Private Tour to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate

This private tour is interesting because the day starts before the sun, then you walk into a view that makes the Ausangate lakes look almost painted. I love the early pickup and that first viewpoint reveal of the seven lagoons.

I also like that the schedule is built for real breathing room, so your bilingual guide can help you pace the hike and stop for photos. One consideration: the route needs moderate fitness, and you’ll still pay extra entrance fees for the lagoons once you’re there.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• 4:00 a.m. start from Cusco means cooler air and a calmer start on the trail
• Two-stage hiking plan (about 2 hours to the viewpoint, then about 3 hours exploring lakes) keeps the day manageable
• Private format means you move at your group’s pace, not a crowd’s
• Handmade walking sticks and a first aid kit help you feel steadier on uneven ground
• Optional Pachanta hot springs (small extra cost) are a nice reward after walking
• Color-changing lagoon views plus alpacas and llamas along the route add big wow factor

Cusco to Pacchanta: Why the 4:00 a.m. pickup matters

This tour begins with pickup in Cusco around 4:00 a.m., then you head toward the village of Pacchanta. That early timing isn’t just for show. You get on the trail when the light is gentler and the air tends to feel less punishing for a long day of walking.

The ride is included, and you’ll be traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle with round-trip transport. That matters because your day is long, roughly 12 hours, and the hike itself takes up most of that time. You’ll want your body to be working well when you step out, not fried from a long morning commute.

The biggest practical win here is rhythm. After you arrive in Pacchanta, you eat breakfast and then start moving. You’re not guessing what to do first or rushing to find food. It’s a clean sequence designed for people who want the views without chaos.

One more detail I like: you’re not stuck waiting with a huge shared group. This is private, so it stays focused on your group only.

Breakfast in Pacchanta and the first viewpoint of the 7 lagoons

Once you reach Pacchanta, the tour includes breakfast. The meal is described as nutritious, and it’s there for a reason. You’re about to do a hike that includes uphill sections and high altitude conditions, so carbs and warm fluids can make a noticeable difference.

Then comes the first walking segment: about 2 hours to a viewpoint. This is where you get one of the day’s main payoffs, seeing the seven lagoons of Ausangate spread out beneath you. Based on what people talk about, the magic is in the combination of light, sky reflections, and the way each lagoon looks a different shade.

From a practical standpoint, this early hike section is your “work” phase. It’s when you warm up, get your breathing settled, and start learning the rhythm of the trail. Your guide is there as a bilingual support person, plus you’ll have handmade walking sticks, which can help on uneven or rocky footing.

If you’re the kind of person who hates feeling rushed, you’ll likely enjoy the way this portion is paced. You’re hiking toward a clear goal, not wandering endlessly. When you reach the viewpoint, you can take your time with photos and simply watch the water and clouds shift.

The 3-hour lake-hopping stretch: pacing, reflections, and animals

After the viewpoint, you continue hiking for about 3 more hours, exploring lakes and their surroundings on the Ausangate trail area. This is where the day stops feeling like a schedule and starts feeling like a slow walk through scenery that keeps changing.

What makes this part special is variety without complexity. You aren’t doing a technical climbing route, but you are moving through enough terrain that you feel like you traveled, not just walked to one spot. You’ll see different angles, and the lagoons can look dramatically different depending on the light and cloud cover.

The reviews also point out something you can count on: alpacas and llamas show up along the route. That’s not a guaranteed animal sighting in every moment, but it’s a common part of the experience people remember. Even when you’re focused on the lakes, you’ll likely notice these animals becoming part of the trail soundtrack.

This is also the section where private pacing becomes real. With a private tour, your guide can help your group move at your speed and handle steep or uneven moments without forcing you to keep up with strangers. If you’re traveling with someone who needs slower breaks, this format tends to be kinder.

Some groups mention their guide preparing a small picnic or snack near the water. The tour includes lunch later in Pacchanta, but this “small extra by the lagoons” feel is the kind of touch that can make the hike feel more personal. If you want that vibe, ask your guide where you’d like to pause and what kind of snack break your group enjoys.

Lunch back in Pacchanta, plus the Pachanta hot springs option

Once you finish the hike, you return to Pacchanta and the tour includes lunch. This is a big deal because by the time you reach this point, you’ll likely be hungry in a deep, honest way. Eating here is also smart timing. It’s long before the ride back to Cusco, so your body gets fuel before the day’s final stretch.

After lunch, there’s an optional add-on: relax in the hot springs of Pachanta. This has an extra cost of S/5.00. I like adding a warm-down after a cold, windy day. Even if you don’t stay long, a quick soak can make the last hours feel less heavy.

One note: since this is optional and costs extra, treat it like a bonus, not part of your must-do plan. If you’re the type who gets cold easily, hot springs can be worth it. If you’re tired and prefer to head straight back, skipping it still keeps the day complete.

