Seven lakes make a long day worth it. This private Ausangate 7 Lagunas outing is all about big views, quiet moments, and walking at your own rhythm toward seven different colored waters. You start early from Cusco, fuel up in Pacchanta, then spend the middle of the day surrounded by snow peaks, alpacas on the trail, and water that seems to change color.

What I like most is the private pacing. No herd. Just you, your guide, and the mountains. Second, the seven lagoons themselves are the star: you get those mirror-like reflections in the water that make you slow down without trying.

One thing to consider: this is not a stroll. Plan on a moderate fitness day with several hours of walking, and you’ll want cold-weather gear—especially with that early 04:00 pickup.

Why This Private Ausangate 7 Lagunas Day Feels So Different

This is a private tour, meaning it’s just your group. That matters here because the setting is remote and the day has a flow: early start, climb to a viewpoint, then a longer stretch around the lakes, then lunch and optional hot springs before you head back to Cusco.

You’re not chasing a checklist of photo stops. Instead, you get time to react to what you see. On the Ausangate trail, that’s a big deal, because weather and light can shift fast—and the water responds.

You also get practical comforts that make a big difference at altitude and in cold conditions: an air-conditioned vehicle for the road, a first aid kit in the mix, and handmade walking sticks for the hike.

Cusco to Pacchanta: The 04:00 Start and the Breakfast That Powers You

The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 04:00. Yes, it’s early. But for this route, early helps you get into position before the day heats up and before the light gets harsh.

Next stop is Pacchanta, where you’ll enjoy breakfast. This isn’t a small detail. A good breakfast matters because you’ll be walking for hours—first climbing to a viewpoint, then continuing along the lake area. If you’re the type who shows up hungry and “figures it out later,” this is your reminder to fuel up properly.

A few practical tips that help on mornings like this:

• Wear layers you can zip up and down. Morning chill can turn into warmer sun later.
• Bring a light snack even after breakfast, just in case your stomach runs on hike time.

The First Walk: Two Hours Up to the Viewpoint Over the 7 Lagoons

From Pacchanta, you start walking for about two hours toward a viewpoint. This is your first “wow” moment of the day, where you can appreciate the impressive spread of the seven lagoons of Ausangate.

This first stretch is not just getting you from A to B. It sets the tone. You’ll see the jagged outlines of the Andes and the snow-capped peaks associated with Ausangate, and then—right when you’re ready for a breather—you’ll reach the viewpoint where the lagoons reveal themselves as a group.

If you like photography, this is when you’ll understand why people come back. The lagoons are known for color shifts depending on sky conditions, and that first overlook gives you the big picture.

Around the Lakes: Three Hours of Walking Between Water, Peaks, and Alpacas

After the viewpoint, your day turns into the longer hike—about three more hours exploring the lakes and their surroundings. This is where the experience becomes more personal, because you’re not viewing from one spot anymore. You’re moving through it.

Expect a mix of:

• Snowy peaks in view when the weather cooperates
• Alpacas along the trail, which adds that “this is real life here” feeling
• Water that ranges in tone—blues and greens that look different from one angle to the next

This is also the part where a private guide really earns their place. Your guide can adjust the pace to your group and share stories about the Andes and local traditions tied to the Ausangate region. It’s not just facts—it helps you interpret what you’re seeing. Many people come for the views and end up paying attention to the meaning.

And yes, you might get small extras on the trail. One traveler noted a small picnic arranged by the water. I can’t promise that every day, but it’s the kind of thoughtful touch a guide can add when the moment is right.

Lunch Back in Pacchanta: Refuel Without Rushing the Moment

Once you head back to Pacchanta, lunch is served. After hours of walking, a real meal is what keeps you from feeling “done” too early. It also helps you reset your legs for the ride back.

This is one of those times when the schedule works in your favor: you don’t do the longest part of the hike right before leaving. You get food, you get a break, then you head back toward Cusco.

If you tend to get chilly after exertion, plan for it. Cold can feel sharper after you stop walking.

Optional Hot Springs in Pachanta: A Relaxing Finish With a Small Extra Cost

At the end of the hiking day, there’s an optional add-on: relaxing in the hot springs of Pachanta. It’s thermo-medicinal, and it comes with an extra cost of S/5.00.

