Full-Day Tour to Ausangate 7 Lakes

The Ausangate Seven Lakes tour takes you into one of the Andes’ most striking high-altitude settings, where turquoise and mineral-colored lagoons sit below glaciers and broad mountain slopes. You leave Cusco before dawn, reach Pacchanta after about three and a half hours, then spend much of the day walking above 4,000 meters.

I like the spectacular chain of seven lagoons and the quiet feel of the route compared with Cusco’s better-known day trips. I also like that breakfast, lunch, transport, and a bilingual guide are included, while guides such as Ernesto, Roberto, Milton, and Jehomar have earned praise for careful pacing and personal help.

The main catch is altitude. This is not a light stroll. You may walk roughly 17 kilometers, with parts of the route reaching about 4,800 meters, so acclimatization and decent fitness matter more than the low price suggests.

Key points to know before you book

• The tour begins at 4:00 am: You leave Cusco early enough to see sunrise colors on the road to Pacchanta.
• The seven lagoons require real effort: The walking portion takes about three and a half hours, and the full route may total around 17 kilometers.
• Altitude is the serious issue: Much of the hike sits above 4,000 meters, with the highest point reported at about 4,800 meters.
• Pacchanta adds comfort at the end: You get a local meal and the option to soak in the town’s hot springs.
• Horseback riding is optional: A horse costs about 80 Peruvian soles, or roughly $22, paid directly to local villagers.
• The group can reach 17 people: The bilingual service is offered in Spanish and English, with private transportation included.

Why the Ausangate Seven Lakes route is worth your day

Ausangate is a different kind of Cusco outing. You do not come here for carved stones or colonial streets. You come for open country, high peaks, glacier views, and water in several shades that change with the light.

The seven lagoons are the main event, but the journey between them matters just as much. The route gives you a sense of the scale of the Andes. You walk through high, exposed country where the mountains feel close and the air feels thin. That combination makes the day memorable, but it also makes the hike physically demanding.

I especially like the quieter character of this trip. The route can feel peaceful, and the views are not confined to a single lookout. You keep moving through a large mountain setting, with Ausangate and its glacial surroundings providing the backdrop.

The price of $69 per person is attractive for a 15-hour outing. Transport from your accommodation, a guide, breakfast, and lunch are all included. You still need to budget for the optional hot springs and possible horseback riding, but the basic package covers the costly and useful parts of a long day outside Cusco.

Leaving Cusco at 4:00 am for Pacchanta

Pickup begins at 4:00 am. That early start is not glamorous, but it serves a purpose. The drive to Pacchanta takes about three and a half hours, and you can watch the sky brighten as the road climbs into the Andes.

I would treat the ride as part of the experience, not just a transfer. The scenery changes as Cusco falls behind, and the early light gives you a first look at the mountains before the hike starts.

The schedule is long, though. With pickup at 4:00 am and an expected return to Cusco around 6:30 pm, you are committing nearly the whole day. A delayed departure can make the day feel even longer, so be ready at the agreed time and keep your morning simple.

Private transportation is included, and the group size can reach 17 people. That is small enough for a shared outing to remain manageable, but you should not expect a private, one-on-one mountain day unless your booking specifically confirms that arrangement.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the climb

Pacchanta is your starting point and your base for the day. Before walking, you stop for breakfast. This is more than a meal added to the schedule. At high altitude, starting with food and warmth is sensible, especially after a cold early-morning drive.

Breakfast also gives you time to prepare your layers and settle into the day. Bring cold-weather clothing even if Cusco feels mild. Pacchanta and the trail can be much colder, particularly early in the morning and in exposed areas.

The food provided is part of the tour’s practical value. You do not need to arrange breakfast before pickup, and lunch later gives you another chance to refuel. Vegetarian needs may be handled, and vegan food has been accommodated when requested, but I would raise dietary needs before departure rather than rely on a last-minute request.

Walking past seven lagoons near Ausangate

The hike to the seven lagoons takes about three and a half hours according to the schedule. That figure describes the visit to the lagoons, not necessarily every step of your full day. One account places the total walking distance at about 17 kilometers, while another describes more than five hours at altitude. Plan for a serious mountain walk rather than a short sightseeing stop.

The paths are described as not especially steep in places, which can make the route look easy on paper. Altitude changes the calculation. At more than 4,000 meters, a gentle incline can leave you breathing hard, and the reported high point near 4,800 meters is a major consideration.

You will see the lagoons one after another, with Ausangate’s glaciers and high Andean scenery nearby. The water colors and mountain views are the reward for the effort. This is also a good setting for photography, and guides have helped with family and group photos along the way.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Ernesto has been praised for clear explanations, flexibility, and friendly support. Roberto has been especially attentive to how people are coping with the altitude and has carried oxygen for use if needed. Milton has been described as punctual and supportive from start to finish, while Jehomar has received praise for staying available throughout the hike.

Those names may not be the guide assigned to your departure, but they show the level of care you should expect from a well-run outing. The guide can also add cultural context. One departure included a Quechua ceremony and explanations of Andean traditions and the relationship between local people and nature.

Altitude, fitness, and the real difficulty

This is the section I would read twice before booking. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, but that description may understate the challenge for anyone who has not adjusted to altitude.

The route reaches around 4,800 meters, and much of the walking takes place above 4,000 meters. You can be fit at home and still struggle here. The combination of cold, thin air, distance, and early rising is what makes the day tough.

