Excursion to Ausangate & 7 lakes with Coca Ceremony |Private|

Seven lagoons feel like a secret route. This private day trip takes you from Cusco to Pacchanta near the Ausangate range at about 4,200 meters, where you’ll hike between the seven lagoons and pause for a coca leaf ritual led by your guide. I like the round-trip transfer from Cusco because it saves you from fiddling with logistics, and I also like that this is a private setup so you can keep a comfortable rhythm instead of rushing with strangers.

Here’s the one thing to keep in mind: this is a high-altitude trek. You should have moderate physical fitness, and you’ll be on your feet for hours—so comfy hiking shoes and a slow, steady pace are not optional.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Private guide and private vehicle with AC for a smoother start and return
• Pacchanta at roughly 4,200 m before you begin the lagoon hike
• Coca leaf ceremony at the first lagoon, with a chance to participate
• About 10 km total hiking (~5 hours) plus a break for hot springs
• Breakfast and lunch included, so you’re not hunting for food all day
• First aid kit and oxygen on hand for extra peace of mind

Ausangate and the Seven Lagoons: why this day feels different

Ausangate is the big magnet behind this trip. You’re heading into the Andes toward a set of seven lagoons, with wildlife and vegetation showing up as you move between them. The day is paced so you’re not just “checked in and out.” You’ll actually spend time walking, pausing, and looking.

The coca ceremony is the other difference. At the first lagoon, your guide performs a coca leaf ritual, and you can participate—using it as a moment to talk with your guide and connect with Mother Earth. Even if you’re not into rituals, this part tends to make the scenery feel more personal because it turns the stop from a photo moment into a shared experience.

Cusco to Pacchanta transfers: logistics that actually help

One reason I like this kind of private tour is simple: you’re not burning energy planning transportation. The trip includes pickup from your hotel in Cusco (ideally within the historic center) and a round-trip ride to the starting community.

You also get a real comfort upgrade: the vehicle has air conditioning. That matters on a long day—especially when you’re thinking about altitude, early mornings, and the fact that you’ll still be traveling back to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

For meeting, the start is Plaza Regocijo (F2M9+5X2), Cusco 08002, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That means you don’t end the day stranded somewhere outside the city center.

Altitude and pace: what the hike schedule means for you

This day starts at altitude. You begin from Pacchanta, located at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range at about 4,200 meters. That’s high enough to make a slow start feel smart, even if you’re fit.

The itinerary gives you two key hiking numbers:

• First stretch: 5–6 km
• Total hike: 10 km for about 5 hours

So you’ll likely feel like the day is “two modes”: steady uphill movement into the first lagoon area, then continued walking to the later lagoons. The good news is that the tour is private, so your pace doesn’t have to match a group that moves faster or slower than you.

Also, plan for a long day overall. From breakfast (around 7:30 a.m.) to returning to Cusco at ~7:00 p.m., you’re living in a full-day rhythm. If you tend to get wiped out after one big outdoor push, build in extra care: slower breathing early, small sips of water, and don’t force speed just because other people look fast.

The coca leaf ceremony at the first lagoon: what to expect

At the first lagoon, your guide performs a coca leaf ritual. The plan is for you to be able to participate, engage in conversation, and use the moment to establish a connection with Mother Earth.

Because this is led by a guide, you’re not left guessing what to do. You’ll have instructions right there, in the middle of the Andes, where the environment is part of the meaning. The practical takeaway for you: come in with a respectful attitude and be ready to listen. If you want to ask questions, this is a good time since conversation is part of the moment.

This is also where you’ll likely feel the “private tour” advantage. In smaller, private groups, these ritual pauses can feel more like a real interaction and less like a performance for a crowd.

Walking the lagoons: timing, wildlife, and photo reality

After the first lagoon, the route continues through more lagoons in the heart of the Andes Mountains, surrounded by wildlife and vegetation. The itinerary doesn’t list exact distances between each lagoon, but it does give you the big picture: ~10 km total and about 5 hours hiking.

You’ll want to think about photos like a checklist, not a mission. The highlights specifically suggest cameras charged for awesome opportunities. I’d also treat charging as your job beforehand, not the tour’s job—because you’ll be outside for hours, and you don’t want a dead battery at the moment you finally reach a perfect view.

If you’re sensitive to cold, remember you’re at high altitude and outdoors for much of the day. Bring layers you can adjust while you hike, then you can settle into stillness when you stop at each lagoon.

