Cusco’s Ausangate lakes don’t wait for you. This 7 lakes trek takes you southeast of town into a seriously natural mountain setting where the water colors pop against snow-capped peaks. I especially love how the views stack up all day, and how the guide keeps the experience feeling personal even with a group of only 15.

The main consideration is that this is a sporty hike and the timing is tight. One review noted that you don’t spend a ton of time at every single lake, so if you want long lake-side hangs, go with the flow and focus on the bigger panorama moments instead.

Key highlights you’ll feel from the start

• Early pickup at 4:00 AM so you reach the trails while conditions are still workable
• Seven named lagoons seen on foot: Lake Superior, Otorongo Hombre, Otorongo, Rojo, Ccomer, Laguna Azul, and Lake Alqa
• A viewpoint stop that shows the lakes together before you start moving between them
• Small group size (max 15) plus a professional guide in English or Spanish
• Practical support: walking sticks, first aid kit, and oxygen included
• Pakanta hot springs area as an added cultural-natural stop when you’re in the region

Why the 4:00 AM Cusco pickup makes this tour worth it

This tour runs on a simple rule: the best mountain scenery is there early, and the day gets moving fast. You’ll be picked up from hotels in Cusco’s historic center around 4:00 AM, then you’ll head toward Pacchanta to start the day properly. The payoff is that you’re not arriving when the route is crowded or the light has already moved on.

The drive matters because Ausangate-region lakes are not a quick city stroll. You’re going into a remote, high-altitude environment where cold mornings and strong light can both show up. Starting early helps your body get used to the rhythm of the day, and it gives the hike a better chance of feeling manageable rather than rushed.

Another reason I like the early schedule: it sets expectations clearly. You’re signing up for a full day of walking, not a short scenic loop with lots of waiting around.

Breakfast in Pacchanta: fuel up before the 2-hour start

Once you reach the town of Pacchanta, you’ll stop for breakfast before the hike begins. This is more than a courtesy meal. Eating before the first push helps you keep steady energy while the route ramps up.

Then you’ll begin your walk from Pacchanta, and about two hours later you reach a viewpoint designed for one thing: taking in the system of lakes at once. If you’ve ever done a “hike to one view” kind of day, you know how rare it is to get that wide-angle payoff early. Here, the tour builds anticipation quickly, so you’re not hiking just to pass time—you’re hiking toward a reveal.

Practical tip: breakfast is included, but you should still bring a daypack with extra snacks. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, not endless eating time.

The viewpoint moment: seeing the seven lagoons together

This is one of those stops that changes how you experience the whole day. From the viewpoint, you can see the seven lagoons of Ausangate, spread in a way that’s hard to appreciate once you’re walking between them. Names matter here too—this tour highlights Lake Superior, Otorongo Hombre, Otorongo, Lake Rojo, Lake Ccomer, Laguna Azul, and Lake Alqa, so the scenery becomes easier to remember.

The value of this viewpoint is perspective. It helps you connect the lakes as part of one natural feature, rather than isolated water pockets. And because you see them early, later stops feel like chapters, not repeats.

Be ready for sun and glare. Even if it’s chilly, high mountain light can feel intense. Sunglasses and sunscreen are not optional extras—this is where they start earning their spot in your bag.

The main walk: how the 7-lake route actually feels

After the viewpoint, the day shifts into steady moving: you’ll walk another three hours, visiting most of the seven lagoons along the way. That makes the tour long, but it also means you’re not just hiking to one place and turning around. You’ll get repeated bursts of color and mountain views as the route connects lake to lake.

One important consideration from real-world experience: the timing doesn’t allow a slow, lounge-by-the-water day. A review mentioned there’s only limited time actually spent at the lakes. That doesn’t make the scenery less impressive—it just changes the style of the tour. Think more in terms of quick photo stops and short pauses, with the real payoff being the overall pattern of lakes and snow peaks you see repeatedly.

Good news: the hike doesn’t feel like chaos. A guide named Jonatan was specifically praised for keeping the pace enjoyable and supporting the group kindly. That matters because on a day this long, guidance is what turns “hard” into “I can do this.”

What you’ll likely notice: the colors shift with the weather and angles. The lakes are named for a reason, but your eyes will do the rest. Look for subtle changes in tone as you move, not just one perfect postcard view.

Pakanta and the hot springs area: a cultural-natural add-on

The tour also includes the community settlement of Pakanta and access to the hot springs area. Even if you don’t pay for the thermal bathing itself, the value is in the context—this region is lived in, not just photographed.

Thermal bath entry is listed as not included, so plan on that separation. If you want to soak, you’ll need to pay the local entry fee. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the hot springs setting as part of the overall Ausangate-day storyline.

This stop also breaks the hiking rhythm a bit. After hours of moving, having a different kind of environment to look at helps your brain reset.

