable with moderate physical activity. If you are unsure about the altitude or the distance, request the exact hike details before booking. The information supplied here does not state the elevation, trail length, or availability of a shorter route.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to someone who wants a full day in the mountains rather than a relaxed Cusco activity. You should enjoy long transport days, early starts, open mountain views, and walking at a steady pace.

It suits:

• Hikers with moderate fitness who can manage a full-day outing
• Visitors who want seven lakes and Ausangate views in one organized trip
• People who value hotel pickup and included meals
• Photographers who can work within a group schedule
• Small groups willing to consider the private option for added flexibility

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a short excursion, a slow private walk, or a food-centered experience. It may also frustrate people who dislike leaving before sunrise or staying with a fixed group timetable.

The tour has no stated accessibility information. If you have mobility needs, ask the provider about the walking route, terrain, vehicle access, and available support before booking.

Cancellation and booking timing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

The experience depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment causes cancellation, you should be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

The tour is booked an average of 19 days in advance. That is a useful sign that you should not leave planning until the last minute, especially if you want the private option or have fixed dates in Cusco. Confirmation is provided when you book.

Should you book the seven lakes tour?

Book this tour if the seven lakes are high on your Cusco wish list and you want the simplest way to reach them. The mountain setting, smaller group limit, hotel pickup, included meals, and supplied hiking poles give the day a practical foundation.

Think twice if $186 feels high for a day with an uncertain meal experience, a very early start, and limited published information about the walking distance and elevation. In that case, ask detailed questions first, or compare the private option if flexibility matters.

My practical call: the destination is worth considering, but the tour requires realistic expectations. You are buying access and convenience, not a polished luxury service. Pack snacks, respect the group schedule, confirm the hike details, and consider private travel if you want to pause often for photographs.

FAQ

How long is the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour?

The experience lasts approximately 12 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 3:30 am.

Does the tour pick me up at my Cusco hotel?

Yes. Hotel pickup is included.

How many people can join the shared tour?

The shared tour has a maximum of 15 participants.

Is a private option available?

Yes. A private option is available for a more personalized experience, although the supplied information does not state its price.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

What extra costs should I budget for?

The entrance fee to the seven lakes is PEN 20 per person. Snacks and dinner are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.