A cold start turns into a day of unreal colors. This full-day trip from Cusco takes you into the high-country scenery around the snowy Ausangate mountain, with a hike that leads past the 7 lagoons and their dramatic hues. It also gives you a good slice of local nature—flora, fauna, and big mountain views all day long.

I especially like how organized the day feels: you’ll have breakfast in Pacchanta, then start hiking with a guide who keeps the pace realistic. I also love the payoff back at the community—after the walking, you can soak in the thermal medicinal waters and follow it with a hearty lunch.

One thing to weigh before you book: the hike is about 10 km, and the vehicle can feel tight for some people. If you’re tall, claustrophobic, or hate early mornings (pickup is around 4:30), plan accordingly.

Key things you’ll notice on this 7-lagoon day

• Ausangate views throughout the hike, not just at one viewpoint
• Breakfast + lunch included, so you’re not hunting for food all day
• Walking sticks included, helpful for uneven ground
• Thermal medicinal waters in Pacchanta, a proper recovery stop
• Small group (up to 15), which usually means less waiting and smoother timing
• Extra fees for lagoon entrances and the thermal baths entrance (you’ll pay on top of the tour)

Cusco to Pacchanta: an early start that makes the day work

This tour runs like a classic highland day: you’ll be picked up from selected areas in Cusco, preferably around the historical center, at approximately 4:30 am. That early timing matters. You’re not just traveling—you’re positioning yourself for the full day of hiking, stops, and time back at Pacchanta without rushing.

Once you leave Cusco, the drive is part of the experience. You’ll gradually move from city life into open mountain country where the air feels different and the scenery turns wide and raw. And yes, it’s a long day. The tour returns to Cusco around 7:00 pm, so plan to treat the evening as your reset button.

The pickup is included, as is round-trip transportation. The small group limit (15 people) helps here. Fewer passengers usually means less chaos when you’re climbing in and out, especially once you’re near the trail area.

Breakfast in Pacchanta, then the hike begins (about 10 km)

When you reach the community of Pacchanta, the tour starts with breakfast. It’s not a fancy brunch—think practical fuel for a long morning. After you eat, you begin the hike route that takes you through all seven lagoons.

The total walk is about 10 km. That distance is the core commitment of the day. You’re not just strolling to a viewpoint; you’re moving along the route between lagoons while the mountain backdrop stays with you. The guide helps keep the timing and logistics smooth, and you’ll also get walking sticks. If you’ve done any trail hiking, you know how much that small item helps on uneven ground.

The tour runs rain or shine. That matters for your clothing choices and footwear. If the weather turns, muddy sections and slick patches can slow you down. You’ll be happier if your shoes have real grip.

One note: horses are not included. So this is a walk-first experience. If you’re tempted to rely on animals for part of the route, you’ll need another plan (since they’re explicitly not part of this package).

The seven lagoons near Ausangate: why the colors feel so dramatic

The heart of the day is the sequence of seven lagoons near the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain. As you hike from one lagoon to the next, the views shift in small but meaningful ways: color changes, mountain angles, and how the light hits the water. That’s where the experience earns its reputation.

You’ll also get more than water on a route. The tour is designed to let you appreciate the surrounding flora and fauna as you go. You’re walking through real highland terrain, not a manicured viewpoint circuit. Even when your legs are tired, you’ll keep noticing little details—plants, wildlife signs, and the way the valleys open up.

One practical thing: lagoon entrances have a separate fee. The tour price covers your hike and guiding, but entrance to the 7 lagoons costs about $5 or 15 soles (not included in the $43 tour price). If you’re budgeting tightly, make sure you have cash or soles ready so you’re not scrambling at the gate.

Pacchanta thermal medicinal waters: the recovery stop you’ll thank yourself for

After the hiking section, you return to Pacchanta for thermal time and lunch. This is one of the most satisfying transitions in the itinerary. You’ve spent the day walking at altitude and on uneven ground. Then suddenly you’re back in a community setting where you can slow down and let your body cool off and recover.

The tour includes time for the hot springs/thermal medicinal waters experience in Pacchanta. But there’s an important catch: the entrance to the thermal baths is not included. So you’ll pay that separately on the day.

