Cusco’s 7 lagoons start early, and the payoff is serious mountain scenery. I love the snow-capped Ausangate views and the chance to see seven lagoons in one organized day. One thing to plan for: the group is small, but the van can feel tight if you are tall or just hate cramped seats.

This tour runs southeast of Cusco into the Pacchanta area, where you begin with breakfast, hike roughly 10 km, then unwind at Pacchanta hot springs before lunch. It is the kind of day that rewards good shoes and patience with altitude and weather, since it runs rain or shine.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Early pickup around 4:30 am gets you moving before the traffic and daylight crowds.
• 10 km of walking through lagoon viewpoints, with walking sticks included.
• Pacchanta breakfast and hot springs make it more than just a hike.
• Seven lagoons near Ausangate give you a full day of “which one is prettier?” moments.
• Small group limit of 15 keeps the pace more manageable than big-bus tours.

Why the 7 Lagoons Around Ausangate Are Worth the Early Start

The big draw here is that you do not just see one postcard scene. You work your way through seven lagoons with the Ausangate snow-capped mountain area as the backdrop, so the views shift as you walk. That is what makes the day feel earned, not rushed.

I also like the rhythm of the plan. You are picked up in Cusco, then breakfast kicks off the hike from the community of Pacchanta. After the walking, you get hot springs time and lunch. That matters because long days in the Andes can be brutal if you are scrambling for food or warmth on your own.

The only real consideration is comfort, especially during transport. A verified review flagged that the van can be very small, with limited room to move. If you are the type who needs space for your knees, consider bringing a small, soft day bag and keeping your posture ready for a long ride.

Getting From Cusco to Pacchanta: Pickup, Breakfast, and First Steps

Pickup happens at about 4:30 am from your lodging in selected areas, ideally in the historical center. You then transfer to Pacchanta. This is a long-ish day, so the early start is not just for romance. It is so you get enough daylight to hike, see the lagoons, and still make it back to Cusco by around 7:00 pm.

Once you reach Pacchanta, you start with breakfast. It is a simple but smart move. If you have ever tried to hike before you are properly fed, you know how quickly energy dips. Here, breakfast gives you a steady start before you begin the trail.

From Pacchanta you begin the hike and visit the first lagoon, then continue onward through the rest. The walking route is about 10 km total. That distance is not extreme, but it is still enough that you should treat this like a real hike day, not an easy stroll.

Practical note: the tour guide is listed as professional, and language support includes English and Spanish. That is helpful because you are out in a high, weather-sensitive area where small instructions can prevent big mistakes.

The 10 km Hike: How the Lagoons, Flora, and Wildlife Fit Together

The walking section is the heart of the tour. You start at Pacchanta, visit lagoon after lagoon, and keep moving through a landscape shaped by the Ausangate mountain presence. Along the way, you are also taking in flora and fauna typical to the area. This is not a theme-park version of nature. It is about noticing what is around you while you keep steady footing.

Because there are seven lagoons in one day, you should expect repeated “short pauses, quick photos, then back to walking.” That can sound repetitive, but it often creates variety. As elevation and light change through the morning and late afternoon, the water colors can look different across each lagoon. The tour highlights the majestic colors of the lagoons, and that is exactly the kind of thing you are more likely to appreciate when you are present at multiple stops.

You will also have walking sticks included. That helps a lot for knee protection on uneven ground, especially if you are not used to Andean trails. It is an underrated inclusion.

The potential drawback is pace. The tour is structured to fit everything in one day. If you tend to go slowly or need extra time for photos, plan to communicate early with your guide so you can stay within the group rhythm.

Ausangate Views and Weather Reality: Rain or Shine

This tour runs rain or shine. That is not a marketing line, it is your reality check. In the Andes, weather can shift fast, and clothing can make or break your comfort.

If rain hits, you will still hike through to the lagoons. So aim for shoes that handle wet conditions and do not demand perfect weather to be stable. Comfortable shoes are listed as a must, and I agree. In this part of Peru, the trail can be slippery, and you will want traction more than style points.

Also remember that conditions matter for visibility. Even when it is cloudy, the experience can still work, because you are walking through a high-mountain setting with constant views and natural color changes at the lagoons. But if fog is thick, expect fewer dramatic long-distance vistas and more close-up appreciation.

A good way to prepare is to pack for layering. Temperature changes can surprise you from pickup time to the hike to later in the day. Even without knowing exact temperatures, you can handle the swings better with a system of layers you can add or remove.