I would choose this tour after spending time acclimatizing in Cusco or elsewhere at altitude. The supplied information does not set a required number of acclimatization days, so I would not invent one. The practical point is simple: do not make this your first high-altitude activity immediately after arriving in Peru.

The tour is not recommended as a casual walk for people with significant physical limitations or cardiological restrictions. If you have a medical concern, get professional advice before booking. Take the guide’s pace seriously, drink water, and tell the guide early if you feel unwell.

A horseback option can help reduce the walking burden. It costs approximately 80 soles, or $22, paid directly to local villagers. Ask about this option before you are exhausted, since availability and arrangements are handled locally.

Lunch and the Pacchanta hot springs

After visiting the lagoons, you return to Pacchanta. Lunch features Andean food and is included in the tour price. After several hours in the cold, a local meal is exactly the right kind of finish.

You can also pay for an optional bath in Pacchanta’s hot springs. This is not included in the stated package, so bring money if you want to use them. The bath gives you a chance to warm up and relax before the long ride back to Cusco.

If you skip the hot springs, you have free time to look around Pacchanta. The village is small, and the appeal here is local atmosphere rather than a long list of sights. You can use this pause to rest, eat, and let your body recover before the return journey.

The basic facilities are modest. Restrooms along the route may be precarious, reflecting local conditions rather than the tour company’s control. Keep your expectations practical and carry the personal supplies you need for a full day away from city comforts.

What the $69 price really covers

At $69, this tour offers strong value if you want the logistics handled. A 15-hour trip into a remote mountain area would be difficult to organize on your own, especially when you factor in transport, meals, route planning, and a guide who can monitor the group at altitude.

Breakfast and lunch are included, which cuts down on extra spending. Private transportation is also included, though the maximum group size is 17. Alcoholic drinks and any food or drinks not listed are extra.

The hot springs are optional and cost extra. Horseback riding is also separate, at about 80 soles. These are not unreasonable additions, but they mean the advertised price is the starting cost, not the final cost for every possible activity.

For me, the value depends on your priorities. If you want an easy day with lots of free time, this is not a bargain because the schedule is intense. If you want to see high Andean scenery without arranging transport and meals yourself, the price is very reasonable.

Guide support and language

The tour includes a professional guide in Spanish or English. A bilingual guide matters here because clear communication is most useful when you are tired, cold, or feeling the effects of altitude.

The strongest guide feedback centers on practical care. Ernesto helped with explanations and photos. Roberto checked how people were feeling and had oxygen available if needed. Milton was praised for punctuality and support, and Jehomar for his steady attention during the walk.

Guides also add meaning to the views. The Quechua ceremony and explanations of Andean traditions show how the route can be more than a photo stop. I would ask questions as you walk. The long stretches between lagoons are a good time to learn about the area and local customs.

Service animals are allowed according to the tour information. The route’s altitude and distance still make the suitability of any animal a separate practical concern, so confirm the details before booking.

Timing, group size, and what to bring

The planned return to Cusco is around 6:30 pm. That gives you a full evening only if the schedule holds, so I would avoid booking an important late-night activity afterward.

A group of up to 17 people can move at different speeds. The guide’s ability to keep the pace comfortable matters, especially on a high-altitude route. The group format also explains why a guide may need to balance individual needs with the schedule.

Bring:

• Warm layers and a windproof outer layer
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Water and personal snacks
• Sun protection
• Money for the hot springs or horseback riding
• Any personal medication you may need
• A camera or phone with enough battery for the long day

Cold-weather gear is specifically important. The combination of strong sun, cold air, and high elevation can catch you off guard. Dress for changing conditions rather than relying on the temperature in Cusco.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend it to you if you want dramatic mountain scenery, do not mind a very early start, and have some experience walking at altitude. It suits people who prefer a full day outdoors to a relaxed city excursion.

It is also a good fit if you value local touches. The Pacchanta meal, optional hot springs, Quechua ceremony, and guide explanations give the day more character than a simple drive to a viewpoint.

I would hesitate if you have just arrived in Cusco, dislike long vehicle rides, or want a gentle sightseeing trip. The route is beautiful but intense. The high point near 4,800 meters and possible 17-kilometer distance deserve more attention than the cheerful phrase moderate physical fitness suggests.

The horse option may make the day more manageable, but I would not treat it as a guaranteed solution. It is optional, paid directly to villagers, and the tour details do not promise that a horse will always be available.

Should you book the Ausangate Seven Lakes tour?

Book it if your main goal is to see high Andean scenery and seven striking lagoons in one demanding day. At $69, the combination of transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, and a possible hot-spring stop is a good deal.

Skip it, or wait until you are better acclimatized, if you want an easy outing or have concerns about high-altitude exertion. For the right person, this is a powerful day in the mountains. Just book it with honest expectations: the views may take your breath away, and the altitude may do the same.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 4:00 am start time. Poor weather can also lead to a different date or a full refund, according to the stated policy.

FAQ

What time does the Ausangate Seven Lakes tour start?

Pickup starts at 4:00 am. You should be ready at your accommodation at the scheduled time.

How long does the tour last?

The full outing takes about 15 hours. The planned arrival back in Cusco is around 6:30 pm.

How long is the drive from Cusco to Pacchanta?

The drive takes about three and a half hours each way, according to the tour schedule.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

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

Is the hot spring visit included?

No. Bathing in the Pacchanta hot springs is optional and is not included in the listed tour price.

How much does horseback riding cost?

The optional horseback ride costs about 80 Peruvian soles, roughly $22, paid directly to local villagers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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