Full Day Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike from Cusco

Full-day Ausangate 7 Lakes is interesting because it gives you a high-Andes experience in one go, without the circus feel of the more famous day trips. I love the way the hike links seven glacial lagoons into one continuous story, and I love how guides like Tony keep things fun and safety-first when the altitude starts talking back.

The main drawback is the pace of the whole day. You start around 5:00 am, then spend a long time in the van, so plan on being out most of the day.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small-group style hike, with a relaxed pace once you’re walking
• Seven lagoon circuit around Ausangate, with repeated photo stops and changing colors
• High-Andean wildlife chances like alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and sometimes Andean condor
• Breakfast included in Pacchanta, plus lunch after the hike
• Medicinal hot springs option in Pacchanta, usually a small extra fee

Why Ausangate 7 Lakes feels worth the long day

If you want a single-day hike that feels remote, Ausangate does that. The views stay big for hours, and you’re moving through a region where everyday life seems tied to the mountains.

The hike hits a sweet spot for many people: you’re not doing a multi-day trek, but you still get a proper walking circuit. That matters if you want the “wow” of the Andes without committing to another hotel night.

The tour also aims to simplify morning logistics. Pickup from your Cusco accommodation means you’re not stuck figuring out local transport before dawn. After that, it’s a straight shot toward the high country.

Price and what you really pay for

The cost is listed at $49 per person, which is very approachable for a full-day operation with pickup and a professional guide.

Just remember: two extras are not included. The hot springs entrance is PEN 5.00 per person, and there’s an entrance fee for Tinki listed at PEN 20.00 per person. If you plan to do both, budget a bit more than the headline price.

For value, the big question is not the $49. It’s whether the day fits you.

• If you handle early starts and long drives well, this is a strong deal.
• If you dislike crammed vans or tight communication, the tour may feel like it costs more in frustration than in money.

The 5:00 am pickup reality check from Cusco

This is a start early trip. The start time is 5:00 am, and you’ll be picked up around then to begin the day.

What that means in practice:

• You should treat the first few hours as travel time, not “sleep later time.”
• Bring layers. Mornings in the Andes can feel cold before the sun warms up.
• Expect the day to run long. Even if the hiking portion is only part of it, you’ll still be gone for roughly 13 to 14 hours total.

One more heads-up from real-world experience: this kind of day can feel tighter than advertised if more people show up than the stated group size. The tour says a maximum of 12 travelers, but I’ve also seen reports of packed vans and uncomfortable seating. If you’re tall or want a bit more elbow room, ask directly before you go.

Pacchanta baja: the long ride with useful scenery

Before you hike, you get a journey toward Pacchanta. The plan includes time to appreciate high-Andean flora and fauna along the way.

This section is not about getting out and walking. It’s about setting you up for the real day. In other words, it’s where the “full-day” part happens.

The practical upside: you’re leaving Cusco with a plan. The not-so-fun part: you are sitting for a while. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it.

Also, this region is remote enough that you won’t be running to a store whenever you need something. If you think you’ll need water, extra snacks, or a warm layer, you’ll want to handle that before you leave.

Tinki breakfast: where the day gears up

Once you reach Pacchanta, the tour includes breakfast typical of the region, plus a short break.

This is a smart moment. The hike is at altitude, and breakfast timing matters. You’ll also get a guide briefing about what’s ahead, which can help you pace yourself instead of guessing.

There’s also a Tinki entrance fee listed as PEN 20.00 per person that is not included. If you’re trying to keep your spending predictable, check what gets paid that day and bring cash if the operator doesn’t take card.

Nevado Ausangate hike: the seven lagoons circuit you came for

After breakfast, the real work begins. You hike toward the seven Ausangate lagoons.

Here’s what the schedule points to:

• Route distance: about 7.5 km
• Time on the hike: around 5 hours
• Lagoons visited: Azulqocha, Orqo Otorongo, China Otorongo, Puqacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, and Patacocha
• Mountain views you may see: Ausangate, Mariposa, Jampa, Pucapunta, Caracol, and Tinke

That’s the heart of the experience. The circuit design keeps you moving, but it also gives enough pauses that you can actually enjoy the views instead of just passing them.

Wildlife and bird-spotting is not just a marketing line

One of the best parts is the chance to see high-Andean animals:

• alpacas and llamas
• vizcachas
• and with a little luck, an Andean condor

You should not count on the condor. But even without it, the animal sightings add life to the hike. These aren’t zoo animals, so you’re watching them as they go about their day.

Altitude is the real boss fight

The trail is physically demanding, especially because the hike happens at high elevation. Even fit hikers can feel it once the air gets thin.

I’ve seen people mention that the hike can feel like roughly 9 miles with around 1,500 feet of elevation gain, and that altitude makes it harder than the basic trail profile would suggest. I’ve also seen firsthand-style notes about headaches on the way back.

