Seven lakes can sound like a gimmick.

But at Ausangate, the colors feel real-world strange, and the day mixes serious altitude walking with a warm Andean homestay rhythm.

I especially like the turquoise lagoon scenery in the Vilcanota range, plus the chance to eat food grown in the area instead of just grabbing something fast and generic. And I came away liking how the people on the route treat the whole day like a community event, not a factory tour.

One drawback to plan around: the schedule is long and the hike can be tough at altitude, and the meal quality can be basic depending on the day and what’s available. Hot springs are also optional and time-limited, so you won’t get a long soak.

Key highlights you’ll remember

• Turquoise lagoons under the Ausangate glacier: first sightings hit fast, and the colors look unreal until you’re standing there.
• A homestay breakfast and lunch with local ingredients: you’re eating what grows locally, at a family home in Pacchanta.
• A strenuous first hike, then easier lagoon viewing: about 1.5 hours to the first lake, with chances to take photos along the way.
• Hot springs at high altitude (optional): bring a swimsuit; plan on chilly air after you get out.
• Guides that bring energy: Felipe and Tony have been mentioned for fun, upbeat guiding styles.
• Safety support included: first-aid equipment plus an oxygen bottle for emergencies, along with trekking poles.

Seven Lakes and Hot Springs in Ausangate: what it’s really like

This is one of those days that feels like you’re traveling deeper into the Andes without needing fancy extras. You start in Cusco and spend the day in the mountains around Pacchanta and the Vilcanota range, where Ausangate’s snow-fed glacial water feeds lagoons that look like they’ve been painted. The day is built around a sequence: drive, meet locals, hike to the first view, then work your way through several lakes and end with optional hot springs.

Two things make this more than just a checklist tour. First, you get the lagoon experience at the right pace: one more strenuous push early, then repeated photo-and-view moments at different lakes. Second, the day includes meals that are tied to the area, not packaged convenience food. Even if you’re a picky eater, the homestay setting is part of the value.

The reality check is altitude and timing. You’re going to be visiting areas over 4,000 meters, and the schedule runs long (around 15 hours). If you’re not used to high elevation, you’ll want to move slowly, drink water, and dress warm.

The early Cusco pickup and the scenic drive south

Your day starts with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco, and then the van heads south for about three hours. Along the way, you pass through villages and rural scenery where the traditional look of the region is still very visible, including colorful houses and clothing.

One specific stop you’ll pass is Ccatcca, where you can see women still wearing traditional dress and narrow streets that reflect the area’s older patterns of life. This isn’t a long museum-style stop; it’s more about getting your bearings before you climb into the high country.

The interoceanic highway connection is part of the route, and then you’ll turn toward the municipality of Pacchanta. This drive matters because it sets your body up for the altitude: you’ll have time to settle before breakfast, and you’ll get a feel for how high this area really is.

Pacchanta homestay breakfast: where the day begins to feel human

Once you reach Pacchanta (more than 4,000 meters above sea level), a local family welcomes you into their home. Breakfast is served there, and it’s described as nutritious and made with Andean ingredients.

Why I think this part is valuable: it changes the whole tone of the day. Instead of rushing straight into a hike, you start with a meal in a real household setting. Even if you’re only in the home briefly, you’ll feel the rhythm of the area—simple hospitality, warm attention, and local food that’s meant for people who live and work at altitude.

Dress and altitude matter here. Temperatures can be low, and the air can feel sharp. Keep your warm layers on until you’re sure you’re warmed up from moving.

Ausangate views from the Vilcanota range

Before you begin the main hiking segment, you’ll head toward the Vilcanota mountain range. From there, you’ll see Ausangate, including its snow-capped glacier.

This isn’t just a scenery moment. It helps you understand what you’re walking toward. The lagoons are fed by glacier water, and seeing Ausangate early gives meaning to the colors you’ll be chasing—turquoise lakes don’t happen in a vacuum; they’re connected to the mountain system.

If the weather is clear, this is where you’ll get your first big “wow” view. If clouds roll in, you’ll still see the shape of the peaks, but the color punch can soften. Either way, it’s worth paying attention, not just snapping photos.

First hike to the first lake: the most strenuous part

Now for the part that decides whether you feel great or just survive. The first hike is the most strenuous stretch of the whole 7 Lakes adventure, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the first lake.

At altitude, “1.5 hours” can feel longer than it sounds. Your goal should be steady effort, not speed. Take smaller steps, slow down when your breath gets heavier, and don’t be surprised if your legs feel like they’re working harder than your pace suggests.

Good news: you’re traveling with trekking poles, and that helps a lot on uneven ground. If you’re prone to knee stress, these poles can be the difference between enjoying the day and feeling battered at lunch.

Comercocha and Alqacocha: turquoise lagoons near the glacier

After the first arrival, you’ll visit lagoons such as Comercocha and Alqacocha. These are described as green and turquoise lakes at the foot of the mystical glacier. This is where the colors are the headline—and the photos look good because the scene is actually that intense.

The key thing to understand: these colors are not just “pretty water.” They’re tied to high-altitude conditions, glacier-fed mineral content, and the way light hits the lakes from the surrounding ridges. That’s why the view can look different from one angle to another. Spend a few extra minutes at each stop, even if the group is moving.

Also, plan for wind. High elevation often means colder air and gusty moments, especially when you pause. Keep your outer layer handy.

The return route: Patacocha, Otorongococha, and Azulcocha

On the way back toward Pacchanta, you’ll pass additional lagoons: Patacocha, Otorongococha, and Azulcocha. This section is built for repeated views rather than another hard climb, so it’s a better time to catch your breath and take photos.

