Seven bright lakes, one serious early start. This Cusco day trip to colorful lagoons plus thermo-medicinal hot springs is the kind of Peru outing that makes your camera work harder than you do. The tradeoff is real, you’ll be at high altitude and doing a long, steady hike, so only book it if you’re comfortable with that effort.

I like how the plan is paced for the mountains: a slow climb that lets you work with the altitude, then a rewarding payoff in the form of reflective lake stops with big views. A small bonus is how the guide manages the group, with some room to wander early and then regrouping for the lagoons.

One thing to plan for up front: the listed price covers the core tour, but you’ll still want cash for entry to Ausangate and the thermal waters, and you won’t be dropped back at your exact hotel door.

Key highlights to look for

• Seven named lagoons on the route, including mirror-like spots you’ll want to photograph twice
• Pacchanta breakfast and lunch built into the day so you can focus on hiking and photos
• Hot springs time after lunch, with a separate thermal entry fee you should budget
• Wildlife chances like Andean birds, alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas along the way
• Guide style that keeps things fun early on, then brings you together when it’s time to see the lakes

Leaving Cusco before sunrise, and why it matters

Pickup starts in Cusco around 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.. You transfer by tourist transport for about 3 hours to the town of Pacchanta, so this is very much a full-day operation, not a casual stroll.

That early start matters for two reasons. First, you’ll be walking during the colder, clearer part of the day, which usually helps visibility and makes the colors of the lagoons pop. Second, you’re building in time for a long walk, meals, and hot springs, which is the whole point of this itinerary.

It also helps to know the finish point: you return to Cusco and end around 7:30 p.m., finishing in San Bernardo rather than a hotel drop-off.

Pacchanta breakfast, then a steady climb that works with altitude

In Pacchanta, you’ll have breakfast for about 30 minutes before the hike begins. The walk is a 5-hour round trip, and the route is described as an “ascend little by little” plan, which is exactly what you want at elevation.

This matters because Cusco acclimatization isn’t optional here. The tour notes say it’s necessary to acclimatize, and you’ll feel that in your breathing from the beginning. If you rush, you’ll pay for it later, so treat the early minutes like warm-up time, not a race.

Once you’re moving, expect a gradual climb with frequent chances to pause for scenery. That pause time is what turns this from a grind into a proper mountain day.

The seven lagoons: Azulcocha to China Otorongo

The main event is the string of lagoons in different colors: blue, turquoise, and green. Some are described as large and mirror-like, meaning you can often get reflections if the wind is calm and the sun hits right.

You’ll visit these lagoons in the program:

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

What makes this section special is the variety. You’re not seeing one lake from one angle and calling it a day. The route is built so you see multiple tones and sizes, and you get repeated photo opportunities as the light changes.

A practical tip for photos: plan to stop, check your footing, then shoot. It’s tempting to lift your phone first and worry later, but on mountain trails your safest strategy is simple, look at where you’re placing your feet, then frame the water.

Also, even if you’re an experienced hiker, bring the attitude that you’re here for views, not for speed. The day is organized around reaching each lagoon calmly.

Photo stops and guided moments (plus a little freedom)

The itinerary includes “photo stop” and “visit,” so you’re not just walking and hoping for the best. The approach is guided, but it’s not overly rigid.

I like how the tour flow lets you stretch your legs your own way early on. One of the standout elements from previous participants is that the guide gives initial freedom to go at your own pace, then you come together to see the lagoons in a group. That’s a good balance, you get independence without losing the thread of the route.

For you, the value is decision-making. If you’re slow, you can still move at a steady pace. If you’re eager to chase the best angle, you can linger during lagoon viewing, as long as you respect the group timing so you don’t hold everyone back.

Wildlife spotting you can actually enjoy

This is one of those hikes where you might notice wildlife without it feeling like work. Along the way, the program highlights chances to see:

• Andean birds
• Alpacas
• Llamas
• Vizcachas

Vizcachas are especially fun to spot because they can pop up in rocky areas and then disappear again fast. If you see one, take a moment, enjoy it, and then get moving. On this kind of route, you’ll get more by keeping a steady pace than by freezing on the trail.

The broader takeaway: wildlife sightings are a bonus here, not a guaranteed checklist. Your main job is to hike safely and keep enough energy to enjoy the lagoon views when you reach them.

Lunch back in Pacchanta, then a soak in medicinal hot water

After the walk, you return to Pacchanta, then enjoy lunch for about 45 minutes. Having a proper meal matters on this tour because your body will be cold and tired, especially if the weather turns.

Then comes the highlight that many people remember after the hike: hot springs time. The tour emphasizes “thermo-medicinal waters,” and you’ll have time to relax after the mountain effort.

Budget for this correctly. Entry to the thermal waters is not included and is listed as 10 soles. Also, cash is specifically recommended in the packing list, which is a strong hint that you should come prepared for the on-the-spot fees.

If you want the most comfort from the soak, dress in layers for the walk, then plan quick changes after. Warm clothes and rain gear are in the recommended pack list, and that is because the mountains can flip weather fast.

Timing, effort, and what the full day really feels like

The tour duration is listed as 870 minutes, which is about 14.5 hours from start to finish. That long total time is the combination of early pickup, transit to the starting town, a several-hour hike, meals, and the return trip.

A simple way to plan your energy:

• Treat the first half like “get altitude under control.”
• Treat the lagoon segment like “steady enjoyment and photos.”
• Treat the hot springs like “recovery time.”

The tour runs rain or shine, so you should expect wet trail sections, colder air, or both. Comfortable shoes are a must, and warm clothing is listed for a reason. Even on clear days, the chill can sneak up once you’re higher and moving slower.

Also, be realistic about physical condition. The notes say you need a good physical condition, and the combination of altitude plus a 5-hour round trip hike is not the kind of thing you want to improvise last minute.

Price and value: what $36 covers, and what costs extra

The base price is $36 per person, which is fairly strong value for a day that includes transport, bilingual guiding, meals, and hot springs time (with a separate entry fee).

Included in the price:

• Hotel pickup
• Tour guide in English and Spanish
• Tourist transport
• First aid kit
• Local breakfast and lunch

Not included, so you should budget extra:

• Ausangate entry ticket (listed as S/ 20.00)
• Thermal waters entry (listed as 10 soles)
• Dinner
• Horses
• Drop-off at the hotel (the tour finishes in San Bernardo)

Here’s the practical value logic. You’re paying for the big structure: early departure logistics, a guided route, food, and safety basics. The extra fees are still normal for this kind of protected area and thermal stop, and having cash ready is key.

If you like organized hiking days where meals are handled and you’re not stuck figuring out transport and trail timing, this price can make sense fast.

Who should book, and who should skip this hike

This is a high-altitude hike, and the tour is clear about who shouldn’t do it:

• Not suitable for people with altitude sickness
• Not suitable for people with high blood pressure

Even if you feel fine in Cusco, acclimatization is still emphasized. So if you’re unsure how your body reacts, take acclimatization seriously before booking, and consider whether a long 5-hour round trip on uneven ground is wise.

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A full-day mountain outing from Cusco
• Multiple lagoon photo chances with different colors and reflective water
• A natural rhythm that includes breaks, lunch, and hot springs recovery

It’s less ideal if you want a gentle, flexible day. The itinerary has a lot of structure and a long hike component, and it operates rain or shine.

What to bring so the day stays comfortable

The tour lists what you should bring, and I agree with the logic behind each item:

• Comfortable shoes and hiking shoes
• Warm clothing (it gets colder higher up)
• Rain gear
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Snacks (helpful if you get hungry between breaks)
• Cash (for the Ausangate ticket and thermal waters entry)

One simple travel move: pack rain gear where you can reach it fast. In the Andes, weather changes quickly, and you do not want to unpack everything just to stay dry.

Should you book the Cusco Ausangate 7 Lagoons full day?

If you’re in good shape, you’ve acclimatized to Cusco, and you want a day where the payoff is seven separate lagoon views plus a hot springs reset, then booking makes sense. The tour’s biggest strength is how it strings together the day: early start, guided hike with repeated photo moments, then food and recovery.

Skip it if altitude is an issue for you, or if high blood pressure is part of your medical reality. And be honest about logistics, you should plan for a long day, cold conditions, and extra fees for the Ausangate entry and thermal waters.

If that all sounds manageable, this is exactly the kind of Andes experience where you end the day tired but satisfied, with photos and memories that feel bigger than the time you spent getting there.

FAQ

What time do they pick me up in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled from 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. in Cusco, depending on your exact pickup location.

How long is the tour and when do we return to Cusco?

The total duration is listed as 870 minutes. The itinerary states you arrive back in Cusco around 7:30 p.m..

How long is the hike and is it a round trip?

The walking portion is described as 5 hours round trip.

Which lagoons are included on the hike?

The tour includes the lagoons: Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch in Pacchanta, both included.

Do I need to pay extra for Ausangate entry and the hot springs?

Yes. Ausangate entry ticket is S/ 20.00, and thermal waters entry is 10 soles. These are not included in the base price.

Will the tour run if it rains?

Yes. The tour will take place rain or shine.

Is this tour suitable for altitude sickness or high blood pressure?

No. It is not suitable for people with altitude sickness and high blood pressure.