From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

The seven Ausangate lakes are the main event here: high, cold, colorful pools set beneath snow-covered peaks and wide-open Andean skies. You leave Cusco before dawn, climb into serious altitude, and spend several hours walking through a stark, beautiful world where alpacas, llamas, wind, and silence replace city noise.

I like the combination of a long mountain day with a hot-spring soak at the end. I also like that guides such as Kevin, Carlos, Eduardo, and Joseph are praised for checking on slower walkers and helping with altitude trouble. The catch is simple: this is a hard day at high altitude, not a casual sightseeing outing, and the rough road plus early start can wear you down before the hike begins.

Key points at a glance

• Ausangate views: Look for the snow-capped Apu Ausangate, which rises to 6,384 meters.
• Seven high lakes: The route covers about 13 kilometers and reaches at least 4,620 meters, with warnings that parts of the trip may pass above 4,800 meters.
• Early departure: Pickup begins around 4 to 4:30 am, with a three-hour drive to Pacchanta.
• Horse option: Horses may help if altitude or fatigue becomes too much, but they cost extra, usually around 120 to 130 soles based on recent use.
• Meals included: You get a simple breakfast before hiking and lunch after returning to Pacchanta.
• Hot springs finish: Bring 30 soles in cash for entrance fees and the hot springs, since extra costs are paid in Peruvian soles.

Why the Ausangate lakes are worth the effort

This is not a gentle walk to one viewpoint. The route takes you into the high Andes, where the scenery feels broad, spare, and almost otherworldly. Snow-capped Ausangate dominates the horizon, while the lakes appear in different shades depending on minerals, weather, and the angle of the sun.

The reward is not just one perfect photo. You spend much of the day moving through changing terrain, with mountain walls, open slopes, grazing alpacas, and several lakes appearing along the way. The quiet is a major part of the appeal. Compared with the better-known Humantay Lake route, this area can feel less crowded, although weather and departure dates still matter.

The seven lakes are often treated as a single attraction, but the route works better as a full mountain outing. You get a series of viewpoints rather than one short stop, and the changing altitude gives the day a real sense of progression. That also means you need to accept a slower pace and some physical discomfort.

The tour receives a high overall score, and the strongest praise centers on guide care, dramatic scenery, and good value. That does not make the hike easy. It means the organization and support can make a difficult day more manageable.

The 4 am start and the road to Pacchanta

Pickup from the historic center of Cusco begins around 4 to 4:30 am. Allow extra time because the van may spend 30 to 45 minutes collecting the rest of the group. If you are picked up first, you may sit in the dark for a while before the drive properly gets under way.

The ride to Pacchanta takes roughly three hours, though the published schedule also allows about three and a half hours each way. The dirt road is not in the best condition, so motion sickness and fatigue are real possibilities. The rough ride can also contribute to altitude symptoms, especially if you have not yet adjusted to high elevations.

Bring water, snacks, and any personal altitude medicine you normally use. The tour includes an oxygen bottle and a first aid kit, but these are backup measures, not a replacement for taking the altitude seriously.

Morning temperatures in the area may sit around 5 to 9 degrees Celsius. Pack a warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves rather than trusting the forecast alone. Wind at high elevation can make the air feel much colder, and you may start the day sitting still in a van before walking.

Breakfast in Pacchanta and the first Ausangate views

Pacchanta is where you stop for breakfast and buy anything forgotten in Cusco, such as water or snacks. The meal is described as simple but filling, with some people finding the food good and others calling it basic. It is best viewed as practical fuel, not a culinary highlight.

You also have time to prepare your day pack and use the final chance to check your clothing. Keep your load light. One person found a heavy bag made the first section noticeably harder, and large luggage is not allowed on the tour.

From Pacchanta, you get your first clear views of Apu Ausangate. At 6,384 meters, it gives the day its visual anchor. The mountain is not a distant decoration. It remains part of the view as you move through the high country, often framed by open slopes and grazing llamas or alpacas.