A helpful timing note: from the moment you arrive at the first lagoon until you return to the restaurant, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours on the lagoon circuit and photo moments. That isn’t a sprint, and it gives you time to stop without feeling like you’re constantly behind.

If you’re sensitive to altitude, this is also a time to keep your breathing calm and your hydration consistent. Your body is still adjusting, even if you’re not climbing as hard as you did early on.

One more small thing: you might hear suggestions about a horse option. It’s mentioned as a possibility in the experience details people have shared. If you think that would help you manage effort, ask the guide early so you can plan with the rest of the schedule.

Lunch at the family home: locally grown buffet comfort

Once you’re back at the host family’s home, lunch is a buffet with locally grown natural products. This is the payoff after hiking: warm food, seated time, and a chance to recover.

Still, keep expectations flexible. Some people have said the food can be simple, and it may not match what you’d want if you’re picky about flavor or sauces. On the flip side, it’s still local food served in a place that’s part of the cultural experience, not just a roadside stop.

If your appetite is delicate, consider packing a small snack for the trek. The official program includes breakfast and lunch, but extra backup can save your mood if you need something familiar.

Optional hot springs: 40 minutes at high altitude

After lunch, you’ll have about 40 minutes to visit the hot springs. This part is optional, and the key practical tip is simple: bring a swimsuit if you want to use them.

Why this stop can feel great: the hike and cold air at altitude can leave you stiff. A hot soak is an instant reset. One detail to plan for is the cold after you get out. Coming from hot water into chilly mountain air can feel like a shock, so keep a towel and a warm layer ready.

Also, the hot springs time is short, so this isn’t a long spa session. Treat it like a quick recovery moment and go for warm clothes afterward, not lingering.

If you skip it, you’ll still get the rest of the day’s main components and finish the route back toward Cusco.

Price and logistics: does $38 feel worth it?

At $38 per person, this tour can feel like good value because it bundles a lot of the hard parts together. You’re paying for roundtrip transportation from Cusco, an English/Spanish-speaking professional guide, breakfast and lunch, trekking poles, and emergency support (first-aid equipment plus an oxygen bottle). Entrance fees are separate, but the core day is covered.

Here’s what to budget on top:

• Entrance fee: PEN 20.00
• Hot springs fee: PEN 5.00 (optional)

Logistically, the day is built to run smoothly end-to-end, and you finish back near the city center at Plaza del Regocijo. The route starts early, so plan your Cusco morning accordingly.

My bottom line on value: this is best if you want the whole high-altitude experience without driving yourself, and if you’re okay paying for a guided day that includes actual local meals and trekking support.

Altitude, what to pack, and how to avoid a miserable day

This trip isn’t just “a hike.” It’s high elevation trekking where preparation affects everything. The route goes above 4,000 meters, so take that seriously.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes with grip
• Warm clothing (it can be cold at altitude)
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Water

Practical altitude behavior:

• Go slow at the start and don’t chase other people’s pace.
• Keep warm even before you start moving.
• Sip water regularly rather than waiting for thirst.

Not for everyone:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women
• People with pre-existing medical conditions

If you fall into any of those categories, skip this day trip and choose something lower-elevation or ask a medical professional first.

What kind of guide makes the day better

The guide experience can shape the vibe. People have highlighted guides like Felipe for enthusiasm and fun energy, and Tony for a personality that made the hike more enjoyable and easier to manage.

One note to keep you grounded: the tour lists English/Spanish support, but actual English ability can vary by guide. If you strongly prefer English and want a smooth communication day, it’s smart to confirm your expectations in advance.

Either way, good guides do two things well here: they manage pacing at altitude and they help you time stops so the group catches the key lagoons without feeling rushed.

Should you book the 7 Lakes and Hot Springs day trip from Cusco?

I’d book this if you want a classic Andes day with real people involved: glacier-fed lagoon colors, a homestay meal, a tough early hike, and optional hot springs to reset your body.

I wouldn’t book it if you hate cold weather at elevation, can’t handle strenuous walking above 4,000 meters, or you’re extremely sensitive to basic meals and want perfect food. Also, if you expect a long soak in the hot springs, this isn’t that—your time is limited.

If your goal is views plus local connection, and you can handle altitude thoughtfully, this tour is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour from pickup to return to Cusco?

The full experience lasts about 15 hours, starting early in the morning and ending back near Plaza del Regocijo in Cusco.

Where are the pickup and drop-off points?

Pickup is included from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco (the guide waits at the reception). The tour finishes near the city center at Plaza del Regocijo.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

No. There is an entrance fee of PEN 20.00, and hot springs have an additional PEN 5.00 fee.

Are the hot springs included?

Hot springs are not fully included. You get about 40 minutes to visit them, and the hot springs visit is optional. Bring a swimsuit if you plan to go.

What’s the hardest part of the day?

The first hike is the most strenuous segment and takes about 1.5 hours to reach the first lake.

At what altitude does the tour operate?

You’ll be visiting areas above 4,000 meters, including Pacchanta, which is over 4,000 meters above sea level.

What should I pack for comfort?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a camera, sunscreen, and water. If you want to use the hot springs, bring a swimsuit too.

Is a trekking pole provided?

Yes. Trekking poles are included.

Is English available with the guide?

Yes. The tour includes an English/Spanish speaking professional guide.

Is the tour suitable for young children or pregnancy?

No. It is not suitable for children under 2 years old or for pregnant women. It also isn’t recommended for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

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