Cold starts, big mountains, and seven perfect lakes. I love the snow-capped Ausangate payoff and how you earn close-up Andes panoramas on foot, not just from a viewpoint. I also like that the day ends with a real soak in Pacchanta hot springs. The main drawback is the altitude: you’ll be working above 4,800 m, so the cold and the breathless pace can feel like a full-body workout.

This is built for practical hikers who don’t mind early mornings. I found the trek is long enough to matter (about 13 km total) and the schedule moves, with some stops for photos and views. If you want to stare at the lakes for ages, plan to accept a steady rhythm—and trust your guide to keep you safe.

Key things that make this Ausangate 7 Lakes day trip different

• Ausangate shows up fast: you start seeing Apu Ausangate from the Pacchanta area early in the morning.
• A real high point: the route reaches about 4,620 m and you’ll trek over 4,800 m during the day.
• Short-day hardness: roughly 13 km on foot plus built-in riding segments makes it tough but manageable.
• Pacchanta hot springs are the recovery moment after a cold hike (entrance fees are extra).
• Small-group pacing and attentive guiding: guides like Kevin, Carlos, Eduardo, and Diana are praised for checking in and helping with pace.
• Less crowded feel than the more famous nearby lagoon options, with quiet stretches and alpacas/llamas along the way.

From Cusco before 4 am: cold pickup and the Pacchanta drive

Your day begins with a pickup from Centro Histórico around 4:00–4:30 am. Expect to wait a bit—pickups can take 30 to 45 minutes because the van is collecting the full group. You’ll dress for cold right away. Morning temperatures around Pacchanta are around 5–9°C, and you’ll be glad you brought real layers like a warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves.

Then comes the van ride: about 3.5 hours toward Pacchanta. The roads are dirt and not in the best shape, which matters more than it sounds. A bumpy drive can make some people feel altitude effects early, especially if you’re sensitive. If that’s you, bring any personal meds or altitude pills you normally use (this is specifically recommended), and keep your breakfast light and steady.

On the way, you’ll stop for breakfast and anything you forgot in Cusco—often basics like water and snacks. This is smart because the trek itself is not the place to hunt for supplies.

Pacchanta and the Ausangate first views you can’t unsee

Once you reach Pacchanta, the day locks in. You’ll get your first big look at the Apu Ausangate massif, rising to 6,384 meters. Even if you’ve seen other Andean peaks in Peru, Ausangate’s scale feels different—part of it is the sharpness of the terrain and part is the way the light hits the snow.

Before you move, you’ll do practical things: adjust your pack, get your layers right, and mentally switch from road-travel mode to hiking mode. Sunglasses are required during the hike, not optional. At high altitude, sunlight bounces off the ground and snow, and that glare can make the hike harder than it needs to be.

The hike itself: 13 km total, steep moments, and a 4,620 m high point

The main on-foot section covers about 13 km (about 8 miles) and takes roughly 4.5 hours at a comfortable pace for the average group. “Comfortable” here doesn’t mean easy. You’ll hike on steep terrain, with changing altitudes and lake viewpoints along the way. The highest point is around 4,620 m / 15,090 ft.

What helps most is how the guide manages the group. Guides are attentive about safety and pace, and they’ll position themselves differently depending on who needs help. This is important because everyone handles altitude differently. If you’re a slower walker, you’re not a problem—you’ll get support and time to catch up.

Weather can also shift your experience fast. One day might be cloudy with some rain, another could be crisp and clear. You’re in high Andean terrain, so being prepared for cold wind and occasional wet conditions matters. Bring rain gear even if the forecast looks fine.

And yes, the lakes are the point. You pass beautiful alpine lakes as you go, then you get dedicated time later for photos at the Ausangate 7 Lagoons stop. The best moments tend to be when you pause without racing forward—when you let the wind and the altitude quiet your brain.

Horses between lakes: how to use them without guilt

This trek includes horse riding segments as part of the route flow. That said, you should plan financially and practically for horse options if you need them. The info specifically warns that if you rent a horse, the local partner may not manage the rental process, and reviews back that up with riders paying extra cash (people reported around 120–130 soles for horse rental in some cases).

So here’s the mindset I’d use: don’t treat a horse like a failure. Treat it like a tool. If altitude is hitting hard, you may still want to enjoy the lakes and views without turning the day into a survival slog.

If you’re comfortable walking, go for the hike. If you’re not—because of breath, leg fatigue, or timing—using the horse can help you keep the day enjoyable. One reviewer explicitly recommended getting a horse if you’re not used to altitude, and that matches the logic of this trek: you’re trying to see the lagoons, not just prove you can suffer.

Lunch in Pacchanta and the Pacchanta hot springs reset

After the trek, you head back to Pacchanta. Lunch is served there and is described as fortifying and filling. I’d set expectations to match what’s realistic for a remote day tour: it’s typically a solid meal, but the quality can vary. Some people say it’s good and plentiful, while others mention it can come out cold or basic. Either way, it usually hits the spot because you’ve burned energy.

