You wake up before Cusco does, and then the 7 lakes hit you with color. I really like that this trip goes beyond town viewpoints into the Mount Ausangate high-country, and I also love that meals are included along with practical extras like walking sticks. The tradeoff is simple: it’s a sporty hike, and you do not have a lot of time to linger at each lake.

The tour runs in a tight group, capped at 15, so your guide can keep things moving and answer questions as you walk. In the real-world experience, the guide support matters, and Jonatan, for example, is described as kind and attentive. You should also know it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone with respiratory issues or pre-existing medical conditions.

Key moments that make the Ausangate 7 Lakes day work

• Seven lakes with specific names you can spot and talk about later (Lake Superior to Lake Alqa)
• A morning viewpoint after about 2 hours of walking, where you finally see the set of lakes together
• A steady day-long rhythm focused on walking and reaching the lakes, not sitting around
• Pacchanta meals to fuel you for the hike, with lunch served back at the starting area
• High-altitude safety extras included, like oxygen and a first aid kit

Why this Ausangate Seven Lakes hike starts so early

This is one of those Cusco day trips where the schedule is doing you a favor. Pickup is at 4:00 AM from hotels in the historic center, and that early start helps you get into the mountains when the day is still fresh and the light can be kind to long views.

I also like how the day is built around time in the field. You drive out first, then breakfast meets the first stretch of walking, then you move from one lake highlight to the next. You’re not stuck waiting around for hours. With small groups of up to 15, you get a more human pace than you do on big-bus tours.

The day finishes late, with an arrival back in Cusco around 6:00 PM near the main square. That means you should plan a calm evening afterward, because after a long hike, your energy is probably going to be low.

The setting near Mount Ausangate, and the lakes you’ll see

The heart of the Ausangate 7 Lakes tour is that it takes you to a totally natural scenic environment south-east of Cusco at the foot of Mount Ausangate. If you want mountain views that feel remote, this is the kind of outing that delivers.

You’ll be visiting seven lakes in the Ausangate area, and the names are part of the experience. You’ll aim for Lake Superior, Lake Otorongo Hombre, Lake Otorongo, Lake Rojo, Lake Ccomer, Laguna Azul, and Lake Alqa. Having real names matters because it turns your photos into something you can remember clearly, not just a blur of bright water.

The colors are the obvious headline, but here’s why I think they’re so satisfying: the lakes aren’t viewed from a single flat postcard spot. The route moves, and your perspective changes as you walk and reach different points. That makes the “wow” factor feel earned, instead of like you got one quick look and were back in the car.

How the day unfolds: breakfast, viewpoint, then the main lake walk

Your morning starts with a drive out of Cusco to Pacchanta. Breakfast is served there, which is important because once you begin walking, you’re earning your views. After that, you start the hike from Pacchanta and walk for about 2 hours before reaching a viewpoint.

That first viewpoint is a key moment. From there you can see the group of seven lagoons together. It’s the kind of stop that helps you orient yourself, so when you later visit individual lakes, you understand how the full set fits together in the high-country.

After the viewpoint, you continue walking for another 3 hours, focusing on visiting most of the lakes. The walk is the main event. You reach back to the starting point at Pacchanta, where lunch is served. Then it’s the drive back to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 PM near the main square.

One practical consideration: because this is structured for movement, you should expect limited time at each lake. A guest noted that the hike gives great views, but time actually spent at the lakes can feel short. If your ideal day trip means slow, long breaks with no schedule, this style might feel a bit fast.

Pacchanta and Pakanta hot springs stop, and what it means for your day

Part of this tour is getting out to the community settlement area of Pakanta, including the hot springs area. You also have lunch back at the starting area in Pacchanta, so you’re not bouncing between towns all day.

The hot springs piece is worth thinking about in advance. Thermal bath entry fees are not included, so you should treat it as an optional add-on if you decide you want to go in. That keeps the core tour focused on the hike and lakes.

Also, if you’re traveling in a group, this stop can be a useful reset. After hours of walking, even a short break to soak in the atmosphere can make the drive back more comfortable. Just don’t plan on the hot springs as your main recovery plan unless you’re ready to pay the entry fee on the spot.

Guide support, group size, and why Jonatan’s name matters

A tour like this lives and dies by the guide. You’re walking a lot, the scenery is changing fast, and the terrain calls for clear guidance. This experience includes a professional tour guide, and the language options are English and Spanish.

In the real-world feedback you get from people, Jonatan is highlighted as an excellent guide, with a gentle, helpful approach throughout the route. That kind of attitude matters on a hard hike, because you’re more likely to ask questions, follow the pace confidently, and not feel rushed.

The small group size helps, too. Limited to 15 participants, your guide is more likely to keep track of everyone and adjust the flow if someone needs a breather. It also tends to make the day feel less like a production and more like shared effort.

