Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour 1 day + Buffet Breakfast and Lunch

Ausangate’s seven high-altitude lagoons give you a big mountain day without committing to a multiday trek. Blue, turquoise, green, and mirror-like water sits below the glaciers, while alpacas, llamas, vizcachas, and Andean birds may appear along the route. The setting feels remote, even though you return to Cusco the same evening.

I like two things here: the varied colors of the lagoons make the five-hour walk feel like a series of rewards, and the Pacchanta hot springs provide welcome relief afterward. The main caution is altitude. You start around 4,200 meters and climb to about 4,600 meters, so this is a demanding day, not a gentle sightseeing outing.

• Seven named lagoons: Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.
• A serious altitude test: The route covers about 12 kilometers, with the walk lasting roughly five hours round trip.
• Meals included: Breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after the hike are part of the $40 tour price.
• Hot springs finish: You get about 50 minutes to swim at Pacchanta’s thermal baths.
• Very early start: Hotel or Airbnb pickup begins between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., with return to Cusco around 7:30 p.m.
• Bring extra soles: The Ausangate entry fee is S/20, and the hot springs cost S/5.

Seven lagoons above Pacchanta

The draw here is simple and strong: you walk through high Andean country to see seven bodies of water, each with its own color and shape. Some are blue or turquoise, others look green, and several spread out like natural mirrors beneath the Ausangate glaciers.

The names can blur together by the end of the day, but the changing views keep the route interesting. Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo form the main sightseeing sequence. The point is not one famous viewpoint. It is the steady change from one lagoon to the next.

You may also see alpacas and llamas grazing near the trail, along with vizcachas and Andean birds. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they give the walk a stronger sense of place than a simple photo stop. Keep your camera ready, but do not let it distract you from the altitude and footing.

The scenery is open and exposed. You get broad views rather than a forested trail, so sun, wind, cold, and sudden rain can all matter. The supplied gear list is long for good reason: take sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, rain gear, water, and warm layers.

A 4:30 a.m. start from Cusco

Pickup begins between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. from hotels or Airbnbs, with listed pickup points in Cusco’s historic center and at Plazoleta de San Blas. The transport then takes about three hours to reach the rural community of Pacchanta.

That early departure is necessary if you want time for breakfast, the hike, lunch, hot springs, and the ride back. Still, the schedule leaves little room for delays. One booking had a late pickup and did not leave Cusco until around 6:00 a.m., which caused a missed breakfast serving on arrival. I would confirm the pickup point and be ready early, especially if you are staying near a busy central street.

The long ride is part of the bargain. At $40 per person, including transport, two meals, a guide, and the hot springs visit, the price is low for a full-day excursion. You are paying with time as much as money, though. Expect roughly six hours in the vehicle across the day, plus the five-hour hike.

The tour ends at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco rather than necessarily returning you directly to your accommodation. That is useful if you want to eat or walk in the center, but it is worth planning your evening around a 7:30 p.m. arrival.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the climb

Pacchanta is more than a transfer point. It is where you eat breakfast, return for lunch, and later use the thermal baths. The first meal is scheduled for about 40 minutes, so you should use the time to eat, organize your daypack, and put on the right layers.

Breakfast matters here because the hike begins at high altitude and continues upward. A delayed departure or a shortage of food is not a small inconvenience when you have several hours of walking ahead. If the group arrives late, the meal service may be limited, so carrying a small snack is sensible even though breakfast is included.

The included meals add real value to the price, but you should keep expectations practical. The food is part of a group excursion, not a long restaurant meal. Lunch comes after the hike and is listed as a 40-minute stop, with some free time for shopping in Pacchanta.

Bring cash in Peruvian soles for the extra entrance fees and personal purchases. The tour price does not cover the S/20 Ausangate entrance ticket or the S/5 hot springs admission.

Five hours on a high Andean trail

The route is described as about 12 kilometers, with the full walk taking around five hours. You begin at approximately 4,200 meters and reach about 4,600 meters. Those numbers define the day more than the distance does.

At sea level, 12 kilometers might feel moderate. Here, each uphill section can demand patience and controlled breathing. You do not need to race. Walk slowly, drink water, and follow the guide’s pace. If you are not acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude, you may find this much harder than the mileage suggests.

The description gives the route as a gradual ascent, but the setting remains physically demanding. Comfortable shoes are required, and proper hiking shoes are the better choice. Closed-toe footwear, hiking pants, socks, and warm layers will serve you better than casual city clothes.

Weather can change the feel of the route quickly. Pack rain gear even if the morning begins clear, along with gloves, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A charged phone or camera is useful for photos, but keep a daypack light enough that it does not become another burden.

The guide provides assistance, a first aid kit, and explanations in English or Spanish. The quality of communication can vary. One English-speaking participant found the guide’s English difficult to follow, so if detailed commentary matters to you, ask questions clearly and stay close to the guide during key explanations. A guide can help with direction, timing, and safety, but no guide can remove the effects of altitude.

What makes the seven stops worth the effort

Each lagoon gives you a reason to keep going. You may start by taking in the first blue water, then notice the color shift toward turquoise or green at the next stop. Some lagoons are large and reflective, creating the natural-mirror effect that makes the photos especially striking.

