REVIEW · CUSCO
Full-Day Tour to Ausangate 7 Lakes
Book on Viator →Operated by Viagens Machu Picchu · Bookable on Viator
There is a special kind of quiet up at Ausangate. This full-day trek from Cusco to the 7 lagoons is built around big views, high altitude, and a small-group feel, with Andean food waiting after the hike.
Two things I really like: the day includes breakfast and lunch, so you’re not hunting for food while you’re coping with the cold. And the route is paired with a bilingual guide who keeps you moving at a realistic pace.
One consideration: this is not a casual stroll. You’ll be walking above 4,000 meters, so intermediate fitness and some altitude adaptation matter.
In This Review
- Key points that make this tour worth your time
- 4:00 a.m. pickup and the road to Pajchanta
- Breakfast in Pajchanta: warming up before the effort
- The Ausangate 7 Lagoons hike: what 4 hours feels like at altitude
- Spiritual touches and ceremonies you might experience
- Optional horseback ride: when you want the lagoons, not the punishment
- Returning to Pacchanta: Andean lunch and time to reset
- Bathrooms, cold, and the small discomforts you should plan for
- Guides and drivers: what makes the day feel smooth
- Price and logistics: value for $69
- Weather and timing: how to think about the risk
- Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)
- Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lakes full-day trek?
- FAQ
- What time does the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour start?
- How long is the tour?
- Do I need moderate physical fitness?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are hot springs included?
- Is the horseback ride included?
- What language is the guide?
- How many people are in the group?
- Is this tour affected by weather?
Key points that make this tour worth your time
- 4:00 a.m. start means you’re on the trail before the day gets busy and warmer.
- Seven lagoon route with a guide focused on pacing and explanation as you climb.
- Meals included: breakfast at Pajchanta and Andean lunch after the hike.
- Small group (max 17) plus private transport keeps things organized.
- Optional hot springs in Pacchanta let you recover without turning the day into a sit-around.
- Optional horseback ride is available if your legs start arguing with the altitude (extra cost).
4:00 a.m. pickup and the road to Pajchanta
The day starts early—really early—with pickup from your accommodation around 4:00 a.m. That’s not just for show. You’ll drive roughly 3.5 hours toward Pajchanta/Pacchanta, and the timing helps you catch sunrise and cooler, clearer conditions.
Even if you’re used to Cusco, this morning-to-high-altitude swing is a shock for many people. Dress for cold first, style later: warm layers, gloves, and a hat are your best friends on the way up. The tour also asks you to come ready at the scheduled time, because the whole itinerary is built around that early departure.
The upside of the early start is simple: you get a calmer ride and a better chance at steady visibility when you reach the trekking area.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco
Breakfast in Pajchanta: warming up before the effort
Once you reach Pajchanta, you’ll stop for breakfast before the hike. The goal here is practical: add calories, warm up, and give your body a moment to adjust before you start walking at altitude.
This is also where your gear matters. If you arrive feeling underdressed, the cold can turn the first part of the trek into a grind. Bring what keeps you comfortable in wind and near-freezing temperatures, especially if you tend to run cold.
After breakfast, you’re set up for the main event: the circuit toward the 7 lagoons.
The Ausangate 7 Lagoons hike: what 4 hours feels like at altitude
The core walking segment is built around visiting the lagoons on the Ausangate route. The tour description frames it as about 3.5 hours to visit the lagoons on the way up, and the hike segment totals around 4 hours before you return toward Pajchanta.
What makes this hike special isn’t just that the scenery looks impressive on a screen. It’s the way the lakes change as you move—color shifts, air gets thinner, and the whole area feels intensely remote. In the best moments, it feels peaceful rather than rushed.
Pacing matters a lot here. One review notes the paths aren’t too steep, and that the hike can feel easier if you’re acclimated. If you’re not acclimated yet, treat the first hour like a warm-up, not a race.
Altitude reality check: you’ll be well above 4,000 meters, and one review specifically mentions walking around 4,800 meters. If you have any heart or breathing concerns, this is the kind of trek you should think twice about. Even if you’re fit, altitude can be the boss.
Spiritual touches and ceremonies you might experience
One of the more memorable elements described in the feedback is cultural respect tied to the mountain. Some groups report doing a Quechua ceremony, which adds meaning beyond the walking.
It’s also clear the guides aim to keep things grounded. You’re not just being pointed at a view; you’re learning the local way of relating to nature, plus practical guidance on how to move carefully at altitude.
That matters because the better the guide, the less scary altitude feels. When the guide is tuned in—checking how you’re doing, adjusting the pace, and explaining what you’re seeing—the day feels safer and more personal.
Optional horseback ride: when you want the lagoons, not the punishment
The tour offers an optional horseback ride you can arrange for extra help on the route. It’s listed as roughly 80 soles (about $22), paid directly to the villagers.
This option is a smart compromise if you want the experience but your body is tired or altitude is slowing you down. It can turn the hike from hard to doable without skipping the highlights.