Hiking 13 kilometers above 4,600 meters

The walk covers about 13 kilometers, or eight miles, and takes roughly four and a half hours in total. The provided schedule divides the day into several hiking and horse-riding segments, but the exact amount of walking depends on your pace, conditions, and whether you arrange a horse.

The route includes steep sections and changing altitude. The published maximum is 4,620 meters, or about 15,090 feet, while the safety notes warn that you may trek above 4,800 meters. Because those figures do not match perfectly, you should prepare for the higher number.

At this height, ordinary effort feels different. A slope that would be easy near Cusco can leave you stopping often. Cold air, wind, and reduced oxygen can make breathing difficult, particularly if you have asthma, heart problems, or respiratory issues. The tour is not suitable for people with those conditions, mobility impairments, back problems, wheelchair users, or anyone over 120 kilograms.

The guides generally allow people to move at different speeds, but you should not expect a private escort at every moment unless you book a private group. The guide may move between the front, middle, and back to assist people. Carlos was praised for patience with slower walkers, while Eduardo, Kevin, Joseph, Inti, Waldri, and others were specifically noted for checking on people and helping when breathing or altitude became a problem.

That support matters, but you still need a realistic fitness level. One visitor with asthma and a cardiac problem chose a horse for the full route and still found the day difficult. Another person who became ill before departure had to rely on a horse and described the ride as challenging too.

The seven lakes and time for photographs

The lake section is the emotional center of the day. You stop at the Ausangate seven-lagoon area for photographs, but the route also gives you views of smaller pools and mountain scenery as you walk.

You should expect a mixture of walking, waiting for the group, and short photo stops. Some people have felt the schedule moved too quickly at certain viewpoints, especially when weather was poor or walkers were spread out. If you want more time for quiet observation, stay near the front when appropriate, since catching up from the back can reduce your time at scenic stops.

The weather can change quickly. One outing had cloud and rain but was still considered worthwhile. Another had cold wind that made breathing harder. Sunglasses are mandatory throughout the hike, not just useful for photographs. Snow glare, strong sunlight, and wind can make unprotected eyes uncomfortable even on a cloudy day.

Rain gear belongs in your pack. You may have a clear morning and a wet afternoon, so waterproof layers are more useful than a single heavy coat. Wear hiking shoes with reliable grip, and choose clothing that lets you walk without overheating during uphill sections.

Optional horses and what they really mean

Horses are available locally for people who struggle with the altitude or want to reduce the walking. Recent use has cost about 120 to 130 soles, paid separately. The local tour partner does not manage the horse rental, so arrangements, prices, and availability are outside the main tour service.

A horse can be a sensible safety choice if you are short of breath or losing strength. It is not a magic solution. The route remains cold and high, and riding does not remove the need to handle the altitude. It also means less walking time, which may suit someone who mainly wants the scenery rather than the physical challenge.

Do not book this day assuming a horse is automatically included. The advertised price covers transport, guide, meals, safety equipment, and the drop-off, not the optional ride. Carry enough cash if you think you may need one.

Lunch in Pacchanta and the hot springs

After returning to Pacchanta, you sit down to lunch before entering the nearby hot springs. The meal is generally described as sufficient and sometimes plentiful, though one person found the food cold and lacking in flavor. Expect straightforward local buffet-style food rather than a refined meal.

The timing of lunch matters because you have just spent hours in the cold. A hot meal and a chance to rest can make the return journey much easier. If you have dietary restrictions, the supplied information does not provide specific menu details, so ask before departure rather than assuming alternatives will be available.

The hot springs are the right ending for this particular outing. After a demanding walk, soaking in warm water while looking across the highlands gives your legs a chance to recover before the drive back. The swim is listed at around 30 minutes, so this is a short soak, not a full spa visit.

Entrance fees and hot springs cost 30 soles and are not included in the advertised $29 price. Bring cash in Peruvian soles. Water, souvenirs, horse rental, and other extras also require cash, and card payment should not be assumed in this remote setting.

