Seven lagoons, one big Ausangate backdrop. This full-day hike from Cusco takes you southeast to Pacchanta and sets up the day for seven lagoons beneath the snow-capped Ausangate. I love the mix of serious mountain views with a nature-focused route, plus the way the lagoon colors change as you move between them. One thing to consider: the van can feel cramped, so you’ll want to pack light and be ready to share space.

What makes this outing work for most people is that it’s not only walking. You get breakfast to start the trek, a guide for the route, and then a payoff in the community of Pacchanta with hot springs and lunch before you head back to Cusco. It runs rain or shine, and it’s designed for a small group (up to 15), which usually helps the pace stay friendly.

Key points before you go

• 4:30 a.m. pickup with return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.
• About 10 km of hiking on foot, with walking sticks included
• Breakfast, lunch, and guide included, with hot springs time after the hike
• Lagoons entrance is extra (5 USD or 15 soles), and thermal bath entry isn’t included
• Small group of up to 15 in English or Spanish, plus a first-aid kit
• No horses for this route, so comfortable shoes matter

Cusco’s 7 Lagoons Day: why Ausangate looks different when you walk

If you’re in Cusco and want one day that feels outdoorsy but still organized, this is a solid choice. You’re not just driving to a viewpoint and leaving. You start early, hike a real distance (about 10 km), and then earn the payoff: a sequence of lagoon views around the Ausangate massif.

I like that the day is built around the mountain’s influence. The lagoons sit in a remote highland setting where the air, the terrain, and the color of the water all feel tied together. And the Pacchanta stop adds something practical: after the trek, you’ve got a chance to relax in medicinal hot waters and eat a meal that keeps the day from feeling like a grind.

The main trade-off is effort. This is a hike, and it’s not advertised as gentle. If you’re easily wiped out by steep, uneven ground (or the altitude hits you hard), plan your pace and take it seriously.

Getting moving: the 4:30 pickup and breakfast in Pacchanta

The day kicks off with pickup from your lodging in selected areas of Cusco—especially handy if you’re staying in or near the historical center. Pick-up is around 4:30 a.m., which is early but normal for Cusco mountain trips. You’ll be heading southeast toward the community of Pacchanta before the day is fully bright.

Once you reach Pacchanta, you’re scheduled for breakfast before the hike begins. This matters more than it sounds. The route starts with walking, and you’ll want fuel in your stomach rather than trying to “power through” on an empty body. It also sets a calm rhythm: coffee, something to eat, then start moving.

A practical note: the ride to the trailhead is where some people feel the squeeze. If you’re taller or you prefer extra legroom, keep your bag small and be ready for a tight van situation. It’s still worth it for the views, but it’s smart to set expectations.

The 10 km hike to all seven lagoons: pace, terrain, and what to watch

From Pacchanta, the plan is straightforward: you start on foot and visit the lagoons one by one, working through the full circuit. The total hiking distance is around 10 km, which usually translates to a steady few hours of walking plus the time you spend stopping for photos and to take in each lagoon.

You’ll also be traveling through an environment focused on flora and fauna, not just a line of scenic stops. That means slower moments aren’t a waste. If you look around, you’ll likely notice small signs of life—how the vegetation survives here and how the land changes as you move along.

You get walking sticks included, which I consider a quiet advantage. They help on uneven ground and can reduce strain on knees during descents. And because horses aren’t included (and horses aren’t part of the activity), everyone is walking. That’s why good shoes matter.

What I’d do if you’re planning: set a pace that keeps you breathing steady, not sprinting for each lagoon. On this kind of route, you don’t win by rushing. You win by arriving feeling strong enough to enjoy each stop.

Seven lagoon views under Ausangate: what makes the stops worth your time

The headline is simple: you visit seven lagoons with the Ausangate snow-capped mountain as the dominating backdrop. But it’s the sequence that makes the day memorable. Instead of one perfect photo, you get a progression—different angles, different light, and different moods.

One thing the tour emphasizes is the majestic colors of the lagoons. That’s not just marketing fluff. In highland environments, water can look intensely patterned as clouds shift and as you move to new vantage points. Even if you’re not a “water color” person, you’ll probably notice how the look of each lagoon changes as you approach it.

