Visiting: Cusco · Pacchanta · the Seven Lakes of Ausangate · natural thermal baths · views of the Ausangate glacier
Overview
Rising over the Cusco region, Ausangate is one of the most sacred and awe-inspiring mountains in all of Peru. On this full-day adventure from Cusco you discover the legendary Seven Lakes of Ausangate — a circuit of glacial lakes, each one unique in colour and character, set against towering snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers and vast highland scenery. It's the most rewarding high-altitude day hike in the region.
Your expert bilingual guide brings the landscape to life with insights into the geology, history and deep spiritual significance of Ausangate for Andean communities, and along the way you may spot alpacas, vicuñas and other wildlife roaming the highlands. The day ends with a traditional Andean buffet lunch and a deeply relaxing soak in natural thermal baths, where warm mineral-rich waters and sweeping views of the Ausangate glacier create one of the most memorable moments of the whole trip.
🏔️ This is a high, full day. The trail climbs to around 4,800 m and covers about 13 km, with an early start and a late return, so we strongly recommend acclimatising in Cusco for 2–3 days first. The first climb to the lakes is the hardest part; after that the trail is mostly flat or downhill. Horses are available if you'd prefer to ride the uphill section.
Your Day — Step by Step
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1
Pre-dawn pick-up · Cusco → Pacchanta
Your day begins with pick-up from your Cusco hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 am — or you can meet us at our office at 5:10 am. Get comfortable, because once everyone is on board we head out of the city and into the scenic Andean highlands.
From Cusco it's an approximately two-hour scenic drive towards the village of Pacchanta, with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and traditional highland communities unfolding along the way as the sun comes up over the mountains.
Good to know: If you'd rather not wait for hotel pick-up, you can meet us directly at our office at 5:10 am.
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2
Trailhead + Andean breakfast
We continue by vehicle for about one more hour, gradually gaining altitude until we reach Pacchanta, the official starting point of the hike, after a total drive of roughly 3 to 3.5 hours from Cusco.
On arrival we stop for a hearty Andean breakfast — a warm, energising meal to fuel you up before the trail, and the last proper stop before we set off on foot into the high country.
Good to know: Eat well at breakfast — this is your last chance to fuel up before the climb to the first lake.
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3
Hike the Seven Lakes
After breakfast we begin our guided hike with a gentle uphill climb of about 1.5 hours; as you crest the hill, the first of the seven glacial lakes appears, its vivid colours shimmering beneath the glaciers — a stunning introduction to the area's natural beauty.
From the first lake onward the remaining six are reached along mostly flat or downhill trails, so the exploration stays comfortable and rewarding. We take time to enjoy the panoramic views of Ausangate, take photos, and learn about the glaciers and local legends from your guide.
Good to know: The first 1.5-hour climb is the hardest part; once you reach lake one, the rest of the circuit is mostly flat or downhill.
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4
Buffet lunch → thermal baths → Cusco
After the lake circuit we sit down to a delicious buffet lunch, then unwind in the natural thermal baths, soaking tired muscles in warm mineral waters with the Ausangate glacier rising behind — the perfect way to relax and take in spectacular views before the road home.
Refreshed, we begin the ~3-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 pm with a drop-off near the Main Square, ending an unforgettable day of exploration in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Good to know: Itinerary times may vary with weather conditions, group pace and traffic, so allow some flexibility around the evening arrival.
Tour at a Glance
| Duration | Full day (no overnight) · long day |
| Highest point | Around 4,800 m (operator does not state exact) |
| Total distance | ~13 km on foot |
| Difficulty | Demanding — long, high-altitude hike |
| Also includes | Natural thermal baths + Ausangate views |
| Meals | 1 breakfast · 1 buffet lunch |
| Group size | Small group · max 18 |
| Departures | Daily · book up to 1 day ahead |
What's Included
Tap any item to see the full details.
Included
Not included
The Pacchanta Thermal Baths
One thing that sets this tour apart from the other rainbow-mountain and lake day trips is the natural thermal baths at the end of the hike. After the trek, you can soak in warm, mineral-rich pools while gazing up at the snow-capped Ausangate glacier — the perfect reward for tired legs. The entrance is a small fee paid on site (about 5 soles), and you'll want to bring a swimsuit and a small towel if you plan to take a dip.
