From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

Snow peaks, cold air, and hot springs. This one-day Ausangate trek is a fast hit of snowy Andes views, bright alpine lakes, and a calming soak afterward in Pacchanta. I love how it mixes an early start, a real hike with changing terrain, and then a warm reward at the end.

I also like the safety-minded feel: a professional guide, a first aid kit, and even an oxygen bottle along the way. One drawback to plan around is the altitude—this is not a casual stroll, and you’ll be trekking over 4,800 meters while the morning is cold.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This 7 Lakes Ausangate Day Trek

• Very early pickup from Cusco: expect pickup starting around 4:00–4:30 am so you can get to Pacchanta and start before conditions change.
• Big Andes energy without a multi-day slog: you’ll see Apu Ausangate views early, then work your way toward the high lagoons route.
• A hike that adjusts to you: the guide helps people at different speeds, so you’re not forced to sprint for every view.
• A horse can help on the hard parts: walking is the plan, but horse riding may be used—especially if altitude hits you harder than expected.
• Hot springs finish the day right: lunch first, then a Pacchanta hot springs soak with incredible surrounding views.
• Sunglasses are not optional: you’ll use them throughout the hike for sun glare at altitude.

Why the Ausangate Seven Lagoons Trek Feels Different From Other Day Trips

This trek targets the Ausangate area, where the mountains don’t just look big—they look present. You start with first views of Apu Ausangate, an impressive peak rising to 6,384 meters above sea level, and you’ll feel the altitude in your breathing from the jump.

The seven-lagoons idea matters because it’s not one photo stop and done. You’re moving through varied highland terrain and getting repeated views of the lakes along the way, so the day feels like a route, not a checklist.

It also tends to feel more natural than the super-famous Cusco day hikes. If you’re craving quiet time with wide skies, this longer walk and high-elevation setting usually give you that.

Early Morning Van to Pacchanta: Cold Starts, Big Rewards

Pickup is from the Centro Histórico area, starting around 4:00–4:30 am, and it can take 30 to 45 minutes to collect everyone. If you’re waiting early, bring patience and a warm layer ready to go—morning temps in the region are around 5–9°C.

The drive to Pacchanta takes about 3.5 hours. You’ll want to keep your layers on, because you go from Cusco light-dress mode to highland cold quickly. Plan for a bit of discomfort too: the dirt road isn’t in great shape, and that can make nausea or altitude feelings worse for some people.

Before you start the day, you stop for breakfast in Pacchanta (around 30 minutes). This is a practical meal moment, not a slow brunch. After that, you’ll get time to prep your day pack and settle in for the hike.

Getting Oriented: Ausangate Views and the Start of the Trek

Once you’re in Pacchanta, the day turns toward the mountains. You’ll take in your first strong views of Apu Ausangate before you begin the trek to the lakes.

From there, the plan is a hike at a comfortable pace with a small group and an attentive guide. Total trekking is roughly 13 kilometers (about 8 miles) and takes around 4.5 hours, with changing altitudes and terrain. The highest point of the trek reaches 4,620 meters (about 15,090 feet).

That number is the real headline. Even if you hike regularly, the air at this height changes how effort feels. Short steps, steady breathing, and listening to the guide matter more than speed.

The Hike to the First Lagoons: Terrain Changes, Views Keep Coming

The route isn’t one flat trail. It’s a steady mix of uphill and uneven ground that asks for balance and rhythm, not fitness bragging. You’ll pass different terrain sections while lake views show up in stages, so you’re not stuck looking at one direction for hours.

A nice part of this setup is pacing. Everyone walks at different speeds, and the guide works different parts of the group as needed. That’s helpful because the real danger at altitude isn’t only physical—it’s panic, rushing, and ignoring warning signs.

You’ll also feel the sun. That’s why sunglasses are mandatory. At altitude, glare bounces hard off the bright high ground, and it can make headaches and fatigue worse if you’re squinting.

If the weather shifts, don’t assume you’ll be out of luck. You may hike in cloudier or rainy conditions, depending on the day, but the route still delivers views when the skies open.

When Horse Riding Makes Sense on the Ausangate Route

You should know how this tour handles the altitude reality. The itinerary includes horse riding at points during the route, and the day is clearly designed with the option of riding helping people manage the toughest segments.

Some people choose to ride specifically because altitude can hit them faster than expected. Others use it as a way to enjoy the lakes more than wrestling the climb for every step. Either way, it’s smart to treat the horse as a tool, not a failure.

Important caution: if you rent a horse, the local partner doesn’t manage these rentals and won’t be involved in that process. So if this matters to you, ask your guide early how it’s handled that day and what you’ll need to do.

A practical tip: if you’re unsure, consider planning to walk first at your pace. If breathing worsens, you can decide later whether riding would help you keep the day enjoyable.

Photo Stops and Lake Time: How to Get the Best Views

The route includes a photo stop and time to take in lake views. The tricky part with any high-altitude trek is that you can’t always stop and stare for long. When you’re higher up, you feel the cold and fatigue faster, and the group has to keep moving for safety.

If you want more time for photos, watch where the group is. You’ll generally get more quiet moments when you’re not stuck at the back of a long line. Still, the guide doesn’t abandon slower hikers—you’re just the one who may feel rushed if the front keeps pulling away.

This is one area where your mindset matters. Bring your camera ready, but also accept that part of the experience is motion. The best views often arrive when you crested something and the lakes suddenly show up in front of you.

Lunch at Pacchanta and the Reset That Hot Springs Provide

After the trek, you head back to Pacchanta. Lunch is waiting there (about 30 minutes). This meal is there to refuel, warm you up, and get you ready for the final highlight.