Meals on the route: breakfast, lunch, and what to pack

Breakfast and lunch are included, which is a big deal for value and energy management. At this elevation and with a long day, you don’t want to gamble on finding food later. A good included meal also means you can pack lighter, since you’re not solely relying on snacks.

That said, you should still bring snacks. Snacks are listed as a recommended item, and I agree for one simple reason: the hike is long, and your appetite may not perfectly match meal times. A small daypack with water and extra food can keep you comfortable.

Lunch is served at the starting point in Pacchanta. One guest described it as excellent with fresh products, so you can feel confident that lunch isn’t an afterthought here.

The hike: 1 day, sporty walking, and the time tradeoff

This tour is officially 1 day, and it feels like it. You start very early, you walk for several hours, you cover multiple lakes, and you’re back in Cusco by about 6:00 PM.

The activity notes and real feedback point to one theme: it’s challenging but doable for people with normal fitness if they pace themselves. The best approach is mental. Think of it as a steady climb and walk, not a casual stroll.

Here’s the one drawback I’d plan around: because it’s a route designed to hit many sights, you may not spend a lot of time sitting right at each lake. You’ll see the lakes clearly, and you’ll capture the colors, but the day is built to keep moving.

If you want a more slow travel style, consider whether you can enjoy the experience while still staying in motion. For many people, the fast pace is actually part of the magic, because it turns the day into one continuous chain of mountain moments.

Altitude, safety gear, and who should avoid this tour

This is in the Cusco region at the foot of Mount Ausangate, and it’s absolutely a “take it seriously” kind of day. The good news is that the tour includes safety essentials: a first aid kit and oxygen.

You should also read the suitability section carefully. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users. It’s also not recommended for people with respiratory issues or those with pre-existing medical conditions. If that applies to you, don’t gamble. Choose a different style of excursion that matches your health needs.

If you’re generally healthy but sensitive to altitude, the included oxygen can be reassuring. Still, the schedule includes a long walk, and you should plan to move carefully and follow your guide’s pacing.

Price and value: why $37 can make sense for this kind of day

The price is $37 per person for a full-day outing that includes pickup and roundtrip transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, oxygen, and walking sticks.

That is the value story here. You’re paying for more than a car ride. You’re paying for guide time, route organization, meals, and practical gear for a long walk. Walking sticks are included, and on uneven ground they can turn a tough trek into a manageable one.

Also, the small group setup helps justify the price. When the group is limited to 15, you’re not just buying scenery, you’re buying a controlled day.

Your main “cost” is not money, it’s effort. If you don’t want a long hike, this price will not feel like a bargain. But if you’re willing to work for views and you appreciate included meals plus safety gear, the value checks out.

What to bring, and how to pack smart for the early start

The tour lists a clear packing list. Stick to it. Bring your passport, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Bring sunscreen and water. Bring a camera, and plan on a daypack since you’ll want access to essentials during the walk.

Snacks are recommended, and cash is mentioned as something to have. That matters because the hot springs entry fees are not included, and you might decide to pay if you want to soak.

Also note what’s not allowed: smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Keep it simple and follow the rules so the day stays safe and comfortable for everyone.

If you’re choosing clothing, the tour does not list specific layers. So your best move is to wear what keeps you comfortable for a long morning outdoors, then rely on your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to handle sun exposure.

Should you book the Cusco Ausangate 7 Lakes tour with meals?

Book it if you want a high-altitude Cusco day trip that actually leaves the city and delivers a sequence of seven named lakes with dramatic color. You’ll probably love it if you enjoy walking and you can accept a schedule where the hike is the main event and lake time is shorter than you might wish.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, have respiratory issues, or deal with pre-existing medical conditions. Even with oxygen included, the hike itself is still a demanding activity.

Also think about your expectations. This is not a “sit and admire” day. It’s a movement day with stops that build toward big views, starting with that first viewpoint after about 2 hours, then continuing with the lake visits for the next few hours. If you like that style, you’ll find this tour satisfying, efficient, and genuinely scenic.

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is at 4:00 AM from selected areas of Cusco, specifically hotels within the historic center.

How long is the tour?

The tour is listed as 1 day.

When do you return to Cusco?

Arrival back in Cusco is around 6:00 PM near the main square.

What lakes will I visit?

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

Does the tour include meals?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

What is included besides meals?

Included are roundtrip transportation, a professional tour guide, first aid kit, oxygen, and walking sticks.

Are horse rides included?

No. Horse rides are not included.

Are hot springs entry fees included?

Thermal baths entry fees are not included.

What group size is this tour?

It is a small group with a limit of 15 participants.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, or people with pre-existing medical conditions.