The Ausangate lakes feel remote fast. This is a full-day trek out of Cusco to seven color-changing lagoons at the foot of Mount Ausangate, plus meals and a small-group vibe. I really like that the route is built around big viewpoints and steady walking, not a stop-and-photo parade, and I love the way the landscape shifts as you move from lake to lake. One thing to consider: this is a sporty hike, and there’s limited time sitting at any single lagoon.

You’ll start before sunrise, drive out to Pacchanta, and then spend your morning climbing on foot to a viewpoint where the seven lakes show up together. Later, you’ll keep trekking to visit most of the lakes, then circle back for lunch and the ride home. The day wraps up with an arrival around 6:00 PM near the main square, so you still get back to Cusco at a reasonable hour for a long outdoors day.

If you want an easy, mostly flat walk—or lots of lounging time by the water—this may not be your style. It’s also not a good fit if you use a wheelchair, have respiratory issues, or have a pre-existing medical condition.

Key Points at a Glance

• Seven named lagoons in one day: Lake Superior, Lake Otorongo Hombre, Lake Otorongo, Lake Rojo, Lake Ccomer, Laguna Azul, and Lake Alqa
• Early, efficient start: pick-up around 4:00 AM and a return around 6:00 PM
• In-between scenery: the real payoff is the walking route through mountain landscape, not just one postcard stop
• Meals included: breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch back at the starting point of Pacchanta
• Support on the trail: professional guide, walking sticks, first aid kit, and oxygen included
• Small group size: limited to 15 participants for a calmer experience

Why the Ausangate 7 Lakes Area Feels Wild

The Ausangate 7 Lakes tour is interesting for one simple reason: you’re leaving the city behind and walking into a landscape that still feels natural and big. The lakes are at the base of Mount Ausangate, and the colors you see are the result of light, weather, and mineral-heavy water in a high mountain setting. That means the view isn’t one static image—it changes as the clouds shift and your angle changes.

I also like how the route gives you both a wide view and close-up lake moments. First you get that wide viewpoint where the seven lagoons come into view as a set. Then you keep moving so you’re not trapped at one angle the whole time.

The trade-off is time. This is not designed as a “slow day at the lakes.” The hike is long enough that you’ll spend more time walking than hanging around each shoreline.

4:00 AM Pickup to Pacchanta: The Day Starts Early

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco. If your hotel is in the historic center area, you’ll likely be on the convenient side of that schedule. The pickup is at 4:00 AM, and from there you’ll travel to Pacchanta for breakfast.

Why the early start matters: you’re doing a long trek in daylight, and the drive out of Cusco takes time. Starting early also helps with your overall pacing. If you’re already acclimated and you handle early mornings fine, you’ll likely enjoy having the best walking hours without rushing the rest of the day.

Once you reach Pacchanta, you’ll have a refreshing breakfast before setting off. This is a practical inclusion, because the next part is where you start earning the views.

The First Walk to the 7-Lagoon Viewpoint

After breakfast, you begin the walk from Pacchanta. The itinerary has you hiking for about 2 hours before reaching a viewpoint where you can see the seven lagoons of Ausangate together.

This is a smart design. Instead of immediately scattering you to multiple separate stops, the tour builds toward one strong “arrival” moment. From that viewpoint, you can take in the overall layout: multiple water surfaces spread across the mountain foot, each with its own tone.

You’ll likely appreciate the walking sticks here. They’re included, and on uneven mountain terrain, they help you keep balance without exhausting your calves as quickly. The guide also helps you maintain a workable pace, which matters because the day is long and you want to arrive at the viewpoint feeling steady, not wiped out.

Hiking Between Lake Superior and Lake Alqa

After the viewpoint, you continue walking for about 3 more hours, visiting most of the seven lakes and making your way back toward Pacchanta for lunch. Expect the day’s energy to shift here: the views are still the point, but now it’s about moving from one named lagoon to the next.

Here are the seven lakes you’re likely to encounter on this route:

• Lake Superior
• Lake Otorongo Hombre
• Lake Otorongo
• Lake Rojo
• Lake Ccomer
• Laguna Azul
• Lake Alqa

A key thing to understand: you’ll see these lakes as part of a hiking circuit. That’s different from a beach-hopping day where you can linger. Because you’re covering real distance, it’s best to treat each lake stop as a quick reset for photos, a breath of cold mountain air, and a moment to look closely—then you keep moving.

One more practical detail: the tour is limited to small groups (up to 15). In places like this, smaller groups tend to mean fewer bottlenecks on the trail and at viewpoints. You still may share space with others, but it’s not crowded in the way that some big tour buses can feel.

Pacchanta Lunch and the Hot Springs Detail at Pakanta

Your lunch comes after you return to the starting point of Pacchanta, where you’ll enjoy a meal. Since breakfast is also included, this is a “food-covered” day, not one where you’re stuck with only snacks. If you’re someone who hates making compromises on a hike day, meals included is a real value perk.

