Full-Day Tour to Ausangate 7 Lakes

Start at 4 a.m., and the day feels like a movie. This Ausangate 7 Lakes trek is worth it for the early sunrise drive to Pacchanta and the chance to see multiple lagoon stops with glacier views nearby; it also comes with breakfast and lunch plus a bilingual guide. One real drawback to plan for: it’s not a casual walk, and you’ll be trekking at very high altitude where fatigue can hit hard.

I like how this tour keeps things simple: pick-up from your Cusco hotel, shared guiding that actually checks in on comfort, and a clear day rhythm that mixes hiking with warmth and food. The experience also seems to depend a bit on who’s leading it—guides like Ernesto, Milton, Roberto, Jehomar, Juan, and Julio are all named in feedback—and that can affect pacing, explanations, and how smoothly the day runs.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• 4:00 a.m. start: you’re already moving while Cusco is still waking up
• 7 lagoons in one run: multiple viewpoints without needing to piece together routes
• Bilingual guiding (Spanish/English): you can get real context, not just directions
• Andean breakfast and lunch included: fewer food hassles at altitude
• Optional hot springs + optional horse: you can choose how hard you want the day to feel
• Small group (max 17): easier conversation and less chaos on the trail

The 4:00 a.m. ride: Cusco to Pacchanta in time for sunrise

This tour starts early—your day begins with pick-up around 4:00 a.m. That timing matters. You’re far more likely to catch that crisp, calm light before clouds move in, and the road scenery starts looking dramatic as the sun comes up. The drive takes about 3.5 hours to reach Pacchanta, so you’ll want to be ready at the scheduled time and dressed for cold.

One practical note: at this altitude, “cold” can feel sharper than you expect, especially if the wind picks up. The tour is explicit about bringing cold weather gear, and I agree. Layering beats one bulky jacket because you’ll warm up during stops and then cool down again on the trail.

Breakfast in Pajchanta: warming up before the hike

Once you arrive near Pajchanta, you’ll pause for breakfast. It’s listed as about 4 hours for this early block, and that’s not just stretching time—it’s your buffer to get energy in and let your body start adjusting.

This stop is also a good mental reset. You’re going from a long van ride into a high-altitude trekking day, so take the chance to:

• eat something steady (breakfast is included)
• drink water if you can
• slow down your breathing before the first big push

If you’ve acclimated well, the trail can feel manageable. If you haven’t, this is where your body decides the pace.

The Ausangate trek: seeing the 7 lagoons (and why it feels special)

The main event is the Ausangate trek, where you spend about 3.5 hours visiting the lagoons on the way up. This is where the tour earns its name. Instead of one big photo spot, you get repeated views—each lagoon has its own look, and the changing angles keep the hike feeling active rather than monotonous.

From the feedback, the views are a big reason people remember the day. One review also mentioned the walk being about 17 km, with the option to go by horse if you want to cut effort. That combination—distance plus elevation—explains why this tour is a favorite for people who like a solid challenge, but it also explains the “not for everyone” part.

Altitude reality check (the one consideration you should not ignore)

The tour says you should have moderate physical fitness. Reviews add the context that this trekking happens at high altitude (around 4,800 meters was mentioned). That means you can feel it even if you’re an experienced hiker—so plan for slower steps, more frequent pauses, and a patient attitude toward breath and legs.

If you have a heart condition or get winded easily at altitude, this is exactly the kind of day you should think twice about. Even guides who are great at pacing can only do so much if your body isn’t coping.

Back to Pacchanta for Andean food, rest, and optional hot springs

After the lagoon section, you return to Pacchanta to rest before heading back toward Cusco. Then you’ll stop at a restaurant for a delicious Andean food meal—lunch is included.

This is one of my favorite parts of the tour format. You’re not just hiking and hoping you find something edible later. Food is part of the plan, which matters when you’re high on energy early and then tired later.

Optional hot springs: choose recovery or extra time

If you want, you can take a bath in the hot springs of Pacchanta. It’s optional, and if you don’t want to do it, you’ll have free time to explore the village area around you.

If you’re the type who likes to “earn” recovery, the hot springs can feel like a reward. If you’re cautious about cold water after a long day, use your judgment. Nothing here is required.

The guides: what makes the difference on a day like this

Because this is a long, early, high-altitude trek, the guide quality matters more than usual. In the feedback, names pop up again and again—Ernesto, Milton, Roberto, Jehomar, Juan, and Julio—and they’re repeatedly described as attentive, flexible, and willing to explain what’s going on around you.

