The Andes feel instantly bigger on this early run. You wake up in Cusco, drive up to Pacchanta, then spend the day working your way past Ausangate views and alpine lagoons, ending with Pacchanta hot springs. I love how the hike is structured for a small group with a guide who stays focused on pace and safety, and I also like that you get real time outdoors, not just quick photo stops.

One thing to plan for: altitude and cold can hit hard on this route, especially if you are not used to trekking above 4,800 meters.

Key highlights that make this Ausangate 7 Lakes day tour worth it

• Sunrise pickup from Cusco keeps you on the trail before the day gets cloudy or busy.
• Apu Ausangate views early and often, with the snowcapped peaks towering above the high plains.
• Multiple alpine lakes along the hike, so you do not just chase one viewpoint.
• Small-group guiding and pacing help, including guidance for different walking speeds.
• Hot springs payoff in Pacchanta, a rare chance to warm up after a long, thin-air trek.
• Optional horse riding can save your legs when altitude or steep sections slow you down.

Cusco to Pacchanta before dawn: why the early start matters

Your day starts with pickup from the Centro Histórico area at about 4:00 to 4:30 am. That sounds brutal, but it is the reason the trek feels special. You are already out of Cusco and climbing while the rest of the city is still asleep, and the trail tends to feel quieter when you arrive first.

Expect a drive of roughly 3 hours to Pacchanta. You will be bundled up for it. Morning temperatures are listed around 5 to 9°C, and in the high Andes that can translate to cold wind that makes you breathe harder.

This is also one of those trips where timing affects comfort. If you show up later in the pickup window, you might wait a bit to collect the full group. It is not a dealbreaker, but if you hate standing around in the dark, set yourself up for an easier morning.

First breakfast stop and Apu Ausangate’s early reveal

Breakfast comes after you reach Pacchanta, with about 30 minutes to eat. This matters because your hike is not just long, it is at altitude. A solid start helps you keep a steady rhythm instead of sprinting the first hour and then paying for it later.

Right after breakfast, you start getting your first big views of Apu Ausangate, which towers over the region. The mountain is listed at 6,384 meters, and even from far below it looks imposing. The emotional effect is simple: you feel small in a good way, like you walked into a place that does not care about your schedule.

Before the hike begins, you will have time to set up your day pack. Plan to keep it practical. The tour also notes you should avoid bringing luggage or large bags, which is smart for a steep, cold trek where you need freedom of movement.

The 7 Lakes trek: distance, altitude, and pacing that actually works

The core hiking portion covers about 13 kilometers (around 8 miles) and takes roughly 4.5 hours. That is a full day’s work packed into one morning plus a return. The route includes steep terrain and changing altitudes, which is why “How hard is it?” depends more on your stamina than your hiking experience.

The trek reaches a highest point of about 4,620 meters. At the same time, the tour notes you should be aware of trekking over 4,800 meters. Translation for your planning: treat altitude as serious, even if the exact number changes depending on the path conditions that day.

The good news is the guide approach. The tour is described as a comfortable pace with an attentive guide, and the guidance helps you avoid the common beginner mistake of going too hard too soon. The guide may not stay at your exact shoulder the entire time, since everyone walks differently, but you should feel supported rather than abandoned.

You will pass several lakes as you move through the highlands. The most memorable feature here is how the lake views stack up. You often get a better view by walking a bit further, not by stopping for one quick look and turning around.

What can make the hike feel tougher than expected

Altitude plus cold plus steep ground is a triple combo. Even if the hiking pace is “comfortable,” you can feel out of breath faster than you expect. One of the most repeated pieces of advice from experienced hikers is to respect your body early, slow down at the start, and keep sipping water.

Also, dirt roads and transport conditions can make some people feel a bit off before the trek even begins. It is a good idea to bring any personal altitude support you already use.

Where horse riding fits in (and when it saves your day)

This route includes a horse option as part of the plan, especially for sections that can feel steep or punishing at altitude. In the itinerary, horse riding appears during the return pattern as well as during the middle of the day.

Is horse riding included? The price list does not list horses as included. So treat horse riding as optional, and expect to pay extra if you want it. In feedback from people who used horses, rental costs were mentioned around 120 to 130 soles.

Should you do it? If you are not used to high altitude hiking, or if steep sections make breathing feel sketchy, a horse can turn a painful day into a survivable one where you still enjoy the lakes.

If you do rent, know the tour’s note: the local partner for the horses does not manage the rental process. So plan to coordinate directly through the tour operator on the day and do not assume everything is handled in advance.

Lunch back in Pacchanta: refuel, reset, then go warm

After the trek, you return to Pacchanta for lunch. Lunch is listed as included and comes with about 30 minutes to eat. This is not a restaurant meal with choices, but it is designed to do the job: calories, warmth, and a chance to catch your breath.

This is also where you decide how hard you want to push. If you feel tired, you can treat lunch and the following hot springs soak as your recovery window.

