From Cusco: 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour

Ausangate’s seven lakes are the draw, but the whole day is part of the appeal: a long walk through high Andean country, time with local people, and views of snowy peaks. I like that the tour pairs the hike with breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta, and that a guide can help you pace yourself in the altitude.

I also like the chance to see llamas and alpacas in their natural setting and to visit Pacchanta hot springs after the walk. The trade-off is real: five hours on foot at high altitude can feel strenuous, and you’ll need to pay separately for access to the lakes.

At a glance: seven lakes, a five-hour hike, and hot springs

• Seven turquoise-green lakes: Walk through the Ausangate area and see the lakes set among the peaks of the Vilcanota range.
• A full day from Cusco: Round-trip transport takes you to Pacchanta, where breakfast comes before the hike and lunch follows it.
• Guides who help set the pace: Guides Anibal and Rubin have been named for their friendly, informative approach. Rubin was also praised for allowing breaks when altitude became difficult.
• Local life along the route: The experience includes a chance to meet people from native communities and see their ornaments and colorful textiles.
• High-altitude conditions: Weather can change suddenly, and the strenuous walk is not suitable for everyone. Bring hiking shoes and rain gear.
• Entry costs extra: The $130 price includes transport, guide, meals, first aid kit, and hiking poles, but not entrance to the seven lakes.

Leaving Cusco for Pacchanta

The day starts with pickup in Cusco’s historic center, with the tour listing two pickup options. You travel to Pacchanta, a community in the mountains that serves as the starting point for the hike. Round-trip transport is included, an important part of the value on a full-day outing that begins and ends in Cusco.

The drive is a transition from the city to a quieter, more rural setting. The tour is designed to get you away from busy roads and into the high country, where the views and the daily presence of llamas and alpacas are part of the experience. You’ll be walking through part of the Vilcanota mountain range, not simply stopping at a roadside lookout.

The exact departure time depends on availability, so check the start time when you book. Pickup is provided at your hotel front desk at the arranged time. Keep your morning simple: have your hiking shoes and rain gear ready, and allow yourself time to adjust to the day’s early start.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the climb

Breakfast is served in Pacchanta and takes about an hour. This is more than a quick bite before setting off. It gives you time to eat, meet your guide, and get ready for a long walk in high-altitude conditions.

The tour also includes lunch in Pacchanta after the hike, another welcome detail on a day when you’ll be out for hours. Both meals are included in the $130 price, along with transport and a professional guide. That makes the cost easier to judge than a bare-bones transfer, though you should still budget separately for lake entry.

Pacchanta is also the setting for the hot springs visit. The tour description includes a stop at the springs, but does not give a precise schedule or state whether any hot-spring entrance fee is included. If that matters to your budget, check with the operator before you go.

Walking among Ausangate’s seven lakes

The main event is a roughly five-hour walk around the seven lakes of Ausangate. The water is described as turquoise-green, with snowy peaks and open Andean terrain forming the backdrop. You’ll be on foot for a substantial stretch, so think of this as a proper mountain hike rather than an easy stroll between viewpoints.

The trail takes you through a natural setting shared with llamas and alpacas. Their presence gives the day a distinctly Andean character, while the route offers a closer look at the Vilcanota range than you’d get from a vehicle. You may also meet people from native communities and see local ornaments and colorful textiles.

The time on the trail is both the tour’s greatest strength and its main challenge. Five hours of walking can feel demanding, especially when altitude makes each uphill section harder. Rubin, one of the guides named by people who took this tour, was praised for offering breaks when the altitude became overwhelming. Anibal was also singled out for being friendly and well prepared. Guide assignments can vary, but these details suggest the value of having someone who can support a measured pace.

Some hikers have needed to pay for a horse during the route. A horse option may be available, but it is not included in the stated price, and the details are not specified. If you are worried about managing the hike, ask Andina Expeditions in advance whether horses are available, what they cost, and how much of the route they cover. Don’t count on one as a substitute for preparing for a strenuous walk.

The entrance fee to the seven lakes is not included. The amount is not stated, so bring extra money and confirm the current fee before departure. This separate charge is easy to overlook when comparing tour prices, but it does not erase the value of the included transport, meals, guide, and hiking poles.

