From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

The big draw here is the high-altitude scenery around Ausangate, Peru’s great snow-capped mountain. You’ll walk past bright alpine lakes, herds of alpacas, and wide Andean views, then finish with a hot-spring soak in Pacchanta.

I like two things especially: the $29 price includes transport, a guide, breakfast, lunch, and oxygen, and the route feels quieter than the better-known Humantay trek. The catch is serious altitude. This is a long, cold day above 4,600 meters, not a casual stroll.

• Ausangate at 6,384 meters: You get close views of one of the Andes’ most impressive peaks.
• Seven alpine lakes: The water and colors change with the light, weather, and altitude.
• About 13 kilometers on foot: Expect roughly four and a half hours of hiking over steep and uneven ground.
• Optional horses: You can arrange a horse locally if the altitude or walking becomes too much, for an extra charge.
• Pacchanta hot springs: A welcome soak follows lunch and the mountain route.
• Small-group guidance: Guides such as Kevin, Eduardo, Carlos, and Diana are praised for checking on walkers and adjusting their pace.

The real prize: Ausangate’s high lakes

This day trip takes you into the territory of Apu Ausangate, a sacred mountain rising to 6,384 meters. The mountain is more than a dramatic backdrop. In Andean culture, an apu is a powerful mountain spirit, and the area still feels tied to local traditions, herding, and the open high country.

You will not be walking through a polished park with paved paths and signs at every turn. The route crosses rough ground, steep slopes, and exposed stretches where cold wind can cut through your jacket. That raw quality is part of the appeal, but it also explains why this outing demands preparation.

The seven lakes are the main event. You will stop for views and photographs as the route passes several bodies of water, each shaped by the high mountain setting and changing weather. On a clear day, snow-covered Ausangate gives the scene a grand scale. On a cloudy or rainy day, the colors may be muted, but the area still has a wild, remote feel.

A 4 a.m. start from Cusco

Pickup begins around 4 to 4:30 a.m. from accommodation in Cusco’s historic center. The group pickup can take 30 to 45 minutes, so you may wait in the hotel lobby while the van collects other people. One practical complaint has been confusion over the pickup time, with some people being asked to wait before dawn and collected later than expected.

The drive to Pacchanta takes about three to three and a half hours. The road is rough in places, and the combination of early-morning travel, winding dirt roads, and increasing altitude can make some people feel sick before the hike even starts.

Bring altitude medicine if it is part of your normal travel plan, and do not treat this drive as wasted time. It is when your body begins adjusting to a much higher setting. Keep water and a small snack close by, but avoid carrying a large bag. Large luggage is not allowed, and a heavy day pack makes the uphill sections harder.

Breakfast in Pacchanta, then the first mountain views

Pacchanta is the starting point for the walking portion. Breakfast lasts about 30 minutes and gives you a chance to eat, buy water or snacks, and make any last-minute adjustments before setting off.

The meal is simple rather than fancy. Most people find it sufficient for the day, though one food complaint described the meal as cold and low quality. If you have a sensitive stomach or a long day ahead, bring a snack you trust. Water and extra food are not included, and cash in Peruvian soles is needed for purchases.

From Pacchanta, you get your first strong views of Ausangate. Take a few minutes to arrange your day pack, put on sunglasses, and check your layers. Morning temperatures in the area can range from 5 to 9°C, but the wind and altitude can make it feel colder.

Walking the seven lakes at extreme altitude

The route covers about 13 kilometers, or roughly eight miles, with around four and a half hours of hiking. The pace is described as comfortable, but the altitude changes what comfortable means. The highest point is listed at 4,620 meters, while the safety information warns that the trek can pass above 4,800 meters. Plan for very high altitude, not just a strenuous day hike.

You will cross varied ground and steep sections while the guide moves through the group to check on people. This setup works well for mixed abilities, but it means the guide may not be beside you every minute. Walk at your own pace, keep the person ahead of you in sight, and speak up early if you feel unwell.

Altitude sickness can appear as headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or trouble breathing. The van carries oxygen and the guide has a first-aid kit, but these are backups, not a substitute for taking the route seriously. The activity is not suitable for people with heart, respiratory, mobility, or serious back problems. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 120 kilograms.

The views reward patience. Several people finish feeling tired but proud, and that reaction makes sense. This is not a technical climbing route, but the cold, wind, thin air, and length can make an otherwise manageable incline feel demanding.

Horses can change the day

Horses are available locally for people who need help with the route. An extra charge of about 120 to 130 soles has been reported, and the horse rental is not managed by the tour provider. That means you should treat it as a local arrangement, not a guaranteed part of the booking.

A horse can be a sensible option if altitude affects you, especially on the uphill and return sections. One person with asthma and a heart condition managed the route by horse and still enjoyed the lakes, but that should not be read as medical clearance. If you have a heart or breathing condition, consult your doctor before booking.

You can also decide at the start that you will walk as much as possible and use a horse only if needed. Carry enough cash in soles, since extra expenses are cash-only.

Photo stops, alpacas, and the quiet side of Cusco

The route includes time at the seven-lake area for photographs. You will want to protect that time by walking efficiently between stops. One useful tactic is to stay near the front if you are comfortable with the pace. That gives you more quiet time at viewpoints and reduces the chance of feeling rushed while waiting for slower walkers.

