Seven lagoons make an early start worth it. This Cusco day trip to the 7 Ausangate lagoons pairs a steep, high-mountain walk with views that change as the light hits the water. I love that you are traveling into a wild, natural setting southeast of Cusco, not just sightseeing from a road. The colors of the lagoons are the kind of thing you remember, especially once you reach the viewpoint.

I also like the pacing, because you do not just “go and stop,” you hike your way across the lagoon area and finish at the lunch spot in Pacchanta. One consideration is the physical demand and the very early 4:00 a.m. hotel pickup, so this is not a relaxed outing if you are not used to long walks or you have health limitations.

Key takeaways before you go

• Lagoon names give you a simple mental map as you move from one water color to the next.
• A viewpoint early on helps you orient fast, then the route continues on foot.
• Oxygen, trekking sticks, and a first aid kit are included, which matters for a remote hike.
• Pacchanta hot springs are an option, but entrance tickets are not included.
• Pickup, transport, breakfast, and lunch are covered, so you can budget one day cleanly.

A 4:00 a.m. pickup that actually makes sense

This trip begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at 04:00 a.m. That sounds brutal until you think about what you are really paying for: clear air, softer light, and a full day to walk the lagoon area without feeling rushed. You then head toward the town of Pacchanta, where the morning gets practical fast.

This early start is also why the schedule works well if you want both the hike and a real break afterward. You are not trying to squeeze the route into late afternoon, when tired legs and changing weather can turn small climbs into a headache.

Pacchanta breakfast, then trekking into real Peru

Once you reach Pacchanta, you get a restorative breakfast before the walk. I like this setup because it means you are not starting your hike hungry or scrambling to find something nearby. The tour includes trekking sticks, which is a small detail that pays off when the ground is uneven and you are spending hours on your feet.

From Pacchanta, the experience turns from “ride and look” into “walk and notice.” This is where you feel like you are moving through the everyday high-mountain environment around Ausangate, with typical flora and fauna of the region and wide-open views.

The 2-hour walk to the viewpoint: first glimpse of the seven

After breakfast, you begin a 2-hour walk to a viewpoint where you can see the seven lagoons. This is one of the most useful parts of the day, because it gives you a big-picture view before you start tracking the details of each lagoon.

I love this moment because it helps you connect names to colors. You are not trying to remember everything at random. You get a clear visual reference, then you can look for each lagoon later as you cover more ground.

Expect the viewpoint to be worth the effort, but also plan to take it slow. A long walk at altitude, even at a moderate pace, can feel steeper than the map suggests, so use those trekking sticks right from the start.

Walking the lagoon area for about 3 more hours

After the viewpoint, you keep walking for another 3 hours, covering a large part of the lagoon route. The day ends back where it started in Pacchanta, and that return is built around lunch.

Here is what you are working toward, the named lagoons you will encounter in the Ausangate area:

• Laguna Superior
• Otorongo Macho
• Otorongo Fembra
• Laguna Roja
• Laguna Ccomer
• Laguna Azul
• Laguna Alqa

The way these names help you is simple: they keep you engaged and make the hike feel like a route, not a blur of stops. As water color shifts with weather and time of day, each lagoon can look slightly different, so you will probably keep wanting to compare what you just saw to what is coming next.

One thing to be aware of is that you are covering a lot of time on foot across uneven terrain. If you are expecting something like a paved stroll, adjust your expectations now. This is a hike day, with big rewards for steady walkers.

Pacchanta lunch and the optional thermo-medicinal waters

Once you finish the walking section, you return to Pacchanta for lunch. This matters more than it sounds. A hike day can wear you down fast, and having a planned meal at the end helps you avoid the common trap of skipping food until you are too tired to enjoy the final part.

You also have the option to visit the populated center of the Pacchanta Community and its thermo-medicinal waters. This can add cultural texture to the day, because you are not only seeing nature, you are also seeing a community tied to those geothermal waters.

Do note that entrance tickets to hot springs are not included. If you want that payoff, bring extra cash so you are not stuck deciding on the spot.

