Seven colored lakes, one early morning. This day trip puts you at the foot of Ausangate for a long loop hike and close-up views of the seven lagoons, plus a real rest-and-recover stop in Pacchanta. I especially like how the route mixes walking with viewpoint breaks so you can actually enjoy the scenery, not just sprint through it. I also like that you get both breakfast and lunch, which matters when your day starts at 04:00 AM.

The main consideration is the pace and time on your feet. You are looking at multiple hiking blocks on a loop, cold-weather layers are a must, and this isn’t a relaxed stroll.

Key highlights at a glance

• 7 lagoons, one big loop hike at the foot of Ausangate, with both distant views and closer looks
• Pacchanta thermo-medicinal waters, including time to swim and soak after the walking
• Small group size (up to 12) with a live guide in English and Spanish
• Guided viewpoints and photo stops so you see the best angles, not just pass by
• Practical inclusions for a long day, like walking sticks, breakfast, lunch, a first aid kit, and an oxygen balloon

Cusco’s 4:00 AM Start: Worth It for Ausangate Views

This tour is built around an early start: pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 04:00 AM. It feels brutal at first, but it’s also how you get onto the trail with daylight and enough energy to enjoy the landscape instead of just surviving the trip. You then head toward Pacchanta by van for about 3 hours, which turns the morning into a “travel first, then earn the views” kind of day.

From there, the day becomes very physical, but it’s also very rewarding. You are not just driving past scenery. You’ll hike, stop for photos, and reach at least one viewpoint where the seven lagoons come into focus. The best part is that the walk is paced with breaks, so the views feel like the point, not the bonus.

Also, it’s a small group experience, capped at 12 people. That matters on a trail like this, where it’s easier for the guide to keep things organized and answer questions in real time.

Van Ride to Pacchanta: Fuel Up Before the Climb

Before the hike begins, you stop in the town of Pacchanta for breakfast. It’s not a tiny snack either, and that’s key. With a start at 04:00 AM and a long day ahead, a proper meal helps you stay steady through the walking blocks.

You get some break time afterward, including a window of free time (about 50 minutes). Use that moment to do the practical stuff: adjust layers, check your camera, and make sure you have water accessible. Cold air plus sun reflection can be tricky, even on days that look clear from Cusco.

Once you’re fed and ready, the hike starts from Pacchanta. The overall plan is a loop that returns you to the starting point, so you won’t be doing the exhausting “out and back” pattern. That loop structure is a good match for a day trip, because you keep changing scenery instead of repeating the same path.

The Hike Itself: Viewpoints, Lake-Spotting, and a Big Loop

The hike has multiple phases, and you feel that rhythm as the day moves from “build-up” to “reward.” After walking for about two hours, you reach a viewpoint to admire the seven Ausangate lagoons. This is one of the best moments of the trip. You can take photos, look for differences in color, and just breathe for a minute before continuing.

Then the hiking continues for about three more hours, and this is when you get more “up close” contact with the lagoons and the surrounding Andean environment. You’ll pass landscapes shaped by altitude and weather, along with flora and fauna typical of this region.

One detail I like from the tour design is that you aren’t only chasing vistas from one angle. You see the lagoons from above, then you keep walking so you can appreciate how the terrain changes around them. That mix makes the day feel like more than a single photo stop.

It’s still a long outing. You should expect you’ll be tired by the time the loop closes. Wear comfortable shoes you’ve already trusted, because you want grip and stability, not guesswork.

The Seven Ausangate Lagoons: Names to Watch For

The tour specifically names each of the seven lagoons of Ausangate. Knowing the names helps you follow what your guide points out, and it makes your photos more meaningful later.

Here are the lagoon names you’ll hear and look for during the hike:

• Upper Lake
• Otorongo Male
• Otorongo Female
• Red Lake
• Ccomer Lake
• Blue Lake
• Alqa Lake

Even if you never master the terrain map, these names give you a mental checklist. When you see a lagoon with a stronger red tone, you’ll remember you’re likely looking at Red Lake. When the colors shift toward cooler blues, you’ll be thinking of Blue Lake. And when the route keeps moving, those labels keep you engaged instead of wandering in a sea of “pretty water.”

The real value is how the route ties views to interpretation. The guide and viewpoint stops make it easier to understand what you’re seeing, especially if you’re not familiar with Ausangate landscapes.

Pacchanta Thermo-Medicinal Waters: The Reward After Walking

After the hike, you head back into Pacchanta time for lunch and water time. The schedule includes a lunch break followed by swimming for about 1.5 hours. This is the part of the day that gives you that “okay, I earned this” feeling.

The waters are described as thermo-medicinal, and the stop is also tied to the local community center in Pacchanta. Practically speaking, it’s also a recovery moment. Your legs have been working for hours, and warm water time can feel like a reset button.

You’ll have plenty to do here beyond just swimming. Take your time, refuel with lunch, and let the guide handle any questions so you can stay present. It’s also a good time to dry out, re-check your gear, and prepare for the ride back.