The area is known for alpacas and llamas along the way. These animals add a local touch to the route, but remember that you are moving through working highland country rather than a staged attraction. Keep your distance and let the guide manage any close encounters.

Compared with Humantay Lake, this trip is longer and colder, but several people find it less crowded. That quieter feeling is one of the strongest reasons to choose Ausangate. You get more open space, more silence, and a greater sense of being far from Cusco.

Weather can change quickly. Clouds and rain may arrive, and the operator does not control those conditions. A cloudy day will not erase the experience, but it can reduce the contrast of the lakes and hide parts of Ausangate. Check the forecast and bring rain gear rather than assuming a dry morning will last all day.

Lunch and the Pacchanta hot springs

After returning to Pacchanta, you will have lunch for about 30 minutes. The food is generally basic and plentiful enough to refuel, though expectations should stay modest. Some meals are described as healthy and varied, while one report found the food cold and lacking flavor.

The hot springs are nearby and provide a welcome change after several hours in the cold. You will have about 30 minutes to swim and look toward the surrounding highlands. The water is not a side note. It is the part of the day that makes the return feel worthwhile, especially if your legs are tired.

The entrance fee for the hot springs and other required entrance charges is not included. The stated cost is 30 soles, payable in cash. Bring a towel only if you have room and the operator confirms one is not provided, since towel details are not specified.

What the $29 price really covers

At $29 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want transport and basic meals handled for you. Hotel pickup, a professional English or Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, a first-aid kit, oxygen, and drop-off near central Cusco are included.

You still need to budget for the 30-sol entrance and hot-spring fee, water, snacks, and any horse rental. Tips are not required by the information provided, but carry cash if you plan to give one. The overall cost remains modest for a full day with several hours of transport and guiding.

A private group is available if you want more control over the pace. A shared group can be better value, but pickup takes longer and walking speeds vary. The guide may need to wait for slower walkers, while faster people may find some photo stops brief.

Guides who make a difference

The strongest part of the service is the attention many guides give to individual walkers. Kevin is praised for helping with photographs and explaining local culture and history. Eduardo is noted for checking on everyone throughout the trek, and Carlos is described as patient with both average and slower walkers.

Other guides named during the season include Diana, Sebastian, Joseph, Inti, Waldri, Noe, Puma, Jonathan, and Juan. Names can change by departure, so you should not book expecting one particular person. The useful pattern is clear: guide quality matters here because altitude problems can develop quickly, and a guide who watches the group is worth having.

A guide cannot remove the physical challenge. You still need to monitor your own condition, drink water, and say when you need a break. But careful pacing, cultural information, and help with photos can turn a hard day into a rewarding one.

Packing for cold, wind, and thin air

Use a small day pack, not a suitcase or heavy backpack. Pack layers rather than one bulky coat so you can adjust as the temperature changes.

Bring:

• Warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves
• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Water and snacks
• Rain gear
• Sunglasses, which are required throughout the hike
• Comfortable clothing
• Personal altitude medicine if you use it

The sunglasses rule matters. Strong high-altitude light and wind can make your eyes uncomfortable, even on a cloudy day. Keep the glasses accessible rather than buried at the bottom of your bag.

Wear your warmest layers for the first part of the morning. You can remove a layer later, but starting cold at altitude is an avoidable mistake.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a demanding but manageable introduction to the Ausangate region without committing to a multiday trek. It suits fit hikers who are already acclimatized to Cusco and want dramatic mountain views, lakes, alpacas, and hot springs in one long day.

Families with older children may manage it, but the altitude and distance should be taken seriously. Two children aged 11 and 12 completed the hike, yet every child responds differently to thin air.

I would not choose it if you want a relaxed sightseeing day, dislike rough roads, or have heart, respiratory, mobility, or serious back concerns. Humantay may be shorter in some plans, but Ausangate is still a major physical outing.

Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lakes trek?

Book it if remote highland scenery and a real physical challenge appeal to you. The price is hard to fault, the seven lakes are beautiful, and the hot springs give the day a satisfying finish.

Skip it if your Cusco schedule does not allow time to adjust to altitude, or if you need a gentle excursion. For the best chance of enjoying it, pack light, carry soles, wear proper layers, expect a very early pickup, and be honest about your fitness. If you do that, this is one of the most rewarding low-cost day trips from Cusco.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour take?

The activity lasts one day. Pickup begins around 4 to 4:30 a.m., and return to Cusco is expected between 6 and 7 p.m.

How far is the drive from Cusco to Pacchanta?

The van ride takes about three to three and a half hours each way.

How long is the hike?

The trek covers approximately 13 kilometers, or about eight miles, with around four and a half hours of walking.

What is the highest altitude on the route?

The route information lists a high point of 4,620 meters, while the safety notice warns that you may trek above 4,800 meters. Prepare for extreme altitude.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike and lasts about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served in Pacchanta after the trek.

Are the hot springs included in the price?

No. Entrance fees and hot springs cost 30 soles and are not included.

Can I ride a horse during the trek?

Horse rentals may be available locally for an extra charge of about 120 to 130 soles. The tour provider does not manage these rentals.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides are available in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.