From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

Ausangate’s seven high-altitude lakes make this one of Cusco’s most striking day trips. The route gives you snow-capped Apu Ausangate, wide Andes views, alpacas and llamas along the way, and a proper soak at Pacchanta when your legs have had enough.

I like the good value: at $29, you get hotel pickup, a guide, breakfast, lunch, safety equipment, and a drop-off near central Cusco. I also like that the guide normally lets people move at different speeds, with names such as Kevin, Eduardo, Carlos, and Inti praised for patient support. The catch is simple: this is a hard day at serious altitude, and the long, rough drive can leave you tired before the hike begins.

Key points to know before booking

• The route reaches very high altitude: Expect a high point around 4,620 meters, with trip information also warning that the trek can pass above 4,800 meters.
• You hike about 13 kilometers: The full outing takes around 4.5 hours on foot, over steep and changing ground.
• Breakfast and lunch are included: Meals are basic but filling overall, though food quality can vary.
• Pacchanta hot springs finish the day: Bring 30 soles in cash for entry fees and the springs.
• Horse support costs extra: Horses may help if altitude or fatigue becomes too much, usually for about 120 to 130 soles, paid directly to the local provider.
• The road is part of the challenge: The drive from Cusco takes roughly three to three and a half hours each way on a rough dirt road.

Why Ausangate feels different from Humantay

If you have already looked at the Humantay Lake trip, Ausangate offers a different kind of day. Humantay is famous for one dramatic destination. Here, you spend hours moving through a high Andean setting, with several lakes appearing across open slopes and mountain passes.

The route is not a quiet stroll. You’ll climb and descend over about 13 kilometers, and the air becomes thin well before the highest point. Still, the walking is often described as less sharply steep than Humantay, even though it lasts longer and can feel colder and windier.

I especially like the sense of space. The area is not presented as a packed sightseeing stop, and some departures have enjoyed long stretches with very few other groups nearby. That matters here. The views are broad, and silence becomes part of the experience.

You may also see llamas and alpacas beside the trail. They are not a planned attraction, but they add a pleasant local touch to a day otherwise focused on peaks, water, rock, and sky.

The 4 a.m. start and the road to Pacchanta

Pickup from central Cusco accommodation is scheduled around 4 to 4:30 a.m. The exact process can take longer because the van collects people from several hotels. You might be asked to wait in the lobby well before sunrise, and pickup can take 30 to 45 minutes while the group comes together.

That early start is tiring, but it gives you enough daylight for the lakes and helps the tour return to Cusco between 6 and 7 p.m. The vehicle ride takes about three hours, sometimes three and a half, each way.

The road is not smooth. Expect a rough dirt section, and remember that a long ride on a winding highland road can worsen altitude sickness. If you know you need personal medicine or altitude pills, bring them. The tour carries an oxygen bottle and first aid kit, but those are backups, not a replacement for your own preparation.

Morning temperatures in the area can sit around 5 to 9°C. Pack a warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves in your day pack. Rain gear is also sensible because mountain weather can change quickly, and the local operator does not control weather conditions.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the climb

Pacchanta is the practical starting point. After the drive, you stop for about 30 minutes for breakfast and a chance to buy forgotten basics such as water or snacks.

Do not treat this as a late breakfast stop where you can replace all your preparation. Bring water with you from Cusco if possible, and carry snacks for the trail. The included meal is generally simple and sufficient, but one meal will not remove the need to drink and eat during a high-altitude hike.

This is also your moment to sort your day pack. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack light. A small bag with water, snacks, rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen if you use it, and warm layers is the right approach.

Your first views of Apu Ausangate appear around Pacchanta. At 6,384 meters, the snow-capped mountain gives the outing its scale. Take a few minutes here to check your clothing and breathing before setting off. It is easier to add a layer at the village than halfway up the trail.

Hiking toward the seven lakes

The walking section covers changing ground and reaches a high point listed at about 4,620 meters. The trip information also warns you to be ready for heights above 4,800 meters, so you should prepare for very thin air rather than relying on the lower figure alone.

