Excursion to Ausangate & 7 lakes with Coca Ceremony |Private|

A long hike, a spiritual ritual, and real high-Andes views. This private Ausangate 7 Lagoons excursion brings you from Cusco to Pacchanta (around 4,200m) and then back the same day, with round-trip transfers and a calm, knowledgeable guide like Alex who sets the tone early. I love how the schedule gives you space to move at your own pace instead of feeling rushed.

The other thing I really like is the coca leaf ceremony at the first lagoon—something you can actively take part in while you’re already surrounded by the Andes, not tacked on as a quick photo stop. Then you keep hiking between lagoons (about 10 km total / roughly 5 hours) with wildlife and vegetation in the mix, and you’re rewarded at the end with a return to Pacchanta for hot springs time and lunch.

One consideration: you need moderate physical fitness for a high-altitude day with a 10 km hike and a long total outing (about 14.5 hours). If you’re sensitive to altitude or prefer shorter walks, this may feel like a lot.

Key things to know before you go

• Private means only your group: no mingling, and the pacing can match your comfort level.
• Oxygen and a first aid box are included: a reassuring safety layer at altitude (always follow your guide’s lead).
• Coca leaf ritual happens at the lagoons: not a staged performance, but a moment built into the route.
• Hot springs time after hiking: a real reset after the 10 km trek.
• Air-conditioned private vehicle: comfortable transport from Cusco with hotel pickup.
• A long day, but a clear plan: breakfast, lagoon hiking, lunch, then back to Cusco around 7 p.m.

From Cusco to Pacchanta: why the altitude start is part of the experience

The day begins with pickup from your Cusco accommodation, ideally within the historic center area. Your driver heads to Pacchanta, which sits at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range and is around 4,200m in elevation. That climb in altitude happens early, so even before you start hiking, you’re already experiencing the high-Andes environment up close.

This is one of the practical reasons I like choosing a private format here. You get round-trip logistics handled for you, using a private vehicle with air conditioning, and you don’t waste energy figuring out timing or connections. You’ll also return to Cusco later, around 7:00 p.m., and the tour ends back at the meeting point (Plaza Regocijo).

At this elevation, pacing matters. You’ll be hiking, yes, but the bigger issue for many people is going out too fast at the start. A good guide helps you slow down in the first hour so you can keep moving comfortably for the full loop of lagoons.

Ausangate 7 Lagoons: the hike rhythm (and where you’ll feel it)

The route is set up like two phases. First, you start with a hike of about 5 to 6 km, which brings you to the first lagoon. After that, the day continues with more lagoon-to-lagoon walking, and the total time on foot adds up to roughly 10 km and about 5 hours of hiking.

What makes this more than a generic trek is the fact that you’re not just walking to one viewpoint. You’re moving through a sequence of lagoons set in the Andes, with wildlife and vegetation along the way. That matters because the scenery changes as you go, and you get more moments to pause, look, and take photos rather than seeing everything in a single instant.

A private guide also means you can ask for micro-pauses without feeling like you’re holding everyone back. The pace is yours. If you need a slower climb over a steeper section, you can do that. If you’re feeling good, you still won’t be forced to run the trail.

A small but real detail: bring comfortable hiking shoes. You’re on a high-altitude trek, so footwear affects how confident you feel with each step. For photography, also make sure your camera is ready—this tour specifically flags that charging your camera ahead of time helps you catch the moments when the light hits the lagoons.

The coca leaf ceremony: how it fits into the day

One of the most talked-about moments of this excursion is the coca leaf ritual performed at the first lagoon. This is where the tour becomes more than scenery and miles.

In Pacchanta, after breakfast, you’ll head deep into the Andes Mountains. When you reach that first lagoon, your guide leads a coca leaf ceremony. You can participate by engaging in conversation and establishing a connection with Mother Earth, as the guide explains the meaning behind it.

I like this placement. Doing the ritual early in the trek makes it feel like part of the landscape and the journey, not an add-on after you’re already exhausted. It also gives you a mental shift: you stop thinking only about altitude and distance, and you start noticing what the guide wants you to notice—place, intention, and respect.

Also, a strong guide makes the difference. One review highlighted Alex as calm, polite, and extremely well-educated. That’s the type of person you want for a ceremony like this—someone who can keep the mood respectful and explain things in a way that feels clear.

Pacchanta hot springs and lunch: the payoff after hiking

After your lagoon route, you head back to Pacchanta. This is the recovery segment of the day, and it’s built into the schedule: you’ll have time to enjoy the hot springs, followed by a delicious lunch.

This part is worth taking seriously. A 14.5-hour day with a 10 km trek and high elevation is a lot to ask of your legs and breathing. The hot springs time helps you reset so you can enjoy the ride back rather than arriving at Cusco feeling wrecked.

One heads-up for planning: the tour information says admission tickets are free, but it also lists entrance as not included. Since hot springs can involve an entry fee depending on local arrangements, I’d treat this as a question to confirm before you go—so you don’t get surprised on arrival.

Private vehicle comfort: what you gain with “only your group”

The tour is labeled private, and that’s not just marketing fluff. It affects everything from timing to comfort.

You’ll travel in a private vehicle with air conditioning, and you’ll get pick up from your hotel in Cusco (preferably the historic center). That’s helpful if you’d rather not coordinate with a larger group or search for a meet-up point that’s farther from your lodging.

Private also means your guide can tailor the rhythm. Since the route includes a first segment of 5 to 6 km and then additional walking to make the full 10 km, the pacing really matters. Your group can slow down if needed, and the guide can keep you aware of what’s coming next.

