Dawn starts, then high Andes lakes. This Cusco excursion takes you to the 7 Lagunas below the snowy Ausangate, then brings you back to Pacchanta to unwind in hot springs.

I love that you are not just looking from afar. You hike a circuit at over 4,200 meters, and you get guided stops that include Pucacocha through Azul cocha.

My favorite part is the payoff. After the walking, you relax in the Pacchanta hot springs and then you eat lunch. One consideration is the altitude and effort, since this includes a hike over two hours and it is not suitable for everyone.

Key things to know before you go

• Sunrise pickup from Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., with drop-off near Plaza de Armas around 6:30 p.m.
• 7 lagoons on one circuit, including Pucacocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, China otorongo, and Azul cocha
• Real high-altitude hiking, over 4,200 meters, with about 10 km of walking
• Hot springs recovery in Pacchanta after the hike
• Lunch and breakfast included, eaten in the Pacchanta area
• Extra entrance fees apply, including lagoons and the Pacchanta hot springs

A Sunrise Start From Cusco That Actually Makes Sense

This is a full-day outing, and it starts early. You’ll get picked up from your hotel near or inside the Historic Center between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. That early departure matters because you’re headed to high altitude and you want daylight for the hike.

You’ll travel out to the community of Pacchanta first. From there, the day shifts into mountain mode, with the 7-lagoon circuit sitting south of the Cusco region and fed by melting snow from Ausangate. Plan your morning like you would for any altitude outing: keep it simple, drink water, and avoid doing anything athletic before breakfast.

The tour includes a professional guide and provides English or Spanish interpretation. That is helpful not only for navigation, but also for understanding what you’re looking at, since you’re moving between multiple lagoons in a high, thin-air setting.

Pacchanta Breakfast, Then Up Toward Ausangate’s Footsteps

Once you arrive in Pacchanta, you receive breakfast. It’s not just a meal, it’s your practical fuel before the hike begins. When you’re going above 4,200 meters, your body works differently, and a solid start helps you keep a steady pace.

Then you’ll head toward the Andean mountain area to begin the circuit. The hike starts with a trek to the first lagoon, and from there the guided route continues lagoon to lagoon until the end of the tour.

The day is structured so you are not constantly waiting around. You eat, you hike, you move through the circuit. That flow is one of the reasons this trip feels like good value for a one-day schedule, as long as you respect the effort level.

The 7 Lagunas Circuit: From Pucacocha to Azul cocha

Here’s the heart of the experience. The 7 lagoons are located in the foothills under the snowy Ausangate. The key idea is that they are fed by melting snow, so the water you’re seeing is tied to the mountain’s seasonal runoff.

You’ll walk for more than two hours as you work through the route. Total hiking distance is listed at about 10 km, which is long enough to matter. Take it as a cardio walk, not a casual stroll.

The lagoons on the circuit are:

• Pucacocha
• Patacocha
• Alqacocha
• Qomercocha
• Orco Otorongo
• China otorongo
• Azul cocha

What you should expect at each lagoon is time with the view and a pause along the guided trail. The exact length of each stop isn’t specified, so treat this as a walking-first experience. If you love photography, bring patience. High-altitude light can be strong even when the air feels sharp.

Why the lagoon circuit is worth the work

This isn’t a single viewpoint. You’re moving through multiple spots at altitude, and that gives you a sense of the whole system rather than one postcard frame. The names alone are a clue: it’s a planned walking route, not random scenery.

Just remember, you are over 4,200 meters. That means slower breathing, heavier legs, and the need for pacing. You’ll get more out of this day by going steady than by trying to conquer distance.

Pacchanta Hot Springs: The Perfect Reset After the Hike

After the lagoon hike, you return to Pacchanta. Then the tour builds in recovery time with the hot springs. This is one of the most comforting parts of the whole experience because it gives your body a reason to relax.

The hot springs entry fee is not included, so you’ll likely want cash ready if you want to soak. The listing prices it at about 2 USD or 5 soles for the hot springs. Even if you only plan to soak briefly, it can help you enjoy the rest of the day without feeling completely wrecked.

After soaking, you’ll enjoy lunch. Lunch is included, which matters here because the day is physically demanding. Eating on schedule helps you avoid the classic altitude problem where you feel fine on the mountain, then crash later because you skipped food.

This combination, hike plus hot springs plus lunch, is what turns a long day into a memorable one. You’re not just pushing through discomfort. You’re getting an actual payoff at the end.

Timing and Pace: How to Make the Day Feel Manageable

The itinerary is intense but not chaotic. You leave Cusco early, you eat breakfast, you hike the circuit, you soak and eat lunch, then you return. Arrival back in the city is around 6:30 p.m., with drop-off near Plaza de Armas.

Walking is about 10 km total and the hike is more than two hours. That means it’s absolutely doable for many people, but it is still hiking. You’ll want comfortable shoes that work on uneven, high-altitude ground. If your shoes are brand-new, consider that breaking them in can be tougher at altitude.

