The early morning is the trick. You leave Cusco at 4:00 AM to reach Pacchanta and then walk to the Seven Ausangate Lagoons at the foot of Ausangate.

What I like most is the pacing: you get a first payoff from a trail viewpoint, then you continue the loop and see the lagoons up close. I also like that the day is packaged in a small group (up to 12) with a professional guide, plus breakfast and a proper lunch after the hike.

One drawback: it’s a long day with serious early start, and it’s not a fit if you have heart problems or if you’re pregnant.

Why the 7 Ausangate Lagoons Day Trip Feels Worth It

This isn’t a “stand and pose” outing. It’s a real walk through the high-mountain scenery around Pacchanta, timed so you catch the lagoons in front of you—first from above the route, then from angles that bring you closer to the water.

The lagoon names alone are a clue you’ll be paying attention. You’ll learn (and likely hear repeated) the Upper Lake, Otorongo Male, Otorongo Female, Red Lake, Ccomer Lake, Blue Lake, and Alqa Lake. Each one has its own look as you move along the trail.

If you’re thinking about whether this is “worth $30,” the honest answer is: it’s value if you want a guided hike with food and support. Breakfast, lunch, walking sticks, a first aid kit, and even an oxygen balloon are included—so you’re not cobbling together logistics on your own at altitude.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• 4:00 AM Cusco pickup means you start early enough to beat the day’s crowds and keep the timing smooth.
• Viewpoint payoff after about 2 hours on foot so you’re not waiting forever for the first big lagoon views.
• A loop hike that returns to Pacchanta so you’re not doing an out-and-back slog.
• Lunch + swimming in thermo-medicinal waters gives you a very Peruvian recovery moment.
• Small group size (up to 12) helps your guide keep an eye on everyone on the trail.
• Oxygen balloon and first aid kit included for extra peace of mind on a long hike.

From Cusco to Pacchanta: The 10-Hour Timing That Makes Sense

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:00 AM. Then it’s about a 3-hour van ride to Pacchanta, where you’ll have a breakfast and a bit of free time (about 50 minutes). This early start is not just for show. It matters because the hike is built around a loop that needs steady pacing: walk to a viewpoint, keep going for several more hours, then return for lunch and soaking time.

I like this kind of structure. It reduces the “what now?” moments that can drain energy on a long day. It also helps you get into a rhythm: food → hike → viewpoint → more hiking → lunch and a swim → van back to Cusco (dropping you off near Plaza Regocijo).

You’re out for about 10 hours total, so treat it like a full-day commitment. The upside is that you’ll end with both physical payoff (the walk) and a practical recovery stop (thermo-medicinal waters).

What to plan for

• You’ll want to be ready to leave right at pickup time.
• Wear warm layers from the start. Pacchanta mornings can feel colder, and the day involves both walking and breaks.

Pacchanta Breakfast and the Thermo-Medicinal Waters Stop

Pacchanta is part of the experience, not just a transit point. You’ll arrive first thing in the morning and start with breakfast. That matters because the hike begins soon after, and you don’t want to be making the first climbs hungry.

Later, after your hike loop, the tour gives you about 1.5 hours at lunch with swimming in thermo-medicinal waters. This is one of the most practical inclusions on the whole trip. A long day at altitude can leave your legs tired and stiff. A warm soak can make the ride back feel less punishing.

Also, the tour includes time in the populated center of Pacchanta, so you’re not only moving through nature. You get a taste of how people live here, and that’s a nice balance to all the focus on the lagoons and trail.

A quick note: the tour includes swimming time, but you’ll still want to bring basic “soak kit” sense—something to dry off with and swim-ready essentials if you plan to go in. The only hard specifics provided are what to bring in general (ID, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, hat, camera, sunscreen, water).

First Big Views: Walking Toward the Lagoon Viewpoint

After breakfast, the hike begins from Pacchanta. You’ll walk for about 2 hours before reaching a trail viewpoint with sweeping views of the seven Ausangate lagoons. This is your early emotional hit. The tour is designed so you don’t have to wait until the end to see what you came for.

When you reach the viewpoint, take your time. You’re there to appreciate the different colors and to match the lagoon names to what you’re seeing. This is one of those moments where it helps to slow down. Moving too fast keeps you from really noticing the differences—especially when the scene is wide and the light is changing as the day warms up.

Then you’ll continue walking for about 3 more hours, which is where you start seeing a large part of the seven lagoons closer up. That second stretch is the reason this tour feels more satisfying than a short walk: you’re not just looking; you’re moving through the environment around the water.

A reality check

Expect wind and temperature shifts. You’ll have warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and water for a reason. Even if the sun is out, the trail can feel cold when you stop moving.

The Lagoon Loop: Upper Lake to Alqa Lake (Up Close)

The hike route forms a loop that eventually brings you back to the starting point in Pacchanta. That loop design is a big deal. Out-and-back hikes can be mentally tough because you see the same direction twice. A loop keeps the views changing, and you get a sense of progression.

