Excursion: Explore in one day the 7 lakes of Ausangate from Cusco

Ausangate’s seven lakes make a demanding day trip feel unusually rewarding: you walk above 4,600 meters, through open Andean country, with snow-capped peaks and lagoons shifting from turquoise to emerald. The route begins and ends in Pacchanta, a small community where the day’s meals and hot springs add a welcome local dimension.

I like that breakfast and lunch are included, so you can focus on the walk rather than hunting for food on a remote route. I also like the finish at Pacchanta’s hot springs, where you can rest with views of Ausangate after several hours on foot.

The trade-off is real: this is a very early, long outing at high altitude, and the roughly five-hour hike can feel harder than its moderate-to-challenging label suggests. You’ll also need 30 soles for the lagoons and baths, on top of the $35 tour price.

The essentials at a glance

• Seven lakes, one high-altitude route: Visit Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha and Q’omercocha, all above 4,600 meters.
• A 4 a.m. start from Cusco: Expect a long drive each way, with pickup generally scheduled early in the morning.
• About five hours of hiking: The route includes roughly 3 hours of walking out and 2 hours back, plus time at the lakes.
• Food is part of the day: Breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta are included, with a community-prepared Andean meal at the end.
• Bring extra cash: Lagoon and thermal-bath entry costs 30 soles and is not included in the tour price.
• Acclimatize first: Spending two or three days in Cusco before the hike is advised to help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Setting out before dawn from Cusco

The day starts early, usually around 4 a.m., with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco. The drive to Pacchanta takes about three to three and a half hours, depending on the schedule. Add the return drive of roughly three hours and you can see why this is a 12-hour commitment, not a casual half-day outing.

A very early start has a practical purpose: it gives you time for breakfast, the full walk and a stop at the hot springs before returning to Cusco, usually between 5 and 6 p.m. Still, don’t expect a gentle morning. You may be getting into the vehicle while the city is asleep, so have your clothing and daypack ready the night before.

Pickup details deserve a little attention. The agency is meant to contact you the day before, and you should have a working phone number available. One person had been told to expect pickup between 4:20 and 4:40, but the vehicle arrived at 5, and the assigned guide had changed. The eventual guide, John, was described as professional, but the confusion caused needless stress. Confirm your pickup time and guide the evening before, and keep the agency’s contact details handy.

The vehicle is a means to an end rather than part of the sightseeing. You’ll spend about six hours on the round trip, so take water, a warm layer and anything you need to stay comfortable. The tour finishes near Cusco’s historic center, rather than promising a drop-off at the exact point where you started.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the climb

After the drive, you arrive in Pacchanta for a traditional Andean breakfast, scheduled for about 30 minutes. This is the time to eat, drink and make sure your layers and footwear are sorted before setting off. At high altitude, a decent start matters: the walk will ask more of you than the distance alone suggests.

Pacchanta also gives the day a community connection. Breakfast and the later lunch are prepared locally, making the village more than a parking spot at the foot of a trail. The meals are described as basic but plentiful and tasty, which is sensible fuel for a long walk rather than a restaurant-style event. If you have dietary needs, the available information does not say what alternatives can be arranged, so ask before booking.

The walk is generally described as moderate to challenging, with about four to five hours of hiking overall. The route breakdown allows around three hours and five minutes on the way toward the lakes, then two hours on the return. Pace, weather and how your body responds to the altitude can affect how demanding that feels. One person found the trek less difficult than expected, but that is not a reliable promise for everyone.

Walking the seven-lake trail beneath Ausangate

From Pacchanta, the trail crosses mountainous terrain with views of the high Andean surroundings. Alpacas and llamas may be part of the scene, along with local flora and fauna. The attraction is not only the destination: walking through this open country is the point, and the snow-capped Ausangate gives the route its scale.

The seven main lakes are Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha and Q’omercocha. Their water can range from turquoise to emerald green. That variation gives you plenty to look for as you walk, though the colors and views depend on the conditions on the day. Bring a camera or phone, but keep it secure and leave enough attention for the uneven trail and your footing.

You get about 30 minutes at the lakes for photos and free time. That is enough for a short pause and a few panoramic shots, but it is not a long, unstructured visit. If photography is important to you, keep your camera accessible and make the most of that stop rather than waiting until the group is ready to move again.

Altitude is the defining practical issue. The lakes sit above 4,600 meters, where exertion can feel harder and altitude sickness is a genuine concern. The guidance is to spend two or three days in Cusco before this excursion to acclimatize. Take that advice seriously: a strong walking habit at home does not guarantee an easy time at this elevation.

The hike is not suitable for everyone. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with heart or respiratory problems, and people over 65. Anyone with heart, breathing or blood-pressure concerns should consult a doctor before attempting the route. This is not a place to test your limits just because the scenery looks inviting.

