Cusco becomes a whole different place at 4:30 a.m. This full-day Ausangate route is interesting because you trade Cusco’s streets for snowy Apu Ausangate views and a chain of 7 lagoons in bright colors. I like that the walk starts gradually and stays guided, so you’re not just wandering uphill with no plan. I also like the combo of photos + nature + recovery time in thermo-medicinal hot springs. One consideration: it’s a long day with a real altitude workout, so you should be ready for cold mornings, early starts, and rough weather staying possible.

If you want scenery that changes with every turn, this tour delivers. You’ll hit multiple lagoons—often described as mirror-like—plus chances to spot animals like alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas along the way. The only drawback is that the day isn’t fully “all-in” on costs: the Ausangate entry ticket and thermal-water fee are extra, and there’s no hotel drop-off included.

Key points before you go

• Snowy Apu Ausangate dominates the day once you’re up and moving
• 7 lagoons with shifting blues and greens, including mirror-like stretches
• Wildlife spotting is part of the route, not an optional add-on
• Hot springs recovery after lunch helps your body handle the hike
• A long, cold, early start means pack warm layers and snacks
• Altitude and health screening matters, especially for altitude sickness or high blood pressure

Cusco to Pacchanta: the early start that sets the tone

Your day begins with hotel pickup in Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. That’s early enough that you’ll want to plan breakfast and wake-up logistics the night before. From there, you’ll ride by tourist transport for about 3 hours toward Pacchanta. The drive matters more than you’d think: the later you start the hike, the less pleasant the conditions can feel as light and temperature shift.

Once you reach Pacchanta, you’ll get breakfast for about 30 minutes. This is your real fuel-up, since the walking portion is long—about 5 hours round trip. If you’ve been in Cusco for only a day or two, this is also where you’ll feel whether you’ve started acclimatizing. The tour explicitly notes it’s necessary to acclimatize in Cusco, and you should treat that advice seriously.

I like that the day doesn’t pretend the hike is light. It’s paced “little by little” as you ascend toward the first lagoon. That gradual push makes a difference when you’re at altitude and the air is cold.

The 5-hour hike: 7 lagoons, changing colors, and real photo time

The heart of the tour is the lagoon walk starting from Pacchanta. You’ll visit Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo. The route is guided, which helps because the best spots for photos usually aren’t obvious at first glance. Also, the guide can help you time your viewing stops so you’re not just rushing from one lake to the next.

Expect lagoons described by blue, turquoise, and green tones, with some that look like natural mirrors. That matters for your camera settings and for your expectations. Mirror-like water can give you sharp reflections, but it can also reduce color intensity depending on wind and cloud cover. If you’re chasing the “wow” picture, build in extra minutes when the guide stops the group—don’t just move on because you think you’ve seen it.

Along the way, the tour includes chances to spot Andean wildlife: Andean birds, alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas. This is the kind of detail that makes the hike feel alive. It’s also a reminder that you’re in a working Andean environment, not a theme-park viewpoint. You’ll get better results if you slow down when you hear activity—animals don’t always pose exactly when you’re ready.

What can slow you down (and how to handle it)

Because the itinerary includes a full morning walk plus multiple lagoon stops, your pace is the main variable. If you go too fast early, altitude and cold will catch up later. The best strategy is simple: keep steady, breathe deliberately, and take the offered breaks. Wear comfortable shoes and plan for hiking shoes if you have them. The tour also suggests rain gear, because it runs rain or shine.

Midday in Pacchanta: lunch that actually matters

After the hike, you’ll return to Pacchanta. You’ll have lunch for about 45 minutes. At first glance, lunch might seem like a standard break—but on this tour, it’s part of the performance. You’re coming off about 5 hours round trip at altitude, and you’ll likely feel it in your legs and lungs. Eating well here helps you enjoy the last act: the hot springs.

This is also where you’ll start resetting your day’s rhythm. The temperature can feel different once you stop walking, and staying warm becomes your job. You’ll also want to keep an eye on any cash needs for the thermal-water fee later.

Hot springs: recovery and relaxation with a separate entry fee

After lunch, the tour includes relaxation in thermal / thermo-medicinal waters. This is one of the best parts of the whole day because it gives you a chance to stop working for a few hours and let your body cool down and recover.