Lunch back in the starting town: recovery with real food

You’ll return to the starting point of Pacchanta for lunch after the main lake-walk segment. This timing is smart: lunch happens when you’ve earned it, not when you’re still burning energy.

One review specifically praised the lunch for being excellent and made with fresh products. That’s the kind of detail that matters on a long trek day. A “meal” can be filler, or it can help you recover and feel human again. Here, the included lunch sounds like the second type.

After lunch, you’ll head back toward Cusco. The tour has a target arrival time around 6:00 PM near the main square, so you’ll be done with most of the physical effort and ready for a normal evening plan (shower, food, early sleep if you can).

Price and value: what $37 includes that adds up fast

At $37 per person, this can feel like a bargain when you look at what’s covered. You’re getting roundtrip transport, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, and gear support like walking sticks plus safety basics like a first aid kit and oxygen.

That’s the part I’d focus on if you’re deciding: this price isn’t just for the hike. It’s for the whole machine that makes the day function—getting you out early, moving you between trailheads, feeding you once you arrive, and having trained guidance with emergency supplies.

Also, the small-group cap of 15 participants helps the value. In a long hike, overcrowding can ruin the experience fast. Smaller groups can keep the pace steady and make it easier for the guide to check in.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is best for people who want big mountain scenery and don’t mind hard walking. Reviews consistently describe the hike as challenging, with one person saying the ascent is tough but the views blow that fatigue away. If you like fresh air, steady effort, and dramatic scenery, you’re in the right place.

It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and it’s also not recommended if you have respiratory issues or pre-existing medical conditions. That’s not a “maybe” category. The tour includes oxygen as a safeguard, but the basic reality is that you’re hiking in demanding conditions.

If you’re unsure about fitness, pay attention to the format: about 5 hours of walking total plus the driving. You’re not just visiting a viewpoint—you’re doing a long trek loop.

What to bring: your checklist for cold sun and dry air

The essentials are clearly listed, and you should treat them like the minimum, not just a suggested list. Bring:

• Water and snacks (even though breakfast and lunch are included)
• Sunglasses and a sun hat (sun glare is real at altitude)
• Sunscreen
• A camera and a daypack
• Passport and some cash for any extra expenses (like anything not included)

If you run warm easily, you still want layers. Morning starts early, and mountain weather can change even during a single day. The tour includes walking sticks, but good shoes are on you—comfortable footwear is the difference between a satisfying hike and a miserable one.

Also note what’s not allowed: smoking and alcohol/drugs. You’ll be outdoors in a remote setting, so keep it clean and safe.

Safety and comfort: sticks, oxygen, and a guide you can ask questions

One of the smartest parts of this tour is the practical safety gear included. You get a first aid kit and oxygen. That doesn’t mean it’s reckless or casual—just that the operator is prepared for altitude-related or exertion-related issues.

You’ll also have a professional guide (English and Spanish). A guide named Jonatan was praised for friendliness and for making the hike feel pleasant even when it’s sporty. That’s the kind of detail that makes you relax. If you understand what’s coming next, you spend less energy guessing and more energy enjoying the scenery.

And yes, you’ll use the included walking sticks. They’re especially helpful on uneven ground and downhill moments when legs want to complain.

Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour with Meals?

Book it if you want a single-day experience that combines serious effort with eye-catching mountain scenery, and you’re okay with a tour pace that prioritizes seeing many lagoons rather than lingering at each one. This is a great choice for people who enjoy trekking, want a small group feel, and appreciate meals that are actually part of the day (breakfast + lunch).

Skip it if you need lots of resting time, struggle with long hikes, or fall into the listed health categories like respiratory issues or pre-existing medical conditions. Also skip if you’re hoping for a mostly seated, low-effort day. This one is about movement.

If you’re on the fence, decide based on the real question: do you want the lakes, and are you ready for the walk that gets you there?

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is at 4:00 AM from hotels located within Cusco’s historic center.

How long is the tour and when do we return?

It’s a 1-day tour. You’ll arrive back near the main square around 6:00 PM.

What meals are included?

The tour includes breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch back at the starting point.

Do I see all seven lakes?

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

How much walking is there?

There’s walking of about 2 hours to the first viewpoint, then about 3 more hours visiting most of the lagoons.

Is a horse ride included?

No. Horse ride is listed as not included.

Are the hot springs or thermal baths included?

The hot springs area is part of the tour, but thermal bath entry fee is not included.

What’s included for comfort and safety?

You’ll get walking sticks, a professional guide, first aid kit, and oxygen, plus roundtrip transportation and a small-group setting.

What group size should I expect?

It’s a small group, limited to 15 participants.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?

No. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users and is also not recommended for people with respiratory issues or pre-existing medical conditions.