Here’s the practical side: plan to spend a little time at each lagoon, even if you feel rushed. If you’re only snapping a photo and immediately moving on, you’ll miss the best part—how the water sits against the mountain and how the surrounding terrain frames it.

Also remember this is a nature setting. It’s rain or shine. That means you should be ready for wet ground, slick patches, and cooler air than you expect. Bring layers and keep your footing careful.

Pacchanta hot springs and lunch: the real recovery moment

After the hiking segment, you return to Pacchanta. This is where the day shifts from effort to recovery. You get time to enjoy the thermal medicinal waters of the community.

Keep in mind: entrance to the thermal baths isn’t included. The tour includes the experience of getting you there and the timing for it, but you’ll still want to budget separately if there’s an admission fee at the baths.

Then comes lunch. Having lunch included is a meaningful value point here. Remote hikes are exactly where it’s easy to end up paying extra for basic food, or eating something that doesn’t sit well after altitude exertion. With lunch included, you’re more likely to finish the day comfortably before heading back.

If you’re feeling sore, treat the springs as part of the day’s “balance.” The hike is the main event, but the hot waters are the reset button that helps you handle the ride back to Cusco without feeling totally cooked.

Price and what you’re actually paying for (and what to budget extra)

The advertised price is $43 per person for a full day. For that, you’re getting a lot that makes the day easier logistically:

• pickup in selected areas of Cusco and round-trip transportation
• breakfast, lunch
• a professional guide
• a first-aid kit
• walking sticks

The parts you should plan for separately are also clearly stated:

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

So the real “all-in” cost is the base price plus lagoon entry, and then possibly thermal bath admission. I like that the listing is transparent about what’s extra. It reduces the chance of surprise expenses when you’re already tired from the hike.

Is it good value? For me, yes—because this isn’t just a scenic drive. You’re buying a guided route, transportation that starts early, and the meals that make a long day manageable. The main variable is comfort during the early ride; if you’re sensitive to cramped spaces, that’s the one drawback that can affect your enjoyment more than the view does.

Who should book this Cusco 7 lagoons tour?

This day trip fits best if you:

• want a guided, highland nature hike out of Cusco without planning transport yourself
• like big mountain views and are happy doing around 10 km on foot
• want hot springs time and a full meal, not just a stop-and-go tour
• prefer small groups (up to 15) and guides offering English or Spanish

It’s not a good fit if you:

• are pregnant
• have respiratory issues
• struggle with sustained walking on uneven terrain
• expect a short walk and lots of lounging (this is an active day)

Given the rain-or-shine format, I’d also say: if you dislike getting cold and damp, take extra care with clothing and footwear.

Should you book Chullos Tours for the 7 lagoons day?

I’d book if you’re excited about the combination of Ausangate views, a real hike, and the Pacchanta hot springs payoff. The included guide, sticks, and meals help keep the experience smooth, and the small group size makes it more likely you’ll feel supported rather than rushed.

I’d think twice if you know you’re uncomfortable in tight vans. That’s the most common “comfort” issue that can turn a great day sour before you even start walking. If that’s you, pack light, aim for a seat that gives your legs space, and mentally label the ride as a trade: cramped car now, wide views later.

Bottom line: this tour is a strong pick for people who want an active but well-fed day in the Cusco region, with mountain scenery that rewards your effort.

FAQ

What time is pickup for the Cusco 7 lagoons tour?

Pickup is around 4:30 a.m. (approx.) from your lodging in selected areas of Cusco, preferably the historical center.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 1 day, with a return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

What is included in the price?

Included are pick up in selected areas of Cusco, round trip transportation, breakfast, a professional guide, lunch, a first aid kit, and walking sticks.

Are the entrance fees to the 7 lagoons included?

No. Entrance to the 7 lagoons costs 5 USD or 15 soles, and it isn’t included in the tour price.

Is the thermal baths entrance included?

No. Entrance to the thermal baths is not included.

How far do you hike?

The hike is approximately 10 km.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card and comfortable shoes.

Which languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.