If you’ve never done thermal springs after a long hike, here’s the simple logic: the heat helps loosen muscles, and the “stop” in the schedule gives you a mental break. You’re not just resting—you’re switching modes from effort to recovery. And because lunch comes after, the timing works well.

Lunch is included, which is a big value point. After a 4:30 pickup and a hike that totals about 10 km, you’ll feel better with real food rather than searching for snacks in the middle of the day.

Price and value: what your $43 covers (and what to budget extra)

At $43 per person, this tour is priced like a full day with real guidance and two meals. What you get included is solid:

• Pick up in selected areas of Cusco
• Round-trip transportation
• Breakfast
• Professional guide
• Lunch
• First aid kit
• Walking sticks

That’s a lot for one day, especially given the early pickup and the fact that the hike includes a guided route across multiple lagoon stops.

Where the extra costs come in:

• Lagoon entrance fee: $5 or 15 soles
• Thermal baths entrance: not included
• Horses: not included

So the “true” cost is your base price plus whatever you pay for lagoon entrances and the baths. Still, even with add-ons, it tends to be good value if you want a guided day with meals and transport instead of trying to piece together everything yourself.

One more value note: the tour caps at 15 participants. In practical terms, smaller groups often mean less waiting around and fewer delays between stops.

Timing, weather, and comfort tips that actually matter

This tour is not a casual morning activity. You’re getting picked up at 4:30 am, and you’ll be back in Cusco near 7:00 pm. That long stretch is part of the deal with a full-day hike.

Wear comfortable shoes. The tour explicitly asks for comfortable shoes, and you should treat that like the main instruction on the packing list. If you have footwear with good traction, bring it. The day happens in rain or shine, so you’ll want something stable.

Bring an ID card or passport. It’s listed as needed, so don’t leave it to chance.

Also think about your body and the group pace. This is a walking tour with about 10 km of hiking. It’s great if you like steady effort and want the reward of multiple lagoons. It’s less great if you want a mostly seated sightseeing day.

The tour isn’t for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women and people with respiratory issues. If either applies to you, it’s worth choosing a different Cusco-area experience that matches your health needs.

Who should book this 7-lagoon hike (and who should skip it)

I’d book this if you want:

• Serious views tied to a real hike, not just a single photo stop
• A day with breakfast and lunch included, so your energy stays steady
• A chance to experience thermal medicinal waters afterward
• A small group setup (up to 15 people), which usually feels more personal and efficient

I’d skip it if:

• You’re not comfortable with about 10 km of walking
• You’re sensitive to cramped seating; one traveler noted the van can feel very small
• You fall under the listed health limits (pregnancy or respiratory issues)

And if your biggest travel goal is maximum comfort over maximum effort, keep your expectations grounded. This is a nature and trail day first, comfort second.

Should you book this tour or choose something else?

If you’re aiming for the Ausangate region in a single day, this tour is a strong option because it packages the essentials: transport, guide, two meals, a structured hike, and thermal recovery time. At $43, the included pieces are meaningful, and the small group size helps.

But don’t ignore the practical drawbacks. Plan for an early pickup, bring shoes for mixed weather, and be ready for a hike that adds up to 10 km. Also budget for the lagoon entrance fee and the separate thermal baths entrance so you’re not surprised at the day’s cost.

If that sounds like your kind of day, then yes—this is the kind of guided adventure that makes sense when you only have one full day near Cusco.

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is around 4:30 am (approximately).

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 1 day.

Where does the tour take place?

It takes place in the Cusco region, southeast of the city of Cusco, around the Ausangate area and the community of Pacchanta.

What is included in the $43 price?

Included are pick up in selected areas, round-trip transportation, breakfast, a professional guide, lunch, a first aid kit, and walking sticks.

Are the lagoon entrances included?

No. Entrance to the 7 lagoons costs about $5 or 15 soles and is not included.

Is the thermal baths entrance included?

No. The tour includes thermal medicinal waters in Pacchanta, but the entrance to the thermal baths is not included.

How far do you walk?

The hiking portion is approximately 10 km.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide offers English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card and comfortable shoes.

Is the tour affected by rain?

It takes place rain or shine.