Seven lagoons in the Andes.

This 7 Lagoons Tour pairs high-Andes walking to lagoons fed by snowy Ausangate with a real payoff: Pacchanta hot springs afterward. It’s a memorable day, but the hike can feel intense at altitude, especially if you’re not used to elevation and long walks.

I like that the day is guided from start to finish, with bilingual support (English/Spanish) and extra attention to altitude—guides like Guillermo and Frank have been praised for looking out for people who felt the effects. You’ll also get actual community meals in Paccanta (breakfast and lunch), not just roadside snacks, and you’ll be back in Cusco around 7:00 pm.

Key points before you go

• Ausangate-fed lagoons: A string of 7 lagoons in the high Andes, linked to the snowy Ausangate.
• About 10 km of walking: First lagoon is roughly a 1:30 walk, with the full route covering around 10 km over about 5 hours.
• Pacchanta hot springs: Soak time after the hike; entry is optional (5 soles).
• Community breakfast + lunch: Meals are included, served in Paccanta/Pacchanta after you’ve been out walking.
• Bilingual guides (English/Spanish): Past guests highlighted guides like Guillermo and Frank for care and good photo moments.
• Practical comfort can be hit-or-miss: One review flagged that bathroom service may need attention as the route grows.

Ausangate’s 7 lagoons: why this hike feels worth the effort

What makes this tour special is the origin story of the water. Those lagoons aren’t random; they’re tied to the snowy Ausangate and the slow, stubborn flow of meltwater high in the Andes. That connection gives the day a sense of place—you’re not just trekking for views, you’re walking through a working high-altitude water system.

I also like the pacing. You start with a proper breakfast in the Paccanta area, then you walk between lagoons along a route that’s long enough to feel like a real hike, but structured enough that you’re not stuck guessing where to go next. The route goes through areas with fauna and vegetation (the kind of small-life detail you notice more when you’re not rushed).

The setting helps with the “right kind of tough.” One review described it as dense but manageable for people who don’t hike often. Another said the difficulty was medium. Translation for you: don’t treat this like a casual stroll, but you also don’t need to be a mountain athlete to enjoy it—go steady, listen to your guide, and keep an eye on how your body responds to altitude.

Cusco pickup and the Paccanta breakfast that sets your day

Your day starts with hotel pickup in Cusco, with the practical instruction to wait in the lobby about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. That matters because early starts in the Andes leave zero room for “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

From Cusco, you head toward the community of Paccanta for breakfast. This isn’t a throwaway stop. Getting fed before the hike helps a lot when you’re working at elevation and your breathing is already doing extra work. The included breakfast also means you’re not scrambling for food on the road.

Timing is part of the experience here. You’ll spend the morning hiking between the lagoons, then return to the community for hot springs and lunch, and finally get back to Cusco around 7:00 pm. If you’re thinking about pairing this with other activities later that evening, keep it light—your legs will know you chose the 10 km option.

The 10 km walk: how the lagoons route actually works

Here’s the rhythm of the hike as you’ll experience it. After breakfast, you move into the middle Andes range to visit the 7 lagoons of Ausangate. The first lagoon is about a 1:30 walk away, and then you continue from one lagoon stop to the next.

The full route is roughly 10 km, and the hiking time is around 5 hours (give or take depending on how your group moves and how long you spend at each stop). Along the way, you’ll be walking in areas with wildlife and vegetation. That’s why this isn’t just “point to point.” You’re paying attention to the high-altitude environment as you go, not only when you stop.

A key consideration: altitude doesn’t care how strong you are on a flat trail. One strong positive detail you can use is how guides handle altitude concerns. Past guests praised guides for checking whether someone was feeling the effects of altitude and adjusting help accordingly. When you’re choosing this tour, that’s what you want from your guide: confidence, calm pacing, and real care when your body needs a slower rhythm.

If you’re prone to getting winded, plan to go slower than you think you should early on. You’ll enjoy the lagoons more if you arrive with steady breath rather than forcing it.

Pacchanta hot springs + lunch: the best “reward” timing

After the hiking portion, the tour brings you back to the community area of Pacchanta to relax in the hot springs. This soak is optional—you can pay the entry (5 soles) if you want to use the pools. Even if you don’t soak, you still get the big recovery benefit of stopping movement, hydrating, and resetting.

Lunch is included, and it happens after the hot springs time. I like this order because it avoids the classic fatigue mistake: eating too early when you’re still climbing, then feeling heavy later. Here, you finish the hike, you recover, then you refuel with a proper meal.

One review mentioned that breakfast and lunch in the communities were very good. That’s a detail worth trusting when you’re trying to judge value. When your meals are included and actually part of the community stop, you’re less dependent on finding food later—especially helpful when you’ll be back in Cusco at about 7:00 pm.