It’s also practical for families or friends traveling together who want a shared experience without constant group logistics. You won’t be negotiating shoe speed or photo stops with strangers.

Safety and altitude support: oxygen plus first aid

High altitude days always make me think about one thing first: support if you start feeling off. This excursion includes a first aid box and oxygen, which is exactly the kind of preparation that matters when you’re starting around 4,200m.

That doesn’t mean you can ignore your body. It means the tour is set up with contingency in mind. Use that oxygen calmly if the guide recommends it, and follow pacing instructions without trying to prove anything. If you’ve never hiked at elevation, assume you’ll need more time than you expect to feel steady.

The moderate physical fitness note is also important. This is not a flat, easy walk. Even if you’re comfortable hiking at lower elevations, the altitude can change your effort level quickly. Plan for a day where slow and steady wins.

What to pack and how to prep without overthinking it

The tour asks for comfy hiking shoes and encourages you to have your camera charged. Beyond that, here’s how I’d prep based on what the day demands.

Pack around the fact that you’ll be walking for about 5 hours total, with a long overall schedule of about 14 hours 30 minutes. Dress in layers you can adjust as you climb, because your body will warm up while you hike and then cool down again while you pause by lagoons. Bring a light, practical day bag so you can keep your hands free.

If you’re worried about altitude, it helps to keep your day simple: hydrate, move slowly at the start, and don’t treat this as a speed challenge. A private guide will often help you find that sweet spot between forward motion and conserving energy.

Finally, because the ritual is part of the experience, be ready to listen. This isn’t a sit-and-watch moment only. You can participate in conversation during the coca leaf ceremony. If you’re comfortable asking questions, now’s the time.

Price and value: is $108 worth it?

At $108 per person, this private day trip can be a strong value when you look at what’s included. You’re paying for a lot of the hard work of a high-altitude excursion: hotel pickup, round-trip transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle, a professional private guide, breakfast, lunch, and safety support like oxygen and a first aid box.

Then there’s the experience content that’s harder to quantify: the coca leaf ceremony at the lagoons, the sequence of lagoons over about 10 km of hiking, and the recovery segment with hot springs time.

If you’ve ever tried to piece together a similar high-altitude trek on your own, you know the hidden costs are often time, coordination stress, and missing safety planning. Here, those pieces are already handled.

The one place value can dip is if extra entrance fees come up (especially since entrance is listed as not included, while admission is said to be free). That’s not a reason not to book—it’s a reason to confirm what you’ll need to pay on-site.

Also, this trip is popular enough that it’s often booked about 56 days in advance. If you’re traveling in a busy season, locking in your dates earlier is smart.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great fit if you want a high-Andes day that mixes walking, dramatic views, and a cultural/spiritual moment. I think it’s ideal for:

• People with moderate hiking fitness who can handle a 10 km trek over roughly 5 hours
• Travelers who like a private pace instead of a fixed group rhythm
• Anyone open to participating in the coca leaf ceremony
• Friends or couples who want a guided day with safety support (oxygen included) and simple logistics

It might be less ideal for you if you dislike long days or if altitude hits you hard. The hike is scheduled, and the tour is about making it happen safely—so choose based on how you handle elevation.

Should you book Ausangate and Seven Lagoons with Coca Ceremony (Private)?

If you’re excited by lagoons in the Ausangate area, want a guide-led cultural moment, and you prefer the comfort and pacing of a private tour, this is an easy yes from me to consider. The practical inclusions—private air-conditioned transport, oxygen, first aid, breakfast and lunch—make the day feel more manageable, even though it’s physically demanding.

The decision comes down to one question: can you handle altitude and a 10 km hike? If yes, you’ll likely love the combination of moving through the lagoon chain, taking in the wildlife and vegetation, and ending with hot springs time in Pacchanta.

Just do one thing before you go: confirm what entrance fees might apply, since the info shows a possible mismatch between admission and entrance.

If you match the fitness level and you’re curious about the coca ceremony, book it with confidence.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Ausangate and Seven Lagoons private excursion?

It runs about 14 hours 30 minutes in total, with a schedule that brings you back to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

Where does pickup happen in Cusco?

The tour includes pickup from your accommodation, preferably within the historic center of Cusco. The meeting point listed is Plaza RegocijoF2M9+5X2, and the activity ends back at that meeting point.

How much hiking is involved?

You’ll start with a hike of about 5 to 6 km to the first lagoon, then continue for a total of about 10 km of hiking (about 5 hours of hiking time).

Is the coca leaf ritual included, and can I participate?

Yes. Your guide performs a coca leaf ritual at the first lagoon, and you can participate by taking part in the conversation and establishing a connection with Mother Earth.

Is this tour private or shared?

It’s private. Only your group will participate, so you’re not mixing with other travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a private vehicle with air conditioning, a professional private guide, hotel pickup, a first aid box, oxygen, breakfast, and lunch.

Are there any entrance fees?

Entrance is listed as not included. The information also mentions admission as free, so if you’re budgeting, it’s smart to ask what fees apply on-site.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour notes that travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What should I bring for the hike?

The tour highlights wearing comfy hiking shoes. It’s also a good idea to have your camera charged for photo opportunities.

Do I need to worry about altitude safety?

Oxygen and a first aid box are included, and the tour starts in the Pacchanta area around 4,200 meters—so go at a steady pace and follow your guide’s instructions.