From Cusco: Private tour 7 lakes – Ausangate

In the heart of the Peruvian Andes, a single day can reveal a landscape of vibrant lagoons, towering snow-capped peaks, and soothing hot springs. This private tour, offered at $150 per person, takes you on a journey through the colorful lakes and majestic mountains surrounding Nevado Ausangate, one of Peru’s most impressive peaks. Starting early from Cusco, the experience is designed to maximize your time in the highlands, offering a blend of sightseeing, gentle hiking, and relaxation in thermal waters.

Two things we particularly love about this tour are the opportunity to photograph multiple lagoons of different colors—each with its own story—and the chance to unwind in the hot springs of Pacchanta after a day of exploring. The landscapes are truly otherworldly, and the small-group, private setting ensures a more personal and flexible experience.

One possible consideration is the early start time—4:00 a.m. pickup is quite early, so if you’re not a morning person, prepare for an adjustment. Also, since the tour involves a 5-hour round trip hike, it’s ideal for those comfortable with moderate walking and high-altitude conditions. This experience suits travelers who love nature, photography, and authentic highland scenery, and who want a full day of adventure without the crowds.

Key Points

• Spectacular Lagoons: Visit multiple vividly colored lagoons such as Laguna Azulcocha, Pukacocha, and Alqacocha for stunning photo opportunities.
• Majestic Mountain Views: See the snow-capped Nevado Ausangate, one of the most iconic peaks in the region.
• Hot Springs Relaxation: Enjoy a soothing soak in Pacchanta’s natural thermal waters after your hike.
• Early Start: Depart at 4:00 a.m., ensuring a full day of exploration.
• Private Group Experience: Small, personalized tours with guides fluent in English and Spanish.
• Cost-Effective: At $150, the tour offers remarkable scenery and experiences, though entrance fees to lagoons and hot springs are not included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: From Cusco to the Enchanting Lagoons of Ausangate

Imagine waking before dawn in Cusco, ready to leave the city’s bustling streets behind for a day of high-altitude wonder. This private tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate begins at 4:00 a.m., with a comfortable vehicle whisking you away towards the rural district of Ocongate and then into the peaceful community of Pacchanta. The journey itself is a feast for the eyes, with glimpses of the Peruvian highlands’ rugged beauty.

We appreciated how the tour balances comfort and adventure. The early start maximizes daylight for exploring the lagoons, and the private setting means your guide can tailor the experience to your pace. The guides, fluent in both English and Spanish, share insightful commentary about the region’s geography and flora, enriching the experience.

Our favorite part? The visit to the Lagoons—each with distinct hues, from bright blues to deep emeralds. Seeing these lakes against the backdrop of the towering Nevado Ausangate is a highlight that makes the early wake-up worthwhile. Plus, the relaxing soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs allows us to unwind after a rewarding day on the trail.

However, a word of caution: the high altitude (around 4200 meters at Pacchanta) can be challenging for some, especially if you’re susceptible to altitude sickness. It’s wise to stay hydrated and go at your own pace. The tour is best suited for those with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy nature and photography.

What to Expect: A Day of High-Altitude Beauty and Relaxation

The itinerary begins bright and early, with pickup from your Cusco accommodation at 4:00 a.m. The drive to Ocongate takes roughly 2-3 hours, passing through scenic mountain landscapes. Once in Pacchanta, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the morning’s hike.

About 8:00 a.m., the real adventure starts. The guide provides last-minute safety and hiking tips before setting out. The 5-hour round-trip trek ventures into the highlands, visiting a series of spectacular lagoons of various shades. Expect to see Laguna Azulcocha, Pukacocha, Oq’ecocha, Alqacocha, and Q’omercocha. Each lagoon reflects the surrounding terrain and sky in a different way, offering countless opportunities for stunning photographs.

The hike itself is fairly moderate but involves walking at high altitude, so it’s important to pace yourself. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of each lagoon and pointed out local fauna and plant life, enriching the visual feast with contextual knowledge.