Tickets, horses, and bathroom reality checks

This tour comes with a couple of costs you should plan for. There’s a 10-sol entry ticket listed as not included. Separately, hot springs entry is optional at 5 soles. I recommend bringing some cash so you’re not negotiating payment while you’re tired.

Another small but meaningful option: horses are available at the start of the route. One review specifically called out that there’s an option to get horses at the beginning. If you’re worried about finishing the full 10 km on foot, this can turn the day into something you enjoy rather than something you survive.

Now the practical downside. One negative review flagged that the service of bathrooms needs attention. That doesn’t mean you’ll have a miserable time—but it does mean you should plan your expectations and treat the hike like an “off-the-grid” day. If you’re the type who needs facilities regularly, consider using the time before you start walking, and follow your guide’s lead on where/when it’s possible to pause.

Price and value: what $35 gets you in the Andes

At $35 per person, this is priced like a working, local-feeling day trip. The value is in the included pieces: transport, bilingual guide (English/Spanish), breakfast, and lunch. For many Cusco-area tours, you’ll pay extra once you factor in guides and meals, so the all-in support matters.

The tradeoff is what’s excluded: the 10-sol entry ticket and the optional 5 soles for hot springs. That’s normal for this kind of nature tour. The more important question is whether the tour reduces your hassle. Here, you get a guide to take you between lagoons safely, plus meals so your day isn’t held together by convenience stores.

Also notice what guests praised most: the hike itself, the scenery, and how guides helped with altitude. When a tour delivers the experience you came for, the price usually feels fair. When logistics get messy, the price can feel less important. So yes, it’s good value—but still treat it like a real hiking day, not a casual sightseeing loop.

Who should book this hike (and who should think twice)

This tour is best for you if:

• You want a real hike in the Andes, not just a viewpoint stop.
• You enjoy quiet nature time and want to move between multiple lagoon stops.
• You’re comfortable spending several hours walking at elevation (about 5 hours total hiking time, roughly 10 km).

It’s also a strong fit if you like photography. One guide was praised for taking great photos, which tells me the guide isn’t just there to lead; they also help you capture the moment.

You should think twice if:

• Altitude hits you hard and you’re worried you won’t be able to pace yourself.
• You need frequent restroom access without interruptions.
• You hate any uncertainty around pickup timing—because one negative experience involved a pickup delay and a transportation mix-up.

If you do book, your best move is to take it seriously in the right way: go slow, hydrate, and use the guide’s guidance. The tour seems designed for the kind of person who takes photos, rests when needed, and enjoys the rhythm of the day.

Potential snags: reliability and communication

Everything about a day trip can be perfect on paper. Then morning happens.

One guest had a serious problem with pickup timing and how the transportation was handled, including a sudden change that led to a delay in getting started with their group. I can’t “solve” that kind of issue for you, but I can help you reduce your risk.

Here’s your practical approach:

• Confirm your pickup details the day before, and make sure you know exactly what name the operator will use for your group.
• Be early to the lobby and stay reachable on the morning of pickup.
• If something feels off, speak up fast rather than waiting it out.

Most likely, your day will run smoothly. But with tours that leave Cusco early, communication gaps can happen. Your job is to make sure you’re easy to find and clear on what vehicle to expect.

Should you book the From Cusco: 7 Lagoons Tour?

I’d book this if you want a classic Ausangate-area hiking day: multiple lagoon stops, a guided route through high-altitude terrain, and a real recovery session at Pacchanta hot springs afterward. With breakfast and lunch included and a bilingual guide, the $35 price feels reasonable for the amount of time and support you get.

Skip it or reconsider if you’re very sensitive to altitude, you need very predictable logistics, or you can’t handle the lack of guaranteed restroom comfort. Also, if horses would make the day enjoyable for you, remember they’re an option at the start—don’t force the full walk if your body doesn’t agree.

If you go in with the right mindset—steady pace, practical expectations, and a bit of patience—this tour has the ingredients for a memorable day in the Andes.

FAQ

How long is the From Cusco: 7 Lagoons Tour?

The tour runs for 1 day, and you’re generally back in Cusco around 7:00 pm.

What’s included in the price?

Transport, breakfast, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), and lunch are included.

What’s not included?

The 10-sol entry ticket is not included. Hot springs entry is optional for 5 soles.

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is included from your hotel in Cusco.

What’s the hiking distance and time?

The route is about 10 km, with hiking time around 5 hours. The first lagoon is about a 1:30 walk away.

Are the hot springs included?

Not automatically. You can choose to enter the Pacchanta hot springs for an additional 5 soles.

Do I need an entry ticket?

Yes. There’s an entry ticket listed as not included (10 soles).

Is a horse option available?

There is an option to take horses at the start of the route.

What cancellation options are available?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.