From Cusco: 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour

Ausangate’s seven turquoise-green lakes give you one of the most striking mountain days near Cusco. You hike through the Vilcanota range among snowy peaks, llamas, and alpacas, then warm up at Pacchanta’s hot springs. I like the honest feel of the day: meals are served in the Andes, and local communities remain part of the setting rather than a staged village stop. I also like that guides such as Anibal and Ruben are praised for friendly help and good pacing.

The catch is altitude. This is a five-hour mountain walk, not a gentle sightseeing outing. You can take breaks, and horses may be available at extra cost, but you should be ready for thin air, sudden weather, and a strenuous route.

Key points about the Ausangate day

• Seven high-altitude lakes: See a chain of turquoise-green lakes around Ausangate in the Vilcanota range.
• Five hours on foot: Expect a serious mountain hike, with changing weather and demanding altitude.
• Pacchanta hot springs: Finish the mountain outing with time at the natural hot springs.
• Andean community contact: Meet local people and see colorful textiles, ornaments, llamas, and alpacas.
• Meals in the mountains: Breakfast and lunch are included, making the long day easier to manage.
• Small-group or private choices: You can book a private outing or join a small group, with Spanish or English guidance.

Why Ausangate feels different from a standard Cusco day trip

Many Cusco excursions lead you from one famous viewpoint to another by road. This one gives your legs more work and your eyes more reward. The route takes you into the mountain country around Ausangate, where snowy summits, open slopes, grazing llamas, and alpacas create a much quieter setting.

I like this outing because the scenery is not confined to one photo stop. The five-hour walk lets you see the mountains from changing angles and notice how the lakes differ in color and shape. The blue-green water is the main attraction, but the setting around it is just as important.

The human side also matters. You may meet people from native Andean communities and see their ornaments and colorful textiles. This is not presented as a long cultural workshop, so keep your expectations sensible. The value comes from encountering people in their own highland environment, not from a large organized performance.

At $130 per person, the price is reasonable if you value transport, a guide, two meals, hiking poles, a first aid kit, and access to a full day of mountain scenery. The cost does not include the entrance fee for the seven lakes, so allow extra money for that charge. Since the exact entrance amount is not provided, check it before booking.

Early pickup and the ride toward Pacchanta

The day begins with pickup in Cusco’s Centro Histórico. You are asked to wait at your hotel front desk at the provided time, which is the simplest arrangement if you are staying in the historic center. The tour returns to central Cusco, with drop-off options at Centro Histórico or Plazoleta Regocijo.

The journey to Pacchanta is part of the transition from city to high country. The tour information does not give a precise driving time, so check the start time and pickup details when you reserve. A full day is committed to this experience, and the combination of road travel, breakfast, hiking, lunch, and hot springs makes for a long outing.

I recommend treating the pickup as an early start even if the exact hour varies. Have your shoes on, keep rain gear within reach, and do not count on clear weather simply because the morning begins bright in Cusco. In the Andes, clouds and rain can arrive quickly.

Breakfast at Pacchanta before the five-hour hike

The first planned stop is Pacchanta, where breakfast lasts about an hour. This meal is more than a convenience. At high altitude, beginning a long walk without food is a poor plan, and a proper breakfast gives you a better chance of keeping your energy steady.

Pacchanta is also the base for the hot springs later in the day. The stop gives you a chance to settle into the mountain setting before the main walk begins. You will have time to prepare your pack, organize your clothing, and check your hiking poles.

Do not treat breakfast as proof that the hike will be easy. The route ahead is still demanding, and the thin air can affect you even if you are fit. Eat enough, drink what is offered, and tell your guide early if you feel unwell. Guides such as Ruben and Anibal have been praised for encouraging hikers and giving breaks when the altitude becomes too much.

Seven lakes around Ausangate

The main walk lasts about five hours and takes you through part of the Vilcanota mountain range. The goal is to see seven lakes near Ausangate, with turquoise-green water set against high mountain scenery and snowy peaks.

The lakes are the reason to come, but the walk between them is what makes the day memorable. You are not simply stepping off a bus at a viewpoint. You are moving through the natural habitat of llamas and alpacas, with broad Andean views opening around you.

The exact walking difficulty can vary with weather, fitness, and your response to altitude. One person may find the route manageable, while another may need frequent rests or horse assistance. A past outing included the option of paying for a horse when the hike became too strenuous. That possibility is useful, but you should not assume it is included in the $130 price.

A guide makes a real difference here. You need someone who can explain the area, monitor the pace, and help you manage the route when your breathing becomes difficult. Anibal is described as humorous, well prepared, encouraging, and strong on local information. Ruben is also praised for his friendly guidance and for allowing useful breaks. Guide assignments can change, so book this for the service rather than expecting a specific person.

The lakes can look different depending on cloud cover and light. That is part of the appeal, but mountain weather also means you may not get a perfectly clear view all day. Bring waterproof clothing and accept that the Andes decide the mood.

Llamas, alpacas, and highland community life

The walk passes through a place where llamas and alpacas live and graze. These animals are not just background decoration. They are closely tied to Andean livelihoods, textiles, transport, and daily life, so seeing them in their mountain setting gives the route a stronger sense of place.