One practical note: food quality gets mixed feedback. Some people found the included meals good and plentiful, while others said it was basic or could be cold. That does not make the tour bad, it just affects your expectations. I would pack light extra snacks for peace of mind, especially if you know you get low-energy when you are cold.

Pacchanta hot springs: the payoff and the small cost you should budget

After lunch, you head to the hot springs. The time in the springs is about 30 minutes. This is the exact right length after a high-altitude hike. Long soaks can feel nice, but heat plus thin air plus wind can also make you tired. Thirty minutes helps you reset without turning it into a whole new day.

Hot springs are not fully included. The tour notes that entrance fees and hot springs cost about 30 soles. Bring cash in Peruvian soles for that and any small extras like water or souvenirs, since these are only available with cash.

The views from the highlands make the soak better. You are not just bathing in a pool, you are warming up with mountain scenery around you. That contrast, cold hike then warm soak, is why this tour feels emotionally satisfying even when the trail is challenging.

Price and value: what you pay for, what you might add

The listed price is $29 per person for a full day, including pickup, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and an oxygen bottle. You also get drop-off near central Cusco.

For most Cusco day trips, guide support plus a real meal schedule plus a long drive is the expensive part. Here, the value comes from the combination of early logistics and safety gear. The oxygen bottle and first aid kit are especially important on an altitude route, where conditions can change quickly.

What you might add:

• About 30 soles for hot springs and entrance fees.
• Snacks or extra water if you run out, since you pay in cash.
• Horse riding, if you choose it, since it is not listed as included.

I like that the tour keeps the optional pieces optional. You can hike and stay cost-conscious, or you can use horses if altitude hits you harder than expected.

Logistics that matter: bags, sunglasses, and cold weather reality

This is not the tour for hauling a heavy backpack. The tour specifies no luggage or large bags. Keep it compact. If you try to bring too much, you will feel it on steep ground and when the wind bites.

Sunglasses are mandatory during the hike. In the high Andes, sun glare is no joke, especially around bright snow and high-altitude sky. Even if it is cloudy, the glare can still be strong.

Clothing matters more than people think. The tour advises bringing an extra warm layer, plus a jacket, hat, and gloves. Pack rain gear too. Clouds and drizzle happen, and wind can make everything feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

And if you have asthma or heart issues, take the tour’s “not suitable” notes seriously. People can sometimes get by with careful pacing, but this is a high-altitude trek over roughly 4,800 meters and it can trigger symptoms.

Who this Ausangate trek suits best, and who should think twice

This day is ideal if you:

• Want a less commercial feel than some more famous nearby treks.
• Are okay with a long walk in thin air and possible cold wind.
• Like guided pacing, clear structure, and a payoff at the end.

It is also a great option if you want the Ausangate area without committing to a multi-day trek. You get major mountain presence, multiple lakes, and hot springs in one shot.

Think twice or skip if you have:

• Back problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair use
• Heart problems or respiratory issues
• Weight over 264 lbs (120 kg)

Should you book this Ausangate 7 Lakes day tour with Pacchanta hot springs?

I would book it if you want an Andes day that feels both dramatic and practical. The combination of early pickup, a guided hike through lake views, included meals, and the hot springs reset is a strong value for the money. The safety support, including a first aid kit and oxygen bottle, is also a big plus for an altitude route.

I would reconsider if you:

• Hate cold starts and can’t handle early mornings.
• Know you struggle with altitude even with slow pacing.
• Want lots of time to sit and stare without moving, since the day has a clear rhythm and you may feel a bit “kept moving” between photo moments.

If you do book, I’d come prepared for thin air, pack warm layers, bring sunglasses, and plan to go slow early. You will enjoy the lakes far more when you are still breathing calmly.

FAQ

What time does the tour pick me up in Cusco?

Pickup is from your Cusco accommodation in the Centro Histórico area at about 4:00 to 4:30 am. Expect the full group to be collected, so pickup can take 30 to 45 minutes.

How long is the drive to Pacchanta?

The drive is about 3 hours each way, depending on conditions.

How long is the hike and how far do you walk?

The total hiking time is about 4.5 hours and the total distance is around 13 kilometers.

How high is this trek?

The tour notes you will trek over 4,800 meters and lists a highest point around 4,620 meters. Either way, plan for serious altitude.

Is horse riding included?

Horse riding is part of the day plan, but it is not listed as included in the main price. If you want it, expect extra cost and arrange it through the tour on the day.

What meals are included?

Breakfast and lunch are both included. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike, and lunch is served on return from the lakes.

Are the hot springs included in the price?

No. Entrance fees and the hot springs have an additional cost of about 30 soles, and you should pay in cash.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring snacks and water, rain gear, hiking shoes, sunglasses, and extra warm clothes like a warm sweater, jacket, hat, and gloves.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, wheelchair users, or anyone over 264 lbs (120 kg).