Here’s the cast of characters you’ll hear and look for:

• Upper Lake
• Otorongo Male
• Otorongo Female
• Red Lake
• Ccomer Lake
• Blue Lake
• Alqa Lake

You’ll likely notice that some names sound like you should see them in a certain way—like Red Lake and Blue Lake—and the tour description emphasizes that the lagoons show different colors. Even if you can’t precisely predict the shade in every lagoon, you’ll still get the point: each one reads differently as you approach, angle your view, and move along the trail.

During the middle of the hike, the tour focuses on being out in the natural environment: mountains, flora, and fauna typical of the area. That means you’re not only concentrating on the water. You’ll likely have moments where the plants, birds, or distant peaks pull your attention away from the obvious photo spots.

Photos without frustration

This trip is camera-friendly. But don’t treat every stop like a sprint. If you stop too often and too long, the hike can start to feel slow. If you never stop, you’ll miss the best angles. The sweet spot is to pause when the viewpoint changes—when you crest or when the trail bends—and then take a few photos before moving on.

Lunch, Swimming, and Your Return Van to Cusco

After finishing your loop hike, you’ll enjoy lunch in Pacchanta. Breakfast and lunch being included is more than a convenience—it changes how you experience the day. Instead of hunting for food somewhere after you’re tired, you can keep your energy up for the second half of the trip.

Then comes the swimming in the thermo-medicinal waters. This is the “end-of-trail ritual” that many people remember. It’s also a practical one. A warm soak can help you feel more human on the 3-hour van ride back to Cusco.

When you return, the tour ends at Plaza Regocijo, which is a handy landing spot for getting on with your evening plans in the city.

Price and Value: What $30 Includes (And What It Doesn’t)

At $30 per person for a 10-hour day trip, this pricing only works if you take advantage of what’s included. Here’s the value math as I see it:

Included that actually matters:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Breakfast and lunch
• Professional guide
• Walking sticks
• First aid kit and oxygen balloon

Not included:

• Entry fees (so you may still pay something depending on what’s required)

If you’re on a tight budget, the biggest “value win” is that you’re getting two meals plus guiding and trail support. That’s hard to replicate solo without spending time on logistics and transport.

One practical tip: since entry fees are not included, be ready with some extra cash or ask in advance what charges might apply. That prevents the stress of scrambling late in the day when you’re already tired.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a hiking day trip, so it fits best if you enjoy walking, don’t mind chilly conditions, and like the reward of long views. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a small group with an actual guide who can keep you on track and help you interpret what you’re seeing.

It’s not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• people with heart problems

If you’re unsure about altitude or exertion, treat this as a “consult first” situation with your doctor. The tour includes an oxygen balloon and first aid kit, but support devices aren’t the same as medical clearance.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if

• you want the full Cusco Region adventure, not just a quick photo stop
• you want to learn the lagoon names while you’re actually seeing them
• you like day trips that include a recovery moment (the thermo-medicinal swim)

Logistics That Can Make or Break Your Day

A few details can save you hassle.

Start time and meeting reality

Pickup happens at 4:00 AM. Show up early. If you rely on the tour to find you without extra prompting, you’re increasing your stress level for no reason.

Also, because entry fees are not included, you want clarity on payment at the right moment. Keep track of what you pay and get any proof you can. I’ve seen real situations where money and refunds didn’t match expectations, and the guide had to step in to sort it out. You don’t want that kind of headache on a long hike—so keep your receipts and your eyes open.

What to bring for comfort

You’re given a clear list, and I agree with it:

• passport or ID card
• comfortable shoes
• warm clothing
• hat
• camera
• sunscreen
• water

Walking sticks are provided, which is great. Still, comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. Your feet will do most of the work.

Should You Book the Seven Lagoons of Ausangate Day Trip?

If you want one guided day that combines a serious hike, big lagoon views, and a proper recovery soak, I think this is a strong choice. The included meals, walking sticks, and guide support make it easy to commit without over-planning. The small group size also helps keep the experience manageable.

I’d hesitate only if you’re worried about early mornings, long walking time, or physical exertion. And since entry fees aren’t included, make sure you’re mentally ready for a small extra cost and clear on what’s required.

If that sounds like you: book it. Then prepare your body for a long day and let the lagoons do the talking.

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup starts at 4:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco.

How long is the hike during the day trip?

The hike includes about 2 hours of walking before a viewpoint, followed by about 3 more hours of hiking. The overall plan is a full-day loop back to Pacchanta.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is included after pickup in Pacchanta, and lunch is included after the hike.

Is swimming included?

Yes. There is time included for swimming in the thermo-medicinal waters during the lunch stop.

How much does the tour cost and how long is it?

It costs $30 per person and lasts about 10 hours.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to 12 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

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