The exact order and appearance of the lakes can depend on weather, pace, and the route used that day. The important point is that the hike gives you repeated lake views rather than one quick photo stop. Water, snow, dark rock, grass, and the Ausangate range create a constantly changing scene.

At this altitude, distance can be deceptive. A slope that looks short from below may require slow, steady steps. You do not need to race. The guide may move between sections of the group, checking on people and helping those who are struggling.

That flexible pacing is one of the tour’s strongest features, though it has a trade-off. If you are walking near the back, the group may pause for others, and you might get less time than expected at certain viewpoints. If photographing and taking in the views matter most to you, try to stay near the front when you can, without pushing beyond a safe pace.

Sunglasses are mandatory throughout the hike. At high altitude, strong light and glare can be uncomfortable even on a cool or cloudy day. Wear proper hiking shoes, not casual trainers, and keep rain gear within reach.

The difficulty: cold, thin air, and 13 kilometers

You should think of this as a demanding mountain trek, not a relaxed sightseeing walk. The altitude is the main issue, but cold, wind, steep sections, and the total distance all add up.

People who are fit at sea level can still find this hard. Reviews include a range of experiences: some participants completed the route comfortably, while others struggled with breathing or needed a horse. One participant with asthma and a cardiac problem chose a horse for the route and still found the day difficult.

The tour is specifically unsuitable for people with back, heart, respiratory, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, and anyone over 120 kilograms. That restriction is worth taking seriously. If you have a medical condition, get personal medical advice before booking rather than assuming the guide can solve every problem on the trail.

The guide carries oxygen, and several guides have been praised for checking on people throughout the day. That support is valuable, but you should still tell the guide early if you feel unwell. Do not wait until symptoms become severe.

Horses are a useful backup, not a free inclusion

Horse rentals can change the day for someone who is struggling. They are especially useful on the steepest sections or when altitude sickness makes walking unsafe or unpleasant. A horse can also help if you are not accustomed to high altitude, as one participant specifically advised.

The cost is extra, generally around 120 to 130 soles based on the reported experiences. Bring cash in Peruvian soles, since entrance fees, water, souvenirs, and horse arrangements require cash.

There is an important practical detail here: the local tour partner does not manage the horse rentals and is not involved in that transaction. If you decide to rent one, clarify the price and arrangement directly with the local horse provider.

I would not book this trip assuming a horse guarantees an easy day. Riding still takes place at high altitude, in cold conditions, over rough ground. It is a useful option, but not a substitute for assessing your health and stamina.

The guides make a real difference

The guide can shape this day more than the included meal or the van. The best reports describe guides who check on the group, explain local culture, help with photos, and wait for slower walkers.

Kevin received especially strong praise for helping throughout the day and adding cultural and historical context. Eduardo was repeatedly valued for checking on everyone and keeping the group comfortable. Carlos was described as cheerful and patient, while Inti took particular care of someone who was unwell. Other named guides include Diana, Sebastian, Joseph, Waldri, Noe, Puma, Jonathan, and Juan.

You are not guaranteed a particular guide, but the pattern is useful. This is a group trek, and the guide may be in different parts of the route rather than beside you every minute. Keep communicating clearly, especially if your breathing, balance, or energy changes.

Private groups are available if you prefer more control over pace and stops. The standard setup is better for keeping the cost low, but a private departure may suit a family or small group with mixed ability.

Lunch and the Pacchanta hot springs

After returning to Pacchanta, you get lunch before the hot springs. Meals are described as basic but generally plentiful, with some people calling them healthy and diverse enough for the day. One report found the food cold and low quality, so keep expectations practical rather than treating lunch as a highlight.

The meal matters because the hike uses a lot of energy. You will appreciate having food ready rather than searching for a restaurant after several hours on the trail. Still, pack a snack in case you need something during the hike or do not enjoy the meal.