Then comes the Pacchanta hot springs. Expect around 30 minutes for swimming and relaxing. This is not just a comfort stop. It’s also how you bring your body back down after hours at altitude and cold.

One key detail: entrance fees for the hot springs are not included, and you should budget 30 soles for access. If you’re planning to buy anything else on-site, remember that extra expenses during the trip need to be paid with cash in Peruvian soles.

And yes, the view from the springs matters. You’re soaking while highland scenery surrounds you, and that contrast—cold mountain air, warm water—makes the day feel earned.

Price and Value: What You’re Getting for Around $29

At about $29 per person, this tour is priced like a solid value day. You get hotel pickup, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and an oxygen bottle. You also get drop-off near central Cusco.

What you don’t get is the hot springs fee (30 soles) and any entrance fees that come up. It’s a small add-on compared with the day’s services, but it’s still something to plan for so you’re not scrambling with cash.

Where value really shows up is the combination: early transport + real hiking + meals + safety support. Many cheap tours cut corners on guidance or leave you on your own if altitude hits. Here, the inclusion of oxygen and first aid is a meaningful reassurance.

If you’re comparing options, think about what you’d have to pay separately: transport, guide time, and food at highland stops. This package generally makes that easier and cheaper.

What to Pack for This High-Altitude Day (and What Not to Bring)

You’ll be on the move early in the morning, trekking high, then cooling down and warming up again in hot springs. Pack for cold wind and quick changes.

Bring:

• Snacks and water
• Rain gear
• Hiking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable clothes, plus a warm layer you can access fast

The tour also specifically expects extra warmth. Plan on bringing an extra warm sweater or jacket, plus a hat and gloves.

Don’t bring:

• Luggage or large bags

This matters because you need your items manageable for the trek and because the vehicle and pickup routine works best with light loads.

Altitude Reality Check: How to Stay Comfortable Without Overselling It

This trek reaches over 4,800 meters, and that’s the line where your body needs time to adjust—even if you’ve already acclimatized in Cusco. You might feel it as breathlessness, headache, or fatigue.

Your best defense is boring: pace slower than you want, drink water, and follow the guide’s rhythm. If altitude tends to affect you, consider bringing personal medicine or altitude pills as recommended. And tell the guide early if you feel unwell.

It also helps that the day includes a first aid kit and an oxygen bottle. That doesn’t mean altitude risks disappear, but it does mean you’re not starting the day blind.

The dirt road and early schedule can worsen how you feel physically, so keep your expectations realistic. This is a tough trek, even when the pace is controlled.

Also, you should know the day may not be perfect weather. Cloudy or rainy conditions can happen, and you’ll still hike—so rain gear and warm layers aren’t optional.

Who This Trek Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great match if you want an authentic highland day and you’re okay with altitude and cold. It suits people who:

• Enjoy hiking but don’t need a long multi-day backpack trip
• Want repeated lake views, not just one quick stop
• Appreciate a guide who supports pacing and safety

It may not be the right fit if you have:

• Back problems
• Mobility impairments
• Heart problems
• Wheelchair needs
• Respiratory issues
• Weight over 264 lbs (120 kg)

If you’re on the edge health-wise, be honest. This route is demanding at altitude, and hot springs won’t erase that physical strain.

Guides, Group Feel, and the Small Details That Matter

The day runs with a small-group feel, and the guide is active throughout—watching safety and stepping in for people who need help. Names that have shown up with this tour include Diana, Kevin, Sebastian, Carlos, Eduardo, Joseph, Inti, Waldri, Noe, Jonathan, and Tony.

What stands out from that pattern is not just friendliness. It’s the practical style: check-ins, patience with different walking speeds, and help with getting photos at the right moments without falling behind.

Still, you should plan to adapt. The guide may keep moving in parts of the group, so don’t expect everyone to be in the exact same spot at every view.

That’s also why light bags matter. You’ll enjoy the day more if you’re not fighting a heavy pack while your breathing is already working.

Should You Book This 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek?

Book it if you want a one-day trip that feels real: high Andean terrain, multiple lake views, and a satisfying hot-springs finish. The price-to-inclusions ratio is strong, and the safety support (first aid kit and oxygen bottle) is a big plus.

Skip or rethink it if altitude and health risks make you nervous, especially if you have respiratory or heart issues. Also skip it if you need an easy, barrier-free day. The walk is part of the point, and the route gets high.

If you do book, go in ready: warm layers, rain gear, sunglasses, solid hiking shoes, water, and enough snacks to keep your energy steady. And choose your pace early. The views are there, but you’ll see them best when you’re calm enough to look up.

FAQ

What time is pickup from Cusco?

Pickup starts around 4:00–4:30 am. You may wait 30 to 45 minutes while the group is collected.

How long is the drive to Pacchanta?

The van ride is about 3.5 hours to Pacchanta.

How long is the trek?

The hike covers about 13 kilometers (around 8 miles) and takes around 4.5 hours in total.

What altitude will I reach?

You’ll trek over 4,800 meters above sea level, and the highest point of the trek is about 4,620 meters.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is included at Pacchanta, and lunch is included after you return from the trek.

Are the hot springs included?

Swimming in the hot springs is part of the schedule, but entrance fees are not included. Budget 30 soles.

Is horse riding included?

Horse riding appears in the itinerary, but the information also notes horse rental may involve extra arrangements. If you plan to rent a horse, ask your guide about how it works that day.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish and English.

What should I bring?

Bring snacks, water, rain gear, hiking shoes, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes plus extra warm layers (sweater or jacket, hat, gloves).

What are the restrictions and not allowed items?

You shouldn’t bring luggage or large bags. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and is also not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, or those over 264 lbs (120 kg).