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

Ausangate’s seven lakes sit high in the Peruvian Andes, where turquoise and green water pools beneath snow-capped peaks. This 12-hour trip from Cusco gives you a hard-working day of mountain scenery, local food, and a soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs.

I like the strong value at $35, since transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, and basic emergency equipment are included. I also like the useful rhythm of the day: hike in the cool morning, eat well afterward, then rest your legs in thermal water. The catch is the altitude. At more than 4,600 meters, this is no casual stroll, and a very early pickup can be tiring.

Key points to know before you book

• The lakes sit above 4,600 meters, so spend two or three days in Cusco first if you can.
• You visit seven named lagoons, including Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Q’omercocha.
• The hike lasts about four to five hours, with roughly 3 hours and 5 minutes on the way in and 2 hours on the return.
• Pacchanta’s hot springs come after the hike, a welcome chance to relax beneath views of Ausangate.
• Breakfast and lunch are included, with meals prepared in the local community.
• Pickup begins around 4:00 a.m., and the return to Cusco is usually between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Why the Seven Lakes of Ausangate are worth the effort

The appeal here is simple: you get a close look at one of the Andes’ most dramatic mountain settings without committing to a multiday trek. Ausangate rises above the route in snow and stone, while the lakes shift in color from turquoise to emerald green.

The scenery changes as you walk. Mountain slopes, open highland ground, local plants, and herds of alpacas and llamas give the hike a distinctly Andean feel. This is not a polished park with paved paths and frequent facilities. You are heading into a high, exposed mountain area, so the weather and altitude are part of the experience.

I especially like that the route connects the natural setting with Pacchanta community life. You begin with breakfast prepared locally, return for a typical lunch, and finish with time in the community’s thermal baths. Those details make the outing feel more rooted in the area than a quick photo stop.

The lakes are the main prize, but they are not all identical. Their colors depend on light, weather, and the angle from which you see them. Bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the entire walk looking at a screen. The broad views are the reason to make the trip.

The 4:00 a.m. departure from Cusco

Your day starts before sunrise, usually around 4:00 a.m., with pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco. The drive to Pacchanta takes about three to three and a half hours, so the first part of the outing is mostly a dark, sleepy ride through the region.

The pickup point is a practical detail worth watching closely. The agency is supposed to contact you one day before the trip, and you should provide a working phone number. One recent booking involved confusion about the pickup time and a last-minute guide change, with the vehicle arriving around 5:00 a.m. instead of the expected 4:20 to 4:40 window.

I would confirm the pickup time and guide the day before, then keep your phone available early in the morning. This is not a reason to reject the trip, but it is a reason to avoid assuming that every detail will run perfectly without a final check.

The vehicle ride is long, and you may want a neck pillow, warm layer, and water within reach. The return drive is also about three hours, so this is a full day from door to door, not a short morning excursion.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the climb

After reaching Pacchanta, you have about 30 minutes for a traditional Andean breakfast. This is more than a meal stop. At this altitude, eating something before walking is sensible, especially after leaving Cusco so early.

Do not expect a long restaurant visit. The breakfast is a quick refueling stop before the trail. Use the time to organize water, rain gear, sunscreen, and any snacks you brought.

Pacchanta is also the base for the thermal baths later in the day. You will see the setting before the hike, but the hot springs are saved for after you return from the lakes, when your legs will appreciate them much more.

Hiking the trail to all seven lakes

From Pacchanta, the group follows the trail toward the seven lakes. The route is described as moderate to challenging, with about four to five hours of hiking in total. The schedule allows roughly 3 hours and 5 minutes for the outward walk and about 2 hours for the return.

The altitude is the main difficulty. At more than 4,600 meters, even a steady uphill section can feel demanding. You may be physically fit and still need to slow your pace. That is normal. Walk steadily, drink water, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.

This outing suits you best if you already enjoy walking and can handle several hours on uneven mountain trails. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, people with heart or respiratory problems, or people over 65 according to the stated restrictions. Anyone with heart, breathing, or blood pressure concerns should speak with a doctor before booking.

The high country can bring strong sun, wind, cold, or rain in the same day. Bring hiking shoes, hiking pants, comfortable clothes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, and rain gear. A light backpack is easier to manage than a large bag. Trekking poles are useful if you have them, though their inclusion is not guaranteed.

The route passes local flora and fauna, with alpacas and llamas often part of the mountain scene. These animals add life to an otherwise wide, open setting, and they are a reminder that this is working pastoral country, not simply a scenic backdrop.

The seven lagoons and the best photo stops

The tour visits Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Q’omercocha. The names are worth keeping handy because the appeal of the route is the sequence of different water colors and mountain views.

You receive about 30 minutes at the main lake area for photos and free time. That is enough to take panoramic shots and absorb the setting, but it is not a long, unhurried photography session. If you want the best pictures, have your camera ready and keep a spare layer accessible.