So plan like this:

• go slower than you think you need to
• take breaks when you need them, not when you feel guilty
• if you’ve had altitude problems before, don’t ignore that history

If you’re hoping the guide will have magic solutions, your best move is to show up prepared, pace early, and communicate if you’re struggling.

Horses as a backup option

If you hit a wall, there are reports of guides calling in a horse as an added fee option. The key idea is not that you’ll definitely need it, but that the tour can adapt if someone cannot keep up.

If that’s a concern for you, ask your guide what options exist once you’re on route, and how that decision is typically handled.

Return to Pacchanta: lunch plus medicinal hot springs

Once you finish the lagoon circuit, you head back toward Pacchanta. The plan includes a local lunch there.

Then the tour includes time to relax in medicinal hot springs. The hot springs fee is PEN 5.00 per person and not included, so plan that small extra cost if you want the soak.

Why this stop matters:

• it helps your legs recover after a long uphill day
• it turns the end of the hike into something restorative instead of just another ride back to Cusco

One caution from the mixed feedback: I’ve seen a report where the hot springs point didn’t happen as expected. That sounds unusual, but it’s worth keeping expectations flexible. If this is a must-do for you, mention it to the guide that you want time for it.

Guides and language: Tony, Alvaro, and the communication reality

Guide quality seems to make or break the day.

I saw multiple positive notes about guides like Tony and Alvaro, including clear explanations and a good sense of humor. That matters because the hike isn’t just scenery. It’s also logistics at altitude, plus a lot of waiting around turns and group movement.

The tour lists an English/Spanish-speaking professional guide and says offered in English. Still, at least one account described translation as uneven even though bilingual coverage was expected.

My practical advice:

• If you only feel comfortable with English, confirm that your guide will provide fuller English explanations for the group.
• If you speak any Spanish, it will help you catch details faster, especially during quick moments where directions get handed off.

Also, pay attention to how the guide manages pacing. In a high-altitude hike, “relaxed pace” is not about slow hiking. It’s about smart pacing and minimizing unnecessary stress.

Group size, the van ride, and comfort on the way back

The tour markets itself as a small group experience, and that’s a genuine advantage once you’re hiking. Fewer people can mean less chaos on the trail and more personal attention.

But the van ride is where comfort can disappoint. I’ve seen complaints about packed vehicles, cramped seating, and even vehicle issues like broken seatbelts or a damaged windshield. I’ve also seen good notes about prompt transportation.

So here’s how to protect your day:

• bring a warm layer for the van ride
• choose a seat where you can tolerate bumps if you’re sensitive to discomfort
• if you’re picky about space, ask what the vehicle will be like and whether the group is truly kept small

The best-case scenario is a smooth ride, prompt timing, and a team that gets you hiking on schedule. The not-so-best-case scenario is a long uncomfortable ride that makes the day feel longer than it needs to.

Who should book this Ausangate day hike?

This hike is a great fit if:

• you want an Ausangate hike without committing to a multi-day trek
• you like a route-based day with a clear goal: seven lagoons
• you want a less crowded alternative vibe compared with the most famous Cusco day trips
• you’re okay with a long, early start and a big day overall

It might be a tough fit if:

• you get altitude headaches easily or your stamina drops fast at elevation
• you dislike long van rides
• you have trouble with physically demanding trails
• you’re traveling with young kids, since the hike is described as demanding

You’ll also be happiest if you travel with a good attitude. The day has long stretches of driving and waiting. When you treat that as the price of the mountains, the hike itself often feels like it pays you back.

Should you book the Full Day Ausangate 7 Lakes from Cusco?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a one-day hit of high-Andes trekking, and you’re willing to handle early pickup, long travel, and altitude pacing. The combination of a structured seven-lagoon hike, included breakfast and lunch, and a chance at wildlife makes this feel like a serious day in the mountains for the price.

I would pause and ask a few questions first if you’re sensitive to comfort on long rides or you strongly depend on clear English explanations throughout the day. Also, if hot springs time is a priority for you, confirm that you’ll have it on your schedule that day.

If you go in with realistic expectations, this can be one of those Cusco days that sticks. Not because it’s easy, but because it gives you proper Ausangate scenery, for hours, in one outing.

FAQ

What time does the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike start?

The start time is 5:00 am, with pickup from your Cusco accommodation around 5 am.

How long is the full-day tour?

The total duration is listed as about 13 to 14 hours, including travel time.

How much does the tour cost?

It’s priced at $49.00 per person.

What is included in the price?

Included are an English/Spanish-speaking professional guide, pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, and breakfast.

Are the hot springs included?

No. The hot springs entrance fee is PEN 5.00 per person.

Is the Tinki fee included?

No. There is an entrance fee to Tinki of PEN 20.00 per person.

What is the main hiking distance and time?

The lagoon circuit hike is approximately 7.5 km and takes about 5 hours.

Where will I be dropped off after the hike?

The bus will drop everyone near the Plaza de Armas.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.