Seven lagoons, one big mountain. This full-day trek centers on the snow-capped Apu Ausangate, with walks beside lagoons in blue, turquoise, and green shades that can look almost mirror-like. I like how the day is structured so you spend your energy moving through real high-Andes scenery instead of wandering around trying to figure it out.

After a roughly 5-hour round-trip hike, you warm up in the thermo-medicinal hot springs near Pacchanta. One drawback to plan for: it’s a long day that starts around 4:30 a.m. and runs until about 7:30 p.m., so you’ll want to be ready for cold mornings and lots of hours on the go.

Key things to know before you go

• Apu Ausangate focus: the mountain is the headline, and the views build all day
• Seven lagoons in one hike: Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo
• Wildlife sightings are part of the route: alpacas, llamas, Andean birds, and vizcachas
• Warm-down in hot springs: lunch first, then thermo-medicinal waters to soothe tired legs
• Bring cash for two main add-ons: Ausangate entry ticket and hot spring entry are not included

Why Ausangate’s Seven Lagoons Feel Like a Real Day in the Andes

This is not a “stroll to one viewpoint” kind of outing. The Ausangate area is high, raw, and scenic in a way that still feels like the Andes are doing their own thing. You’ll be walking between multiple lagoons—each with different tones (blue, turquoise, green) and at least a couple that can read like natural mirrors when the light hits right.

The second reason I like this tour is the rhythm of the day: move, pause, move again, then recover. You’re out early for the hike, you get a solid lunch in Pacchanta, and then you get to soak in thermo-medicinal hot springs. That combination matters. It turns the day from pure exertion into a full circuit: see it, walk it, then reset.

The 4:30–5:00 a.m. Pickup and the Drive Toward Pacchanta

Your day starts early—pickup is set between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. That timing isn’t random. A long drive follows (about 3 hours) before you reach Pacchanta, where breakfast and the hike start.

What to expect on the road: the tour uses tourist transport, so you’re not dealing with navigation stress. But you are dealing with morning chill. Even if Cusco feels manageable, you’ll want warm layers for the ride and the pre-hike period. If you’re the type who runs cold, this is the moment to bundle up before you start sweating.

Also, note the practical timeline. You’re looking at a full travel day: 3 hours to Pacchanta, then hiking and meals, then another ~3 hours back to Cusco. It adds up to a late finish around 7:30 p.m.

Pacchanta Breakfast: Fuel Before You Ascend

Once you arrive in Pacchanta, you get a local breakfast (around 30 minutes) before you begin the walk. That’s your chance to eat something that won’t sit heavy once you start ascending little by little.

This matters more than people think, especially at altitude. Even if you’re feeling fine in Cusco (or you’re used to hiking), your body needs steady energy for a multi-hour round-trip hike. Keep it simple with your food choices and don’t overdo anything spicy or oily. Then save room for snacks you may bring yourself, just in case you want a little extra boost during the long stretches.

The Main Event: A 5-Hour Round-Trip Hike Between Seven Colorful Lagoons

The hike is where the day turns into the story you’ll remember. You’ll ascend gradually until the first lagoon, then continue from one to the next. The total walk time is about 5 hours round trip, so you’re not stuck hiking forever—but you are doing real uphill moving.

What you’ll see on the route

You’ll visit lagoons with distinct colors and moods, including:

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

Some are described as large and able to look like natural mirrors, which is exactly what you want for photos. If the sky is clear, the reflections can make even a simple frame look “wow.” If it’s a bit cloudier, you’ll still get that high-Andes color shift—especially the turquoise and green tones.

Wildlife on the way

The route also has frequent chances to spot animals. You might see alpacas, llamas, Andean birds, and vizcachas. These sightings are one of the best parts of walking in this kind of terrain: you’re not only chasing a view, you’re moving through a living landscape where wildlife pops up along the path.

How the hike feels in practice

You’ll be with a guide, and groups typically move together with some breathing room. One helpful detail: you may get a bit of independence at the beginning—then you regroup to see the lagoons together. In other words, don’t stress if you walk a little slower or faster for a short stretch. Just keep an eye on where the group is headed so you don’t get separated in weather or visibility changes.

Photo reality check

This tour is famous for great pictures, but the truth is: your photos will depend on two things you control—timing and patience.

• Start with wide shots to catch the mountain-and-lake relationship.
• Then switch to closer frames of the water color when you see a mirror-like surface.
• Don’t rush every stop. If you’re serious about photos, use your stops to wait 2–3 minutes for the light to shift.

Back in Pacchanta: Lunch and the Thermo-Medicinal Hot Springs

After the hike, you return to Pacchanta, where you’ll have lunch (around 45 minutes). That’s your main recovery window before the soaking.

