High altitude, big views, tight timing. This one-day excursion takes you from early-morning Cusco into the Ausangate mountain zone to walk between seven Andean lagoons with colors that shift from turquoise to deep green. My favorite part is seeing how the landscape changes as you hike, with constant snow-capped mountain backdrops and photo stops that actually feel worth the effort. I also like the hands-on finish in Pacchanta hot springs, so your body gets a break after a long day. One thing to factor in: the lakes sit above 4,600 meters, and the pace is moderate to challenging.

The itinerary is built around altitude and daylight, so you’ll start around 4:00 a.m. and be back in Cusco late afternoon, roughly 5:00–6:00 p.m. You’ll get a traditional Andean breakfast in Pacchanta, a community-style lunch, and then a chance to soak in the thermal baths while you look back at the snowy Ausangate peaks. The tour is a solid value at $35, but you should plan on an extra entrance fee of 30 soles for the lagoons and hot springs.

Key things I’d put on your radar: bring proper trekking footwear and rain gear, and take acclimatization seriously if you’re new to Cusco’s altitude.

Key Points Before You Go

• Start times are early (around 4:00 a.m.) so plan sleep and snacks accordingly.
• Seven lagoons on one trail: Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, Q’omercocha.
• Pacchanta hot springs at the end help your legs recover after the hike.
• Meals are included: breakfast plus a local lunch prepared by the community.
• Entrance fees are extra: expect 30 soles for lagoons and thermal baths.
• Altitudes are serious (>4,600 m), so go in fit and acclimatized.

The Big Idea: Why the Seven Lakes From Ausangate Matter

If you’ve only seen the Andes from viewpoints, this trip adds the missing ingredient: movement through the scenery. The trail design links lagoons to changing mountain textures, so the day feels like a sequence of real landscape moments rather than one static stop. You’re hiking in the Ausangate area, where snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon for long stretches, and that makes every photo stop feel earned.

I also like that the lagoon list is specific, not vague. You visit seven main lagoons—each with its own color and mood—so you’re not just walking until you reach one big highlight. The colors are described as ranging from turquoise to emerald green, and the variation is part of the fun because it gives you something to look for beyond just the mountain backdrop.

Finally, the hot springs finish is practical. This is not a gentle stroll followed by a spa day. You’ll be walking at high altitude first, so the thermal baths in Pacchanta work like a reset button when you return.

Timing and Getting There: Cusco Pickup at Dawn

Most departures start in Cusco around 4:00 a.m., with hotel pickup included. The van ride is about 3.5 hours, which means you’ll likely be commuting before the city is fully awake. If you’re thinking about skipping breakfast at home, don’t—your day starts early, and you’ll want energy for the hike.

This timing also affects how you pack. Cold mornings at altitude can surprise you, even if you’re used to Peru’s weather swings, so bring warm layers and rain gear in your day bag. The tour includes an oxygen bottle and first-aid kit, which is reassuring, but it doesn’t replace good acclimatization and smart pacing.

One practical note from a real-world experience: coordination can get stressful when the departure window shifts. In one case, pickup and guide details didn’t match expectations, and the traveler had to make multiple calls to get things straight. I’d treat early-day communication as part of the plan: keep your phone available, double-check the timing the day before, and be ready to call if anything feels off.

Pacchanta Breakfast: Fuel Before You Climb

After the drive, you arrive at Pacchanta and stop for a traditional Andean breakfast for about 30 minutes. This is one of those underrated parts of the day, because the hike begins after you’ve had time to warm up and eat something filling.

You’ll want to treat this meal as your real foundation. Even if you bring snacks, you’ll likely burn calories quickly once the trail starts. Breakfast time is short, so keep your routine simple: eat, use the bathroom if needed, and then get ready to move.

The best value here is that you’re not just buying convenience. You’re getting a first taste of the local community stop before the landscape turns into pure mountain scenery. That shift—from roads to high-altitude walking—usually happens fast, and breakfast helps you transition smoothly.