The lakes can appear turquoise, green, or deeper blue depending on the light. Snow-covered Ausangate gives the route its scale, while the water provides the color. Clear weather will give you the strongest contrast, but mountain weather can change quickly.

I would avoid judging the experience only by whether every lake looks exactly like a photograph. The appeal is the combination of seven bodies of water, high altitude, open mountain views, and the chance to walk between them. Conditions matter, and cloud or rain can soften the colors.

The free time is also a chance to catch your breath. At this altitude, the photo stop should not become a race. If you feel dizzy, unusually short of breath, or sick, speak with your guide instead of pushing on for another picture.

Returning to Pacchanta for lunch

After the lake circuit, you walk back to Pacchanta. The return takes about two hours in the stated schedule, though pace and conditions can affect the timing.

Lunch lasts about 40 minutes and is prepared by the local community. The food is described as basic, plentiful, and tasty, which is exactly what you want after a high-altitude hike. This is not a gourmet meal, but it is part of the value of the excursion and helps make the long day manageable.

I like the order of the day here. Eating after the walk means you can settle in without worrying about a second major climb. You also get a small taste of local cooking rather than relying only on snacks from Cusco.

Bring an energy snack anyway. Breakfast and lunch are included, but the walking hours are long, and a snack can help if you need something between stops.

Soaking in Pacchanta’s thermal baths

The hot springs are scheduled after lunch, with about 30 minutes of free time. This is the most relaxing part of the outing, especially after the climb and return walk.

Pacchanta’s baths offer views toward the snow-capped Ausangate area while you sit in warm water. The contrast is memorable: cold, high mountain air around you and thermal water under you. If your muscles are tired, this short stop can make the final ride back to Cusco more comfortable.

The entrance fee for the lakes and hot springs is not included. You should budget 30 soles for that admission. Since the tour price is only $35 and includes transport, two meals, a guide, a first aid kit, and an oxygen bottle, the extra fee is a small but important detail to plan for.

Bring a swimsuit and towel if you intend to use the baths, though these items are not listed among the included services. At minimum, keep a dry change of clothes available so you are not wet or chilled during the ride back.

The return to Cusco and what the $35 covers

After the thermal baths, you return by van and arrive near Cusco’s historic center around 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The stated route ends at a drop-off point near the center rather than necessarily at your original accommodation.

At $35 per person, the package offers strong practical value. You are paying for a very long round trip, a professional Spanish or English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, first aid supplies, and emergency oxygen. You also avoid arranging separate transport to a remote high-altitude trailhead.

The low price does not remove the physical cost of the day. You still give up most of a day, spend six or more hours in a vehicle, and hike at an altitude that can affect even experienced walkers. Think of the price as good value for a demanding mountain excursion, not as a cheap and easy sightseeing trip.

Guide quality matters on a route like this. One recent guide named John was described as calm and professional, and the driver was also reported to handle the mountain day well. Guide assignments can change, so do not book solely on the expectation of a particular person. The advertised service offers live guiding in English and Spanish.

Who should book this Ausangate day trip

You should consider this excursion if you want:

• A one-day introduction to the Ausangate area
• High mountain views without a multiday trek
• A demanding hike with a clear route and guide
• Time for photos at seven lagoons
• A local breakfast and lunch
• Thermal baths after a long walk
• A low-cost package with transport from Cusco

You should think twice if you have not acclimatized to altitude, dislike very early starts, or want a relaxed sightseeing day. The hike is not technical, based on the information provided, but the altitude makes it serious.

Spend two or three days in Cusco before going if your schedule allows. That gives your body time to adjust and lowers the risk of altitude sickness. This is one of the most useful steps you can take to improve the day.

The tour includes an oxygen bottle and first aid kit, but those are safety measures, not substitutes for preparation. Wear proper shoes, carry water, protect yourself from the sun, and take the altitude warnings seriously.

Should you book the seven lakes tour?

I would book this tour if you want striking Andean scenery, can handle a long day, and value an organized trip at a modest price. The seven lakes, Ausangate views, local meals, and Pacchanta hot springs create a satisfying mix of walking and cultural contact.

I would not book it as a first full day in the Cusco region, and I would not book it without acclimatizing. Confirm the pickup time the day before, allow for possible schedule confusion, and bring the right clothing for cold, sun, and rain.

For a prepared hiker, this is a strong-value day in one of Peru’s most dramatic mountain areas. For anyone seeking comfort or an easy pace, the altitude and long transport time may outweigh the scenery.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate seven lakes tour last?

The full excursion lasts about 12 hours. Pickup is usually around 4:00 a.m., with return to Cusco near the historic center between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

How high are the seven lakes?

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

What meals are included?

Breakfast in Pacchanta and a typical Andean lunch prepared by the local community are included.

Is the entrance fee included?

No. Entrance to the lakes and thermal baths costs 30 soles and is paid separately.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guiding is available in Spanish and English.

What should I bring?

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