After completing the hike, we returned to Pacchanta for a well-deserved lunch—often featuring local ingredients and flavors that highlight regional cuisine. The highlight, of course, is the opportunity to soak in the hot springs, which are naturally heated and have a pleasantly mineral-rich feel.

In the late afternoon, the journey back to Cusco begins, arriving around 6:00 p.m. This full-day experience, with roughly 7-8 hours outside the city, balances adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty.

The Experience: Why It Stands Out

The Lakes of Ausangate are not your typical tourist spots—they are authentic, untouched, and visually mesmerizing. The different colors and shapes of the lagoons reflect the mineral content, the sky, and the surrounding peaks, making every shot a postcard. Travelers have noted how “dazzling” the landscapes are, and the chance to photograph multiple lakes in one day is a real plus.

The hot springs offer a sensory reward after the hike. We loved the way the mineral waters soothed tired muscles, and the rustic setting of Pacchanta gives a glimpse into local mountain life. The food served here is simple but satisfying, often described as delicious and home-cooked, adding an authentic touch to the day.

The tour’s small, private group setup with a bilingual guide makes the whole experience more personal and flexible. You won’t be just another face in a large bus; instead, you’ll have room for questions, spontaneous stops, and personalized attention.

Some reviews mention that the early start can be tough, but most agree it’s worth it to beat the crowds and make the most of daylight hours. The trip is ideal for active travelers comfortable with hiking and high-altitude conditions, and those who cherish natural beauty and photography.

Practical Details and Tips for Your Trip

Transportation: Comfortable private vehicle – essential for early morning departure and high-altitude altitude driving.

Timing: Departure at 4:00 a.m. allows for a full day of sightseeing, returning around 6:00 p.m. Check availability for exact starting times.

Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, guide, first aid kit, oxygen cylinder – great safety and comfort features.

Exclusions: Entrance to lakes and hot springs are not included, so plan to carry cash for these.

What to bring: Passport, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen. The high altitude and strong sun mean protection is a must.

Not suitable for: Pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues or pre-existing health conditions. The altitude and physical demands can be challenging.

Booking: Flexible reservation options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

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The Sum Up

This private tour offers a full day immersed in some of the most stunning scenery high in the Peruvian Andes. It’s perfect for travelers who want an intimate experience—away from the crowds—and who value natural beauty, photography, and authentic local touches like delicious regional food and thermal springs.

You’ll love the variety of lagoons, each with its own color and character, set against the backdrop of Nevado Ausangate’s towering presence. The hot springs provide a relaxing end after a moderate hike, making the entire day well-balanced between active exploration and leisure.

While the early start and altitude may not suit everyone, those prepared for high-altitude travel will find this tour rewarding and memorable. It’s best suited for active travelers who want a full, scenic, and authentic highland adventure, with guide support making it easier to navigate the terrain and local environment.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, scenic, and well-organized day trip from Cusco that highlights the natural beauty of Peru’s highlands, this excursion strikes a great balance of value and experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour involves a 5-hour hike at high altitude, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with walking and altitude. Always check with the provider regarding age restrictions.

How early do we need to wake up?
The pickup is at 4:00 a.m., so be prepared for a very early start. This ensures you maximize daylight for sightseeing and enjoy cooler temperatures during the hike.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to the lagoons and hot springs are not included in the price, so you should carry cash to cover these small costs.

What is the difficulty level?
The tour involves a moderate hike of about 5 hours at high altitude, so it’s suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness and acclimatized to high elevations.

What should I pack?
Bring your passport, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and layered clothing. High-altitude conditions mean weather can change quickly.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is food provided?
Yes, breakfast in Pacchanta and a traditional lunch are included, highlighting local flavors and ingredients.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making explanations accessible and enriching.

Can I do this tour if I have respiratory issues?
It’s not recommended, as the high altitude and physical exertion can be challenging for those with respiratory conditions.

This tour from Cusco offers an authentic and scenic exploration of the high Andes, perfect for those seeking natural beauty, tranquility, and a touch of adventure in Peru’s breathtaking landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby