Full-Day Tour to Ausangate 7 Lakes

High mountains reward early risers. This full-day trip from Cusco takes you to Pacchanta and the Ausangate Seven Lakes, where glacier views, Andean villages, and quiet hiking make a strong case for leaving bed at 4 a.m. I especially like the spectacular high-altitude scenery and the chance to add a soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs after the hike. The main catch is serious: this is a demanding day above 4,000 meters, not a gentle sightseeing outing.

I also like that breakfast and lunch are included, along with private transportation and a bilingual guide. Guides such as Ernesto, Roberto, Milton, Jehomar, and Juan have earned praise for staying attentive, taking photos, explaining local traditions, and watching people closely on the trail. Still, I would allow extra patience for the long drive, early start, and possible delays.

Key points to know before booking

• The day starts at 4 a.m. and lasts roughly 15 hours, with a return to Cusco around 6:30 p.m.
• The hike reaches very high ground, with route details indicating elevations around 4,000 to 4,800 meters.
• You visit seven lagoons near Ausangate over about 3.5 hours of hiking, then return to Pacchanta.
• Breakfast and lunch are included, which matters on such a long day in cold conditions.
• Pacchanta’s hot springs are optional, offering a welcome rest after the walk.
• The group can include up to 17 people, and horseback riding is available for about 80 soles, or $22, paid locally.

Why the Ausangate Seven Lakes are worth the effort

The appeal here is not a monument or a famous ruin. It is the scale and quiet of the high Andes. The Ausangate region gives you broad views, rugged slopes, bright mountain lakes, and glaciers visible in the distance. The appeal builds during the drive, too. As Cusco falls behind, the scenery becomes more open and remote, and you may catch sunrise along the route.

The lagoons are the central reward. Each one has its own color and setting, and the route gives you repeated views rather than one quick photo stop. Several descriptions of the trip highlight the glaciers below the mountains and the sense of peace on the trail. This is a good choice if you want a day outdoors that feels far removed from Cusco’s streets and tourist crowds.

There is also a cultural side. The guide may explain Andean traditions and the way local communities relate to nature. One account specifically mentions a Quechua ceremony, while others praise guides for sharing local customs and personal experiences. The cultural details are not just decoration. They help explain why these mountains and lakes carry such importance in Andean life.

The 4 a.m. departure and three-hour drive to Pacchanta

Your day begins around 4 a.m., with pickup from your accommodation. That means you should have cold-weather clothing ready the night before, along with water and anything you need for a high-altitude hike. The early departure is not comfortable, but it makes the long route possible and lets you see the countryside during sunrise.

The drive to Pacchanta takes about 3.5 hours. That is a sizable portion of a 15-hour day, so you need to be comfortable with long road time. The reward is the changing scenery outside the window. The route from Cusco leads into high Andean country, and the views become more dramatic as you approach the trail area.

A practical caution: one account described a departure delay of more than an hour. Most guide and driver comments are positive, with Julio and other drivers praised for being polite and efficient, but a 4 a.m. pickup can be hard enough without extra waiting. Keep your morning flexible and do not schedule an important evening activity in Cusco.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the hike

Pacchanta is the starting point for the walk and the place where you have breakfast. The meal is included, which is useful since you will have been awake for hours and still have the hardest part of the day ahead.

Breakfast also gives you a chance to warm up and gather yourself before walking. At this altitude, even simple exertion can feel different. I would eat enough to feel steady, but avoid treating breakfast as a race. The goal is to begin slowly and conserve energy.

The town itself adds a local touch to the trip. Pacchanta is not presented as a polished resort, and basic facilities may be limited. One account specifically warned that the toilets can be precarious. That is a reflection of local infrastructure, not a luxury-tour setup, so adjust your expectations before you arrive.

The 3.5-hour route to seven lagoons

The hike to the seven lagoons takes about 3.5 hours, followed by the return to Pacchanta. Another account estimated the complete walking route at about 17 kilometers, or roughly 10.5 miles. The exact effort will depend on the group, pace, and conditions, but you should plan for a real mountain hike.

The paths are described as not especially steep in every section, yet the altitude changes the equation. Walking for several hours above 4,000 meters can be difficult even if you are fit at home. One description calls the route suitable for someone acclimatized and in moderate or better condition, while another directly warns that this is not a light walk.

That difference matters. The trail may not look technical, but thin air can bring headache, breathlessness, fatigue, or nausea. You should already be acclimatized to altitude before booking this day. Anyone with a cardiac restriction should seek medical advice before taking part. The tour information calls for a moderate fitness level, but the reviews make a stronger case for intermediate conditioning.

The scenery helps keep the pace pleasant. You will have time to stop at the lakes and take photographs, and guides such as Roberto have been praised for taking pictures for people along the way. Ernesto was also noted for being flexible and helpful with family photos. Still, do not confuse photo stops with an easy walk. The trail remains long, cold, and high.

Guides who shape the experience

The guide can make a major difference on a route like this. The strongest comments focus on attentive support rather than theatrical commentary. Ernesto is praised for detailed explanations, patience, and taking photos. Roberto is described as careful about people’s well-being and prepared to use oxygen if someone needed it. Milton received praise for being punctual, supportive, and present from start to finish.

