You do not come to this tour for comfort. You come for Ausangate and those seven impossible-looking lagoons. The day has two big wins for me: the slow, steady climb that still feels doable, and the chance to soak in thermo-medicinal hot springs after the hike. One thing to think about first, though, is that the long drive and early pickup mean the day runs on a tight schedule, and some departures can feel logistically messy.

I also like that you get a real nature outing, not just a quick photo stop. You walk among alpacas, llamas, and Andean birds, then you end with a proper lunch and time in the hot water. Still, keep expectations grounded: this is a physical day in high altitude. If you are not already acclimatized in Cusco or you have a low fitness level, this tour is going to feel like a long slog, not a scenic stroll.

Key Points Before You Go

• A 4:30 a.m. start buys you cooler weather and more time outdoors before the day tightens up
• Seven lagoon colors on one route, with several mirror-like views for photos
• 5 hours of round-trip hiking with a gradual ascent, plus breaks built into the pacing
• Breakfast and lunch included, while the Ausangate ticket and hot springs entry are not
• Thermo-medicinal hot springs are part of the payoff, but bring a swimsuit and towel
• Group quality can vary, so arrive ready to ask questions and manage your own pace

Why a 4:30 a.m. Start Makes Sense for Ausangate

Your day begins before the sun feels real. Pickup from your Cusco hotel is scheduled between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., and you will head out to the small town of Pacchanta after about 3 hours of tourist transport.

That early departure matters. Higher elevations and open slopes can turn uncomfortable quickly as the day warms. Starting early also gives you daylight for the lagoons, and it keeps the hike from compressing into a rush. It is still a full-day plan, though. You should expect to be back in Cusco around 7:30 p.m..

If you are the type who hates mornings, this tour is going to teach you a new skill: getting ready in the dark. Bring a good jacket for the start, and do not assume you will instantly feel warm once you get moving.

The Pacchanta Setup, Breakfast, and the First Climb

After reaching Pacchanta, you get breakfast, then the trek starts with an ascent that goes up slowly. This is not a flat walk. It climbs “little by little,” which is a common approach in the Andes for altitude and breathing, not just legs.

From there, you work lagoon by lagoon. The route is designed so you are not sprinting between stops. You are moving through changing scenery, with chances to pause and take pictures as the color of the water shifts from one lagoon to the next.

You also start noticing the wildlife. Expect to spot Andean birds, plus alpacas and llamas, and you might even see vizcachas (those quick, rabbit-like Andean animals that love to pop up and then vanish). This is the part of the day that feels most alive, because you are not only chasing views, you are also watching how people and animals use this high country.

Practical note: the hike is about 5 hours round trip. That includes the time spent moving between lagoons and the pauses that naturally happen when the scenery stops you mid-step.

The Lagoon Lineup: Azulcocha Through China Otorongo

This tour’s signature is the lagoon sequence. You will visit Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.

What makes this route special is how consistently the colors show up. You are likely to see blue, turquoise, and green tones across the different waters. Several lagoons are large, and some look like natural mirrors, which is why this area is so popular for serious photos.

Here is how I would think about the experience day to day, so it does not blur together:

• Azulcocha and the early stops help you lock in the vibe: cold air, open slopes, and that unreal water color.
• The middle lagoons are where you get your longer “stare and frame the shot” moments, because you have built up your rhythm.
• The later lagoons feel like the payoff, especially if you take your time and do not treat it like a race.

The route also gives your camera a lot to work with. You will be shooting mountains, water reflections, and animals along the way. If you want the best photos of your life, think less about one perfect shot and more about timing: stop when the light hits the water, then do a few frames while you wait for the reflection to settle.

Also, wear shoes that can handle uneven ground. There is no shortcut here. You will be walking on slopes and rocky paths where comfort becomes safety.

Wildlife Moments and Photo Strategy You’ll Actually Use

I love this tour because it blends “big scenery” with small, real-life details. You are not just looking at water. You are moving through grazing areas where you can spot animals and birds at close range.

If you want better results with less stress, use this approach:

• Keep your camera accessible, not buried. The best wildlife sightings can be quick.
• Pause at lagoon edges, then take a second glance to find a foreground. Even a small rock or a hint of the path can make your lagoon photo look more dramatic.
• Expect wind. Higher areas can be breezy, so steady your stance before shooting.

One more practical trick: do not overpack your photo gear. You will have fatigue by the time you reach the later lagoons. If your camera setup is heavy, your last hour will cost more than you planned.

Lunch, Hot Springs, and the Cost of the Soak

After the trek, you return to Pacchanta. Then you get lunch, and the plan includes relaxation in Hot Springs.

This is where the tour turns from “work” into “reward.” Walking in cold high air makes warm water feel like a reset button. You will want to take your time here, because the hike taxes your legs and, honestly, your brain.

