From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek with Breakfast and Lunch

Cold start, big views. This Cusco-region day trek into the high Andes pairs snow-capped Ausangate with quiet lake stops and a payoff at Pacchanta hot springs. I like how the plan is simple: early pickup, a steady hike, then food and warm water when your legs are done.

The second thing I really like is the attention to pacing and safety. You’ll have a professional guide, an included oxygen bottle, and a group that generally keeps a comfortable tempo so you can actually enjoy the lagoons. One consideration: you’ll be dealing with altitude, early-morning cold, and long driving over dirt roads that can make the ride feel rough for some people.

Quick takeaways

• Ausangate views up front: Pacchanta gives you your first big look at the Apu Ausangate (6,384 m).
• A real hike day: About 13 km (roughly 8 miles) and around 4.5 hours on foot over steep, changing terrain.
• Small-group feel: You get a guide who watches safety and pace rather than running a sprint.
• Hot springs payoff: After lunch, you can soak with highland views (paid on-site).
• Optional horse help: If altitude hits hard, you can often ride some sections for extra cost.

Ausangate 7 Lakes: why this trek feels different from the headline trails

If you’re already in Cusco and want a day that feels remote, this one has the right vibe. You’re heading into the Ausangate area, where the Andes look powerful up close and the lakes feel more like a natural route than a photo-factory stop.

I also like the structure of the day. The morning starts early, but it’s organized around comfort: warm layering, breakfast before the hike, and a long enough schedule to keep things moving without turning the trek into a rushed line. You’ll have photo chances too—especially at the lagoons—so your day isn’t only “walk, walk, walk.”

Finally, this route has a reputation for being less crowded than the more famous alternatives near Cusco. If you’re trying to dodge busier scenes and get more quiet time with mountain air, the Ausangate lakes are a strong bet.

The 4–4:30 am pickup and Pacchanta drive: your first altitude test

Your day begins early. Guides pick you up from the Cusco historic center between 4:00 and 4:30 am (Centro Histórico), then you ride out toward Pacchanta. Expect about 3 to 3.5 hours in the van, depending on road and pickup timing.

The cold hits first. Early temps around Pacchanta can sit around 5–9°C, so you’ll want serious warmth: extra warm sweater or jacket, hat, and gloves. I’d treat this like a “no shortcuts” morning. If you feel cold before you start walking, altitude and wind will amplify it.

You’ll also stop for breakfast for about 30 minutes. Plan to pack your water and any snacks you want ahead of time in Cusco, because you may want extra fuel once you’re hiking for hours.

One more practical note: the road is not the smoothest dirt road. That kind of ride can make some people feel altitude sickness earlier, so it’s smart to have your personal meds or altitude pills on hand if you use them.

First mountain views: meeting Apu Ausangate at 6,384 meters

Before the hike really starts, you get that front-row view of the Andes. From Pacchanta, you’ll see Apu Ausangate, which rises to 6,384 meters. Even if you’ve seen mountains before, Ausangate has a “serious” look—snow-capped and bold against the early sky.

This is a good moment to do two things:

1) Get your day pack settled and light.

2) Take a few seconds to breathe and slow your body down before you start climbing.

I like that the day isn’t rushed into hard hiking immediately. There’s time to prep so you don’t start the trek panicking about gear or getting your layers right.

The hike to the Ausangate lakes: 13 km, steep steps, and changing altitude

Now for the main event: the walking. The trek covers about 13 km (roughly 8 miles) and takes around 4.5 hours at a comfortable pace, with a guide who helps with safety and keeps an eye on the group.

You’ll hike along steep terrain with altitudes that are high enough to matter. The highest point is listed at 4,620 meters, and you should also assume the day reaches trekking altitudes over 4,800 meters. Either way: plan for thinner air. Go slower than you think you need to.

What the route gives you

• Alpine lakes along the way: You pass beautiful lagoons and get that glacial-alpine feel.
• A snow-and-stone feel: The mountains and sky dominate.
• Short photo stops that actually fit the day: You’re not only hustling to the top—you’re getting pauses.

Sunglasses matter here. They’re mandatory during the hike, so bring proper ones (not just fashionable).

Weather can change fast

Some days are cloudy or rainy. Rain gear is a must. Cold wind also makes everything harder—especially your breathing—so warm layers and a waterproof layer keep you from turning uncomfortable into miserable.

Pace matters more than fitness

You’ll likely encounter different walking speeds in the group, and the guide may move in and out to assist different people. If you’re a slower hiker, that isn’t a problem as long as you don’t force speed. The whole design of this trek works best when you go steady.

Optional horse riding: when extra help is worth the extra cost

This trek offers a way to adjust effort: horse riding can be part of the day if you want it. The day plan includes horse riding segments, but horse rental is generally an extra expense.

People mention it as a lifesaver when altitude feels too intense. One common pattern in the notes is: if you’re not used to high-elevation trekking, riding can help you still enjoy the lakes without wrecking yourself early.

