From Cusco: Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour with Meals

The main prize here is a chain of seven high mountain lakes beneath Ausangate, one of the most striking peaks in the Cusco region. The colors change from deep blue to green, red, and milky turquoise, with snow-covered mountain views adding plenty of drama.

I like that breakfast and lunch are included, and I like the small-group limit of 15 people. The guide, walking sticks, first aid kit, and oxygen also make this a better-prepared outing than a simple transport-and-photo stop. The catch is the long, demanding hike: allow about five hours on foot, with one account putting the route at roughly 13 kilometers.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven named lakes: Visit Lake Superior, Otorongo Hombre, Otorongo, Rojo, Ccomer, Azul, and Alqa.
• A very early start: Pickup begins at 4:00 AM from selected hotels in Cusco’s historic center.
• About five hours of walking: The route climbs to a viewpoint, then continues past most of the lakes.
• Pacchanta adds local character: Breakfast and lunch take place in the community settlement, with hot springs available for an extra fee.
• Good value at $37: Transport, a guide, breakfast, lunch, walking sticks, first aid, and oxygen are included.
• Not an easy outing: It is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with respiratory problems, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Why the Ausangate lakes are worth the early alarm

Ausangate is known for powerful mountain scenery rather than buildings, museums, or elaborate facilities. You come here to see water, rock, snow, open sky, and the changing colors of the lakes. That makes this tour a good fit if you want a full day in a natural setting outside Cusco.

The seven lakes are called Lake Superior, Lake Otorongo Hombre, Lake Otorongo, Lake Rojo, Lake Ccomer, Laguna Azul, and Lake Alqa. Their names are useful when you look at the route, but the bigger appeal is the variety of color and setting. Some views are broad and open, while others frame the water against the slopes of Ausangate.

I would not expect every lake to look equally bright on every day. Light, weather, and the viewing angle affect the colors. The appeal is the collection of seven lakes in one mountain route, not a single guaranteed shade of blue.

The setting also feels less built up than many famous Cusco-area attractions. There are no ruins or grand monuments here. Instead, the experience is about walking through a high, exposed part of the region and seeing the mountain environment on its own terms.

Leaving Cusco at 4:00 AM for Pacchanta

The day begins at 4:00 AM, with pickup available from selected hotels in Cusco’s historic center. That start is hard on the body, especially if you have just arrived from a lower altitude or are still adjusting to Cusco.

The early departure serves a practical purpose. It gives you time to reach Pacchanta, eat breakfast, complete the walk, have lunch, and return to Cusco near the main square at about 6:00 PM. This is a long day, not a relaxed half-day excursion.

Round-trip transportation is included in the $37 price. That matters because arranging a separate vehicle to a remote mountain starting point would add cost and planning. The tour keeps the logistics together, from hotel pickup to the return near Cusco’s main square.

Pickup is limited to selected areas, so check your hotel location before paying. If your accommodation is outside the historic center, you may need to reach a designated meeting point.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the hike

After the drive, you reach Pacchanta, the community settlement used as the base for the walk. Breakfast is served here before you start. This is a small but important part of the plan, since leaving Cusco before dawn gives you little chance to eat properly beforehand.

Pacchanta is also where the day ends on foot. You return here for lunch after visiting the lakes. That arrangement is sensible: you do not need to carry a full day’s meal, and you get a proper meal after the hardest part of the outing.

The food is included, and one account specifically praised the lunch for its fresh ingredients. I would still bring snacks. The packing advice includes snacks and water, and you should treat both as necessary rather than optional extras. A long walk at altitude can make you hungry even after breakfast.

The two-hour walk to the main viewpoint

From Pacchanta, the first section takes about two hours on foot to reach a viewpoint over the seven lakes. This is where the scale of the area starts to make sense. You can see several bodies of water spread through the mountain setting, with Ausangate and snow-covered peaks forming the backdrop.

The viewpoint is an important pause in the route. It gives you the broad view before you continue closer to the lakes. Bring a camera, but do not forget sunglasses and sunscreen. At high elevations, the sun can feel strong even when the air is cold.

The walking sticks included with the tour are useful here. They do not turn the route into an easy stroll, but they can help with balance and reduce strain on steep or uneven ground. The tour also carries a first aid kit and oxygen, which provides sensible support in a remote mountain area.

The route is described as pleasant but sporty. That is the right way to think about it. You do not need to be an elite hiker, but normal fitness and comfort with several hours of walking are important. The biggest challenge is not only the distance. The altitude, cold, sun, and thin air can make a moderate climb feel harder than expected.

Three more hours among the seven lakes

After the viewpoint, you continue walking for about three hours and visit most of the seven lakes before returning to Pacchanta. This is where the outing earns its place on your schedule. You are not simply driven to a lookout, given ten minutes for photos, and taken away again.

