7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour from Cusco

The Ausangate seven lakes hike is one of those rare Cusco-area adventures that feels peaceful even when you are on a schedule. You start early, head into the Vilcanota range, and spend the day chasing seven bright, turquoise lakes with big mountain views and plenty of room to breathe.

I especially like that this tour comes with breakfast and lunch taken care of, so you are not managing logistics at altitude. I also like the small-group limit of 15 (plus a private option), which usually means more personal attention on a day that moves at a hiking rhythm.

One possible drawback to plan for: it is a 12-hour day that starts at 3:30 am, and the 7 Lakes entrance fee (20 PEN per person) is extra. If you are not feeling solid on cold starts and moderate hiking, this might feel like more work than reward.

Key things to know before you go

• 7 Lakes of Ausangate views with an uncrowded feel, inside a guided day hike from Cusco
• 3:30 am start with hotel pickup, so you can hit the trail without scrambling
• Small group, up to 15, with a private option if you want more control
• Breakfast plus lunch included, but dinner and snacks are on you
• Hiking poles, first aid kit, and therapeutic oxygen are provided for safety support
• Entrance ticket is extra (20 PEN per person), so budget for it

The 3:30 am start: early, yes, but it changes your whole day

This tour begins at 3:30 am, with pickup from your Cusco hotel. That kind of early start is not just tradition, it is how you turn a tough day into a manageable one. You get moving before the day warms up, and you give yourself more daylight for the full circuit.

The payoff is simple: you are more likely to enjoy calmer trail time and clearer mountain light. The downside is also simple: you have to be ready to roll early, with warm layers and a clear head. If you hate waking up before your alarm even thinks about going off, plan ahead.

Also, the tour runs about 12 hours. That is a long day, so think of it as a full hiking outing, not a casual stroll. If you are returning to Cusco afterward, you will likely want a relaxed evening.

Your guide and group size: why a max of 15 matters on Ausangate

The hike is led by a professional guide, and the group is capped at 15. For a high-altitude hike like this, that size is a real comfort. Bigger groups can stretch out, you lose the easy flow of trail navigation, and people get separated when they stop for photos. A tighter group also helps your guide manage pacing and safety.

If you choose the private option, you get more flexibility in how quickly you move, when you pause, and how long you linger at views. That is worth it if you want a more conversational day with fewer time-pressured stops.

One caution: group tours still move with a schedule. If someone in the group delays a key transition, the rest of the party feels it. In the feedback I read, there was mention of delays when the group had to wait, and even a small mishap like a dropped phone can create ripple effects. In other words, keep your photo stops short and be ready when your guide says it is time to go.

What the tour actually includes (and why that is part of the value)

On paper, this tour looks like a hike. In practice, it is also a safety and comfort package.

You get:

• Tour transportation
• Pickup from your Cusco hotel
• A professional guide
• Hiking poles
• First aid kit
• Therapeutic oxygen
• Breakfast
• Lunch

That list matters. Hiking poles make a real difference when the ground is uneven and your legs are feeling the altitude. And having a first aid kit plus therapeutic oxygen is reassuring on a long day at elevation, especially if you are not 100 percent sure how your body responds.

You do still need to think like a hiker. The tour includes two meals, but dinner and snacks are not included. If you know you get hungry between meal times, you should plan your own snack strategy. Also, bring whatever you need personally for cold and comfort, because the provided items do not cover everything.

Entering the Ausangate zone: how the 7 lakes loop feels in real life

The core experience is a guided hike to the seven lakes of Ausangate. These lakes sit in the Vilcanota mountain range near Ausangate itself. Expect turquoise-green water, strong mountain silhouettes, and a sense that this is more about nature than about crowds.

Because this is a full-day hike, your experience comes down to how the day is paced. Your guide helps you keep moving, stops for key views, and manages the group’s timing so you do not end up rushing at the end.

This is also a place where you notice local life and the rhythm of the highlands. Even if you have seen mountains before, Ausangate has a particular feel: the air is crisp, the scale is huge, and the lakes look almost unreal when the light hits them right.

Stop by stop: making sense of the day’s flow

Stop 1: Ausangate 7 Lagunas (the main event)

This is the heart of the tour, and it is where most of your photos and wow moments happen. You are hiking through the Ausangate mountain area with the goal of visiting the seven turquoise-green lakes.

What makes this stop special is the repeated visual payoff. You are not just looking at one pretty spot. You are moving from lake to lake, so each new arrival feels like a fresh scene. That is also why the guide and group size matter, because getting the timing right helps you enjoy the lakes instead of treating them like checkboxes.