Hiking the Sendero de las Siete Lagunas: What the Trail Feels Like

Your walking schedule is the heart of the day. From Pacchanta, you begin the hike toward the lagoons, passing through mountainous scenery and spotting local animals such as alpacas and llamas. The route is described as moderate to challenging, with about 4 to 5 hours of hiking total, so you’ll feel it in your legs even if you’re not a hardcore trekker.

The itinerary splits the hike into two main segments. You hike the first part for about 3.05 hours, then you reach the seven lagoon area. There’s a photo stop and free time of about 30 minutes, and then you continue on the return hike for roughly 2 hours.

What makes this hike enjoyable isn’t just the endpoints—it’s the constant scenery feedback loop. As you walk, you get repeated views of snow-capped mountains and the lagoon area coming into view in stages. The trek also gives you a chance to slow down and notice the high-mountain flora and fauna, which is hard to do if you only arrive by car.

One consideration: at 4,600 meters and above, your effort can feel harder than normal. Pace matters. If you push fast early, you’ll pay for it later on the return.

The Seven Lagoons: Comercocha to Q’omercocha

You visit the seven main lagoons by name: Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Q’omercocha. Each one offers a different view, and the water colors are described as ranging from turquoise to emerald green. That color variation is a big reason this hike stays memorable even after you forget the exact order.

How to make the most of your lagoon time: use your 30 minutes wisely. Don’t only aim for the perfect shot. Pause long enough to let your eyes adjust to the colors around you. In high-altitude light, lagoon shades can shift depending on sun angle and cloud cover, so what looks like one color from one angle can change from the next.

Also, think about what you’re actually buying with a 30-minute photo window. You’re not getting hours at one lagoon; you’re getting a sequence of seven spots in one day. That’s the tradeoff—and it’s why this tour works best if you enjoy variety.

The Return Hike: Recovering Without Quitting

After the lagoon photo and free time, you continue along the trail for about 2 hours back. This is often where people feel the day most—because you’ve already done the most scenic walking, and now you’re just trying to finish strong.

This is where your gear choices pay off. Good hiking shoes matter because you’ll be stepping on uneven ground at altitude. Trekking gear is recommended, and if you use poles, this is the kind of day where they can reduce strain.

Hydration helps too. The itinerary doesn’t spell out water refills, so plan to carry enough for your hike portion. When you’re at altitude, you don’t always feel thirsty, but your body still needs fluids to work well.

Lunch Back at Pacchanta: Simple, Local, and Included

Back in Pacchanta, you’ll have lunch for about 40 minutes. The lunch is described as a typical Andean meal prepared by the local community, and it’s part of what keeps the day grounded in real place rather than turning into just a long hike.

Food won’t be gourmet on a schedule like this, but it’s included for a reason. In one shared experience, the meal was basic but plenty and tasty, which is exactly what you want after a high-altitude hike—food that refuels without slowing you down.

Use lunch time to reset your body: eat, drink, and give your legs a short rest before the hot springs.

Pacchanta Hot Springs: Soak With Snow-Capped Views

The last activity is Pacchanta thermal baths, with about 30 minutes of free time. This is one of the best “payoff” moments of the day because it gives your muscles a chance to recover while the mountain scenery stays in view.

There’s a practical catch: the entrance fee to the lagoons and thermal baths is not included and is listed as 30 soles. So, bring cash just in case, and assume you’ll pay onsite for access. This fee matters because it’s easy to forget when the rest of the tour feels all-inclusive.

If you’re sensitive to cold after hiking, the soak can feel extra good. Just don’t stay longer than your allotted time, since you still have the return van ride and you’ll want your body calm, not chilled.

Value for $35: What You Get, What You Still Pay

At $35 per person for 12 hours, the value is mainly in the logistics: round-trip transport from Cusco, hotel pickup, and a professional guide, plus breakfast and lunch. The tour also includes a first aid kit and an oxygen bottle, which is a meaningful safety add-on at this altitude.

The part you should budget for is the 30 soles entrance fee for lagoons and thermal baths. If you’re careful with your budget, it’s worth planning this extra expense early so you don’t get surprised mid-trip.

Where value can feel uneven is in communication and timing. One experience flagged coordination issues around pickup details and guide assignments. That doesn’t mean the tour is unsafe or poorly run, but it does mean you should be a little proactive: confirm timing the day before and keep your phone ready on departure morning.

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

This is best for you if you like real hiking, mountain scenery, and a schedule that actually matches daylight. It’s also ideal if you want a one-day way to experience Ausangate’s lagoon system without booking a multi-day trek.

It’s not a match if you’re looking for an easy walk. The hike is moderate to challenging, and you’ll be above 4,600 meters. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with respiratory issues, people over 65, and wheelchair users.

If you’re new to high altitude, plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Cusco first to acclimatize. That reduces the risk of altitude sickness and makes the hike feel more manageable.

What to Pack: Small Choices That Make the Day Easier

Your packing list is short but important. Bring sunglasses and a sun hat, and wear hiking shoes with traction. Add comfortable clothes and hiking pants, plus rain gear because mountain weather can shift fast. Bring water and energy snacks if you can, even though breakfast and lunch are included.

Also, keep your day bag practical. You’ll be up early, walking at high altitude, and spending time outdoors for lagoon photos and hot springs. Trekking gear is recommended, so if you use poles or a light layer system, this day is the kind where it pays off.

One more rule: alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. It’s a safety-minded day, and the high altitude already pushes your body.

Booking-Ready Tips: How to Avoid Common Friction

This tour is worth it when the day runs smoothly, and small habits reduce stress.

First, be ready for an early start around 4:00 a.m. and keep your routine calm the night before. Second, verify your pickup details the day before and have a phone number accessible for the agency contact. Third, if anything feels off on departure morning, call promptly instead of waiting it out.

Finally, manage your expectations about difficulty. Even if the trek feels manageable physically, altitude changes how your breath and legs work. Slow down early, drink water, and treat the hot springs as your reward.

Should You Book the 7 Lakes of Ausangate From Cusco?

Book it if you want a high-impact one-day Andes experience: seven lagoons, snow-capped mountain views, and a real recovery soak in Pacchanta. The $35 price is strong for what’s included—guide, transport, breakfast, lunch, and safety supplies—especially if you’re okay paying the extra 30 soles entrance fee.

Skip it or choose a gentler plan if altitude is a risk for you, if your health doesn’t match the listed restrictions, or if you know you’ll struggle with a long early morning and a moderate to challenging hike. This is a big day at altitude, not a casual excursion.

If you’re the type who likes crisp nature time and photo stops that feel tied to effort, this one fits. Just go in prepared, and give your body respect—you’ll get so much more out of it.

FAQ

How long is the Explore in one day the 7 lakes of Ausangate from Cusco tour?

The duration is about 12 hours.

What time does the tour usually start in Cusco?

Pickup generally begins very early, around 4:00 a.m.

What are the main stops during the day?

You’ll be picked up in Cusco, drive to Pacchanta for breakfast, hike the seven-lagoon trail, have a lunch in Pacchanta, and then visit the thermal baths of Pacchanta before returning to Cusco.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch prepared by the local community are included.

Are entrance fees to the lagoons and thermal baths included?

No. The entrance fee for the lagoons and thermal baths is not included and is 30 soles.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish and English.

How hard is the hike?

The difficulty is listed as moderate to challenging, with an approximate hiking time of 4 to 5 hours.

What altitude should I be prepared for?

The lagoons are located more than 4,600 meters above sea level.

What should I bring for the hike?

Bring hiking shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, water, rain gear, comfortable clothes, hiking pants, and trekking gear.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, or people over 65. People with heart, respiratory, or blood pressure problems should consult their doctor before going.

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