You can also meet people from native communities and see colorful textiles and ornaments. I value this kind of contact because it adds context to the scenery. The mountains are not empty wilderness. They are working territory and home.

Be respectful when meeting local people. The information provided does not promise a formal workshop or a long guided conversation, so the exchange may be brief. Still, it can be one of the most meaningful parts of the day if you pay attention and remain open to a simple interaction.

Lunch back in Pacchanta

After the five-hour walk, you return to Pacchanta for about an hour of lunch. This is well timed. A hot meal after a demanding route gives you a chance to recover before the final part of the outing.

Breakfast and lunch are included, which improves the value of the tour. You do not need to arrange separate meals during a remote mountain day, and the schedule keeps the group together. The exact menu is not specified, so bring a small personal snack if you know you need extra fuel during long hikes.

Lunch is also a practical pause. Use it to dry outer layers, adjust your shoes, and decide how much energy you have left for the hot springs. The guide can help you understand the remaining schedule.

Pacchanta hot springs after the hike

The day includes a visit to Pacchanta’s hot springs. After cold air and a long walk, warm water is a welcome change. It gives the outing a relaxing finish and helps balance the physical effort of the lakes route.

The springs do not erase the difficulty of the hike. You still need to arrive prepared for five hours on foot, and you should not book this tour simply because it ends with a soak. Think of the hot springs as the reward at the end of a serious mountain day.

The supplied details do not state how long you spend in the pools or whether you need to bring a towel or swimwear. Ask the provider about those points before departure. At minimum, bring rain gear for the route and pack anything you need for changing after the walk.

What the $130 price really covers

The $130 price includes round-trip transport from central Cusco, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and hiking poles. For a remote full-day excursion, that is a solid package, especially if you choose a small group or private departure.

The included poles are useful. They can help with balance on uneven ground and reduce strain during the long walk. The first aid kit is also reassuring, though it does not replace personal medication or sensible preparation.

The main extra cost is the entrance to the seven lakes. Because that fee is not listed, confirm the amount before you commit to a budget. Also ask about any horse option if you think you may need help on the route. The price of horse hire is not included.

Value depends on what you want. If you prefer a short outing with little physical effort, this is not the best use of $130. If you want a guided day far from busy roads, with meals and transport handled, the package makes more sense.

Who should book this hike

This tour suits you if you enjoy long mountain walks, dramatic views, and quieter rural settings. It is a good fit for someone who wants more than a quick photo stop and is curious about Andean community life.

You should also be comfortable with changing conditions. The weather can shift suddenly, and the route sits at high altitude. Bring hiking shoes and rain gear, and dress so you can adjust as the temperature changes.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people over 65 according to the provided activity restrictions. Those limits are important, not casual suggestions. If you have any concern about altitude or strenuous exercise, seek medical advice before booking.

Fitness alone does not guarantee an easy day. A fit person can still struggle with altitude, while another hiker may manage the route well with a slower pace and regular breaks. The most useful attitude is patience. Walk steadily, listen to your guide, and do not treat the group pace as a race.

Practical details before you reserve

Pickup is included from Cusco’s historic center, and you should wait at your hotel front desk at the arranged time. The return has two listed central drop-off points: Centro Histórico and Plazoleta Regocijo.

Spanish and English tours are available. Private and small-group formats are offered, so check which format you are booking. A private outing may give you more control over rest stops, while a small group can keep the cost and social side balanced.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Cusco schedule is still changing. Starting times depend on availability, so confirm the departure hour rather than assuming one.

The tour has received a top rating across 14 submitted ratings, with repeated praise for the mountain scenery, helpful guides, and the way guides handle altitude-related fatigue. The most useful lesson is not simply that the day can be beautiful. It is that the guide matters when the route becomes hard.

Should you book the Ausangate seven lakes tour?

Book it if you want a demanding but rewarding day in high Andean country, and if turquoise lakes, snowy peaks, llamas, alpacas, and local communities sound more appealing than another road-based viewpoint.

Skip it if you want an easy excursion, dislike sudden weather, or are not prepared for five hours of walking at altitude. The hot springs are a welcome finish, but they do not change the basic nature of the day.

For the right person, this is a strong Cusco add-on. You get remote scenery, meals, transport, equipment, and a guide who can help you manage the hard parts. Prepare seriously, confirm the entrance fee, and give yourself time to walk slowly. That is how you get the most from Ausangate.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is available in Cusco’s Centro Histórico. You should wait at your hotel’s front desk at the provided pickup time.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts one full day. The main walk takes about five hours, with about one hour for breakfast and one hour for lunch.

What does the hike include?

The route includes a walk through part of the Vilcanota mountain range and visits to seven turquoise-green lakes near Ausangate.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour.

Are hiking poles provided?

Yes. Hiking poles are included, along with a first aid kit.

Is the entrance fee to the seven lakes included?

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

Does the tour visit hot springs?

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to the Pacchanta hot springs after the mountain outing.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered with a live guide in Spanish or English.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes. Private and small-group options are available.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.