A standout practical detail from one review: Roberto was reported to bring oxygen and check on how someone was feeling. That’s not something you should count on blindly, but it does suggest at least some operators train for altitude discomfort. If altitude concerns you, ask your tour operator directly whether oxygen is carried and how they handle emergencies.

Also, one group mentioned a Quechua ceremony as part of the experience. The formal itinerary doesn’t spell that out here, so if that’s important to you, ask in advance whether your departure includes anything cultural like that.

Horseback option: how to tailor the day to your body

A horseback ride is listed as optional, with an approximate cost of 80 soles (about $22 USD) paid directly to the villagers.

This is a smart option to consider if you love the idea of the lagoons but know your legs might not cooperate after the altitude day. It can also help if you’re with mixed fitness levels. The key is managing expectations: it can reduce physical strain, but you’ll still be experiencing a high-altitude environment for most of the day.

Group size and pacing: what “max 17” changes

With a maximum of 17 travelers, this doesn’t feel like a cattle-car hike. You should get a bit more flexibility, more chances to ask questions, and fewer bottlenecks at stopping points.

It also helps with comfort. When people are winded (and many will be), a smaller group tends to keep the trail moving without long delays. That matters when your day ends with a return drive and you arrive back in Cusco around 6:30 pm.

Value and price: $69 for a full day that actually covers the basics

At $69 per person, the value comes from the package, not from any one feature. You’re getting:

• private transportation
• a professional bilingual guide (Spanish or English)
• breakfast and lunch
• a structured schedule that takes you from Cusco out to Pacchanta and back

For a full day (about 15 hours), $69 is not cheap-budget, but it’s also not inflated for what’s included. Where you might feel extra costs is on the optional parts: the horse ride and any drinks or snacks beyond the included meals. If you’re trying to keep the day simple, stick to what’s included and pack water and snacks you trust.

Practical packing tips that match the day you’ll face

This tour’s biggest challenges aren’t tricky navigation. They’re cold, altitude, and time. Pack like you’re planning for a long outdoor day with early darkness and long recovery after.

Here’s what I’d prioritize based on what’s explicitly mentioned and what high-altitude hikers tend to need:

• Cold-weather layers (the tour asks for it)
• Comfortable trekking shoes with solid grip
• A warm layer for the ride back (you’ll likely cool down after being active)
• Water and some easy-to-eat snacks if you tolerate them well
• If you’re vegetarian or vegan: one review noted vegan food support if you ask, so tell the operator ahead of time

And yes, plan for the basics. One feedback note mentioned that the restroom situation can be a bit precarious in the area. That’s not something you can control, so bring a little patience and any personal supplies you might want.

Who should book this Ausangate 7 Lakes tour

This is best for you if:

• you’re already hiking at home at least occasionally
• you want a structured, guided day (not self-planning)
• you like big views and don’t mind a challenging day
• you want meals handled without extra hunting

It may be a poor fit if:

• you get seriously winded at altitude
• you have heart or altitude-related concerns
• you want an easy stroll with lots of downtime
• you’re not comfortable with cold morning starts

Should you book this Ausangate 7 Lakes day from Cusco?

I’d book it if you’re ready for altitude and you want a real sense of place—early light, multiple lagoons, and an Andean meal that ties the day together. The strongest reasons to go are the bilingual guidance, the included food, and the fact that you’re not just seeing one spot—you’re seeing a connected set of lagoons.

Hold off if your biggest priority is comfort over effort, or if you know altitude hits you hard. This day can be intense, and the best outcome happens when you pace it, dress for cold, and respect the fact that 4 a.m. starts are no joke.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 4:00 a.m.

How long is the full-day tour?

It’s listed as about 15 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 17 travelers.

Is transportation included?

Yes. The tour includes private transportation.

What meals are included?

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Do I need to pay for the optional horse ride?

The horseback ride is optional and is listed at about 80 soles (around $22 USD), paid directly to the villagers.

Is hot springs time included?

Hot springs in Pacchanta are optional. If you don’t want to do it, you’ll have free time instead.

Is the guide bilingual?

Yes. You’ll have a professional guide in Spanish or English (bilingual tour).

What should I bring for this tour?

The tour notes you should bring cold weather gear. It also says a moderate physical fitness level is recommended.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.