The return to Cusco and the real value of the $29 price

The van generally reaches Cusco between 6 and 7 pm, with drop-off near the historic center or at San Bernardo 132. That makes this a very long day, often close to 14 hours from pickup to return when you include the road time, breakfast, hike, lunch, and hot springs.

At $29 per person, the base price is remarkably low for hotel pickup, transport, a professional bilingual guide, breakfast, lunch, first aid supplies, oxygen, and drop-off. Once you add 30 soles for the hot springs and entrance charges, plus possible horse rental, the actual cost rises, but it remains good value if you want to reach the Ausangate area without arranging transport yourself.

The low price should not lead you to expect a small private vehicle or a flexible custom schedule. Group pickup can take time, the drive is long, and the guide must balance different walking speeds. A private group is available if you want more control, though the supplied information does not give a private-group surcharge.

The best value comes from the combination of access and scenery. Reaching these lakes independently would require dealing with remote transport, route planning, altitude concerns, and local arrangements. Here, the guide and driver handle the basic structure, while you focus on walking and staying warm.

Who should book this Ausangate day trip

I would choose this tour if you want a full mountain day and are more interested in high Andean scenery than comfort. It suits people who can walk for several hours, tolerate cold and rough roads, and prepare sensibly for altitude.

It can also work for families with older children. Two children aged 11 and 12 completed the outing and enjoyed the trail and alpacas, but every child responds differently to altitude. You should not treat their experience as a guarantee for your own family.

This is not the right choice for a relaxed day, a short photo excursion, or anyone with serious heart, respiratory, back, or mobility concerns. The early departure and return after dark also make it a poor fit if you want a slow morning and an easy evening.

You will get the most from it if you arrive in Cusco with some time to adjust to elevation, keep your day pack light, and accept that the guide may need to keep the group moving. Choose your departure date carefully because the operator cannot control rain, cloud, wind, or other weather changes.

Practical packing advice for a cold, high route

Bring:

• Water and small snacks
• A warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves
• Rain gear
• Hiking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable layers
• Cash in Peruvian soles
• Personal medicine, including altitude medication if you normally use it

Leave large luggage behind. The tour is built around a small day pack, and heavy bags make the first uphill sections harder.

Keep your phone and camera protected from rain and cold. You will want them for Ausangate and the lakes, but the best memories may come from putting them away for a few minutes and simply looking across the mountains.

Should you book the seven lakes trek?

Book it if you want big scenery, a demanding walk, and strong practical value in one long day from Cusco. The combination of Ausangate, seven alpine lakes, local meals, and hot springs is hard to match for $29 before the modest extra fees.

Skip it if altitude worries you, if you have a serious medical condition, or if you want a polished, leisurely excursion. For prepared hikers, the day can feel deeply rewarding. For anyone underestimating the height, cold, or distance, it can become a survival exercise with pretty views.

My advice is to treat the horse as a useful backup, not a failure, and to choose a guide-led day when safety matters. Guides including Kevin, Carlos, Eduardo, Joseph, Inti, and Waldri have shown the sort of patient attention that makes a tough route more manageable. Pack lightly, carry soles, wear real layers, and give the mountains the respect they demand.

FAQ

How long is the Ausangate seven lakes tour?

It lasts one full day, with pickup around 4 to 4:30 am and return to Cusco generally between 6 and 7 pm. The drive to Pacchanta takes about three hours each way.

How far do you hike?

The total hiking route covers approximately 13 kilometers, or eight miles, and takes around four and a half hours. The terrain includes steep sections and changing altitude.

How high does the trek go?

The route information gives a highest point of 4,620 meters above sea level, while the safety notes warn that the trek may pass above 4,800 meters. Prepare for very high altitude.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike, and lunch is provided after you return from the lakes. The meals are generally simple and filling.

Are the hot springs included in the price?

No. Entrance fees and the hot springs cost 30 soles. Extra expenses must be paid in cash with Peruvian soles.

Can I ride a horse instead of hiking?

Local horses may be available for an extra cost, usually around 120 to 130 soles based on recent use. The local tour partner does not manage the rental, so the horse arrangement is separate from the tour.