Also note that the tour takes place in sunny weather or as weather permits. Mountain weather can change fast, and you’re at altitude, so dress in layers and keep a daypack with the essentials.

One more practical point: this tour is listed as not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people who are visually impaired, people over 80 years old, and babies under 1 year. Altitude and trail conditions are the likely reasons, so respect the limits.

Price and Logistics: Is $43 Good Value?

The price is $43 per person for a one-day trip that includes hotel pickup near or inside the Historic Center, tourist transportation to and from your hotel, breakfast, lunch, and a professional guide.

Then there are the add-ons:

• Entrance fees to the 7 lagoons: 5 USD or 15 soles
• Entrance to the hot springs of Pacchanta: 2 USD or 5 soles

So you should budget an extra 7 USD total if you plan to pay both sets of fees in USD (or the equivalent in soles). Since these are straightforward numbers, it’s easy to estimate your all-in cost.

For me, the value comes from the structure. You’re getting transportation, meals, and a guide for a high-altitude circuit with real hiking. If you tried to piece this together alone, you would likely spend time and money on coordination and navigation. Paying for the guide is part of what makes the day feel organized.

The only catch is effort. If your fitness or altitude tolerance is low, the price won’t feel like value because the hike and height will dominate the experience.

What You Need to Bring for the Ausangate Day

The tour gives you guidance on essentials, and you should take it seriously at altitude. Here’s what to pack:

• Comfortable shoes
• Camera
• Snacks
• Cash
• Daypack

Cash is important because entrance fees are not included. You’ll also want snacks in case you need extra energy between breakfast and lunch. The day is early, so having something small you trust can help.

A daypack is key because you’ll likely want water, layers, and personal items during the hike. Even when the day is sunny, thin air and changing weather can make your body feel colder than you expect.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

I think this is a great fit if you want one day that gives you both the mountain hike and a physical reward afterward. If you like walking at altitude, enjoy photographing natural sights, and you want a guided route that hits multiple lagoon stops, this is made for you.

It’s also a solid choice if you value meals included. Breakfast and lunch are part of the package, which makes the long day simpler.

On the other hand, if you are worried about altitude, this may be a bad bet. The lagoons sit above 4,200 meters, and the tour includes a hike of more than two hours. If you cannot handle that kind of physical demand, or if you fall into the tour’s listed non-suitable categories, skip it for something easier in the Cusco area.

Make It Better: Small Choices That Matter at Altitude

Even with a guide, altitude is personal. Here are practical moves that can help your day feel smoother:

• Keep a steady pace from the start. Speed at altitude is how people burn out early.
• Use your snacks strategically, not emotionally. Have a bit when you feel your energy drop.
• Bring cash specifically for the lagoon and hot spring fees. It avoids stress when you’re already tired.
• Dress in layers. The tour runs in sunny weather or as permits, and mountains can change mood fast.

Also, don’t overlook the timing. You’re picked up between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., so you’ll want to be ready the night before. Set out what you’ll grab, charge your camera, and keep your daypack organized.

The guide will contact you a few minutes to tell you he is on his way. That helps if you’re near the edge of the Historic Center, or if you need to find the driver quickly in low-morning light.

Should You Book This Ausangate 7 Lagunas and Pacchanta Hot Springs Tour?

I’d book it if you want a classic Cusco-region day built around two things: the 7 lagoons under Ausangate and the chance to soak your legs in Pacchanta hot springs after the hike. The route covers multiple named lagoons, you get breakfast and lunch, and transportation plus a professional guide are included.

Skip it if you don’t feel comfortable hiking at over 4,200 meters or if the tour’s non-suitable categories apply to you. In that case, you’ll spend the day managing discomfort instead of enjoying the scenery and the recovery.

If you do book, go in expecting an early wake-up, real walking, and a calm recovery finish. That’s the deal, and when you match your expectations to the effort level, this day can feel like a memorable hit of the Andes rather than just a long checklist.

FAQ

How much does the Ausangate 7 Lagunas and Pacchanta hot springs tour cost?

It costs $43 per person.

What is included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup (near or inside the Historic Center), tourist transportation to and from the hotel, breakfast, lunch, and a professional guide.

Are the entrance fees included for the 7 lagoons and the hot springs?

No. Entrance fees for the 7 lagoons are 5 USD or 15 soles, and entrance to the hot springs of Pacchanta is 2 USD or 5 soles.

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is included between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m.

How long is the excursion and how much do you walk?

The duration is 1 day. You hike for more than 2 hours and walk approximately 10 km.

What altitude are the lagoons at?

The lagoons are at an altitude of over 4,200 meters.

What languages is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

When do you return to Cusco?

You will be dropped off near Plaza de Armas, with arrival around 6:30 p.m.

Who should not take this tour?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, people over 80 years old, and babies under 1 year.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.