Pacchanta hot springs and lunch: the payoff after the trek

After you finish the lagoon route, you return to Pacchanta. Then the day shifts from “move your legs” to “recover and refuel.”

You’ll have time to enjoy the hot springs, which is a smart counter to a long, 10 km trek. Even if you’re not a “hot springs person,” this is the kind of included recovery moment that turns a tough day into a satisfying one.

Lunch comes later, and it’s included. The itinerary describes it as a delicious lunch, which may sound fluffy, but the practical value is real: you’re not planning where to eat after you’ve already been moving for hours at altitude. Included meals are one of the easiest ways a tour earns its cost.

Price and value: is $108 fair for what’s included?

At $108 per person, this is the kind of price that only feels fair if you add up the support you’re getting.

Here’s what you do get:

• Private vehicle with air conditioning
• Professional private guide
• Hotel pickup
• First aid box and oxygen
• Breakfast and lunch
• First aid/oxygen support for altitude safety planning

What you don’t get clearly:

• Entrance is listed as not included
• The itinerary notes Admission Ticket Free, but the “Entrance” wording is the one you should treat as the fine print

That means the value is strong for the transport + guide + meals, and it looks especially good for people who want a calmer day rather than a chaotic one. You’re also getting “private tour” value—your group goes at your own pace—so the price is not just buying logistics. It’s buying time that fits you.

If you want the simplest decision: this tour is worth it if you want guide-led cultural time (the coca ceremony), an organized high-altitude hike, and support tools (oxygen + first aid) handled for you.

Guide quality and the difference a calm leader makes

One name that comes up clearly is Alex. People highlight his calm, polite style and say he’s extremely well-educated. That matters on a trek like this because high-altitude days are easier when someone keeps the flow steady and answers questions without rushing you.

Even beyond the coca ceremony, a good guide improves the hike. They can help you pace, spot what’s worth stopping for, and keep the day from feeling like “just walk until it’s over.” With this tour being private, his leadership also becomes more personal—you’re not waiting around for a slow group ahead of you or trying to catch up to someone behind.

Who this private Ausangate day is best for

This is best for you if you:

• want a private experience instead of a big group scramble
• like guided cultural moments, including the coca leaf ritual
• can handle moderate physical fitness for a 10 km (~5 hours) hike
• care about being supported at altitude, with oxygen and a first aid kit mentioned in the inclusions
• want a long day that still includes structure: breakfast, lagoons, then hot springs and lunch

It’s less ideal if you:

• have trouble with elevation or tend to fatigue quickly
• hate long travel blocks (you’re out about 14.5 hours total)
• want a short, low-effort walk

A private tour like this rewards realistic expectations: it’s an active day with a real payoff in the form of views and the ritual pause, not a casual stroll.

Should you book this Ausangate & 7 Lagoons private tour?

If you’re choosing between a cookie-cutter Cusco day and something that feels grounded in place, I think this one is a strong pick. The combo of private transport, a guide-led coca ceremony, a clear hiking plan (5–6 km first, then 10 km total), and recovery time at hot springs is a well-balanced set of ingredients for an unforgettable Andes day.

Book this tour if you want:

• a guided, private rhythm
• cultural interaction at the first lagoon
• meals and altitude support included
• the ability to go at your own pace

Skip or rethink it if altitude scares you or you’re not feeling confident about moderate fitness. In that case, you might prefer something lower and shorter so you can enjoy Cusco without fighting your body all day.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the private Ausangate and 7 lagoons excursion?

It’s about 14 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Plaza Regocijo (F2M9+5X2, Cusco 08002, Peru) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I get hotel pickup in Cusco?

Yes. The tour includes pickup from your accommodation, preferably within the historic center of Cusco.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a private air-conditioned vehicle, a professional private guide, hotel pickup, first aid box, oxygen, breakfast, and lunch.

Is the entrance fee included?

Entrance is listed as not included, even though the itinerary notes an admission ticket free. It’s best to confirm any specific entrance fees that apply.

What level of fitness do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

When is breakfast served?

Breakfast is approximately at 7:30 a.m.

How far do we hike and how long does it take?

The first part is 5 to 6 km, and the hike totals 10 km for about 5 hours.

Is there a coca ceremony on the tour?

Yes. At the first lagoon, the guide performs a coca leaf ritual, and you can participate.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellation less than 24 hours before the start time isn’t refunded.