From Cusco: 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek With Breakfast and Lunch

The 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek from Cusco offers a remarkable day of adventure in the Andes. Travelers will enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a 5-hour hike through stunning alpine landscapes. With optional horse riding and a relaxing lunch in Pacchanta, this immersive trek provides a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts. But the true highlight may be what awaits at the end of the journey.

Key Points

• A 1-day excursion near Cusco, Peru, featuring iconic alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks, with a hiking duration of approximately 5 hours.
• Includes hotel pickup from Cusco, a 3-hour drive to the trailhead, and a breakfast stop before the hike.
• Breakfast menu offers coffee/tea, pastries, fruit, yogurt, and granola to fuel up for the day’s hike.
• Optional horse riding available for an additional fee, allowing for the exploration of remote areas not accessible on foot.
• Includes a lunch stop in the village of Pacchanta, and an optional soak in hot springs for 30 soles.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek

The 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Ausangate mountain range near Cusco, Peru.

This 1-day excursion takes adventurers on a journey to witness the region’s iconic alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and panoramic vistas of the Andes.

Trekkers will hike for approximately 5 hours, with the option to ride horses for an additional fee.

Along the way, they’ll enjoy a breakfast stop and a lunch in the charming village of Pacchanta, as well as the chance to soak in rejuvenating hot springs, also for an extra cost.

Pickup and Transportation

One of the key conveniences of the Ausangate Trek is the included hotel pickup service.

The tour starts bright and early, with pickup between 4-4:30 am from your Cusco hotel. After a 3-hour drive, you’ll arrive at the trailhead in Pacchanta.

Guests are picked up from their Cusco hotel between 4-4:30 am, then driven 3 hours to the Ausangate Trek trailhead in Pacchanta.

The morning begins with a breakfast stop to fuel up before the hike. With the transportation and logistics handled, you can focus on soaking in the stunning Andean scenery as you make your way to the Ausangate Lakes.

At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped off near the Cusco city center around 6-7 pm.

Breakfast and Trail Hiking

After the early morning pickup, the group stops for a 30-minute breakfast break. This brief respite allows travelers to fuel up before the day’s hike. The menu typically includes:

| Item | Description |

| — | — |

| Coffee/Tea | Hot and refreshing |

| Pastries | Freshly baked local treats |

| Fruit | Seasonal selection |

| Yogurt | Creamy and protein-packed |

| Granola | Hearty and nutritious |

Bellies full, the group sets off on the trail, trekking for approximately 5 hours to reach the stunning Ausangate Lakes. Along the way, they are treated to panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine landscapes.

Optional Horse Riding

Adventurous trekkers can opt to experience the Ausangate region on horseback for an additional fee. This adds an exhilarating twist to the journey, allowing travelers to cover more ground effortlessly and take in the magnificent vistas from a different perspective.

The horse riding option offers:

Reliable, well-trained horses, experienced guides, and the chance to explore remote areas inaccessible on foot.

• Reliable, well-trained horses suited for the terrain

• Experienced guides to lead the way and ensure a safe ride

• The chance to explore remote areas inaccessible on foot

While an extra cost, the horse riding experience can be a thrilling highlight for those seeking a more dynamic and immersive exploration of the Ausangate lakes and mountains.

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Lunch in Pacchanta

Following the exploration of the Ausangate region on horseback, trekkers are treated to a lunch stop in the quaint village of Pacchanta.

After the challenging hike, participants enjoy a 30-minute break to refuel with a delicious local meal.

The lunch provides an opportunity to rest, rehydrate, and take in the stunning mountain vistas surrounding the village.

This midday respite energizes trekkers for the return journey and allows them to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Pacchanta before heading back to Cusco in the afternoon.

Soak in Hot Springs

Trekkers are afforded the opportunity to soak in the rejuvenating hot springs of Pacchanta, located just a short distance from the lunch stop.

For an additional fee of 30 soles, visitors can indulge in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters, which are believed to offer various health benefits:

• Soothing sore muscles after the hike

• Improving circulation and reducing stress

• Providing a relaxing respite amid the stunning mountain scenery

The hot springs provide a welcome chance to unwind and recharge before the return journey to Cusco, capping off an unforgettable day of adventure and natural splendor.

Return to Cusco

After enjoying the soothing hot springs, trekkers will start the return journey back to Cusco.

The group will depart Pacchanta and travel for approximately 3 hours, arriving back in Cusco between 6-7 pm. Along the way, they’ll take in the stunning panoramic views of the Andes mountains.

Upon reaching Cusco, travelers will be dropped off near the city center. The tour includes all transportation, so trekkers can relax and soak in the last moments of this incredible day exploring the 7 lakes and hot springs of the Ausangate region.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Important Information

The Ausangate Trek includes a comprehensive package, covering hotel pickup, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, first aid equipment, and entrance fees to the hot springs.

The Ausangate Trek offers a comprehensive package including hotel pickup, a professional guide, meals, and access to hot springs.

While gratuities and additional expenses like water and souvenirs aren’t included, travelers should come prepared with:

• Snacks and water

• Rain gear and warm clothing

• Comfortable hiking shoes

It’s important to note that this trek isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, respiratory conditions, or those over 264 lbs.

Altitude sickness precautions are also recommended. Luggage and large bags aren’t allowed on the trek.

Things To Know

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Trek?

There are no specific age restrictions for this trek, but it’s not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or respiratory issues, or those over 264 lbs (120 kg). Altitude sickness precautions are advised.

Can I Book This Tour for a Group of Friends?

Yes, this 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek can be booked for a group of friends. The tour accommodates couples, groups, solo travelers, and families. Just be sure to make the reservation in advance to secure your preferred date and group size.

How Difficult Is the Hiking on a Scale of 1-10?

The hiking difficulty for the 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek is around a 7 out of 10. It involves a 5-hour hike to the alpine lakes, which may be challenging for those unaccustomed to high-altitude trekking. Proper preparation and physical fitness are recommended.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?

Pets are not allowed on the 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek. The tour operator has a strict policy against bringing animals due to the challenging hiking terrain and altitude. For the safety and comfort of all participants, pets cannot be accommodated on this excursion.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. Travelers can save up to 35% on the tour price by providing valid student or senior ID at the time of booking.

Sum Up

The 7 Lakes Ausangate Trek is an exceptional day-long adventure that showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andean region. From the early morning pickup to the hearty meals and optional activities like horse riding and hot springs, this immersive experience caters to nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable exploration of the stunning alpine landscapes surrounding Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here: