Seven lagoons. One cold, awe-filled morning.

This trip is all about getting up close to the majesty of Apu Ausangate, with those sharp, snow-capped views that make your photos look like you planned everything. I also love the variety in the lagoons—blues, turquoise, and greens—some of them so calm they feel like natural mirrors.

The main thing to consider is that it’s a long, physically demanding day at altitude. You’ll be walking for about 5 hours round trip and spending most of the day outside, rain or shine.

For the payoff, you get breakfast and lunch, then a chance to soak in the thermo-medicinal hot springs in Pacchanta before heading back to Cusco for a late arrival. Just know that the hiking is the core experience, and on some days people have reported inconsistent explanations in English—so I’d go in expecting scenery first, deep storytelling second.

Key Things That Make This Ausangate Seven Lagoons Tour Worth It

• The early start is non-negotiable: you’ll leave Cusco around 4:30–5:00 a.m. to reach Pacchanta and start before the day gets busy
• Seven specific lagoons with blue, turquoise, and green tones, including mirror-like stretches
• A real trek rhythm: gradual ascent, then steady walking between lagoons over several hours
• Wildlife along the route: alpacas, llamas, Andean birds, and even vizcachas
• Hot springs reset after lunch, with entry paid separately
• Meals included, so you’re not scrambling for food mid-trek

A Day Starts at 4:30 a.m. for Ausangate Views

I like tours that give you your best light early, and this one does. Pickup is scheduled between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. in Cusco, and the transport ride to Pacchanta takes about 3 hours. That means you’ll trade extra sleep for a higher chance of crisp mountain views and calmer lagoon surfaces.

When the day begins this early, it also changes how the hike feels. The first part is cooler, your energy is fresher, and the whole day runs like a steady machine: travel, breakfast, hike, lunch, hot springs, then back to Cusco.

One practical note: you’re told the guide will call about 10 minutes before pickup. I’d make sure you’re reachable and ready in the lobby so you don’t lose time before you even start.

Pacchanta Breakfast and the Gradual Climb to the First Lagoon

You arrive in Pacchanta after that long morning ride, and breakfast is the launch point. From there, the hike begins with a gradual ascent “little by little” until you reach the first lagoon, and then the route continues lagoon to lagoon.

That slow build matters at Cusco altitude. Even if you’re fit, the air is thinner and your lungs do more work than you expect. The tour itself even lists acclimatization in Cusco as necessary, and it also calls out that you need good physical condition.

What you’ll feel on the ground:

• The pace is steady rather than sprinty
• Your breathing will likely slow you down more than your legs
• The cold can show up fast once you’re above the town level

Bring the right basics and the climb feels fair. Comfortable walking shoes and warm layers are key. Sunglasses and a hat are also practical, since high-altitude sun can be intense even when it feels cold.

Seven Lagoons: Blue, Turquoise, and Green in Mirror-Like Settings

This is the headline: a loop through seven lagoons—not just one pretty stop. The lagoons named for the day are:

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

What I find exciting here is how each lagoon changes the photo story. The colors aren’t just “pretty”—they’re different shades of blue, turquoise, and green, and you can get dramatic contrast against snow and rock.

Some lagoons are described as large and looking like natural mirrors. That usually means you’ll get calmer reflections when wind drops, which is exactly when you’ll want to slow down, wipe your lens if needed, and frame shots that include both water and peaks.

One thing to keep your expectations realistic: the day is built around movement. You don’t just stroll from one postcard view to the next. You hike, crest, reposition, and keep going. If you want to linger for a long time at each point, I’d plan to be selective—pick the best angles, shoot fast when the light is right, then move on.

Spot Wildlife Without Making It the Whole Tour

As you hike between lagoons, the route also offers repeated chances to see animals:

• Andean birds
• Alpacas and llamas
• Vizcachas

I love wildlife moments when they’re part of the path rather than a separate side mission. With this tour, animals show up as you pass through high Andean terrain, so you stay focused on the trail and the lagoons, but you still get that extra sense of place.

If you want photos of animals, don’t let it pull you off safety or exhaust your group. Stick to the path, watch where you step (the ground can be uneven), and keep your pace steady so you don’t arrive at the later lagoons feeling wrecked.

Lunch in Pacchanta, Then a Hot Springs Soak

After the hike, you return to Pacchanta. Lunch is served there, described as delicious, so you’ve got at least one guaranteed, filling moment before the next phase.

Then comes the part many people look forward to most after a cold walk: relaxing in the hot springs. The thermo-medical waters are included in the sense that the tour includes the time at the springs, but entry to thermal waters is not included (it’s listed separately as 10 soles). So bring cash.

This is a simple but smart recovery plan. Soaking after hours at altitude can feel like turning the volume down on fatigue. It’s also a nice reset before the long ride back to Cusco, where you’re arriving around 7:30 p.m.

For the hot springs portion, pack for comfort. Swimwear and a towel are specifically listed for a reason. Gloves and warm layers are also useful because you’ll be shifting between cold air and warm water.

Price and Value: What $34 Includes, and What Costs Extra

At $34 per person, it’s tempting to think of this as a budget excursion. The value is real—just know what’s inside the package and what’s not.

Included:

• Hotel pickup in Cusco
• Professional guide (English and Spanish)
• Tourist transport
• First aid kit
• Breakfast and lunch

Not included:

• Ausangate ticket (listed as S/ 20.00)
• Thermal waters entry (10 soles)
• Horses
• Dinner
• Drop-off at your hotel

Here’s how I’d judge the value: you’re paying for a guided, structured day with transport and two meals on the mountain route. That’s useful because it removes the hassle of coordinating food and getting to the trailhead at such an early hour.

What might add up:

• Ausangate ticket + hot springs entry are extra cash needs
• If you decide you need a horse, that’s also additional
• Dinner is on you later, once you’re back in Cusco

Even with those extras, this can still be good value if you show up ready and treat it as a hike-first tour. If you’re looking for a lot of comfort or constant transportation flexibility, you might feel the “long day” more than the “deal.”

Guide, Group, and English Coverage: Where Experiences Can Vary

The tour is advertised as having a professional guide and languages listed as English and Spanish. That’s a strong promise on paper, and it can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the trek.

But I’ve also seen patterns in past feedback that matter for your expectations. Some people reported very limited English, or that they received little explanation about what you’re seeing and how to handle the hot springs area. Others described bus or timing issues like crowded transport, delayed pickup, or a bus that felt dirty or uncomfortable.

What I’d do with that info:

• If you care a lot about understanding the meaning of the lagoons and the area, arrive with questions ready.
• Confirm early in the day what the plan is for lagoon timing and hot springs logistics.
• Pack snacks and essentials so you’re never dependent on explanations to get through the day.

Also keep in mind that the hike is the center. Even with an excellent guide, your best memories will likely come from the walking, the colors, and the mountain views, not from a long lecture.

Fitness, Altitude, and Weather: Who This Tour Really Fits

This trek isn’t for everyone. The tour notes it’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• People over 60
• People with altitude sickness
• People with low level of fitness

That’s not just fine print. This is a high Andean walking day that starts early, climbs gradually, then keeps you moving for hours. You can expect the effort to be harder than it looks on a map.

One helpful detail: while the official walk time is listed as about 5 hours round trip, at least one person shared that the loop felt closer to 12 km with about 500 meters of ascent. That gives you a better sense of what “comfortable” means. If you can do a solid hike on uneven ground and you’re used to walking for several hours, you’ll feel more confident.

Weather is also handled as rain or shine. If it’s wet, the trail can be slippery and visibility can drop. That’s why having good shoes and some outdoor-ready clothing matters.

What to Bring So the Day Feels Easier

The packing list is pretty practical, and I’d treat it as a checklist:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Camera
• Jacket
• Gloves
• Gloves can matter when you’re exposed at altitude
• Swimsuit and towel for the hot springs
• Snacks (even with breakfast and lunch, this keeps you going)
• Outdoor clothing you can layer
• Cash for extra entry/tickets
• Sunscreen isn’t listed, but it’s worth considering given altitude sun

If you forget the swimwear or towel, you’ll still soak, but you’ll feel annoyed while you do it. Bring what you need so you can focus on relaxing.

My Take: Should You Book This Ausangate Seven Lagoons + Meals Tour?

Book it if you want a guided day focused on colorful lagoons, Apu Ausangate, and real time outdoors. The route through Azulcocha and the other named lagoons, plus the hot springs reset, is a strong combination. If you’re okay with early mornings and a steady pace, it’s a day that can deliver some of your best photos in the Cusco region.

Skip (or rethink) it if:

• You have low fitness or you know altitude affects you
• You’re uncomfortable walking for hours on uneven terrain
• You strongly prefer constant, high-detail English narration and easy transport comfort
• You need a more flexible, “sit and stop whenever you like” style outing

If you decide to go, go prepared and go mentally committed to the hike. When you do that, the day’s structure becomes your friend: gradual ascent, lagoon views, lunch in Pacchanta, and then warm water to close the loop.

FAQ

What time does pickup happen in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. You’ll wait in the hotel lobby, and the guide calls about 10 minutes before pickup.

How long is the walking part?

The walk lasts about 5 hours round trip, with gradual ascent as you move between lagoons.

What lagoons are included on the route?

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

Are meals included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour package. Dinner is not included.

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

Yes. The Ausangate ticket and thermal waters entry are listed as not included, with hot springs entry costing 10 soles.

What should I bring for the hot springs portion?

Bring swimwear and a towel. You’ll also want warm layers for changing weather after soaking.

You Might Also Enjoy

Pre Inca Temple of Pachacamac Half-Day Tour from LimaCuzco : Excursion City Tour in Cusco, Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay4 Day from Lima: Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and HuacachinaEnjoy Lima Walking Historic Center, Plaza San Martin and Plaza de Armas