Cusco: Ausangate Tour 7 Lagoons full day

The big draw here is Apu Ausangate, one of the Andes’ great snow-capped peaks, reflected in a chain of high mountain lagoons. You get seven named stops, colorful water, alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and a soak in Pacchanta’s thermal waters before the long ride back to Cusco.

I like the mix of a serious mountain walk and a simple local reward: breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta, followed by hot springs. I also like the flexible walking pace, which can give you room to take photos instead of marching shoulder to shoulder. The drawback is the very early start, high altitude, five-hour hike, and roughly six hours on the road.

Key points at a glance

• Seven lagoons in one route: See Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.
• A full day from Cusco: Pickup begins around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., with arrival back near 7:30 p.m.
• Five hours on foot: The route is a gradual ascent and return, with scenic stops along the way.
• Hot springs after hiking: Pacchanta’s thermal waters are a welcome way to finish the walking portion.
• Good value at $36: Transport, an English or Spanish guide, breakfast, lunch, and a first aid kit are included.
• Extra costs matter: Budget S/20 for Ausangate entry and S/10 for the thermal waters. Horses are also extra.

Why the Seven Lagoons Are Worth the Long Day

The seven lagoons are the reason to choose this outing over a shorter Cusco excursion. They are not all the same. Their colors shift among blue, turquoise, and green, and some are broad enough to reflect the surrounding peaks like natural mirrors.

The route takes you toward Ausangate, a major sacred mountain in the Cusco region. The snow-capped Apu gives the walk its scale. Even if the water is your main photo target, the peak is the visual anchor throughout the day.

You should also expect a living Andean setting rather than a string of viewpoints alone. Alpacas and llamas may appear along the route, and you might spot Andean birds and vizcachas. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they add interest to the stretches between lagoons.

The experience is strongest for people who enjoy changing scenery. One lagoon may feel wide and open, while another may look more enclosed or mirror-like. The exact color can depend on sunlight and weather, so bring patience as well as a camera.

The 4:30 a.m. Pickup and Three-Hour Ride

Your day begins before sunrise. Pickup is scheduled from about 4:30 to 5:00 a.m. from accommodations in Cusco’s center and southern area, including hotels, Airbnbs, and houses. The listed pickup points include the Main Square, Avenida El Sol, Calle Saphy, Oval Pachacutec, and several named hotels.

That broad pickup area is useful, but you should confirm the meeting point and time when booking. A dawn pickup can be less convenient if you are staying far from the central or southern parts of the city, and hotel drop-off is not included at the end.

The bus ride to Pacchanta takes about three hours. This is a real part of the tour, not a quick transfer. I recommend treating it as recovery time: wear warm layers, keep water and snacks close, and avoid starting the day dehydrated.

The long ride has one advantage. You reach a high Andean area without arranging separate transport, and the price includes tourist transport. At $36 per person, that transfer alone gives the outing much of its value, especially when breakfast, lunch, and a bilingual guide are included.

Breakfast in Pacchanta Before the Climb

Pacchanta is the starting point for both the walk and the hot springs. Breakfast is scheduled for about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to eat before heading uphill.

This meal is more than a convenience. You have already spent hours in transit, so eating here helps you begin the walk with something in your stomach. The package includes a local breakfast, though the exact menu is not specified.

Use this stop to check your clothing and day pack. Keep sunglasses, a sun hat, snacks, rain gear, and cash handy. You do not want to search through luggage once the walk begins.

Pacchanta also gives you an early feel for the day’s rhythm. The outing moves from transport to food, then walking, then lunch and hot springs. It is not a rushed photo stop with a quick return to Cusco.

Five Hours Toward Ausangate’s Colorful Water

The walk lasts about five hours round trip. You ascend gradually toward the first lagoon, then continue to the others before returning to Pacchanta.

Gradual does not mean easy. This is a high-altitude hike, and you need good physical condition. The operator specifically advises acclimatizing in Cusco first and does not recommend the activity for people with altitude sickness or high blood pressure.

You should think about altitude before fitness alone. A person who handles five hours at sea level may struggle here. If you have just arrived in Cusco, this is a poor first activity. Give yourself time to adjust before signing up.

The payoff comes in stages. Instead of reaching one viewpoint and turning around, you keep finding new water and new angles on Ausangate. The route includes photo stops, guided sightseeing, scenic views, and time to walk at your own pace.

One useful detail comes from the way the walk is described by the guide service. At the start, you may have freedom to move at your own pace, with the group coming together later to see the lagoons. That can suit independent walkers and photographers, but you still need to follow the guide’s meeting instructions. Do not wander so far ahead that you lose contact with the group.

The Seven Lagoon Stops

The names can blur together during a long day, but each stop gives the route a clear sense of progress. The planned lagoons are:

• Azulcocha
• Otorongo
• Pucacocha
• Alqacocha
• Q’omercocha
• Orqo Otorongo
• China Otorongo

Their reported colors range from blue to turquoise to green. Some are large and smooth enough to act as natural mirrors. That makes the weather important. Clear light can sharpen the water’s color and reflections, while cloud, rain, or flat light can change the mood.

You may be tempted to rush from one lagoon to the next for photos. I would not. Take a few minutes at each stop to look at how the water, rock, grass, and snow-capped peak fit together. The best memory may not be the biggest lagoon, but the one with the clearest reflection or the quietest moment.

