Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco worth booking?
Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco is a 14-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $39 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (4)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $39 per person
Connect with the magic of the Ausangate region on our full-day hike to the Seven Lakes of Cusco. This journey is more than a hike, it’s a deep immersion into local life, stunning scenery, and quiet moments in nature. W
What you get
- First Aid Kit
- Buffet lunch (Vegetarian options available)
- Pick up from your Hotel/Hostel or accommodation in Cusco
- Light Breakfast
- Tourist Transportation from Cusco- Pacchanta- Cusco
- Briefing session once you book to give you helpful recommendations
About this experience
Connect with the magic of the Ausangate region on our full-day hike to the Seven Lakes of Cusco. This journey is more than a hike, it’s a deep immersion into local life, stunning scenery, and quiet moments in nature. While others may just offer a route, we offer true connection, creating a safe, friendly space from the moment you book. With years of experience, local guides, and a low-cost but high-quality approach, our team is here before, during, and after the tour. Feel at home while exploring landscapes that feel like another planet in Cusco.
What's included
Included
- First Aid Kit
- Buffet lunch (Vegetarian options available)
- Pick up from your Hotel/Hostel or accommodation in Cusco
- Light Breakfast
- Tourist Transportation from Cusco- Pacchanta- Cusco
- Briefing session once you book to give you helpful recommendations
- Professional Bilingual Guide (English & Spanish)
Not included
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Wake up early and head into the heart of the Andes on this full-day tour to the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate. After picking you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m., we’ll drive through breathtaking landscapes to the remote village of Pacchanta, where we will have our breakfast. From there, we begin a scenic 12 km hike (roundtrip) that winds past seven stunning lagoons—each one shimmering in tones of turquoise, deep blue, and emerald green. The hike is of moderate difficulty, mostly due to the altitude (above 4,300 meters). But don’t worry, our experienced guides set a steady, comfortable pace with time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the view. Along the way, you’ll spot native birds, alpacas, llamas, and maybe even a playful vizcacha. After the trek, we return to Pacchanta for lunch. If the group agrees, we’ll cap off the day with a relaxing visit to the hot springs, an optional dip in warm waters surrounded by mountains. We’ll be back in Cusco around 6:30 p.m.
900 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
The convenient meeting point at the water fountain in the main square (Plaza de Armas), located right in front of Cusco’s Cathedral, at 4:15 a.m
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Drop-off will be at Plaza Regocijo between 6:00 pm and 6:30 p.m., as per the regulations set by the Municipality of Cusco, which has designated this square as the official drop-off point for all tourist minivans to avoid the trafic in the historic center.
Options you can book
Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco
Pickup included
7 lakes tour+ Entrance fee
Entrance fee Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Nixon Expeditions
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Challenging
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Unforgettable experience, but it requires preparation Main idea: The 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour is a high-mountain trek (4,300 masl) with otherworldly landscapes, but the biggest challenge is the altitude. It is not a hike to do without preparation. ________________________________________ Most useful tips for the traveler: 🚶 Mandatory preparation: • Acclimate for at least 3 days in Cusco before doing the trek. • Maintain a slow and steady pace (“llama pace”) to avoid altitude sickness. 🎒 Key gear: • Waterproof boots and layered clothing (thermal + fleece + windbreaker). • Hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen (the sun burns even if it is cold). • Trekking poles (essential for your knees and the uneven terrain). 💧 Hydration and food: • Bring at least 2 liters of water and energy snacks. • Bring cash (soles) for: entrance (10 S/), hot springs (5 S/), restroom (1 S/), and tips. gloves 20 soles. etc. 🌿 Culture and respect: • Chew coca leaves or drink coca tea for altitude sickness. • Do not leave trash and do not bathe in the lagoons (they are sacred). • If you feel very sick from the altitude, notify the guide and go down. 🚐 Logistics: • Very early departure (4:00 a.m.) from Cusco, return between 5-6 p.m. Breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta. • There is no direct public transportation; it is better to hire a responsible agency or a private car. ________________________________________ In summary: Spectacular landscape, but only if you go well prepared and respecting the mountain. It is totally worth it!
via Viator (translated)
Lifetime experience
Excellent tour would highly recommend. The tour company caters to all your needs and concerns.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
An Adventure of Contrasts: Ausangate and Sacred Valley, with Nixon expeditions Imagine combining the pure and wild energy of the Andes with the living history and serene landscapes of the Inca empire in one trip. This is the essence of joining the tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate with an exploration of the Sacred Valley. The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Your day would start very early, with a pick-up around 4:00/4:30 AM from your hotel in Cusco. After a journey of about 3 hours, you would arrive in the Pacchanta community for a comforting breakfast (very good). The 5- to 6-hour walk (12 km) will take you through a circuit of turquoise, blue and emerald glacial lagoons, with names like Azulcocha, Pucacocha and Q'omercocha. The imposing Ausangate Snow (6,384 m.a.s.l.) will be your constant companion. The effort has a wonderful reward: at the end of the trekking, you can relax the muscles in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta (5 suns) and with a fairly substantial and typical lunch. Coat is cold. Return to Cusco is usually around 6:00 - 7:30 PM. They leave you near the square of arms. Excellent Guide: Kevin. Cultural Day: Sacred Valley In contrast, a tour of the Sacred Valley is an immersion in Inca history and culture. It usually includes visits to impressive archaeological sites such as Pisac, with its imposing platform system, and Ollantaytambo, a town of Inca origin that still retains its original layout and formidable fortress. It is also common to visit the colorful Chinchero market, known for its textile traditions. Salineras de Maras, you will see how they extract salt with ancient techniques, the terraces of Moray, with its micro climates for cultivation. This tour is generally less physically demanding than the Ausangate tour and allows you to appreciate the historical richness of the region. The guide was Dante, excellent too. Lunch is at PACHAY restaurant, firm type, you will delight with typical Peruvian dishes, for USD$ 10, you upgrade to TUNUPA restaurant. * To find nixon expeditions, check in travel forums: Platforms like Tripadvisor or google, and tour radar. * Verify on site: If you are in Cusco, you can ask in your accommodation or visit the agency around the Plaza de Armas. Excellent tour highly recommended
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Beautiful hike with breakfast and lunch
Was a really nice hike with breakfast and lunch. Make sure you are a good hiker it a moderate hike on easy terrain. The altitude will make it harder the usual. The guide misjudged me asking me not ones but 3 times before the hike if I wanted to rent a horse. Only for me to be one of the fastest ones, I even went a bit further then the original loop getting some incredible views of the lakes at high level. Would be nice to receive more information about the lakes and wildlife during the trip.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $39 to $50
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Nixon Expeditions, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.5.
See everything Nixon Expeditions runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $39 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 14-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Full Day Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate from Cusco start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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