Ausangate starts before sunrise. This Cusco region day trip sends you up toward the snowy Ausangate area for a circuit of 7 lagoons above 4,200 meters, then cools you down the best way possible: Pacchanta hot springs.

I love the mix of effort and reward here. The hike takes you past the full set of lagoons in one guided run, including Pucacocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, China otorongo, and Azul cocha. And once your legs ask for mercy, the Pacchanta soak is built into the day.

One thing to consider: this is an early start and high-altitude hike. You’ll be moving at altitude over 4,200 meters, and the longer hike means comfortable shoes and a steady pace matter.

Key points to know before you go

• 4:00–5:00 a.m. hotel pickup means you beat the worst of the day
• 7 lagoons circuit on one route with a guided walking plan
• Over 4,200 meters altitude makes pacing and breaks important
• Pacchanta hot springs help reset your body after ~10 km of walking
• Entrance fees are extra (7 lagoons and hot springs not included in the $43)

Why the Ausangate 7 Lagunas hike matters at over 4,200 meters

If you’re looking for a Cusco day trip that feels tied to the Andes instead of just checking boxes, this one has the right ingredients. The lagoons are fed by melting snow from the Ausangate area. That matters because it explains why the route is focused on a specific place and altitude—this isn’t a random set of lakes you hop between.

The altitude is also a big deal. The lagoons sit above 4,200 meters, so your body will feel the thin air even if you’re fit. I like that the day is guided and structured: you hike in a plan, you stop, and you finish with a recovery session. Still, you’ll want to keep expectations realistic. You’re there for high-altitude scenery and a strong sense of place, not for a light stroll.

Getting going from Cusco: early pickup and a breakfast stop in Pacchanta

Your day starts with pickup from your hotel—near or inside Cusco’s Historical Center—between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. That timing sounds brutal until you realize it’s also what makes the rest of the day work: you’re already on the move while the world is quiet.

Next, you travel to the community of Pacchanta, where you’ll receive breakfast. This is a smart setup for people who don’t want to guess about food while they’re already thinking about altitude. It also gives you time to settle before the hike begins.

One more practical note: the guide contacts you a few minutes before heading your way. That’s useful in Cusco, where mornings can be confusing and streets can be busy—so confirm where the guide will meet you.

The 7 lagoons circuit: 10 km walking, guided pacing, real altitude work

The main part of the day is the hike through the circuit of the 7 lagoons. The route is guided and takes you more than 2 hours of hiking, with walking totaling about 10 km.

You’ll start with the first lagoon and continue through the sequence with the guide until you reach the end of the tour. The lagoons in the circuit are:

• Pucacocha
• Patacocha
• Alqacocha
• Qomercocha
• Orco Otorongo
• China otorongo
• Azul cocha

Here’s how I’d think about this as a practical hiker: the day isn’t only about reaching viewpoints. It’s about moving at altitude long enough for the scenery to feel earned. You’ll likely want to pace yourself rather than sprint between lagoons. With altitude involved, that steady effort is what keeps the experience enjoyable instead of exhausting.

What can slow you down

Even if the hike isn’t described as technical, altitude can make any trail feel harder than expected. The tour notes the hike takes “more than 2 hours,” so expect a real chunk of time on your feet. If you get winded easily, keep your pace comfortable and use the guide’s rhythm.

Each lagoon stop: why the order in this circuit matters

This isn’t presented as a free-for-all where you arrive, take a photo, and move on. The trip is organized as one guided circuit through the listed lagoons. That order is part of the value because it keeps you from having to figure out routing on your own at altitude.

Also, each lagoon is its own moment. Even without extra commentary about each one’s special feature, the circuit design still gives you something important: variety across one continuous route. You’re not just repeating the same scenery. You’re walking from lagoon to lagoon, with the Ausangate area lingering in the background because the whole system is connected to melting snow feeding the waters.

Pacchanta hot springs: the best payoff for sore legs

After the hike, you return to Pacchanta and relax in the hot springs of Pacchanta. This is one of the most praised parts of the day because it turns “I climbed and walked” into “I recovered.”

The hot springs aren’t included in your $43 price. Entrance is listed as 2 USD or 5 soles. That means you should plan to bring cash on the day, not only for the lagoons but also for the springs.