The route also gives you a look at the Ausangate glaciers without requiring a multiday expedition. That is the strongest practical reason to choose this tour. You get a short, intense introduction to the region and return to Cusco that night.

The downside is that the scenery comes with physical cost. You will not have unlimited time at every lagoon, because the group must complete the route and return to Pacchanta. If you need a slow photography day, a private tour or longer trek may suit you better.

Group pace is another consideration. People arrive with different levels of fitness and altitude experience. The schedule may feel comfortable for a strong hiker and rushed for someone still adjusting to the elevation. The tour information specifically notes that the full walk is an adventure route, so you should not book it as a casual outing.

Alpacas, vizcachas, and open mountain views

The wildlife is a pleasant part of the day, though it should be treated as a possibility rather than a promise. Alpacas and llamas are common sights in the description of the route, and you may also spot vizcachas, small Andean mammals that often blend into rocky surroundings.

Andean birds add movement to the wide-open setting. Bring binoculars only if they are compact and you already enjoy birdwatching. For most people, a phone or camera is enough, since the lagoons and glacier views are the main subjects.

You get some of the best moments by pausing between formal stops. Look back along the trail, watch the animals near the pasture, and notice how small people appear against the high peaks. The guide can point out sights, but the quiet stretches are valuable too.

Lunch, Pacchanta, and the thermal baths

After the walk, you return to Pacchanta for lunch and about 40 minutes of free time. This is when the day shifts from exertion to recovery. You can eat, browse for local purchases, and prepare for the hot springs.

The thermal bath visit lasts about 50 minutes. Bring swimwear, a towel, sandals, and a change of clothes. The supplied packing list also calls for toiletries, so you can make yourself comfortable before the return ride.

The hot springs are not just an added attraction. After five hours at high altitude, warm water can make the long ride back much easier. You should still judge how you feel before entering, especially if the hike has left you tired or unwell.

The entrance costs S/5 and are not included in the $40 price. That is a small extra, but you need cash ready. The order of the afternoon is practical: walk first, eat second, soak third.

Is $40 good value for this day?

For $40, you receive hotel or Airbnb pickup, tourist transport, an English or Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, first aid support, and the main sightseeing route. You also get the chance to use the Pacchanta hot springs, though the S/5 admission is extra.

That is strong value if you want to see Ausangate without arranging separate transport, food, and a local guide. The three-hour journey each way is the tradeoff. You are getting a low-cost, full-day outing, not a private or flexible mountain experience.

Food quality is one area where I would keep expectations modest. One participant felt breakfast and lunch needed improvement, and another missed breakfast after a delayed departure. Eat the provided meals, but carry water and a small backup snack so your energy does not depend on perfect timing.

The cancellation terms are useful if your plans are still shifting: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve without paying immediately. Those policies do not change the physical demands, so use the flexibility to check your altitude readiness before the trip.

Who should choose this Ausangate day tour?

I would recommend it to you if you have a full day available, want dramatic mountain scenery, and are comfortable with a long ride and high-altitude hike. It suits an active visitor who prefers to see a lot in one day and likes the idea of finishing in hot springs rather than returning straight to Cusco.

You should think twice if you have heart problems, recent surgery, are pregnant, weigh more than 130 kilograms, or are over 95 years old. Those restrictions are stated for the activity. The altitude also makes this a poor choice if you are not prepared for strenuous walking.

You should be especially cautious if you are newly arrived in Cusco and have not adjusted to the elevation. The tour begins higher than Cusco and rises still farther. Comfortable shoes alone will not solve that problem.

A private option may be better if you need a slower pace, detailed English explanations, or more control over meal timing. This scheduled day tour is better for value and convenience than for personal flexibility.

Should you book the seven lagoons tour?

Book it if the idea of seeing seven colorful lagoons, glacier views, Andean animals, and Pacchanta hot springs in one long day appeals to you. The scenery earns the early wake-up, and the included transport and meals make the $40 price attractive.

Skip it if you want an easy day, dislike long bus rides, or are not ready for walking between 4,200 and 4,600 meters. Confirm your pickup details, carry snacks and cash, and bring serious cold and rain protection.

The tour’s overall rating is 4.2 from four published ratings, with especially strong praise for the scenery and guides. The most useful takeaway is practical: the place is remarkable, but the day works best when you respect the altitude, stay flexible about the meals, and arrive ready to walk.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour last?

The full activity lasts about 14 hours. Pickup begins between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., and the return to Cusco is scheduled for around 7:30 p.m.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from hotels or Airbnbs, with listed options in Cusco’s historic center and at Plazoleta de San Blas.

How difficult is the walk?

The walk covers about 12 kilometers and lasts roughly five hours round trip. It begins at about 4,200 meters and reaches approximately 4,600 meters, making it a demanding high-altitude hike.

Which lagoons will I visit?

The route includes Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike, and lunch is provided after the walk. Personal snacks and drinks are not specified as included, so bringing water and a small snack is sensible.

How much are the extra entrance fees?

The Ausangate entrance ticket costs S/20, and admission to the Pacchanta hot springs costs S/5. These fees are not included in the tour price.