You have time to see the lakes at closer range and notice how their colors differ. Lake Rojo suggests a reddish tone, Laguna Azul a blue one, and Ccomer is associated with green. The exact appearance will depend on conditions, but the variety is the reason to complete the full route.

A useful caution: the walk takes up most of the day, while the time spent standing beside each lake may feel limited. One account described a 13-kilometer hike with excellent views but not much time at the lakes themselves. If you prefer a slow photography trip with long stops, this schedule may feel rushed.

The pace can also depend on the group. The maximum group size is 15, which is smaller than a large coach excursion but still large enough for different walking speeds. A guide such as Jonatan may keep the group together and set a manageable rhythm, but you should not expect a private hiking experience.

Lunch, hot springs, and the return to Cusco

Once you finish the circuit, you return to Pacchanta for lunch. This is the practical reward at the end of the walking section. You can eat, rest, and prepare for the drive back to Cusco.

Pacchanta also offers thermal baths. Entry is not included, so bring cash if you want to use them. The hot springs can be a welcome extra after the hike, but they should not be confused with the main tour price. The same applies to horse rides, which are available for an additional charge.

The itinerary lists the return to Cusco at around 6:00 PM, near the main square. That gives you the evening for dinner, but do not schedule anything that requires you to arrive at an exact time. Mountain roads, group pace, and the long day can affect the return.

What $37 includes, and what it does not

At $37 per person, this is a strong-value day if you would otherwise need to arrange transport, food, guiding, and mountain equipment separately. The package includes:

• Pickup in selected Cusco areas
• Round-trip transportation
• A professional English- or Spanish-speaking guide
• Breakfast and lunch
• Walking sticks
• A first aid kit
• Oxygen

The meals are especially useful because of the early start and the five-hour walking plan. The walking sticks and emergency equipment also add practical value, even though they do not remove the physical demands.

Budget separately for the thermal bath entry fee, horse rides, snacks, drinks beyond the supplied meals, and other personal expenses. Cash is listed among the items to bring, so do not rely only on a card.

The price does not make this a luxury tour. You are paying for access, transport, meals, and guidance, not for a soft-paced private day. At this rate, the balance is good for an active visitor who wants to see the area without arranging every part alone.

Who should choose this hike

I would choose this tour if you want a full mountain day and are comfortable walking for several hours. It suits people who value scenery, fresh air, and a route with a clear physical challenge.

It is also a good option if you want a small group rather than a very large bus outing. A maximum of 15 people allows for a more manageable group, though it is still worth asking about the expected group size when you book.

You should think twice if you dislike early starts, have limited mobility, or want a gentle sightseeing day. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. The supplied information does not provide a detailed medical screening process, so anyone with health concerns should seek professional advice before booking.

Altitude deserves respect even though the exact elevation details are not provided here. If you are not used to mountain walking, the route may feel more strenuous than the distance suggests. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, warm clothing, and a daypack you can carry comfortably.

What to pack for a cold, bright mountain day

The recommended packing list is practical:

• Passport
• Water and snacks
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• A second hat for warmth
• Camera
• Cash
• Daypack

The two hat suggestions make sense. You may need protection from strong sun, but the mountain air can also be cold. Dress for changing conditions rather than assuming a sunny morning will stay comfortable all day.

Do not smoke or bring alcohol or drugs. The tour also advises carrying your passport, even though the activity stays within the Cusco Region.

Cancellation and guide languages

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Cusco plans are still shifting.

Guiding is available in English and Spanish. A live guide accompanies the group rather than leaving you to follow the route alone. The guide is there for route management and basic support, but the supplied information does not promise specialist photography, geology, or biology commentary.

Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour?

Book it if your priority is seeing an unusual set of mountain lakes at a low price, and you are ready for a long day that begins before sunrise. The included transport, meals, guide, walking sticks, first aid kit, and oxygen make $37 a fair deal.

Skip it if you want extended quiet time at each lake, a slow pace, or a soft sightseeing schedule. The route covers about five hours of walking, and the 13-kilometer estimate gives you a better sense of the commitment than the phrase one-day tour.

For fit visitors who want bold scenery without a complicated itinerary, this is a practical choice. Add the thermal baths only if you want extra relaxation and are prepared to pay the entry fee separately.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour last?

The activity lasts one day. Pickup begins at about 4:00 AM, and arrival back in Cusco is expected around 6:00 PM near the main square.

How much walking is involved?

The itinerary includes about two hours of walking to a viewpoint, followed by about three more hours visiting most of the lakes and returning to Pacchanta. One account describes the full route as approximately 13 kilometers.

Which lakes are included?

The named lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Otorongo Hombre, Lake Otorongo, Lake Rojo, Lake Ccomer, Laguna Azul, and Lake Alqa.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

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

Are the thermal baths included in the price?

No. The thermal bath entry fee is not included. Horse rides and other extra expenses are also separate.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.