The tour also mentions the community settlement of Pakanta and its hot springs. Hot springs entry is not included, so you’re basically hearing the hot-springs plan up front and you’ll decide on the ground whether it’s worth the extra cost.

If you love the idea of ending with warm water, it helps to know that the thermal bath part can be an add-on rather than a guaranteed included activity. You’ll also want to plan cash for extra expenses, because that’s specifically suggested.

Meals, Pace, and a Small Group That Actually Works

This is a 1-day tour with breakfast and lunch included, and that matters more than it sounds. On a long hike, food logistics can be the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one. Here, you’re not spending precious energy on finding meals mid-route.

The pacing is also worth thinking about. The schedule has you hiking a total of roughly 5 hours of walking (2 hours to the viewpoint, then 3 more hours visiting most of the lakes). That’s before you count time for breaks, photo stops, and moving between viewpoints and lake areas.

So if you have a normal fitness level and you can handle uphill walking, you’ll probably be fine with a steady pace. If you’re expecting a relaxed stroll, adjust your expectations.

And if your guide is someone known for keeping the day friendly and manageable, you’ll feel that during the walk. In particular, guides like Jonatan have been praised for maintaining a comfortable rhythm and staying kind and attentive along the route.

Gear and Safety: Walking Sticks, Oxygen, and What to Pack

This tour is built with practical safety extras. You’ll get a first aid kit and oxygen included, plus walking sticks. That doesn’t mean the day is risk-free, but it does mean your operator isn’t treating this like a casual walk with no backup.

For what to bring, the essentials are clearly listed:

• Passport
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat and/or a hat
• Camera
• Snacks (optional but smart)
• Sunscreen
• Water
• Cash (for extra expenses)
• A daypack

That list is worth following closely. High sun hits hard on mountain days, and you’ll be outside for hours. Even if you’re not walking nonstop, you’ll want sun protection ready the moment you stop.

Also note what’s not allowed: smoking, alcohol, and drugs. It’s the kind of rule set that keeps the group safer and the day calmer on a trail.

Who Should Skip This Tour (and Who Will Love It)

This is not suitable for:

• Wheelchair users
• People with respiratory issues
• People with pre-existing medical conditions

Even if you’re generally active, these categories are important because you’ll be doing a long hike in mountain terrain with early start timing.

Who should love it:

• You’re comfortable with a long walk and can handle uneven ground
• You want serious scenic payoff for your effort
• You like small-group tours where the guide keeps everyone moving
• You care about seeing multiple lagoons in one day, with real trekking in between

If you’re traveling solo, this small-group size can also make it easier to enjoy the day without feeling swallowed by a huge crowd.

Price and Value: Is $37 Worth the Long Day?

At $37 per person for a 1-day trek from Cusco—including roundtrip transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, and equipment like walking sticks—this is priced to feel affordable for what you’re getting.

Here’s how the value adds up:

• You’re not just buying access to a viewpoint. You’re paying for transport out of Cusco, a guide on the trail, and meals that keep your energy up.
• You get safety-minded inclusions like a first aid kit and oxygen, which matters on remote walking routes.
• The group limit of 15 helps the experience stay more personal than mass tours.

The main “cost” isn’t money—it’s effort. You trade comfort for scenery, and the day can feel full-on if you’re not used to hiking for hours.

If your goal is to maximize views while keeping your budget reasonable, this price point makes a lot of sense. If your goal is maximum lounging time at each lake, the format may feel rushed even though the scenery is the point.

Should You Book the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour?

Book it if you want a true day outdoors with seven lakes, named stops, meals included, and the kind of mountain views you remember long after you get back to Cusco. This is best for hikers who can handle a steady schedule, don’t need a long sit-by-the-water experience, and appreciate the route itself as part of the payoff.

Skip it if you’re looking for an easy stroll, need wheelchair access, or have respiratory or medical conditions that might make long outdoor walking unsafe.

If you can handle early mornings and you’re excited by the idea of seeing Lake Superior to Lake Alqa as part of one continuous trek, this tour is a strong choice for your Cusco-based itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour from Cusco?

The tour runs for 1 day.

What time does the pickup start in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled for 4:00 AM.

Where do we have breakfast and lunch?

Breakfast is in Pacchanta. Lunch is served when you return to the starting point in Pacchanta after visiting the lakes.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Roundtrip transportation is included.

What lakes are included on the tour?

The seven named lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Otorongo Hombre, Lake Otorongo, Lake Rojo, Lake Ccomer, Laguna Azul, and Lake Alqa.

Does the tour include hot springs?

The tour includes the area of Pakanta and its hot springs, but thermal bath entry fees are not included.

Are horse rides included?

No, horse rides are not included.

What walking support and safety items are provided?

You get walking sticks plus a first aid kit and oxygen.

What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?

Bring your passport, sunglasses, sun hat/hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, cash, and a daypack. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed.

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