Then it’s back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 18:30.

Private tour comfort: guide support, walking sticks, and horse rentals

A private tour isn’t just marketing. On this route, it actually changes your day.

First, you travel with a bilingual professional guide. In practice, that means you can ask quick questions about the landscape, local traditions, or what you’re seeing without feeling like a translator is missing from the moment. People also mention the guide sharing the spiritual importance of the Ausangate region. Even if you’re not in a “spiritual” mood, that context can make the lagoons feel less like a photo stop and more like a place with meaning.

Second, you get handmade walking sticks. These aren’t a gimmick. Trekking poles can help your knees and keep your footing steadier when the ground shifts.

Third, there’s a realistic backup option if the walking feels like too much. Horses can be rented directly from the arriero, costing about 80 to 90 soles. The tour doesn’t spell out exactly when horses are used, so you’ll want to ask your guide how that works on the trail. Still, having that option can turn a scary day into a doable one for many people.

If you’re worried about the hike being steep or long, plan your approach: start steady, take breaks early, and don’t “save your energy” by pushing too hard. The lakes reward patience.

Price and what you should actually budget for

At $120.00 per person, this is a private full-day trekking tour. The value is in what’s included, especially if you compare it to DIY hiking plus transport plus a guide.

Included:

• Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Breakfast and lunch
• Bilingual professional guide
• First aid kit
• Handmade walking sticks

Not included:

• Entrance fee for the 7 Lagoons: PEN 20.00 per person
• Horses (optional): 80 to 90 soles
• Hot springs add-on: S/5.00
• The admission ticket itself is specifically listed as not included

So the best way to think about the cost is like this: you’re paying $120 for a private guide-led day with transport and meals, and then you budget a small extra for the actual lagoon access. For many people, that turns out cheaper than paying separately for transport and a local guide service, while also giving you the pacing help that’s hard to replicate on your own.

One other practical note: this tour tends to be booked well in advance, averaging 141 days. If you’re traveling during a popular season or on a specific date, it’s smart to lock it in early rather than hope for availability.

What to pack for cold, windy lagoon trekking

Even without getting technical, pack for cold. Reviews and common sense both point the same way: it can get chilly up there, and conditions can change fast with wind and time of day.

Bring:

• Warm layers you can add or remove
• Good hiking boots with traction for uneven ground
• A layer for wind protection, like a light jacket or shell
• A hat or something to keep your head warm in early morning

Also, treat this as a long walking day. You’ll want water and basic personal items, even though breakfast and lunch are included. The tour gives hiking tools in the form of walking sticks, but it won’t supply everything you need for comfort.

If you’re debating warm socks, choose warm socks. Your feet are part of your pacing system.

Who this private 7 Lagoons tour is best for

This tour is built for people with moderate physical fitness. If you handle steep uphill walking and can keep a steady pace for several hours, you’ll probably feel good about the itinerary.

It’s especially good for you if:

• You want a private experience with flexibility for photos and breaks
• You love scenic hikes where the views change every segment
• You enjoy cultural context, including stories about the Ausangate area
• You like the idea of a quiet-feeling day compared to big group treks

You might think twice if:

• Long walking time is tough for you right now
• You dislike early mornings, because pickup is around 4:00 a.m.
• You’re not comfortable paying entrance fees on top of the tour price

If you fall into the middle, there’s hope. The optional hot springs and the option to rent horses can soften the day.

Should you book it?

If your main goal is to see the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate with a guide, transport, and meals, this private tour is a strong choice. The pacing works, the viewpoint reveal is built in early, and the private format is the difference between watching a route and actually enjoying it.

I would book it if you are willing to dress warmly, walk steadily, and you appreciate a hike where the rewards are natural color and calm. If you are highly concerned about strenuous hiking, consider asking about how the horse rental option is handled before you go, so you can plan confidently.

Finally, book early if your travel dates are fixed. With long lead times already common, it’s easier to secure your preferred time when you decide sooner.

FAQ

What time does pickup happen in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled from your Cusco hotel at 04:00 hrs, then the tour continues toward Pacchanta.

How long is the Private Tour to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate?

The duration is listed as 12 hours (approx.), with an estimated return to Cusco around 18:30 hrs.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport, round-trip transportation, breakfast, lunch, a bilingual professional guide, a first aid kit, and handmade walking sticks.

Are entrance tickets to the 7 lagoons included?

No. The admission ticket is not included, and there is an entrance fee of PEN 20.00 per person for the 7 Lagoons.

Is the hot springs visit included?

No, hot springs are optional. You can relax in the hot springs of Pachanta for an additional S/5.00.

Can I rent a horse if I need help?

Yes. Horses can be rented directly from the arriero, at a cost of about 80 to 90 soles.

What is the cancellation policy?

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