The route is also a good place to watch for wildlife. Andean birds, alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas may be visible along the way. Keep your eyes open during the less dramatic sections, since animals are often easier to notice when the group slows down.

The tour takes place rain or shine. Rain can affect visibility and trail comfort, so bring proper rain gear rather than relying on a light jacket. Sunglasses still matter on cloudy days because high-altitude light can be strong.

A 45-Minute Pause Before Lunch

After the main walking portion, the schedule allows about 45 minutes for a break and free time. This is helpful after five hours on the trail, particularly at altitude.

Use the pause to drink water, have a snack, and adjust your layers. You may want to keep your hiking shoes on until you reach the hot springs, since the day is not finished yet.

The schedule then allows about 45 minutes for lunch. Lunch is included and served after returning to Pacchanta. Like breakfast, the exact menu is not provided, so travelers with strict dietary needs should ask the operator before departure.

The order makes sense. You walk first, eat after returning, and then relax in the thermal waters. It also means you should carry a small snack for the hike because lunch comes later in the day.

Hot Springs in Pacchanta

The thermal waters are one of the best practical features of this outing. After a five-hour high-altitude walk, sitting in warm water can feel far better than immediately boarding a bus.

Entry to the thermal waters costs S/10 and is not included in the $36 price. Bring cash, as the tour specifically advises you to do so. You should also bring a small bag for anything you do not want near the water.

The hot springs are not a replacement for the hike. They come afterward, so you need to be comfortable completing the walking portion before you can enjoy them. If you mainly want a soak and dislike long walks, this is not the right way to reach Pacchanta.

Still, the timing gives the day a satisfying finish. You get the mountain views and physical challenge first, then a simple local rest before the return journey.

What the $36 Price Really Covers

At $36 per person, this is priced as a budget-friendly full-day mountain excursion. The package includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, a first aid kit, breakfast, and lunch.

The value is strongest if you want an organized outing without arranging a private vehicle to Pacchanta. The three-hour ride each way would be costly and inconvenient to organize alone, while the meals save you from carrying a full day of food.

The advertised price is not the final cost. Add S/20 for the Ausangate entry ticket and S/10 for the thermal waters. Horses are not included either, so anyone considering horse support should ask about the current price before departure.

That means you should budget at least $36 plus S/30 in mandatory listed fees, using the exchange rate at the time of your trip. Bring additional cash for snacks and any horse hire.

The rating attached to this experience is 4.6 out of 5 from 17 bookings. The strongest praise focuses on the beautiful views, tasty food, and a guide who was both professional and cheerful. One useful detail is that the guide allowed some freedom to walk at an individual pace before regrouping at the lagoons.

The Return to Cusco

After the hot springs, you board the tourist transport for the ride back. The return drive takes about three hours, and the planned arrival in Cusco is around 7:30 p.m.

This makes the experience a true full-day commitment. The stated duration is 870 minutes, or 14 hours and 30 minutes, while the pickup and return times suggest a day of roughly 14.5 to 15 hours depending on the exact pickup and traffic.

Do not plan an important evening activity after this tour. You will have been awake since before dawn and active at high altitude. The listed finish point is San Bernardo in Cusco, not your hotel, so allow time and money for your own return to your accommodation.

That final detail matters more than it may seem. A central finish can be convenient, but you should not expect a door-to-door return unless the operator confirms otherwise.

Who Should Book This Ausangate Day Trip

I would choose this for a fit visitor who has already acclimatized in Cusco and wants a full mountain day at a low starting price. It suits people who care about scenery, photography, wildlife, and the chance to see several lagoons rather than only one famous viewpoint.

It also works well if you prefer a guide and included meals but do not need a private group. The bilingual English and Spanish service makes it accessible to a broad range of visitors.

I would think twice if you dislike early starts, long bus rides, high-altitude walks, or unpredictable weather. People with altitude sickness or high blood pressure should not book this activity, according to the stated restrictions.

Pack hiking shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, snacks, rain gear, and cash. Wear layers you can remove during the climb and put back on during rest stops. The simplest mistake here is dressing for sunny Cusco rather than a high mountain route.

Should You Book the Seven Lagoons Tour?

Book it if you want a big-value day built around seven colorful lagoons, Ausangate views, and Pacchanta hot springs. The included transport and meals make $36 an appealing base price, even after adding the entry fees.

Skip it if your Cusco schedule is tight or you have not had time to acclimatize. This is not a gentle sightseeing outing. It is a very early, long, high-altitude day with six hours of road travel.

For the right person, the combination is hard to beat: dramatic mountain scenery, changing lagoon colors, local meals, Andean animals, and warm water at the end. Just go prepared, carry cash, and keep the following morning free for recovery.

FAQ

What time does pickup begin in Cusco?

Pickup takes place from approximately 4:30 to 5:00 a.m. The service is available from hotels, Airbnbs, and houses in the city center and southern part of Cusco.

How long is the full experience?

The stated duration is 870 minutes, or 14 hours and 30 minutes. Pickup begins around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., and arrival back in Cusco is expected around 7:30 p.m.

How long is the hike?

The walk takes about five hours round trip. The route ascends gradually to the lagoons and then returns to Pacchanta.

Which lagoons are visited?

The planned stops are Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. A local breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after the walk are included in the tour price.

Are the Ausangate entry fee and hot springs included?

No. The Ausangate entry ticket costs S/20, and entry to the thermal waters costs S/10. Horses are also not included.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live guide in English and Spanish.