Seven lagoons, one big mountain backdrop. I like this tour for its snow-capped Ausangate views and the way lagoon colors shift as you hike. One heads-up: the van used for the day can be cramped, so comfy legs might be a stretch.

I also really like the pacing. You’ll start with breakfast in Pacchanta, walk a route that covers all seven lagoons in about 10 km, then reward yourself with hot, thermal medicinal waters and a proper lunch.

The main consideration is fitness and conditions. The day runs rain or shine, and it’s not a fit for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues.

Quick hits: what makes this Cusco day trip work

• Pick-up around 4:30 am for a full day that still ends back in Cusco around 7:00 pm
• Seven lagoons under the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain
• About 10 km walking with walking sticks provided
• Hot springs in Pacchanta after the hike, plus lunch
• Small group up to 15 people with an English/Spanish guide
• Not all entry fees are included: lagoon access and thermal baths cost extra

Why Ausangate’s lagoons day starts before your coffee

This is a long day by design, and the timing shows it. You’ll get picked up from your lodging in Cusco around 4:30 am (roughly), usually from the historical center area. The idea is simple: reach the community of Pacchanta with enough daylight for breakfast and a steady hike, then make it back before dinner time.

You’re not just going for photos. The tour is built as a full loop: hike, lagoon viewing, and then hot springs recovery. That makes the early start feel less random and more like part of the plan.

If you’re the type who hates rushing, plan for a slow morning. But if you can handle an early wake-up, this departure is what gives you the best chance at clear views and a calmer flow on the trail.

Pacchanta breakfast, then the hike begins

Once you arrive in Pacchanta, the day shifts into gear. Breakfast is included, and it’s there for a reason: you’ll start walking right after, and the route is around 10 km.

From Pacchanta, you begin the hike by visiting the first lagoon, then you continue through the sequence to see the rest. The tour description also points out flora and fauna along the way, which is why I treat this as more than a checklist outing. Even if you mostly care about water and mountain views, you’ll still get that sense of being in the high-country nature zone as you walk.

Walking sticks are included, and I find that helpful on uneven, sometimes slick ground. They don’t make you invincible, but they can take some load off your knees when the trail turns.

One more practical note: horses are not included. That means the experience is truly a walking day. If you know you’ll struggle with a sustained hike, you may want to consider a gentler alternative in Cusco.

The 7 lagoons route: what you’ll actually see on the walk

The heart of the trip is visiting all seven lagoons around the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain. You’re going to see the lagoons as a linked journey rather than seven separate, disconnected stops. That’s what makes the day feel cohesive: you move forward through the scenery instead of waiting in between rides.

The tour highlights the lagoon colors, and that’s exactly what you should watch for as you keep walking. Water tones can look different depending on the light and weather, and altitude can make the sky and reflections feel dramatic. It’s not just pretty—it helps you track where you are in the route, especially if the trail is a little similar between points.

There’s also a natural-lands angle here. The tour is set up to appreciate the environment around the lagoons, including the flora and fauna of the area. In practical terms, that means you’ll have chances to pause, look around, and notice the small things—not only the big mountain every time.

About access: the entrance to the 7 lagoons is not included. You’ll pay separately on the day (listed as 5 USD or 15 soles). I recommend you plan for this in advance so it doesn’t throw off your budget or your timing.

Hot springs in Pacchanta: recovery with thermal medicinal waters

After you finish the lagoon walk, the day turns into a different kind of experience. You’ll head back to the community of Pacchanta and enjoy the thermal medicinal waters in the hot springs area.

This is where the tour earns its keep. A 10 km hike at altitude conditions (plus early pick-up) can leave your legs done. Hot springs aren’t magic, but they do help you feel human again. If you’ve ever taken a good walk and then wished you could press pause on soreness, this is that moment.

Lunch is included after the hot springs, which matters because it saves you from scrambling for food at the end of the day. The tour also notes that the entrance to the thermal baths is not included, so if you’re budgeting, treat that as an extra cost on top of the lagoon fee.

