A day in the Ausangate region starts fast. The big payoff is seeing the 7 lagoons below Ausangate up close, plus the option to soak in Pacchanta’s thermo-medicinal waters. The only real catch is the long walking day and the fact it is not a fit for everyone.

I like that this trip feels tied to the place, not just a checklist. You get a morning ride out of Cusco, a proper guide, trekking support, and time at viewpoints—then a steady trek back to lunch in Pacchanta. My main caution: if you have mobility, back, respiratory, or low-fitness limits, this is likely too demanding.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Colors you’ll remember: Laguna Superior through Laguna Alqa show off striking hues that make the photos worth it.
• A long, on-foot route: About 5 hours of walking split between a viewpoint section and lagoon-hopping on the return loop.
• Pacchanta thermals as an optional add-on: You can include the community’s thermo-medicinal waters, but hot spring entrance tickets are not included.
• Early Cusco pickup (4:00 a.m.): The day runs on mountain time, so plan for a very early start.
• Safety basics built in: You get oxygen, trekking sticks, and a first aid kit.
• Lunch returns to Pacchanta: You end where you started, so you’re not guessing when food appears.

Why the 7 Ausangate Lagoons feel different from a typical Cusco outing

This is a Cusco-area day trip built around one idea: get out to the foot of Ausangate and spend your morning to afternoon walking between the lagoons. Instead of bouncing between viewpoints in a vehicle, you’re on foot long enough to feel the pace of the high country.

The lagoon names alone tell you what you’re looking for: Laguna Superior, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Fembra, Laguna Roja, Laguna Ccomer, Laguna Azul, and Laguna Alqa. Seeing them in sequence helps you understand how the water and rock tones shift as you move around—so the tour becomes about noticing, not rushing.

And then there’s Pacchanta. The optional stop at the Pacchanta community adds a human side to the day: thermo-medicinal waters are part of daily life here, and the idea is simple—finish your hike and then see if the hot waters are your kind of recovery.

The 4:00 a.m. pickup and the ride to Pacchanta

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. The early start sounds intense, but it changes the whole feel of the trip: you’re already moving when the city is still waking up, and you’re setting yourself up to enjoy the hike without feeling like you’re sprinting against daylight.

The ride brings you out southeast of Cusco to the Pacchanta area, where you’ll begin with breakfast. Transport is included round trip, so you’re not dealing with taxis, navigation, or timing.

Practical note: this kind of start requires that you’re ready the night before. Have your comfy shoes and hiking pants set. Keep your ID/passport and camera easy to grab. If you’re the type who forgets small things, make a quick pre-bed checklist.

Breakfast in Pacchanta: fuel before the uphill hours

Once you reach Pacchanta, the tour includes a restorative breakfast before you start walking. What I like about this is the order of operations: you’re fed before you commit to the first big leg of the day.

Breakfast matters more than people think on hikes like this. You’ll have hours of steady movement, and you want your energy to start reliable instead of guessed. The tour also provides trekking sticks—use them if your legs need help with balance on uneven ground.

If you’re planning to take photos, breakfast time is also your best chance to organize your gear: charge batteries if you can, wipe your lens, and make sure your camera strap is secure for a long walk.

The 2-hour viewpoint hike: where you first see the 7 lagoons

After breakfast, you set off on a 2-hour walk toward a viewpoint. This is your first real “aha” moment. From there, you can look out and see the 7 Ausangate lagoons spread out in the wider setting.

The viewpoint stage is a smart piece of pacing: it gives you a high-level overview before you start moving through the area around the lagoons. I’d treat this like your anchor moment for the rest of the route. If you can, take a minute to spot lagoon shapes and colors as you’ll later encounter them from different angles.

Expect this portion to be your first test of comfort—especially if you’re not used to long walking days. Trekking sticks help a lot, but they only do so much if you show up in shoes you wouldn’t wear on a real hike.

The next 3 hours: walking among the lagoons and working up to lunch

From the viewpoint, the itinerary continues with another 3 hours of walking, covering a large part of the 7 lagoon area and culminating back at the starting point in Pacchanta.

This segment is where the tour becomes more than sightseeing. You’re moving enough to notice how color shifts as the light hits the water and as the ground changes around you. The names—Laguna Roja, Laguna Azul, Laguna Alqa, and the rest—are more than labels when you’re physically close to the water.

The day ends with lunch back in Pacchanta. I appreciate that the route brings you back to one place for food rather than stopping somewhere random. It also keeps the logistics simpler: once you hit lunch, you can focus on recovering and then enjoy the return ride to Cusco without worrying about where you’ll eat.

Photo tip: plan on taking fewer, steadier photos rather than constant snapping. When you’re walking for hours, your best shots usually come from moments where you pause, breathe, and frame carefully.

Pacchanta thermo-medicinal waters: the optional soak after your hike

One of the most appealing choices in this day trip is the option to visit the populated center of the Pacchanta Community and its thermo-medicinal waters. This can be a great payoff after the walk, especially if you like the idea of coupling nature with something local and practical.

Just know the one important catch: entrance tickets to the hot springs are not included. So you’ll want cash on hand in case you decide to use this option.

Think of this as a second experience, not a replacement for the lagoons. The lagoons are the main story, and the waters are the recovery chapter. If you’re already tired or you’re not sure you’ll like soaking, you can treat it as an optional bonus rather than a must-do.

What the $40 price includes (and what can cost extra)

At around $40 per person, the value here comes from the amount of support included for a full day outside Cusco.

Included for your day:

• Hotel pickup and round-trip transport
• Breakfast and lunch
• A professional guide (English and Spanish)
• Oxygen
• Trekking sticks
• A first aid kit

That package is more than just “a guide and a ride.” Oxygen and basic first-aid support matter on long tours, especially when conditions can shift. Trekking sticks also reduce strain for many people.

Not included:

• Hot springs entrance tickets (if you choose the thermo-medicinal waters option)

So the real cost beyond the ticket is mainly that optional hot-springs entrance. Everything else is built into the price, which makes planning easier.

Timing and pacing: what the itinerary really feels like

Even though this is listed as a 1-day experience, the structure is clear: you start at 4:00 a.m., you walk about 2 hours to reach a viewpoint, then 3 more hours to cover more of the lagoon area, and then you return to Pacchanta for lunch before heading back to Cusco.

That means it’s not a quick stop-and-stroll day. You should assume you’ll be moving for most of the morning and a big chunk of the afternoon. The pacing is steady, and the trekking sticks plus guide support are meant to help you stay on track.

If you’re coming from Cusco with big plans for the rest of your trip, this is one day you should keep open. Schedule it so you’re not trying to cram in another hike or long museum time the same evening.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This day trip is best for travelers who:

• Can handle about 5 hours of walking total
• Want nature-focused time with the lagoons as the main event
• Enjoy guided hikes where safety basics are part of the package

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 8
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with respiratory issues
• People with low level of fitness

If you fall into any of those categories, don’t force it. The tour is designed around a demanding walking route, and the last thing you want is to spend the day pushing beyond your limits.

What to bring so the day feels manageable

The essentials the tour asks for are straightforward:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes
• Hiking shoes
• Hiking pants
• Camera
• Cash
• (Optional but smart) bring what you need to keep your gear organized for an early start

Also follow the rules about what not to bring or do:

• No weapons or sharp objects
• No smoking indoors
• No alcohol and drugs

One practical thought: bring your best hiking footwear even if you think the walk will be short. This day uses your legs, and footwear can turn “hard but fine” into “hard and miserable.”

How to get the most out of the lagoons once you’re there

A trick for lagoon days is to stop thinking like a checklist traveler. The names help, but the experience is about observation. When you reach the viewpoint, pick out one lagoon color to anchor your attention. Then, as you move, keep comparing what you see to your first view.

If you’re excited by variety, this route gives it. You’re not only seeing multiple lagoons—you’re seeing the same general area from different angles as you walk. That’s how you start to appreciate why the lagoons are memorable: color is not static, and your position changes what you notice.

And don’t rush the breaks. Even short pauses help you recharge mentally, which makes the last stretch feel easier.

Should you book the 7 Ausangate Lagoons day trip?

If you want a Cusco day trip where the main event is genuinely outdoors—7 lagoons, big views, and a long guided walk—this is a strong choice. The price includes the basics that matter for a hike: transport, guide, meals, oxygen, trekking sticks, and a first aid kit. The optional Pacchanta thermo-medicinal waters can be the perfect recovery bonus, as long as you budget for hot-springs entrance tickets.

I’d skip it if you don’t fit the fitness requirements. The walk time is real, and the tour isn’t designed as an easy stroll. If you do book, go in with good footwear, bring your ID and cash, and treat the 4:00 a.m. start as part of the adventure, not a reason to be annoyed.

FAQ

What time does pickup start in Cusco?

Pickup is included from your hotel and starts at 4:00 a.m.

How long is the tour?

The experience runs for 1 day.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes breakfast (in Pacchanta) and lunch (back in Pacchanta).

What activities are included besides visiting the lagoons?

The tour includes walking to viewpoints to see the 7 lagoons and also offers an optional visit to the Pacchanta Community for thermo-medicinal waters.

Are hot springs entrance tickets included?

No. Entrance tickets to the hot springs are not included.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, camera, cash, and hiking pants.

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