When the hot springs feel especially worth it

This part is most valuable if you’re even mildly stiff at the end of the hike. After a long walk of around 10 km at over 4,200 meters, your body usually needs warmth and downtime. You don’t have to treat it like a spa. Think of it as recovery fuel.

Breakfast and lunch: included meals that keep the day manageable

The tour includes breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after the hot springs. That matters because you’re committing to a long day: early pickup, a hike, then the springs, then food, then the return to Cusco.

The listing doesn’t specify what the food is, so I won’t guess. But I do like that both meals are covered. It reduces the “where do we eat now?” stress when you’re already planning around altitude and timing.

Still, bring snacks. The packing list specifically includes snacks, and that’s a good sign: the day can run long enough that having something small in your daypack is smart.

Price and value: is $43 fair for this Ausangate day?

The price is listed at $43 per person for a one-day tour. For that, you get:

• hotel pickup (near or inside the Historical Center)
• tourist transportation to and from the hotel
• breakfast
• lunch
• a professional guide

Then there are the add-ons:

• entrance fees to the 7 lagoons: 5 USD or 15 soles
• entrance to the hot springs: 2 USD or 5 soles

So the “likely total” lands around $50 per person if you pay entrances in USD (before any extra snacks or personal purchases). If you prefer soles, the listing gives you the same amounts in both currencies.

For value, the big win is the guided circuit plus transport plus meals. You’re not just getting a walk—you’re getting a structured early-day operation that takes you out from Cusco and back, with a guide handling the route. The entrance fees are common on these kinds of routes, and knowing about them in advance helps you budget without surprises.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This is not an easygoing, casual outing. The trip is listed as not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• wheelchair users
• visually impaired people
• people over 80 years
• babies under 1 year

Also, the hike is at altitude (over 4,200 meters) and involves walking more than 2 hours and about 10 km. That means the best fit is anyone who can handle long outdoor walking and feels okay with altitude exertion.

If you’re sensitive to altitude, this is where you should slow down and think carefully. The tour gives enough basic facts to plan responsibly, but it’s still an intense day physically. When in doubt, talk with your clinician before going to high elevations.

What to pack for 7 lagoons and hot springs

The “bring” list is clear, and you’ll feel better if you follow it:

• comfortable shoes
• camera
• snacks
• cash (for entrance fees)
• daypack

The tour also notes it runs in sunny weather or as conditions permit. That’s your cue to be ready for changing day conditions. Keep your daypack simple and accessible so you don’t waste time fiddling during stops.

Timing recap: from pickup to Plaza de Armas drop-off

You’ll be picked up between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. Then:

• travel to Pacchanta and have breakfast
• hike the 7 lagoons circuit (about 10 km total walking)
• return to Pacchanta for hot springs
• finish with lunch
• return to Cusco and get dropped off near Plaza de Armas around 6:30 p.m.

That end time matters. It’s a full day, and you’ll be tired afterward—so don’t schedule a complicated dinner plan right after the tour.

Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lagunas + Pacchanta hot springs?

I’d book this if you want a Cusco day that feels like the Andes, not a quick drive-by. The top reasons are simple: the 7 lagoons circuit gives you a complete route with a guide, and the Pacchanta hot springs make the effort feel worth it.

Skip it (or at least pause) if you can’t handle early starts or you’re not comfortable with altitude and a 10 km hike. Also, budget for the entrance fees so you’re not stuck improvising later in the day.

If you’re the type who likes structured outdoor days—morning pickup, guided route, recovery built in—this one is a strong match.

FAQ

What time does the tour pick you up in Cusco?

Pickup happens between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. from hotels near or inside the Historical Center.

Where do you go first during the excursion?

You travel to the community of Pacchanta, where you receive breakfast.

How long is the hiking portion?

You’ll hike for more than 2 hours, walking approximately 10 km total.

Which lagoons are included in the circuit?

The circuit includes Pucacocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, China otorongo, and Azul cocha.

What’s included in the $43 price?

Hotel pickup, tourist transport to and from the hotel, breakfast, lunch, and a professional guide are included.

Are the entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees to the 7 lagoons (5 USD or 15 soles) and the hot springs of Pacchanta (2 USD or 5 soles) are not included.

What time do you get back to Cusco?

You’re dropped off near Plaza de Armas around 6:30 p.m. approximately.

What languages is the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English and Spanish.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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