Pacchanta Hot Springs and Lunch: The Day’s Recovery Phase

After you visit the lagoons, you return to Pacchanta. This is where the day becomes more comfortable. You get time in the community hot springs, listed as thermal medicinal waters of Pacchanta.

One key detail: entrance to the thermal baths is not included. So you should plan for an extra fee on top of the tour price if you want that soaking time. The good part is that you still get the structure of the day, so you are not scrambling to find a place to warm up after hiking.

Lunch is included and served after the hot springs time. This is another smart design choice. Food after a hike helps you recover, and it turns the day into a complete experience rather than a “go, see, leave” routine.

If you want the most out of the hot springs portion, bring time in your head for sitting, not rushing. You will feel better for the ride back to Cusco if you do not treat soaking like an obstacle you must clear quickly.

Price and Inclusions: Is About $43 Good Value?

At $43 per person for a full day, this tour looks like solid value if you compare the full package of logistics to what you would need to arrange yourself.

What is included:

• Pickup in selected areas and round-trip transportation
• Breakfast and lunch
• Professional guide
• First aid kit
• Walking sticks

What is not included:

• Entrance to the 7 lagoons (listed as $5 or 15 soles)
• Use of horses (not included)
• Entrance to the thermal baths

So you are paying for transportation, a guided full-day structure, two meals, and trail support. That is often where independent planning gets expensive and time-consuming.

The one thing I would factor into your budget is the add-ons. Lagoon entrance and hot springs entrance can raise the total, depending on what you choose to use on the day. But even with that, the tour price still supports the core idea: you are paying for a guided route that fits seven lagoons plus recovery time back into one day.

If you want a straightforward day with less decision-making, this pricing structure works in your favor.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is a great match for people who enjoy hiking but still want everything organized. You should be comfortable walking about 10 km and being outside for long stretches.

I think it suits:

• Visitors who want an organized Ausangate-area day without renting a vehicle
• Travelers who like nature and want to see multiple lagoons in one outing
• People who appreciate a guide and support items like walking sticks

It is listed as not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with respiratory issues

If you fall into those categories, skip this one for safety reasons. Altitude and exertion can be demanding, and the tour design includes significant walking and outdoor time.

Also consider the small-group size. The group is capped at 15 participants. That is a plus for keeping the experience more personal than very large buses. It is also a reason you should arrive early for pickup so your group can depart on time.

Practical Packing and Comfort Tips for a Smooth Day

You only need a few basics, but choosing them well makes a big difference.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes

And since the tour runs rain or shine, pack for variable weather. Even if you expect clear skies, assume you might get wet. Water-resistant outer layers and a dry change of socks are often what separate a good day from an uncomfortable one, especially after hot springs.

Also, think about the long van ride. Since at least one verified review said the van can be too small to move much, keep your pack compact. If you need extra comfort, a thin cushion or seat support can help. You cannot control the vehicle size, but you can manage your own comfort.

Finally, expect a very full day. Pickup at about 4:30 am, hike through multiple lagoons, then hot springs and lunch, with return around 7:00 pm. Bring a steady mindset. This is not a half-day detour. It is a full mountain day.

Should You Book the Cusco Full-Day 7 Lagoons and Pacchanta Hot Springs Tour?

Book it if you want an organized, scenic full day that combines seven lagoons near Ausangate with Pacchanta breakfast, hot springs recovery, and lunch. The inclusions are strong for the price, and the small-group limit helps keep things focused.

Skip it if you are sensitive to cramped transportation or you dislike long travel time early in the morning. Also skip if you are pregnant or have respiratory issues, since the tour is explicitly not suitable for those conditions.

My quick decision rule: if you can handle a long day hike of about 10 km and you are happy to budget a bit extra for lagoon and hot springs entrance fees, this is a worthwhile way to spend your Cusco time in the mountains.

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is at approximately 4:30 am from your lodging in selected areas of Cusco, preferably in the historical center.

How long is the tour?

The tour is listed as 1 day, with pickup early morning and return to Cusco around 7:00 pm.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is included at the community of Pacchanta, and lunch is included after the hot springs time.

Are entrance fees included for the lagoons and hot springs?

No. Entrance to the 7 lagoons is not included (listed as $5 or 15 soles). Entrance to the thermal baths is also not included.

What is included for hiking support?

You get walking sticks and a professional guide. A first aid kit is also included.

What languages are the guides?

The tour includes a live guide in English and Spanish.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. This tour takes place rain or shine.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women and people with respiratory issues.