Jehomar is noted for staying attentive through the journey and helping make the day comfortable. Juan is described as humorous, attentive, and well informed about the region. Specific guides can change, so you should not book solely because one name appears in a description. But these repeated details tell you what kind of service to expect at its best: close attention, practical help, and an effort to connect the hike with Andean culture.

The tour is bilingual, in Spanish and English. With a maximum of 17 people, it is not a private one-on-one outing, but it is also not an enormous bus group. A smaller group can make it easier for the guide to keep an eye on pace and altitude symptoms.

Horses, pacing, and what to do if the hike feels hard

Horseback riding is an optional alternative and costs about 80 soles, or $22, paid directly to local villagers. This can be useful if you are unsure about completing the full route on foot. The presence of horses gives the excursion some flexibility, but you should confirm the arrangement with your guide on the day rather than assume a horse will be waiting at every point.

I would not treat the horseback option as a reason to ignore the altitude warning. You still spend the day at high elevation, and the cold and long transport remain part of the experience. If you feel unwell, tell the guide early. Roberto’s reported habit of checking on people and carrying oxygen is reassuring, but good judgment matters more than any piece of equipment.

Bring warm layers, gloves, a hat, and sturdy walking shoes. The instructions specifically call for cold-weather gear, and that advice is worth taking seriously. The scenery may be sunny in photographs, but high mountain weather can still feel harsh.

Lunch, hot springs, and the return to Cusco

After visiting the seven lagoons, you return to Pacchanta for lunch. The meal features Andean food and is included in the price. One account found both breakfast and lunch delicious, and another noted that vegan food could be supported if requested. If you have dietary needs, make the request in advance rather than waiting until the meal is served.

After lunch, you can choose to visit the Pacchanta hot springs. This is optional, so the price does not include it as a required part of the day. A soak can be a fine way to rest tired legs after the hike, while anyone who prefers not to bathe can use the free time to explore the village.

The hot springs are best understood as a bonus, not the main purpose of the trip. If the hike has taken more out of you than expected, resting in Pacchanta may be more appealing than trying to fit in another activity. The town and springs also provide a welcome pause before the return drive.

You then cross the Andes back toward Cusco, arriving around 6:30 p.m. That makes this a full day in every sense. By the time you return, you may want a quiet dinner and an early night.

Is the $69 price good value?

At $69 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want transport, a guide, breakfast, and lunch arranged in one package. The route is far from Cusco, and the included private transportation removes the need to organize a separate high-altitude transfer. A bilingual guide is another practical advantage, especially when you need help with pacing or communication.

The price does not cover alcoholic drinks or meals and beverages not listed. It also excludes the optional horseback ride. The hot springs are described as optional, but no separate admission price is provided, so you should ask about that cost before entering.

Value depends on your priorities. You are paying for access to a remote mountain area and for the convenience of having the full day organized. You are not paying for a relaxed schedule or a soft adventure. If you want seven lagoons, glacier views, local food, and a long day outdoors, $69 is appealing. If you dislike early starts, lengthy drives, or demanding altitude, a cheaper price would not make this the right trip.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to you if you are already acclimatized, enjoy long hikes, and want a quieter alternative to Cusco’s most famous attractions. It suits people who care about scenery, local culture, and the physical sense of reaching a remote place.

It is less suitable if you have just arrived in Cusco, rarely hike, or want an easy day with short walks between viewpoints. The route’s elevation is the key issue. Fitness helps, but acclimatization matters just as much.

The maximum group size of 17 keeps the outing from becoming unwieldy, and the guide support sounds like one of its strongest features. Still, conditions and staff can vary. Treat the trip as a demanding mountain day with helpful support, not as a guaranteed effortless excursion.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The tour also requires good weather, and a weather cancellation should result in an alternative date or full refund.

FAQ

What time does the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour begin?

Pickup begins at about 4 a.m. You should be ready at the scheduled time and have cold-weather clothing prepared before pickup.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 15 hours. The planned return to Cusco is around 6:30 p.m.

How long is the drive from Cusco to Pacchanta?

The drive to Pacchanta takes about 3.5 hours. The same amount of time is listed for visiting the seven lagoons on the route.

How difficult is the hike?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level and be acclimatized to high altitude. The route involves several hours of walking above 4,000 meters, with some descriptions reaching about 4,800 meters and estimating roughly 17 kilometers of walking.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike, and lunch is provided after you return from the lagoons.

Can I ride a horse instead of walking?

An optional horseback ride is available for about 80 soles, or $22. You pay the villagers directly.

Are the Pacchanta hot springs included?

The hot springs are an optional activity after lunch. The supplied tour details do not state a separate entrance price.

How many people can join the tour?

The group can have a maximum of 17 people. Transportation and a professional bilingual guide in Spanish or English are included.

Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour?

Book it if you want some of the most dramatic mountain scenery near Cusco and you are ready for a high, long, cold day. The included meals, transportation, bilingual guide, optional hot springs, and strong guide support make the $69 price reasonable.

Skip it if you are not acclimatized or if you want an easy excursion. The seven lagoons are beautiful, but the beauty comes with thin air, a 4 a.m. start, and many hours on the road and trail. Pack warmly, pace yourself, and keep your evening free. That is the sensible way to enjoy Ausangate.