What’s included, and why it matters on a remote hike

This is a well-supported day trip for the price. The core logistics are handled, so you are focused on walking and taking in the lagoons, not figuring out transportation.

Included items you will feel during the day:

• Hotel pickup and round-trip transport
• Breakfast and lunch
• A professional guide
• Oxygen
• Trekking sticks
• First aid kit

Also, the guide is provided in English and Spanish, which helps if your Spanish is basic. I like that there are two language options because it usually makes communication smoother for the group.

The tour also comes with standard rules aimed at safety and comfort, like not bringing weapons or sharp objects and no smoking indoors. It is the kind of guidance that keeps the experience calm and focused.

Price and value: $40 for a full hike day

At $40 per person for a one-day outing, I see solid value because you get the full package: early pickup, transport, guide, breakfast, lunch, and trekking essentials like oxygen and sticks. Many similar high-effort tours charge extra once you add meals, guiding, and basic safety items.

The only likely “extra” cost for you is the hot spring entrance ticket if you decide to visit the thermo-medicinal waters. Since that part is optional, you can still keep the day within budget if you prefer to skip it.

In other words, you are paying for a structured route and support system, not just access to scenery. That makes the price feel more reasonable, especially if you want everything handled for a long walk day.

Who this Ausangate lagoon day trip is best for

This tour is built for people who can handle hours of walking and a very early start.

It is not suitable for:

• Children under 8
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People with respiratory issues
• People with low level of fitness

If you are an active adult who enjoys hikes, this is a great way to experience the Ausangate area in one day. I would also recommend it if you like clear waypoints and names to remember, because the seven-lagoon route is easy to follow when you have those references.

If you are unsure, be honest with yourself about your walking ability. The viewpoint plus the additional hours means your stamina is part of the success of the day.

What to bring so the hike feels manageable

This is a pack-list kind of tour. The good news is you do not need fancy gear, but you do need the right basics.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes
• Hiking shoes
• Camera
• Cash
• Hiking pants

And think through one practical idea: dress for layers. Even if you expect daytime sun, early starts can feel chilly, especially when you are outside for hours.

Also remember the “not allowed” list. Weapons or sharp objects are not allowed, and alcohol or drugs are not allowed. Smoking indoors is also not allowed.

Practical timing and small logistics you should not ignore

A few details can make or break your morning routine.

• You must reserve this tour one day before.
• After you book, you need to contact the emergency number listed for the tour.
• You need to enter your hotel name so pickup goes to the right place.
• Pickup is included, and you should be ready in the lobby.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so if your plans are flexible, it gives you some breathing room.

Should you book this 7 Ausangate Lagoons day trip?

Book it if you want one Cusco day that is more than photos and more than a simple drive. You get a strong structure, a professional guide, and a real hike that leads to a viewpoint where the seven lagoons make sense together. The combination of impressive lagoon colors plus the possibility of Pacchanta thermo-medicinal waters is a very believable “worth the effort” mix.

Skip it if you cannot manage long walks, if you have mobility or respiratory concerns, or if the 04:00 a.m. start would ruin the experience for you. Also, if you hate early mornings, plan a rest day afterward.

If you are the type of traveler who likes to earn the view with steady steps, this is a smart way to spend your time in the Cusco region.

FAQ

What time is pickup from Cusco?

Pickup is at 04:00 a.m. from your hotel.

Where do you have breakfast and lunch?

Breakfast is in Pacchanta. Lunch is also in Pacchanta, where the route ends.

How long is the walking portion of the tour?

The walk includes 2 hours to a viewpoint, then about 3 more hours covering a large part of the lagoon route.

Are the hot springs included?

Hot spring entrance tickets are not included. You can opt to visit the Pacchanta community thermo-medicinal waters.

What are the included safety and comfort items?

The tour includes oxygen, trekking sticks, and a first aid kit.

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included.

What language is the guide?

The guide provides live commentary in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID, comfortable shoes and hiking shoes, a camera, cash, and hiking pants.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, people with respiratory issues, or people with low fitness.

When should I reserve?

You need to reserve the tour one day before, and after booking you must contact the emergency number provided.