Just know this isn’t included in the base price. If you think you might need it, plan for the extra cost and ask early so you’re not negotiating mid-day.
Returning to Pacchanta: Andean lunch and time to reset
After the lagoon section, you return to the small town of Pacchanta to rest and recover before the next part of the day. Then comes the part that makes the hike feel like a full experience: a restaurant meal with Andean food.
This lunch isn’t just an afterthought. Food helps you bounce back from the cold, and it gives you a calmer hour before the drive back to Cusco. You’re also still at altitude, so eating well helps with energy and mood.
If you want to relax, Pacchanta also offers hot springs. The soak is optional, and if you don’t want it, you get free time to explore the village area at your own pace. Think of it as a recovery lever: use it if your legs feel like stone.
Bathrooms, cold, and the small discomforts you should plan for
Let’s talk about the unglamorous stuff. One review mentions the WC structure can feel precarious, pointing out that the basics are tied to local living conditions rather than the tour operator. In practical terms: don’t expect resort-level facilities.
Also, remember the cold doesn’t wait for you. Even if the hike warms you up, the wind and early start can cool you fast on breaks and during the drive. Your best protection is layering.
Altitude will also affect your comfort. If you get headaches, nausea, or unusual fatigue, don’t push through because your tour group expects it. Stop, tell your guide, and take it seriously. One review notes a guide using oxygen if someone needed it, which tells you the staff is paying attention to safety, not just the schedule.
Guides and drivers: what makes the day feel smooth
This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 17 travelers, and that’s a big deal on a day like this. Less chaos means the guide can spend real time with you—especially when conditions change.
The feedback highlights specific guides and their style:
- Ernesto/Ernest is described as friendly, flexible, and detailed with explanations.
- Milton is praised for supportive, end-to-end care and punctuality.
- Roberto shows up repeatedly for attentiveness, picture-taking, and checking on comfort at altitude.
- Juan is noted as attentive and humorous, making the intense altitude feel easier.
- Jehomar is mentioned as caring and available.
- Drivers like Julio are also praised for efficiency and politeness.
When guides act like your partner on the day—rather than just a narrator—your experience improves fast. You’ll feel it in the pacing, the comfort check-ins, and the small choices that make the route feel less stressful.
Price and logistics: value for $69
At $69 per person for a full day, this tour stacks value in the spots that usually cost you extra. You get private transportation, a professional bilingual guide, plus breakfast and lunch included.
That matters because early mountain days often force you to buy food on the run. Here, you’re fed twice, and you’re not left guessing where to eat while you’re already tired and cold.
What’s not included is also straightforward:
- Alcoholic beverages aren’t included.
- Horseback ride is optional and extra.
- Meals or drinks beyond breakfast and lunch aren’t listed as included.
So the real question becomes: is $69 reasonable for your risk tolerance and your fitness level? If you’re comfortable walking at altitude and you want an organized day with meals and transport handled, it’s good value. If you’re unsure you’ll handle the altitude, you may end up paying extra (like the horse) or feeling miserable.
Weather and timing: how to think about the risk
This experience depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you should expect a different date or a full refund.
Altitude hikes are sensitive to visibility and trail conditions. That’s why the tour leaves early and keeps the schedule tight. If the day turns weather-rough, the safe move is to reschedule rather than force it.
Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)
This works best for you if you like:
- High-altitude walking and want the Ausangate region in one day
- A guide who explains what you’re seeing and keeps an eye on how you’re feeling
- A plan that includes meals and transport, not just a meeting point
It may not be your best idea if:
- You’re not comfortable above 4,000 meters
- You have cardiological restrictions or significant altitude sensitivity
- You expect a gentle, flat outing
It’s also a great fit for couples or small groups who want a calmer feel. The max 17 travelers helps a lot.
Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lakes full-day trek?
If you’re reasonably fit, open to cold mornings, and you respect altitude, I’d say yes. This is the kind of trek that gives real payoff: seven lagoons, glacier views, cultural context, and a proper lunch/breakfast plan so you can focus on the hike instead of logistics.
Book it if you want an organized route with bilingual guiding, private transport, and optional extras like hot springs or horseback support. Skip it—or ask deeper questions first—if altitude worries you or if walking above 4,000 meters feels like a gamble.
In short: this tour is for people who want nature first, comfort second, and who are ready to take the mountain seriously.
FAQ
What time does the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour start?
The start time is listed as 4:00 a.m.
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 15 hours (approx.).
Do I need moderate physical fitness?
Yes. The tour notes travelers should have moderate physical fitness.
What’s included in the price?
Included are private transportation, a professional bilingual guide (Spanish or English), breakfast, and lunch.
Are hot springs included?
No. Hot springs in Pacchanta are optional. If you choose not to do it, you’ll have free time to explore.
Is the horseback ride included?
No. The horseback ride is optional and is about 80 soles (paid directly to the villagers).
What language is the guide?
The guide is professional and bilingual, in Spanish or English.
How many people are in the group?
The tour has a maximum of 17 travelers.
Is this tour affected by weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