Two practical warnings:

• Don’t count on horse logistics to be handled smoothly if you decide to rent one; the local partner doesn’t manage rentals for you.
• If you bring a heavy bag, it can make the first stretch harder. Keeping your load light helps either way.

I’d treat horses as a tool, not a cheat code. If your goal is to enjoy the views and finish with energy, it can be a smart choice.

Lunch in Pacchanta and the hot springs soak in the highlands

After your hike, you head back toward Pacchanta, where lunch is waiting. Lunch is included, usually as a solid stop to refuel before you do the fun part: soaking.

Then it’s hot springs time. This is a key highlight, but it’s not included in the base price. Entrance fees and hot springs cost 30 soles on-site.

Once you’re in the water, the Andes feel even closer. That’s the whole point of this day: you work for the views, then you let your body recover with a warm soak while the highlands sit around you.

Aim to keep your routine simple. Eat, drink water, change into dry layers if you can, then relax. Cold wind after soaking can feel sharp, so have a plan for staying warm on the drive back.

What’s included, what costs extra, and how to budget in soles

At $29 per person for a full day, the value is mostly about what’s bundled:

• Hotel pickup from central Cusco
• Professional guide
• Breakfast and lunch
• First aid kit and an oxygen bottle
• Drop-off near Cusco center

What you should budget for:

• Entrance fees and hot springs: 30 soles
• Other extras like water, souvenirs, and additional entrance costs usually require cash in Peruvian soles.

One more note that affects real budgeting: some people add horse riding when altitude or comfort becomes an issue. Reviews include examples around 120–130 soles for horse rental, but you should expect it can vary by partner and day.

Guides and group experience: the human part of Ausangate

This is the kind of hike where the guide can make or break your day. Here, the guide is tasked with safety, pacing, and keeping altitude stress in check.

The guide team includes people like Diana, Kevin, Sebastian, Carlos, Eduardo, Joseph, Waldri, and Inti in the experience notes you provided. The common thread isn’t just friendliness—it’s active care: checking in, adjusting pace for slower hikers, and helping people manage altitude discomfort.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes learning while you walk, you’ll likely appreciate that guides share context along the way. Some guides also add cultural moments on the high point, depending on the flow of the day.

Who should book this trek—and who should skip it

This trek is a good match if you want:

• a day hike with major Andes payoff
• quiet lake views without the feel of constant crowds
• a structured plan that handles logistics and keeps you safe

It may not be a good match if you have:

• back problems
• mobility impairments
• heart problems
• wheelchair use
• respiratory issues
• weight over 264 lbs (120 kg)

And even if you’re healthy, you still need altitude respect. Everyone reacts differently to the thin air, cold mornings, and steep terrain. People do sometimes get help with horse riding if altitude becomes a problem, but that’s not a substitute for medical caution.

If you’ve got asthma, heart issues, or respiratory concerns, I strongly suggest talking with a clinician before you go. The tour is marked not suitable for those conditions for a reason.

Price and value: is $29 actually fair for a one-day Ausangate trip?

For a one-day outing priced around $29, the value is strong because you’re not paying separately for the basics that usually eat budget in Peru:

• pickup and drop-off
• a guide all day
• breakfast and lunch
• safety supplies (first aid kit + oxygen bottle)

The trade-off is what you’ll pay on your own: hot springs/entrance fees and potentially horse riding. Still, even with those extras, the day tends to work out well when you compare it to pricier guided treks that don’t include meals and the safety basics.

For me, the best value is the mix: you get a long morning hike plus a real recovery moment at the springs.

Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lakes trek from Cusco?

Book it if you want a true high-Andes day: early start, real hiking time, and lake views that feel more remote than the headline spots. If you’re comfortable moving at altitude—plus you dress warm and take it slow—the day can feel unforgettable in a grounded way.

Skip it if you want an easy walk, or if you have medical conditions listed as not suitable. And don’t underestimate the cold and altitude. This trek rewards preparation.

If you’re unsure, choose a day with the best weather you can find, pack rain gear, and keep your load light. Then let the mountains do the talking.

FAQ

What time does pickup happen in Cusco?

Pickup starts between 4:00 and 4:30 am from the Centro Histórico area, and it can take 30 to 45 minutes to collect everyone.

How long is the drive to Pacchanta?

The drive is about 3 to 3.5 hours each way, depending on road and pickup timing.

How long is the hike, and what distance is it?

The hike covers about 13 km (around 8 miles) and takes roughly 4.5 hours, with steep terrain and changing altitudes.

How high do we go?

The highest point listed is 4,620 meters. The tour also warns that you will trek over 4,800 meters above sea level.

What meals are included?

Breakfast (about 30 minutes) and lunch (about 30 minutes) are included.

Are the hot springs included?

No. Entrance fees and the hot springs are not included and cost 30 soles.

Do I need cash in Peruvian soles?

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

Is horse riding included?

Horse riding is part of the day, but if you rent a horse, it’s an extra cost. The local partner does not manage horse rentals.