Snow and seven lagoons in one long day. I really love the big Ausangate mountain views and the way the lagoons’ colors change as you walk from spot to spot. You also get nature time around Pacchanta—with a proper hike, breakfast to fuel you, and hot springs afterward. The trade-off: the morning pickup van can feel tight.

This is one of those Cusco-region day trips where the schedule is serious and the outdoors is the point. Pickup is around 4:30 am, you’ll hike about 10 km visiting all seven lagoons, then you’ll end with Pacchanta thermal waters and lunch, back in Cusco around 7:00 pm. If you want an easy, no-effort outing, this probably won’t match your idea of relaxing.

Key things I’d bank on before you go

• 7 lagoons + about 10 km of hiking so bring stamina, not just good intentions
• Pacchanta hot springs are part of the day, but the thermal bath entrance costs extra
• Breakfast, lunch, and walking sticks included—nice value for a full-day outing
• Small group (up to 15) with a live guide in English or Spanish
• Rain or shine means you’re outdoors no matter what the sky does
• Van comfort can be cramped on the way there and back

Early 4:30 pickup from Cusco: how the day actually starts

You’re picked up from your lodging in selected areas of Cusco, preferably in the historical center. The pickup time is approximately 4:30 am, which is early even for Cusco. That’s not a flaw—it’s part of why you get to spend real daylight outside instead of rushing through lagoons like a checklist.

Transport is round-trip, and this is done in a small-group format (up to 15 people). One practical note from experience with this kind of operation: vans aren’t always roomy, and one common complaint is that the seats can feel cramped. If you’re tall, broad-shouldered, or you like changing your seating position every few minutes, you might want to keep your expectations realistic.

Pacchanta breakfast: your fuel before the hike

After the drive, you head to the community of Pacchanta. Breakfast is included, and it matters because the morning hike starts right after. The pacing works best when you treat breakfast as the start of the day’s energy plan, not just a quick snack.

Your guide leads the group from Pacchanta, and this is when you transition from town logistics to the natural setting around Ausangate. Even if you’ve seen plenty of photos of the lagoons, the first minutes on the trail feel like a reset—less screen time, more wind, more sky.

The 10 km hike to Ausangate’s 7 lagoons

Here’s the core of the experience: a journey through all 7 lagoons with an out-and-back style day flow and an overall hiking distance of about 10 km. You visit the first lagoon after starting from Pacchanta, then you continue onward to see them all.

Why this is worth it

• The views are the main event. You’re repeatedly looking toward the imposing snowy mountain backdrop, and that gives the day a clear theme instead of feeling like random stops.
• The colors are part of the appeal. The lagoons aren’t just “pretty water.” Their look changes across viewpoints, light, and the way you approach each one.
• Nature is not a side note. You’re also around flora and fauna of the area, which turns the hike into more than just walking to water.

What to watch out for

This is still a hike. It’s not described as technical, but the distance is long enough that you should wear shoes you trust and keep a steady rhythm. The tour provides walking sticks, which is helpful on uneven ground. You’ll get more enjoyment if you don’t go out too fast—save your energy for the middle and later lagoons where you’ll want to actually pause and look.

Lagoon entrance fees: what you pay extra for the 7-lagoon circuit

The tour includes the guided experience and the route logic, but the actual entrance to the 7 lagoons is not included. Budget an extra 5 USD or 15 soles for the lagoons entrance.

This is one of those details that affects value more than it sounds. The base price covers transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, and support items like walking sticks and a first-aid kit. Once you factor in the lagoon entrance fee, the total cost rises—but you’re still getting a guided day with a structured hike and no need to coordinate logistics on your own.

Returning to Pacchanta: hot springs time (with extra entry cost)

After visiting the lagoons, you return to the community of Pacchanta. This is where the day gets a reward finish. You can enjoy the thermal medicinal waters—in other words, the hot springs element is a big part of why the tour feels like a full-day experience instead of just a long walk.

Two important points:

1. The tour description says thermal bath entrance is not included, so expect an extra payment if you want to use the facilities.
2. You’ll likely be tired. That’s normal. Plan to treat the hot springs as recovery time—slow down, relax your legs, and let the day sink in.

Then comes lunch. Lunch is included, which is a real convenience after a long morning outdoors. It also keeps the day from turning into a hunt for food in the middle of nowhere.

Timing and pacing: when you’ll be back in Cusco

You return to Cusco around 7:00 pm. That means you’re doing an early start, a big outdoor segment, and a late finish. If your plan after the tour is a night out, I’d keep it simple. Your legs will know what you did, and you’ll be grateful for an evening with minimal walking.

Guide and group size: what the small-group format means

This is a small group tour limited to 15 participants, and you get a live guide in English or Spanish. In practical terms, a smaller group usually means better movement control on the trail and more personal attention when questions come up.

From the experience details, there’s also a professional guide and a first aid kit included. That doesn’t remove the need for common sense, but it’s reassuring—especially on a day that runs rain or shine.

Value check: does $43 feel fair?

At $43 per person for the base price, you’re covering:

• round-trip transportation from selected areas of Cusco
• breakfast
• professional guide
• lunch
• walking sticks
• first aid kit

What’s not included:

• 7-lagoon entrance (5 USD or 15 soles)
• thermal baths entrance
• horses (optional support isn’t provided here)

So the value depends on what you plan to use. If you want the full day experience—lagoons plus hot springs—factor in those extra fees. If you mainly care about the hike and viewpoints, the base package is still strong because breakfast, guide support, and lunch are handled.

And one more thing: you’re not just buying scenery. You’re buying time management. Someone else handles the route, the pacing, and the handoff back to Pacchanta when it’s time to recover.

Who this is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour is best for you if:

• you enjoy long walks and want a structured 7-lagoon hike
• you want real nature time with an unbeatable snow-capped mountain backdrop
• you like the idea of ending with hot springs and lunch instead of scrambling for food afterward

It’s not the right fit if:

• you’re pregnant
• you have respiratory issues
• you want a short, easy stroll (this is about a 10 km hike)

My decision: should you book the Cusco 7 Lagoons day with lunch?

Book it if your ideal day in the Cusco area includes early pickup, a solid hike, and lagoons you can actually spend time looking at—not just rushing past. The included guide, breakfast, lunch, and walking sticks make the day feel organized and fair for the price, and the Pacchanta hot springs are a great recovery touch.

Skip it if you’re sensitive to long travel times, you struggle with sustained hiking distance, or you need a lot of comfort in transportation. Also, if you know you’ll only enjoy this kind of trip when everything is perfect weather-wise, remember it runs rain or shine.

FAQ

What time is pickup for the 7 lagoons tour?

Pickup is at approximately 4:30 am from your lodging in selected areas of Cusco (preferably the historical center).

How long is the hike and how many lagoons do you visit?

The hike is about 10 km total, and you visit all 7 lagoons of the Ausangate area.

What is included in the $43 per person price?

The price includes pickup in selected areas of Cusco, round-trip transportation, breakfast, a professional guide, lunch, a first aid kit, and walking sticks.

What costs extra during the tour?

Entrance to the 7 lagoons costs 5 USD or 15 soles. Use of the thermal baths is also not included. Horses are not included either.

What languages is the guide?

The live tour guide operates in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card and comfortable shoes.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women and people with respiratory issues. The tour runs rain or shine.

You Might Also Enjoy

Humantay Lagoon Day Trip from CuscoFrom Lima: Ballestas Islands, Huacachina, and Vineyard TourCusco: Abode of the Gods ATV Tour with Transfer2-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu & Panoramic Train