Then comes the part most people are happy to read about and even happier to feel in their legs: hot springs. The experience here is described as thermo-medicinal, which basically means you’re soaking for comfort and relaxation after a long hike.

Two important practical points:

• Hot spring entry is not included (it’s listed as 10 soles), so bring cash.
• Plan to stay casual and comfortable. After a cold morning and hours of walking, your body will welcome the warmth.

When you’re done, you’ll head back toward Cusco, arriving around 7:30 p.m. That means no romantic sunset plans afterwards. Think of this as a full-day reset, then an easy evening back in town.

Price and Value: What $36 Covers (and What Costs Extra)

The listed price is $36 per person, and that’s a solid deal for what you’re getting—because it bundles the big pieces that usually cost time and money.

Included:

• pickup from your accommodation in the Cusco city center and southern area
• English and Spanish guide
• tourist transport to and from Pacchanta
• first aid kit
• local breakfast and lunch

Not included:

• Ausangate entry ticket (S/ 20.00)
• hot spring entry (10 soles)
• horses
• hotel drop-off (you finish at San Bernardo)

So what’s the real cost picture? You should budget for at least S/ 30 total for entry-related items (ticket + hot springs), plus anything optional like horses. The tour also suggests bringing cash, which is smart at remote sites where card payments may be unreliable.

Value-wise, I think this works best when you want the whole day organized end-to-end: transportation, food, guide, and the hiking plan. If you were doing it on your own, you’d spend a lot of effort lining up transport and figuring out the route across multiple lagoons. Here, the structure is the value.

Guide, Group Pace, and the English–Spanish Experience

This tour runs with a live guide in English and Spanish. In a full-day hike, that bilingual setup matters because it keeps instructions clear, especially when you’re dealing with changing weather or altitude effects.

Based on recent feedback patterns, the guides tend to balance organization with a friendly vibe. You’ll typically get a plan for where to go and when to regroup, but you may also have some room to walk at your own pace early on. That hybrid style is helpful: it prevents the hike from feeling like a rushed conveyor belt while still keeping everyone together when it counts.

Also, there’s a first aid kit included. You’re still responsible for your own comfort and pacing, but it’s reassuring when you’re spending hours in remote terrain.

Packing Tips That Actually Help on an Ausangate Day

Bring layers. Bring warmth. Bring protection from weather swings. This tour happens rain or shine, and the included packing list is practical for exactly why high Andean weather can change fast.

What you should pack:

• comfortable shoes (and ideally hiking shoes)
• warm clothing
• sunglasses
• sun hat
• rain gear
• snacks (you may want extra energy beyond breakfast/lunch)
• cash

Two “don’t overthink it” reminders:

• Even if you feel fine in Cusco, the hike starts early and stays outdoors. Warmer layers beat trying to manage discomfort later.
• If you’re prone to cold hands, add a pair of gloves. The day begins before the sun is high, and the early start can feel colder than you expect.

And since this is a high-altitude area, don’t ignore the tour’s own cautions: it’s not suitable for people with altitude sickness or high blood pressure.

Arrival Details: Where the Tour Ends (and What That Means for Your Plans)

You’ll return to Cusco at about 7:30 p.m. The tour finish point is listed as San Bernardo, Cusco 08002, Perú. It also says drop-off to your specific hotel is not included.

So if you’re staying outside the easiest taxi routes, plan ahead. Have a simple plan for getting from San Bernardo to your place of lodging—especially late in the evening after a long day.

Should You Book the Cusco Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour?

Book this tour if you want:

• a real full-day hike with a clear plan and a guide
• multiple lagoons in different colors, including mirror-like water moments
• the best kind of recovery after effort: lunch plus thermo-medicinal hot springs
• bilingual guidance and included transport from your accommodation

Skip it if:

• you’re dealing with altitude sickness issues or you have high blood pressure
• you don’t want an early start (pickup is around 4:30–5:00 a.m.)
• you’re not comfortable with a 5-hour round-trip hike on uneven terrain

If you’re healthy, acclimatized, and you’re okay with a long day outdoors, this is the kind of outing that gives you photos and memories tied to a place—not just a quick stop.

FAQ

How long is the Ausangate 7 Lagoons full-day tour?

The duration is listed as 870 minutes, which is a full-day schedule.

What time does pickup happen in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

How long is the hike between the lagoons?

The walk lasts about 5 hours round trip.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch in Pacchanta are both included.

Are the hot springs included in the price?

No. Entry to the thermal waters is listed as 10 soles and is not included.

Is the Ausangate entrance ticket included?

No. The Ausangate ticket is listed as S/ 20.00 and is not included.

Do I need cash for the tour?

The tour notes that cash is needed, and it lists entry fees that are not included.

What languages are the guides?

The guide provides live assistance in English and Spanish.

Who should not book this tour?

It is not suitable for people with altitude sickness or people with high blood pressure.