In short
- Public minibuses take 4 to 5 hours each way and require a taxi transfer.
- Private taxis offer schedule control and cost $80 to $120 USD round trip.
- Guided tours cost $35 to $50 USD and include direct transport and meals.
In this article
Reaching the Ausangate Seven Lakes on your own requires careful planning. The trailhead sits in the community of Pacchanta, roughly 110 to 120 km from Cusco. If you choose not to book a guided tour, you must navigate multiple transport modes or hire a private driver. Here is how independent travel compares to booking a day trip.
How to get to Ausangate 7 lakes from Cusco without a tour?
You can take a public minibus to Tinki and hire a local taxi to Pacchanta, or hire a private driver directly from Cusco.
To use public transport, catch a minibus near the Closed Colosseum in Cusco heading toward Tinki. The bus costs 15 soles and leaves only when full. From Tinki, you must arrange a local taxi to reach the trailhead in Pacchanta. The entire one-way trip takes 4 to 5 hours.
For a faster independent route, hire a private taxi from Cusco. A private driver costs $80 to $120 USD round trip and cuts transit time to 2.5 or 3 hours each way.
Is a self-guided trip cheaper than a tour?
Not always. Group tours often cost less than hiring a private taxi and eliminate the hassle of public minibuses.
A standard guided tour costs between $35 and $50 USD per person. Prices change based on the season and booking platform. These tours include round-trip transport, a guide, and meals. Groups leave Cusco early, usually around 4:30 AM, and take 3 hours to reach Pacchanta.
Traveling independently by minibus is the cheapest option but takes up to 5 hours each way. This leaves less daylight to complete the 4 to 6 hour hike or visit the hot springs.
Do you need a guide for the Ausangate 7 lakes?
No, a guide is not strictly required. You can pay the entrance fee and walk the circuit on your own.
The trail begins in Pacchanta. International visitors pay a 20 soles entrance fee at the community checkpoint. From there, the path past the lakes is generally straightforward. You must stick to the marked paths to protect the high-altitude flora and avoid disturbing grazing alpacas.
What are the risks of an independent hike?
Altitude sickness and lack of emergency support are the primary concerns for self-guided hikers.
The hike starts at 4,200 meters and reaches up to 4,800 meters above sea level. Most guided tours carry therapeutic oxygen and first-aid kits. If you hike independently, you must bring your own emergency supplies and plenty of water. Spend at least one or two days in Cusco to acclimatize before attempting this trek. See our Altitude & Safety guide for more details.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the entrance fee for Ausangate 7 lakes?
International visitors pay 20 soles (approx. $5 USD) in cash at the Pacchanta community checkpoint. Peruvians pay 10 soles. Access to the Pacchanta hot springs costs an additional 5 to 10 soles.
Can you rent a horse for the Ausangate 7 lakes without a tour?
Yes. You can rent horses directly from the local community in Pacchanta. The cost is around 80 soles round trip. This is helpful for visitors who struggle with the high altitude.
How long does the Ausangate 7 lakes hike take?
The full circuit takes 4 to 6 hours to complete. If you travel independently by public transport, you must monitor your time closely to ensure you can find a taxi back to Tinki before dark.