One practical note: entry to the thermal waters costs 10 soles and isn’t included. Plan for that. Bring cash if you can, and keep it handy so you’re not hunting for it while everyone else is trying to get in.

If you’re thinking about booking for purely comfort, this is the selling point that makes the early start feel worth it. It’s not a luxury spa vibe you’re paying for—it’s a functional soak that helps with the “I hiked all day” feeling. And honestly, that’s the point.

Ride back to Cusco: a long day, well-timed

Once the hot springs stop is done, you head back to Cusco by transport for another 3-hour ride. The tour returns you to Cusco at about 7:30 p.m. That arrival time matters because it lets you plan dinner without guessing. You’ll still need dinner on your own—dinner is not included—but at least you’ll know when you’ll be done.

For most people, the trip back is when the day becomes a blur of cold air, views, walking, and soaking. I recommend keeping a small snack and water plan for the ride if you know you get hungry late. The tour covers breakfast and lunch, but dinner isn’t part of the package.

Price and value: what $36 buys you, and what’s extra

The price is listed as $36 per person, which is strong value for a full-day guided excursion from Cusco with pickup and round-trip tourist transport. You’re also getting breakfast and lunch included, plus an English and Spanish guide, a first-aid kit, and hotel-area pickup.

What’s not included:

• Ausangate ticket (S/ 20.00)
• Thermal-water entry (10 soles)
• Horses
• Drop-off at the hotel (you end the tour in Cusco; the tour describes pickup as included)

So what’s the real cost picture? Add the Ausangate entry and thermal fee, and you’ll have a fuller sense of the day’s spend. Still, even with the extras, the guided hiking + transport + meals combo is usually a better deal than stitching together separate transport and a guide yourself.

If you’re budget-minded, it helps to think in terms of logistics solved. This tour does the hard parts: early transport, pacing, and keeping you on a route that hits multiple lagoons in one day.

Who this tour suits best

This works best for people who:

• can handle altitude and have already started acclimatizing in Cusco
• enjoy long walks and want guided stops rather than free wandering
• want the mix of wildlife spotting + photos + a hot-springs reset

It’s not suitable for:

• people with altitude sickness
• people with high blood pressure

Also, the day runs rain or shine, so you’ll want real warm layers and rain gear if you travel in seasonally wet weather.

Small practical tips that make the day easier

The tour gives a clear packing list, and I agree with it. Bring:

• comfortable shoes and ideally proper hiking shoes
• warm clothing (think layers, not one thick coat)
• sunglasses and a sun hat (high altitude glare can be real)
• snacks in case you need a boost during the long walk
• rain gear
• cash for extra fees

One more strategy for photos: when the guide stops the group, use that moment. Mirror-like water can be perfect for reflections, but conditions can change quickly. If you only take pictures while walking, you’ll miss the calmer angles.

About the organization and the guide style

The tour is run by Mapis Explorer, with guides available in English and Spanish. The guide is part of the value here because lagoon stops aren’t just about looking—they’re about timing and group movement so you don’t end up exhausted before you reach the best viewing points.

The tour’s pacing also reflects a thoughtful approach: you’ll have a structured guided walk, and then you’ll have a bit of free breathing room in the day (there’s a short break period later). This helps if you’re the kind of person who likes to walk off your own pace for a minute, then regroup.

Should you book this Ausangate 7 Lagoons full day?

Book it if you want a big, organized day that combines Apu Ausangate scenery, a multi-lagoon route with strong photo potential, and a hot-springs soak to recover. The early start is real, but the reward is a day that feels purposeful instead of sightseeing-by-guesswork.

Skip it (or at least reconsider) if you know you struggle with altitude or you have high blood pressure, or if a 5-hour hike at elevation sounds like a bad match for your energy level.

If you’re healthy, acclimatized, and ready for cold mornings, this is the kind of Cusco-region day you’ll remember for the water colors, the mountain presence, and the fact that you actually earned the views.

FAQ

What time does pickup start in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. depending on your accommodation.

How long is the walking portion?

The total hike is about 5 hours round trip.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have local breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after the hike.

Are the thermal waters included?

No. Entry to the hot springs costs 10 soles and isn’t included.

Do I need to pay an Ausangate entry ticket?

Yes. There is an Ausangate ticket (S/ 20.00) that isn’t included.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, snacks, hiking shoes, rain gear, and cash.

Is the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour will take place rain or shine.