Prices — 2026 Season
This is a small-group day tour to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, including the thermal baths. We offer a standard rate, plus a special returning-guest rate for travelers who have already booked another tour with us (such as the Salkantay Trek, Inca Trail, Inca Jungle or a Machu Picchu tour). Entrance fees are paid locally in soles and are not included.
| Rate | Price per person | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $29 | Booking this tour on its own |
| Returning guest | $27 | Already booked another tour with us |
Prices per person, group service. The same rate applies whether you book online or at our Cusco office. Vegetarian, vegan and special diets are accommodated free on request.
Optional Extras (paid locally, in soles)
- Ausangate 7 Lakes entrance20 soles (~$6)
- Thermal baths entrance5 soles
- Horse — uphill (with handler)~70–90 soles
- Horse — return / downhill~40–60 soles
Horse rental is arranged with local handlers at the trail and paid in cash in soles; prices vary with demand. We ask all travelers to treat the horses with kindness and respect.
What to Pack
This is a long, high-altitude hike where the weather changes fast, so dress in layers and carry a light daypack — there are no vendors on the trail.
- Always with you: cash in soles (lakes 20 + baths 5 + extras), 1.5–2 L of water, high-energy snacks, high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Clothing: a thermal base layer, a fleece and a warm jacket for the cold start, plus lighter layers for when the sun is out; a waterproof jacket or poncho, a warm beanie, a sun hat, and sturdy hiking boots.
- Don't forget: a swimsuit and small towel for the thermal baths, your camera, and any personal medication (including altitude tablets if you use them).
How to Book
Book online or in person at our Cusco office (Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo). There are daily departures year-round and you can reserve up to one day before. Pay safely by debit or credit card online (a small processing fee applies), or in cash (USD, EUR or soles) at the office.
- Choose your date — daily departures year-round.
- Enter your details (name, nationality, hotel in Cusco, WhatsApp number for pick-up).
- Pay securely by card online, or reserve and pay at our office.
- Confirm — you'll get an instant confirmation email with pick-up details, and our team follows up by WhatsApp.
Free rescheduling: you can reschedule or switch to a similar tour (Rainbow Mountain, Palcoyo, Humantay Lake or Sacred Valley) at no extra cost until 7:00 pm the day before your tour, subject to availability.
Full refund: cancel at least 24 hours before the tour for 100% back.
Partial refund (50%): cancel within 24 hours but before 7:00 pm the day before.
No refund: cancellations after 7:00 pm the day before, or no-shows, are non-refundable.
Agency cancellations: if we must cancel for weather, road blocks or other unforeseen reasons, you receive a 100% refund. To make changes, email info@machupicchuteam.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's the most demanding of our Cusco day hikes — about 13 km at high altitude (around 4,800 m), with an early start and a late return. The hardest part is the first climb of roughly 1.5 hours up to the first lake; after that the trail is mostly flat or downhill. A good level of fitness and proper acclimatisation help a lot, so spend 2–3 days in Cusco beforehand. If you'd rather not walk the uphill section, horses are available at the trailhead.
The thermal baths are part of the experience, but the small entrance fee (about 5 soles) is paid on site in cash and isn't included in the tour price. If you want to soak in the warm mineral pools after the hike — with the Ausangate glacier as your backdrop — bring a swimsuit and a small towel. It's optional, but most travellers say it's one of the highlights of the day.
Yes. Local handlers offer horses at the trail for the uphill section, usually around 70–90 soles (~$20–25), including a handler who leads the horse so you can simply enjoy the scenery. A return (downhill) ride is about 40–60 soles more. Prices vary with demand and are paid in cash in soles. We work only with responsible local partners and ask all travellers to treat the animals with care.
The dry season (April to November) is best — clearer skies, the most vivid lake colours and the most reliable conditions for the high trail. June to August is coldest at night. The rainy season (December to March) brings more cloud, mud and the chance of snow on the trail, though tours still run year-round. Whatever the month, mornings are very cold and the high-altitude sun is strong, so pack both warm layers and sun protection.
We pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco between 4:30 and 5:00 am (or you can meet us at our office at 5:00 am). Because of the distance and the thermal-baths stop, this is a long day — the tour usually ends back near the Main Square (Plaza Regocijo) between 7:00 and 7:30 pm. If you need a drop-off at the airport or bus terminal on the way back, let your guide know in advance.
The tour includes a hearty Andean breakfast and a traditional buffet lunch. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs at no extra cost — just let us know in advance. Groups are usually 14–16 travellers (max 18) with a professional bilingual guide, and we offer free luggage storage at our Cusco office so you can travel light.