The tour is designed so you don’t miss this recovery stop. It’s after the long walk, not something tacked on before you’re tired.

Lunch, Breakfast, and the Real Meaning of Included Meals

Food on a hike is not a small detail. It affects your pacing, your mood, and your ability to enjoy the views. This trip includes both breakfast and lunch, which is a big part of why the day feels complete.

Breakfast happens after pickup and the van ride, in Pacchanta. Lunch comes later after the longer trekking portion. You also get the comfort of a planned schedule, which means you aren’t stuck hunting for food with cold fingers and no energy.

If you’ve ever done a day hike where you forget to eat early, you already know how quickly the day turns sour. Here, the meals are part of the structure, so you can focus on the trail and scenery rather than constantly thinking about what you’ll eat next.

That’s also why this tour can feel like better value than the cost alone might suggest. At $30 per person, you’re paying for guiding, transport, and two meals, plus the hiking support items like walking sticks.

Price and Value: What $30 Covers, and What You Might Still Pay

Let’s talk value clearly. This experience costs $30 per person and runs about 10 hours. You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
• Transportation by van (about 3 hours each way)
• Breakfast and lunch
• A professional guide (live, English and Spanish)
• Walking sticks
• A first aid kit and an oxygen balloon
• An included trail experience with viewpoint and guided walking

Not included is entry fees. Since the tour doesn’t bake those into the base price, you should budget for potential on-site costs and keep small cash handy if that’s how payments are handled at the locations you visit. I’d also suggest confirming how any payments are managed with the guide before you hand over money, just to avoid awkward situations and delays.

For most people, the value comes down to this: you’re paying for a guided day with logistics handled, rather than piecing together transport, meals, and route finding yourself. When the day is long and starts early, that convenience is worth real money.

Group Size, Guide Support, and Practical Safety

This is a small group hike, limited to 12 participants. That tends to create a calmer experience than crowded tours, especially on narrow trail sections. It also makes it easier for the guide to keep an eye on the group and adjust the flow as needed.

You also get a professional guide who works in English and Spanish. In a place where weather and terrain can shift quickly, a guide helps you stay oriented and focused on what matters, like the viewpoint timing and which lagoon you’re looking at when the scenery changes.

For safety, the tour includes a first aid kit and an oxygen balloon. It’s good to know it’s there, even if you never need it. The same goes for the walking sticks, which can reduce fatigue and help with uneven ground.

That said, this trip is not for everyone. It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and people with heart problems. If either applies, skip this day and choose a gentler option.

What to Bring to Enjoy the Day Instead of Enduring It

The packing list is pretty straightforward, and it matches the reality of an early cold start and a long day outdoors. Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing
• Hat
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Water

I’d treat warm layers as non-negotiable. In the mountains, sun can feel intense during the day, and the air can still be cold early in the morning. A hat and sunscreen help because you’ll likely spend hours moving between sun and shade. And while the tour provides support items, you still need your own water for comfort.

Also, don’t rely on a single jacket. Plan for “layering,” because hiking warmth and wind chill happen fast at altitude.

Should You Book the Cusco Seven Lagoons of Ausangate Day Trip?

If you want a full-day taste of Ausangate without committing to a multi-day trek, this is a strong choice. The biggest reasons I’d book it:

• You get seven lagoon views, not just one
• You’re guided and supported with walking sticks and a small group size
• You don’t go hungry thanks to breakfast and lunch
• You end with a recovery-focused stop in Pacchanta thermo-medicinal waters

I’d think twice if you know you struggle with long hikes, or if you’re in the group that this tour lists as not suitable for. Also, because entry fees are not included, I’d go in prepared to handle small on-site payments without rushing.

Bottom line: if you can handle a long day starting at 04:00 AM, you’ll likely come away with one of those Cusco-region experiences that feels both scenic and well organized. Just pack warm layers, bring water, and keep an eye on any on-site fee handling so the day stays smooth from start to finish.

FAQ

What time is hotel pickup in Cusco?

Pickup starts at 04:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco.

How long is the day trip?

The total duration is about 10 hours.

How do you get to Pacchanta?

You travel by van for about 3 hours to reach Pacchanta, then you return by van for about 3 hours.

Is the hike guided?

Yes. You have a professional live guide (English and Spanish) during the hiking portion.

What meals are included?

You get breakfast at Pacchanta and lunch during the day trip.

How long do you spend at the lagoons viewpoint?

After about two hours of hiking, you reach a viewpoint to admire the seven lagoons and take photos, then you continue the walk afterward.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. During the lunch break, the schedule includes swimming for about 1.5 hours at the thermo-medicinal waters.

What is the maximum group size?

The group is small, limited to 12 participants.

Are entry fees included?

No. Entry fees are not included.

Where does the tour end?

The tour finishes in Cusco at Plaza Regocijo.