This is a good option if:

• Your legs feel heavy
• You want that “reward” feeling after the walk
• You like easy downtime before the drive back to Cusco

It’s not required, but if you’re already here and your body is asking for recovery, it’s an easy yes.

Getting Back to Cusco: Arrival Around 18:30

The estimate for your return to Cusco is around 18:30. That timing feels realistic for a full day: early start, two-part hike, lunch, optional hot springs, then the road back.

This also means you should plan your evening after the tour with a clear buffer. Don’t schedule anything intense right after you get back—your body will probably want a long dinner and a quick shower.

Price and Value: What $120 Covers, and What Costs Extra

At $120 per person, this is priced like a serious private day trip, not a budget group excursion. Here’s what you get included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Round trip transportation
• Breakfast and lunch
• A bilingual professional guide
• First aid kit
• Handmade walking sticks

That mix is the value story. The guide matters because the route is longer and the scenery can be interpreted in a richer way. The sticks and the included meals matter because they reduce friction on a day that’s already physically demanding.

What costs extra:

• 7 Lagoons entrance ticket: PEN 20.00 per person (not included)
• Horses: can be rented directly from the arriero for about 80 to 90 soles (optional)

Think of it like this: the hike itself is the product, and the extra ticket is a small add-on relative to the full day logistics. The biggest “cost control” lever for you is whether you’ll need a horse for part of the route.

Horses for Steeper Moments: A Practical Option If Your Legs Need Help

If you want a break from the walking, horses are available. You can rent them directly from an arriero at a cost of 80 to 90 soles.

A horse option is useful if:

• You’re not sure how your knees or stamina will handle several hours of hiking
• You want to reduce fatigue while still experiencing the lagoons

I’d treat it like a safety valve, not a shortcut promise. You’ll still want to be prepared for the day overall, because you’ll be out there in cold conditions and doing a lot of moving around.

What to Pack (So You Actually Enjoy the Day)

The tour data doesn’t list a full packing checklist, but one clear theme comes through: bring what keeps you comfortable in cold air and on uneven ground. From traveler advice, warm layers and good boots make a real difference.

My practical packing suggestions:

• Warm layers that you can adjust (morning cold to later sun)
• Good hiking boots with traction
• A hat or something for your ears
• Gloves (cold fingers ruin a great day fast)
• A small day bag for water and snacks

If you run hot, still pack layers. Cold can sneak up during breaks and on the way back.

Who This Private Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour Is Best For

This tour fits best if you want a private day out in the Ausangate region and you’re okay with a moderate hike. It’s ideal for:

• Couples and friends who want quieter pacing and room to stop for photos
• Travelers who like small cultural context, not just scenery snapshots
• Anyone who values thoughtful guiding and time on the trail, rather than rapid-fire stops

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re looking for a low-walking day
• You want to avoid early starts entirely
• You dislike cold-weather hiking conditions

FAQ

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is around 04:00 from your hotel in Cusco.

Where do we have breakfast and lunch?

Breakfast is in Pacchanta. Lunch is also served back in Pacchanta after the hike.

How long is the hiking during the day?

You’ll walk about two hours to reach the viewpoint, then about three more hours exploring the lakes, for roughly five hours of walking.

Are entrance fees to the 7 Lagoons included?

No. The entrance ticket for the 7 Lagoons is PEN 20.00 per person.

Can I rent a horse instead of walking the whole way?

Yes. Horses can be rented directly from an arriero for about 80 to 90 soles.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour, so only your group participates.

Should You Book This Private Tour to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate?

If you want a quiet, private day focused on the real star—seven different lagoons with unreal reflections—this is an easy yes. The included guide, meals, transportation, and walking sticks make it feel well-run, and the optional hot springs add a nice recovery finish.

Book it if you can handle several hours of walking and you don’t mind the 04:00 start. If early mornings and cold weather are dealbreakers, then you might want to choose something slower. But if you’re game for a long, scenic hike with breathing-room, this is the kind of day you’ll talk about long after you’re back in Cusco.