Returning to Pacchanta for lunch and hot springs

After the lake stop, you retrace the route to Pacchanta, with about two hours set aside for the return walk. You’ll likely be ready for the included lunch by then. It is prepared by the local community and is described as simple, generous and tasty: a practical meal after a substantial morning on foot.

The thermal baths are the day’s second reward. You have about 30 minutes of free time at Pacchanta’s hot springs, with views toward the snow-capped Ausangate. After several hours of walking, warm water can be a welcome change of pace. Just remember that entry is not included in the tour price, and the 30 soles covers access to the lagoons and thermal baths.

The order of lunch and the baths can vary in how it feels on the day, but the listed schedule places lunch first, followed by the hot springs. Either way, the stop is brief. Bring what you need to change into bathing clothes if you plan to use the pools, and keep the extra entry fee separate from your spending money for the tour.

What $35 buys, and what it doesn’t

At $35 per person, the package includes hotel pickup, round-trip transport, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle. Those inclusions make the price attractive for a full-day trip that involves a remote trail and a long drive. Food and transport would be separate expenses if you tried to arrange the day independently.

But $35 is not the full cost. Set aside another 30 soles for entry to the lakes and hot springs, and budget for any personal snacks or equipment you need. The tour does not list trekking poles as an included item, so don’t assume you’ll be supplied with them. The oxygen bottle and first-aid kit are useful safety provisions, but they are not substitutes for acclimatization or for judging your own health honestly.

The tour has a 4.7 rating from 10 assessments, but the small number is not enough to guarantee a perfectly smooth operation. The clearest caution is coordination: one pickup was late and the guide changed without clear communication. On the other hand, the guide who led that outing, John, was described as professional, the driver as professional, the food as ample and tasty, and the views as incredible. The trek also felt more manageable to that person than anticipated. These are useful details, but a 12-hour mountain day still depends on the weather, your fitness and how well you handle the altitude.

Packing for a cold, exposed mountain walk

Bring sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable clothes and hiking pants. The route is several hours long, so footwear that feels secure matters more than a fresh-looking pair. A light backpack is recommended, with enough water and energy snacks to keep you going between meals.

The suggested list also includes sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, rain gear and trekking equipment. Conditions can change, and the route is exposed enough that sun protection is a sensible precaution even when the morning begins cold. Pack rain gear rather than assuming clear skies will last all day.

Use layers so you can adjust as the day moves from the early drive to the walk and then the hot springs. Keep your water and snacks easy to reach, and carry only what you need. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour provides an oxygen bottle and first-aid kit, but personal preparation remains your responsibility.

Who should choose this Ausangate day trip

This outing suits you if you want dramatic mountain views, are comfortable with a long day and have already spent time acclimatizing in Cusco. It is especially appealing if you value a guided route, transport and meals bundled together, and like the idea of ending a strenuous walk at local hot springs.

It is a poor fit if you are short on time to acclimatize, have a relevant health concern or want an easy scenic stop with minimal walking. The trail takes several hours, the elevation is high and the start is before dawn. If you prefer a relaxed pace or need more time at each lake, a 30-minute photo stop may feel rushed.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is eligible for a full refund. Those flexible terms help if your Cusco plans are still taking shape, but they do not change the physical demands of the day. Make the decision based on your health, acclimatization and appetite for a long walk, not only on the price.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you have acclimatized, can manage a moderate-to-challenging hike at high altitude and want to see several Ausangate lakes in one day without arranging transport and meals yourself. The included food, guide and long-distance transfer make $35 good value, with 30 soles extra for entry.

Skip it if the altitude or health restrictions are a concern, or if you want a leisurely outing. Before you go, confirm pickup details with the agency, bring the right layers and shoes, and leave room in your day for a tiring return to Cusco.

FAQ

How long is the Ausangate seven-lakes tour?

The tour lasts about 12 hours. It generally starts around 4 a.m. and returns to Cusco between 5 and 6 p.m.

How much hiking is involved?

Plan for roughly four to five hours of hiking in total. The route allows about three hours and five minutes toward the lakes and two hours back.

How high are the lakes?

The lakes are located above 4,600 meters above sea level. Spending two or three days in Cusco before the excursion is advised for acclimatization.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike, and a community-prepared Andean lunch is included afterward.

Is entry to the lagoons and thermal baths included?

No. Entry costs 30 soles for the lagoons and thermal baths.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, water, comfortable clothes, hiking pants, rain gear, sunglasses, a sun hat and trekking equipment. A light backpack, snacks and sunscreen are also recommended.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is listed as unsuitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with heart or respiratory problems, and people over 65. People with heart, respiratory or blood-pressure problems are advised to consult a doctor before the excursion.