Budget-wise, here is what matters:

• Breakfast and lunch are included
• Hot springs entry is not included, and you should expect to pay 10 soles
• You will also need swimwear and a towel, since you are going in

Bring a small dry bag if you have one, and plan to keep your warm layers nearby. Hot water feels amazing, but your body can chill again when you step out.

Also remember: transport back to Cusco is part of the schedule, so your hot-springs time can be “enough” rather than “hours and hours.” If the soak is the main reason you booked, keep your pace steady on the hike so you do not burn time.

Price and Value: What $34 Covers, What It Does Not

The headline price is $34 per person for a day that runs from early morning to evening, including pickup, guide support, transport, and two meals.

For value, the key included items are:

• Hotel pickup in Cusco
• Professional tour guide in English and Spanish
• Tourist transport
• Breakfast and lunch
• A first aid kit

The important extras are:

• Ausangate ticket: S/ 20.00 (not included)
• Thermal waters entry: 10 soles (not included)
• Horses are not included
• Drop-off at your hotel is not included (you will need to factor in how you get back from the return point)

So the realistic cost is more than $34 once you add the entry fees. Still, for a tour that combines a multi-lagoon trek with hot-spring time, it can be good value if you do not end up paying for last-minute fixes (like buying snacks you could have brought).

My advice: carry cash. Tickets and hot springs entry are paid separately, and you do not want to scramble at the wrong moment.

Comfort, Altitude, and Who Should Skip This One

This is not a sit-and-stare day.

The tour is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• People over 60 years
• People with altitude sickness
• People with low level of fitness

And it comes with a clear “know before you go” message: you should acclimatize in Cusco and have a good physical condition.

Altitude is the invisible boss. Even if the climb is “little by little,” you will still be breathing harder than you want to. If you feel signs of altitude problems, you should not push through. That is how you turn a great day into a miserable one fast.

If you are fit, enjoy hikes, and you are already adjusted to Cusco, you’ll likely find the pace manageable. If you get winded easily, plan on slowing down and taking more breaks, not forcing your body into a faster rhythm.

Logistics Reality Check: Transport and Guide Experience

Here is the balanced truth. The tour can be a standout day, but it also depends on how your particular departure runs.

Some people have reported problems like:

• buses feeling crowded or not comfortable
• pickup delays
• guides providing less explanation than expected
• language gaps that can limit how much you learn from the trip

That does not mean every departure is like that. It does mean you should show up smart:

• Ask early where you are going and what the plan is for the lagoons and hot springs.
• If the guide language feels thin, write down key points or rely on the obvious route cues.
• Keep an eye on time during breakfast and lunch, so you are not scrambling later.

Also, group size can affect your experience. When you are walking together, there is a limit to how individualized things can be. You may not get long, detailed explanations for every lagoon, so bring a curious mindset rather than expecting a full lecture.

What to Pack for Seven Lagoons Plus Hot Springs

The tour gives a clear packing list, and you should follow it.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (non-negotiable)
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Jacket
• Gloves
• Outdoor clothing
• Camera
• Snacks
• Cash
• Swimwear and towel

A small humor tip from experience: gloves save your thumbs when you stop for photos and your hands freeze while you wait. And sunglasses are not just style up here. High light plus reflective water can be harsh.

If you forget swimwear, you can still enjoy the hike. But you will miss the soak, and that is one of the reasons people remember this day.

Should You Book This Ausangate Seven Lagoons Tour?

Book it if you want a serious hike with a clear payoff: seven lagoon views, wildlife sightings, then warm hot springs to recover. It is a great fit for people who already acclimatized in Cusco, enjoy photography, and are comfortable with a long day.

Skip it if you hate early mornings, you are not in good shape for high-altitude walking, or altitude sickness is already a problem for you. Also skip if you expect a super-structured, always-perfect guide experience. This trip rewards self-guided attention to route and photos, not only lecture-style storytelling.

If you do book, go in with a simple game plan: steady pace on the climb, take your time at lagoon stops for photos, keep cash ready for the S/20 Ausangate entry and 10 soles for thermal waters, and treat the hot springs like the finish line.

FAQ

What time does pickup happen in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Your guide will call you about 10 minutes before the pickup time.

How long is the walking part of the tour?

The hike lasts about 5 hours round trip.

Which lagoons are visited?

You will visit Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included. Dinner is not included.

Are the Ausangate ticket and hot springs entry included?

No. The Ausangate ticket costs S/ 20.00, and hot springs entry costs 10 soles. These are not included in the tour price.

Can I bring swimwear for the hot springs?

Yes, and you should. Swimwear and a towel are recommended because hot springs entry is part of the day.

Is the tour affected by rain?

The tour takes place rain or shine.

Is this tour suitable for everyone in terms of fitness and altitude?

No. It is not suitable for people with altitude sickness or low level of fitness, and it is also listed as not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and people over 60 years. It also notes that acclimatization in Cusco is necessary.