Then the payoff: Pacchanta hot springs. The soak time is about 30 minutes. Important: hot spring entrance fees are not included and are around 30 soles (cash only, in Peruvian soles). Bring soles ready, because extra expenses during the trip are cash-based.

Also, bring some sense of timing. Hot springs feel amazing after cold wind, but you still have hours left in the schedule and a long return drive. Don’t overdo it. Use the soak to warm up, then get dressed back in layers and keep moving.

The late return to Cusco: plan for sleep, not shopping

You’ll head back by van after the springs and arrive back in Cusco between 6:00 and 7:00 pm. This is not a day trip where you’ll feel like doing much afterward. You’ll be tired in a very specific way: lungs and legs both worked, and the cold plus elevation can leave you drained even if you felt fine during parts of the hike.

Drop-off happens in the Cusco center area (including Centro Histórico and San Bernardo 132). Once you’re back, your best plan is a hot shower, a meal, and an early night.

What to pack for an Ausangate 7 Lakes day that won’t ruin your energy

This trek gives you a lot, but it also expects you to be prepared. The biggest difference-maker is clothing. Bring:

• An extra warm sweater/jacket
• Hat and gloves for the early and windy hours
• Rain gear (conditions can change)
• Hiking shoes with solid grip
• Sunglasses (mandatory during the hike)
• Water and a few snacks (useful if you get hungry between planned stops)

Also note what’s not allowed: luggage or large bags. Keep it light. This isn’t the kind of trek where you want to drag extra weight through altitude.

Included support is real. You get a first aid kit and an oxygen bottle on the tour, which is comforting for altitude concerns. Guides also do a lot of the “people-management” work—checking in, adjusting to different speeds, and helping when breathing gets tough.

Who this Ausangate 7 Lakes trek is best for

This is a great fit if you want:

• A day trek from Cusco that’s more serious than a short walk
• Real high-mountain scenery and lakes without the biggest crowds
• A guided plan with breaks that include breakfast, lunch, and hot springs

It’s not a fit if you have certain health or movement limitations. It’s noted as not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, heart problems, respiratory issues, or those over 264 lbs (120 kg). Also, the high altitude is the big reason: you’ll be trekking above 4,800 m, and the dirt-road drive can add to how you feel.

If you’re unsure, consider asking your doctor about altitude tolerance before you commit. Even with oxygen support and careful guiding, the altitude is still the altitude.

Price and value: what you really get for around $29

At about $29 per person, this tour is priced like a “full day for a reasonable cost.” You’re not just buying a trail; you’re buying:

• Hotel pickup and a long van transfer (about 3.5 hours each way)
• A professional guide (English/Spanish)
• Breakfast and lunch
• First aid kit and oxygen bottle
• Drop-off near the Cusco center

The extras are real but manageable. Hot springs entrance fees are about 30 soles. You may also need cash for water, souvenirs, and other small costs. If you want a horse rental at extra cost, that’s another possible line item. Some reviewers also mention the trek can feel rushed for scenery at times, so if your ideal day is slow and contemplative, you’ll want to stay mentally flexible.

Still, the value tends to land for two reasons: the distance and the altitude are the core “product,” and your day ends with a warm hot spring reset instead of just van-and-goodbye. That combination is hard to beat for a single-day itinerary.

Should you book this Ausangate 7 Lakes trek?

Book it if you want an honest, high-altitude day with big mountain views, multiple alpine lakes, and a hot springs recovery moment. It’s also a smart alternative if you’re looking for something less crowded than the more famous nearby lagoon hikes.

Think twice if you’re altitude-sensitive, have breathing or heart concerns, or you hate cold mornings. The schedule is early, the trek is demanding, and even with horses and guide support, you still have to respect the elevation.

If you do go, my advice is simple: pack warm layers like you mean it, bring soles for hot springs, and walk like you have nowhere else to be. The lakes reward patience.

FAQ

How long is the Ausangate 7 Lakes trek and what distance do you walk?

You’ll hike for about 4.5 hours covering roughly 13 km total (about 8 miles), plus additional time at photo stops and some riding segments.

What altitude will I reach?

You’ll trek over 4,800 meters above sea level, and the highest point of the trek is listed at about 4,620 meters (15,090 feet).

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is included on the morning portion at Pacchanta, and lunch is included after you return to Pacchanta.

Are the Pacchanta hot springs included in the price?

Hot spring entrance fees are not included. The cost is around 30 soles, paid with cash in Peruvian soles.

What time is pickup from Cusco?

Pickup is from your Cusco accommodation from about 4:00 to 4:30 am, with the van collecting the group over a window of time.

Do I need cash for extras?

Yes. Extra expenses like entrance fees, water, and souvenirs are available to pay with cash in Peruvian soles.

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