Local encounters and Andean scenery

The tour’s appeal is not limited to ticking off seven bodies of water. Its route also puts you in a part of Peru where mountain life is close at hand. The chance to meet local people, see textiles and ornaments, and walk among llamas and alpacas adds human and cultural interest to a day that could otherwise be only about scenery.

The experience is described as a way to get away from busy roads and crowds. That does not mean you should expect a private wilderness: group size can vary, and the tour is offered as a private or small-group experience. But the focus is on the high country around Pacchanta rather than on a busy attraction in the city.

Guides add context to what you see. Visitors have highlighted guides Anibal and Rubin for being informative, friendly, and encouraging. One guide also helped with photos. You can’t choose a specific guide based on the information provided, but a guide’s local knowledge and judgment matter on a long walk, particularly when the weather changes or someone needs a break.

Pacchanta hot springs after the walk

After the five-hour hike, the tour returns to Pacchanta for lunch and a visit to the hot springs. The chance to rest in the springs makes a practical counterpoint to the demanding walk. It gives the day a gentler close, though you should confirm the visit’s timing and any separate entry charge with the operator.

The schedule lists lunch after the hike, while the hot springs are included in the overall experience description. The precise order and length of the hot-spring stop are not stated. Plan for a full day rather than a tightly timed sequence, and check what to bring if you intend to use the springs.

What $130 gets you, and what it does not

At $130 per person, this is a guided full-day outing with several substantial inclusions: round-trip transport, an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and hiking poles. Those details add up on a day that requires travel from Cusco and five hours on foot. The small-group or private format may also suit you better than a large bus excursion, depending on the option you select.

The price does not include entry to the seven lakes. The entrance cost is not provided, so check it before booking and set aside extra cash. A horse, if available, is another possible added cost. The tour’s advertised price therefore is not the whole budget, but the included transport and meals make it more than a simple ride to the trailhead.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Those terms can help if your plans are still taking shape, but they don’t change the physical demands of the outing.

Altitude, weather, and who should go

Take the altitude seriously. The route is high in the Andes, and a five-hour hike can become difficult if you are unprepared or not feeling well. One guide was praised for building in breaks when the altitude became too much, but that is support, not a guarantee that the hike will suit everyone.

Weather can change suddenly in the Andes. Hiking shoes and rain gear are specifically recommended, and both are sensible essentials for a long mountain walk. Hiking poles are provided, which can help with balance and support on the trail, but they do not replace suitable footwear or clothing.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people over 65. If you fall outside those categories but have concerns about strenuous exercise or altitude, speak with a medical professional and the operator before committing. There is no need to prove anything to a mountain.

This outing is best for you if you are comfortable with a demanding walk, want to see the high Andes beyond Cusco, and value local contact as much as a scenic view. It is less suited to anyone looking for a light day trip, a short viewpoint stop, or a guaranteed easy route.

Should you book the Ausangate lakes tour?

I’d consider this tour if you want a full day in the mountains and are ready for five hours of walking at altitude. The combination of Ausangate’s seven lakes, local encounters, meals in Pacchanta, and a hot-spring stop makes for a varied day, while a guide and hiking poles add useful support.

Before booking, check the lake entrance fee, confirm the hot-spring arrangements, and ask about the possible horse option if you might need it. If you’re fit for a strenuous hike and prepared for shifting weather, this is a strong choice for seeing a quieter side of the Cusco region. If altitude or long walks are a concern, choose an easier outing instead.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It is a full-day tour. The walk around Ausangate’s seven lakes takes about five hours.

What is the price?

The listed price is $130 per person.

Are the seven-lake entrance fees included?

No. Entrance to the seven lakes is not included in the tour price.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included, with both served in Pacchanta.

Is transport from Cusco included?

Yes. Round-trip transport is included, with pickup in Cusco and drop-off in the historic center or Plazoleta Regocijo.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides are available in Spanish and English.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes and rain gear. Weather can change suddenly in the Andes.

Are hiking poles provided?

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

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people over 65. The hike is strenuous and takes place at high altitude.

Can I cancel the tour?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.