The nearby hot springs are the right ending for tired legs. You can soak for about 30 minutes while looking out at the highlands. It is not a long spa visit, but the warm water provides a welcome contrast to the cold trail.

Entry to the hot springs and other entrance fees are not included. The listed extra is 30 soles, payable in cash. Keep that money separate so you are not caught short after the hike.

Value at $29, and the costs to add

At $29 per person, this is a strong deal if you want a full day outside Cusco. Hotel pickup, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, first aid equipment, an oxygen bottle, and a return drop-off are included.

The low price becomes less simple once you add the 30 soles for entrance and hot springs, plus water, snacks, and any horse rental. Even so, the transport alone covers a long round trip, and the route offers a full mountain day rather than a short viewpoint visit.

The main value is not luxury. The van ride can be long, food is straightforward, and the road is rough. You are paying for access to a remote high-altitude area, guiding, meals, and the chance to see several lakes in one day without arranging the logistics yourself.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve without paying immediately make the booking less rigid. Check the available departure time carefully, since pickup timing can vary.

What to pack for a safer, better day

Keep your bag small and light. Large luggage is not allowed, and every extra kilogram becomes noticeable above 4,000 meters.

Bring:

• Water and snacks
• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves
• Rain gear
• Sunglasses, which are required
• Comfortable hiking clothes
• Personal medication, including altitude medication if recommended for you

Do not rely on Cusco’s weather when choosing your date. Pacchanta can be colder, windier, wetter, and less predictable. Check conditions before you go and be ready for the possibility that clouds or rain will reduce visibility.

Who should book this Ausangate day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want dramatic mountain scenery, can manage a long day, and are prepared for high altitude. It suits people who prefer several scenic stops and a physical challenge over an easy coach excursion.

It also works well for families with older children who are comfortable hiking. One family completed the route with children aged 11 and 12, though every child responds differently to altitude.

I would be cautious if you have just arrived in Cusco and have not adjusted to the altitude. I would also avoid it if you have heart, respiratory, back, or mobility problems, or if you dislike cold, rough roads, and early starts.

Should you book the seven lakes trek?

Book it if the idea of standing among Ausangate’s snow-covered peaks, walking past seven alpine lakes, and soaking in Pacchanta afterward sounds worth a hard day. The scenery is the clear reason to go, and the combination of included meals, guiding, transport, and a $29 base price gives the trip excellent value.

Skip it if you want a gentle outing, polished roads, guaranteed warm weather, or plenty of time at each viewpoint. The altitude is serious, the hike is tiring, and the schedule can feel brisk for slower walkers.

My practical choice would be to book on a clear-weather day, arrive in Cusco with some time to adjust, carry only a light pack, and keep enough soles for the hot springs and a horse. Prepared that way, you get one of the more memorable high-mountain days available from Cusco without paying for a multi-day expedition.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate seven lakes tour last?

It is a one-day experience. Pickup begins around 4 to 4:30 a.m., and arrival back in Cusco is expected between 6 and 7 p.m.

How far is the hike?

The full hike covers approximately 13 kilometers, or about 8 miles, and takes around 4.5 hours on foot.

How high does the trek go?

The highest listed point is about 4,620 meters above sea level. The tour information also warns you to be prepared for trekking above 4,800 meters.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup from accommodation in Cusco is included. You should wait in the hotel lobby, and collecting the whole group can take 30 to 45 minutes.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike, and lunch is provided after returning from the lakes.

Are the hot springs included in the price?

No. Entrance fees and the hot springs cost 30 soles, payable in cash.

Can I rent a horse?

Horse rental may be available for an additional cost, reported at about 120 to 130 soles. The local tour partner does not manage the rental, so you arrange and pay for it separately.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides are available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring water, snacks, rain gear, hiking shoes, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and an extra warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility or health problems?

No. It is not suitable for people with back, heart, respiratory, or mobility problems, wheelchair users, or people over 120 kilograms.