The tradeoff is physical. Even if you have moderate fitness, you are dealing with altitude, early hours, and a long day. If your cardio is okay but your legs burn quickly on climbs, build your pacing with your guide. Do not try to outpace the group just to feel faster.

One more budgeting note: the entrance ticket for the 7 Lakes of Ausangate is 20 PEN per person and is not included. It is not a deal breaker, but it is the kind of extra cost you want to have in mind before you arrive.

Transportation, comfort, and the cold reality of early mornings

The tour includes transportation, and pickup is arranged from your Cusco hotel. That convenience is a big part of the value, because it removes a lot of coordination stress.

What you should consider is that early starts mean colder conditions on the move. Even if you are traveling in Peru’s dry season, the morning can feel sharp at altitude. Dress like it is going to be chilly, and carry layers you can remove later. You will also want to be comfortable sitting for stretches during transfers.

As for health and safety, this tour includes supportive items like therapeutic oxygen and a first aid kit. In the feedback I reviewed, one concern raised was about biosafety precautions on the bus, including mask use. The response stated masks were used and that distance was maintained because the area is open. The practical takeaway for you: follow the guidance you are given by the tour team, and bring a mask if you prefer extra caution.

Food on tour: included meals, plus one taste warning

Breakfast and lunch are included, and that is a real win on a day hike where time is tight. You do not have to pack a meal, and you can focus on the trail.

But food is also where satisfaction can vary. In the feedback I saw, there was criticism of food quality and a specific complaint about an alpaca dish described as hard to eat, along with some frustrations around meal timing and ordering choices at the restaurant.

You do not need to panic about this. Just go in with realistic expectations: on a tour day, meals are part of the schedule, not a restaurant experience. If you are picky, consider choosing simple items when options are available. And if alpaca is not your thing, plan to communicate preferences early.

Price and value: is $186 fair for what you get?

The price is $186 per person, which is not small money. So the question is value, not just cost.

Here is what you get for that spend:

• Hotel pickup and full tour transportation
• A professional guide
• Hiking poles
• First aid kit and therapeutic oxygen
• Breakfast and lunch
• A small-group structure up to 15 (and a private option)

If you are the type of traveler who appreciates safety support, guided navigation, and meals already handled, the price starts to make sense. You are paying for reduced hassle and fewer things you would otherwise need to arrange yourself.

If you expect top-tier food quality and perfect logistics every step of the way, you should know that not every guest felt the service matched the price. Some people raised concerns about protocols and group management, including delays when people waited and when scheduling shifted at meals.

My advice: treat this as a nature-first, guided hike. If you want a high-touch luxury day, this may not hit that level for everyone. If you want the lakes experience with support and convenience, you will likely feel good about the deal.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is best for you if:

• You want a guided, moderate fitness hike in a high-altitude setting
• You like the idea of small groups instead of a crowd on the trail
• You prefer tours that include breakfast and lunch
• You want extra safety comfort, with therapeutic oxygen and first aid kit provided

Skip it or think twice if:

• You struggle with very early starts like a 3:30 am departure
• You get anxious when group timing affects your day
• You dislike hiking that takes most of the day, even if it is not extreme

A practical packing and prep checklist for the 7 Lakes day

The tour gives hiking poles, but your comfort still depends on what you bring. For a 12-hour, early-morning mountain hike, plan for cold and altitude.

Bring:

• Warm layers you can manage at sunrise and during the hike
• Gloves or something for cold hands, if you run cold
• Sunglasses and sunscreen, because high altitude sun is strong
• Your own snacks if you know you need them, since dinner and snacks are not included
• Cash or a card for the 20 PEN entrance fee if it is collected separately

Also, hydrate. Altitude days feel harder when you get behind on fluids.

Should you book the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco?

I would book this tour if your top priority is the lakes hike itself, and you want guided support plus meals without extra planning. The small-group cap, hotel pickup, and provided hiking poles make it easier to enjoy the day instead of managing details.

I would hesitate if you are very sensitive to price, service style, or food. Some guests raised issues tied to value and meal quality, and there were complaints about biosafety handling and logistics delays. If you choose this, go in with patience and focus. This is a nature hike first, and the best version of it comes from moving with your guide and staying flexible.

If you are ready for an early start and a long day on your feet, the seven lakes of Ausangate are the kind of scenery that can anchor your entire Cusco trip.

FAQ

What time does the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour start?

The start time is 3:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 12 hours.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from your Cusco hotel.

What meals are included?

Breakfast and lunch are included.

What is not included in the tour price?

The 7 Lakes of Ausangate entrance fee is not included (20 PEN per person). Dinner and snacks are also not included.

Does the tour provide hiking support for the trail?

Yes. Hiking poles are included. The tour also includes a first aid kit and therapeutic oxygen.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.