This portion is also a nice reset mentally. Up on the trail, you’re focused on footing and timing. In the springs, you can stop measuring progress and just enjoy the warmth and the quiet.

Price and logistics: is $43 good value?

At $43 per person for a full-day outing, this tour can be strong value—if you’re prepared for the add-ons.

Here’s what you get included:

• Pick-up in selected Cusco areas and round-trip transportation
• Breakfast and lunch
• A professional guide
• First aid kit
• Walking sticks

What costs extra:

• Entrance to the 7 lagoons (5 USD or 15 soles)
• Entrance to the thermal baths
• Horses (explicitly not included)

So the real math is: your base price covers the structure and the human support (guide, meals, transport, sticks). You pay separately for entry fees tied directly to the natural attractions.

Also, pay attention to comfort. The price is low enough that you should expect shared vehicle logistics to be a little tight. One practical drawback that pops up is that the van can be small, and you may find it hard to move much on your seat. If you’re traveling with long legs or you dislike cramped seating, it’s worth mentally preparing.

Language is another logistics plus. The live guide works in English and Spanish, which helps you understand where you are and what to look for as you hike.

Finally, the tour runs rain or shine. That’s normal in the Andes, but it still affects comfort and footwear choice. Bring shoes that you trust when the ground is wet.

Who this Ausangate 7-lagoons day trip is for

This is a good fit if you want a full-day nature excursion from Cusco that includes both active time and recovery time. You’ll get:

• A serious view payoff: Ausangate snow-capped mountain scenery and seven lagoons
• A structured hike around 10 km
• Hot springs in Pacchanta plus lunch afterward
• A small-group feel (limited to 15 participants)

It’s not for everyone. The tour explicitly isn’t suitable for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues. That alone should guide your decision even before you think about the hike length.

If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, keep expectations grounded: you’re walking rain or shine, and you’ll want good shoes and layers. The “adventure” here is mostly weather and terrain, not extreme scrambling.

This tour also tends to suit travelers who like guided days. A professional guide, a first aid kit, and walking sticks mean you’re not trying to figure out everything alone.

What to bring so the day feels smooth

The tour is clear about essentials, and I’d follow it closely:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes

I’d also suggest you bring whatever helps you handle a rain-or-shine day (think: a waterproof layer you’ll actually wear). The tour takes place rain or shine, and you’ll be outside for hours.

Also, because you’re walking about 10 km, treat your shoes like a major part of the budget. Comfortable, grippy footwear can turn the hike from stressful to just challenging.

Should you book this 7 lagoons with lunch tour?

I’d book this if you want a guided, structured way to see seven lagoons near Ausangate in one day, and you like the idea of finishing with thermal medicinal waters and a no-fuss included lunch.

I wouldn’t book it if:

• You hate cramped van seating and you’re particularly sensitive to it
• You need a non-hiking day (this one is built around walking, and horses aren’t included)
• You fall into the groups listed as not suitable (pregnancy or respiratory issues)

If your priority is scenery and you can handle an early start, this is a solid value. Just budget a bit for the lagoons entrance and likely the hot springs entrance, and you’ll be set for a memorable day outside Cusco.

FAQ

What time is pick-up in Cusco?

Pick-up is listed as approximately 4:30 am. Exact timing depends on your lodging area.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 1 day, with return to Cusco around 7:00 pm.

How many lagoons will we visit?

You’ll visit the 7 lagoons around the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.

About how far do we walk?

The walking route is approximately 10 km total.

What meals are included?

The tour includes breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after the hot springs.

Are the entrances to the lagoons included in the price?

No. Entrance to the 7 lagoons costs extra, listed as 5 USD or 15 soles.

Are the thermal baths included?

No. Entrance to the thermal baths is not included.

How big is the group and what languages are offered?

The group is small, limited to 15 participants, and the live guide speaks English and Spanish.

What should I bring, and is it rain or shine?

Bring passport or ID and comfortable shoes. The tour runs rain or shine.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues.