Seven lagoons, one snowy mountain, and a full day outdoors. This Cusco-area hike is built around Ausangate and its high-color lagoon stops, with a guide, breakfast, lunch, and even walking sticks included. I like that it mixes big scenery with a clear rhythm: morning pickup, steady hiking, then a thermal break in Pacchanta.

Two things I really appreciate: the views of the snowy Ausangate as you move between lagunas, and the way the day includes both breakfast and lunch so you’re not scrambling for food between trail and thermal time. One drawback to weigh: the ride can feel tight, since at least one traveler found the vehicle very small, so if you’re tall or easily cramped, it’s worth planning for that.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• Ausangate scenery: expect a sweeping view as you hike between lagoon stops.
• Seven lagoons in one day: a single route built to hit all of them.
• Pacchanta thermal medicinal waters: a real recovery moment after the walking.
• Breakfast + lunch included: fewer gaps in your day and more predictable energy.
• Small group size (up to 15): easier to manage than bigger buses.
• Rain or shine operation: this is a go-no-matter-what kind of day.

A Full Day Hike Around Ausangate’s Seven Lagoons

This tour runs in the Cusco region and focuses on one main natural attraction: the seven lagoons tied to the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain. You’ll head southeast of the city, spend your day outdoors, and return to Cusco in the evening.

What makes it appealing for practical travelers is that it’s not just about standing in one spot taking photos. The day is built around a sequence of lagoons (and a few other key stops), with a guide to keep the route moving and the pace reasonable.

You’re looking at an approximately 10 km walking day. That distance isn’t huge on paper, but it’s still a hike you’ll feel—so treat it like a full-day commitment, not a casual stroll.

Timing and Route: 4:30 Pickup, Pacchanta Breakfast, Lagoon Hopping, 7:00 Return

The day starts early. Pickup is around 4:30 am from your lodging, ideally in Cusco’s historic center, followed by the drive to the community of Pacchanta.

Once you reach Pacchanta, you start with breakfast. Then the hike begins from there, moving from the first lagoon onward until you’ve visited all seven lagoons.

After hiking, you go back to Pacchanta for hot springs time and then lunch. Finally, you return to Cusco at around 7:00 pm. The long day can be tiring, but it’s also why the tour feels efficient: you get a full outdoor experience without having to coordinate transport on your own.

A detail I like for planning: the tour is described as rain or shine. That means you should expect a real outdoors day even if the sky is undecided—good to know so you don’t build a day around perfect weather.

The 10 km Walk: What You’re Actually Signing Up For

This tour includes walking sticks, which tells you something important: the route is meant to be handled on foot, and your guide expects you’ll be using terrain for support. You’ll cover roughly 10 km total during the lagoon portion, with time built in for viewing and moving between stops.

Also note what’s not included. The tour explicitly doesn’t include horseback rides. That’s a plus for travelers who want to stay fully “on foot” with the group, but it also means you should be comfortable walking the full route yourself.

In terms of “how it feels,” the best way to think of it is steady outdoors time with frequent scene changes. You’re not just hiking to reach one lagoon; you’re hiking to reach a set of lagoons, each one a new payoff.

And because it’s a small group (up to 15), your pace will be set for group movement. If you like to drift and stop whenever you want, you may still enjoy the scenery, but you’ll be doing it alongside the schedule the guide keeps.

Seven Lagoons and Ausangate Views: How to Enjoy It Like a Pro

The main attraction is the lagoon sequence around Ausangate. The tour is designed so you keep moving between lagoons instead of doubling back or waiting too long between views.

Here’s what to aim for: treat each lagoon as a distinct photo moment, but also watch the surroundings as you walk. The highlights mention the majestic colors of these lagoons, and that’s usually what you’ll remember—reflections, variations in color, and the big mountain backdrop.

You’ll also be in an environment with flora and fauna. Even if you don’t go “birding mode,” just slowing down for a minute at each lagoon improves the experience. I love these kinds of tours where the scenery rewards small attention, not just speed.

One more practical note: there’s an entrance fee for the 7 lagoons that is not included. The tour itself gets you to the area and does the guiding, but you should budget separately if you want full entry.

Pacchanta Breakfast and Thermal Medicinal Waters: The Best Part of Winding Down

Pacchanta isn’t just a logistics stop. It’s where the day starts with breakfast and where you return after hiking for hot springs / thermal medicinal waters.

This matters because lagoon hikes tend to be physically demanding in the moment, but they’re also visually tiring. Having a thermal stop in the same day is a good reset. It turns the experience from a “walk and hope” day into a “walk, recover, and eat” day.

Lunch is also included back in Pacchanta, which helps you avoid the common fatigue problem: you get back, you’re hungry, but food is delayed or inconvenient. Here, lunch is scheduled as part of the flow.

About the thermal baths: entrance to the baths is listed as not included. That means you’ll likely need to pay on-site if you want to soak, even though the tour includes the time and access area in Pacchanta.

If you want a smoother recovery, plan to bring your energy down gently. Don’t rush from the last lagoon straight into soaking if you feel overheated or shaky after the hike. Take a short break first so your body can catch up.

Price and Value: What $43 Covers, and What Costs Extra

At $43 per person for a full day, this tour looks priced like a “get the guiding and transport handled” option. You’re paying for the structure: pickup, round-trip transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, first aid kit, and walking sticks.

Here’s what’s not included, and it’s worth knowing before you commit:

• Entrance to the 7 lagoons: listed as $5 or 15 soles
• Entrance to the thermal baths: not included
• Horses: not included

So the real cost can rise a bit once you add lagoon entry and bath entry if you plan to use them. That doesn’t make it bad value—just transparent. The tour still covers the biggest chunk of effort: getting you there early, guiding you through the route, and keeping your day organized.

Also, since the tour is small group and runs rain or shine, you’re buying more than “scenery.” You’re buying a planned day that won’t fall apart if the weather changes.

Transport Comfort: Small Van Seats Are a Real Consideration

One of the more useful reviews noted that the van was very small and that passengers couldn’t barely move on their seats. Even if you’re not bothered by tight spacing, that’s still a comfort factor you should take seriously.

If you’re sensitive to cramped seating or you prefer more personal space on long drives, plan for it. Arrive expecting a compact ride on the way out and back, and bring a mindset of “this is quick discomfort for a long payoff.”

The upside is that small-group tours often feel more human on the trail. You may have less chaos than big-group bus days, and the guide can manage the group more effectively between lagoon stops.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is best for travelers who want an active outdoor day with clear structure. You’ll enjoy it most if:

• You like hiking as the main activity
• You want both scenery and a recovery stop (hot springs)
• You prefer a guided route without handling logistics alone

It’s not suitable for pregnant women and people with respiratory issues, so respect that limitation. Also remember it runs in rain or shine, which can make trail conditions harder if you’re not used to wet ground.

If you’re a traveler who wants a gentle pace with minimal walking, this likely won’t match. The tour includes an approximately 10 km walk, and it’s built around lagoon stops, not a short scenic circuit.

Practical Tips for This One-Day Lagoon Circuit

Bring the basics the tour calls for:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes

Then add a few smart, reality-based extras based on how the day runs:

• Wear shoes you trust for uneven ground. A 10 km day means you’ll want grip.
• Since it runs rain or shine, be ready for wet conditions. If you have a light rain layer, bring it.
• Keep an eye on cash planning for the lagoon entrance fee and possibly bath entrance (since neither is included).

One more tip: start the day calm. Pickup is around 4:30 am, so your comfort and energy matter. Eat breakfast and stay consistent with water breaks during the hike so the afternoon soak feels like a reward instead of a chore.

Should You Book the Cusco 7 Lagoons Day Tour?

I’d book this if you want a guided, one-day way to see seven lagoons tied to Ausangate, with a full meal plan and a thermal recovery stop in Pacchanta. The best value comes from the package: transport + guide + breakfast + lunch + walking sticks, plus the small-group vibe.

Skip it if you know you’ll be uncomfortable in tight vehicle seating, because transport comfort has been a real issue for at least one traveler. Also skip if you fall into the stated non-suitability categories (pregnancy or respiratory issues), and be honest about whether an approximately 10 km hike fits your fitness.

If you’re on the fence, this is the easiest decision rule: if you’re excited for a long outdoor day with real walking and you want someone to handle the route, book it. If you want minimal effort or you’re very sensitive to cramped seating, look for a different format.

FAQ

How early is pickup from Cusco?

Pickup is approximately 4:30 am from your lodging, preferably in the historical center of Cusco.

Where does the tour start after pickup?

After pickup, the group travels to the community of Pacchanta, where you enjoy breakfast before starting the hike.

How much walking is included?

The walking portion is approximately 10 km as you visit the lagoons.

What meals are included in the tour?

You get breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after returning from the hike.

Are the entrance fees for the lagoons included?

No. Entrance to the 7 lagoons is not included (listed as $5 or 15 soles).

Are the thermal baths included?

No. Entrance to the thermal baths is not included.

What group size and languages are offered?

The tour is a small group limited to 15 participants, and the live guide speaks English and Spanish.

You Might Also Enjoy

From Cusco: Waqrapukara day tour with meal2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour by Train from CuscoCusco: Full-Day Sacred Valley and Maras TourArequipa Walking Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery