From Cusco: 7 Lagoons Tour

Ausangate’s seven lagoons are the main event: a long high-Andean walk takes you past striking water and mountain scenery, far from the streets of Cusco. The first lagoon is about an hour and a half on foot from the start, so this is a proper hike, not a quick roadside photo stop.

I like two things in particular: the route links seven lagoons in one outing, and breakfast and lunch in Pacchanta bring the day back to the community that sits beside this mountain country. I also like that the optional hot springs give you a gentler finish after several hours on foot.

The main consideration is altitude. Even people who hike regularly can find the route demanding up here, and the 10-kilometer walk takes about five hours. Transport arrangements also deserve attention: one outing had a serious pickup mix-up, so confirm your pickup details before the early start.

What to know before you book

• Seven lagoons, one high-altitude route: Expect about 10 km of walking and roughly five hours on the trail, with the first lagoon around 1.5 hours from the start.
• Meals are part of the day: Breakfast and lunch are included, both served in the Pacchanta community.
• Hot springs are optional: Entry costs 5 soles, on top of the 10-sol route entry fee.
• The tour is a full day: Hotel pickup is included, and the return to Cusco is expected around 7 pm.
• Altitude can make this feel harder than the distance suggests: One hiker described it as intense despite having hiking experience.
• Guide and pickup quality matter: Guillermo and Frank have been named as attentive guides, but one reported pickup failure makes it sensible to confirm arrangements.

Starting the day in Cusco, then heading to Pacchanta

The day begins with pickup at your hotel in Cusco. Be ready in the lobby 10 minutes before your assigned time. The precise departure time depends on availability, so check your booking details rather than planning around a fixed hour.

The drive takes you to Pacchanta, an Andean community where the group stops for breakfast before setting out. This pause is more than a meal break: it gives you a chance to eat before the hike and start the excursion in the place you will return to later for the hot springs and lunch.

Breakfast is included in the $35 price, along with transport, a bilingual guide, and lunch. That bundle makes the tour easier to arrange than organizing a private ride, meals, and a guide separately. Still, the included meals are not a reason to skip your own preparation. If you have particular food needs, the available information does not specify menu choices, so ask the operator before booking.

A practical note about pickup: one participant was left waiting after the planned collection time and had to make repeated calls before transport was arranged. That was an unusually poor experience, not a normal feature of the itinerary, but it is a useful reminder to save the operator’s contact details and confirm the pickup point and time the day before.

Walking toward the first Ausangate lagoon

From Pacchanta, the group heads into the Andes toward the seven lagoons associated with snowy Ausangate. The first lake is about an hour and a half of walking away. That distance sets the tone: you earn the views step by step, rather than reaching them from a vehicle.

The full route is described as about 10 km and approximately five hours on foot. That is a meaningful commitment, especially at altitude. One hiker who had completed other hikes still found this one intense because of the height. Another described it as medium difficulty and manageable, even without a regular exercise routine. Those experiences are not contradictory: fitness, acclimatization, pace, and individual response to altitude can all shape how hard the same walk feels.

There is no elevation figure provided, so I would not treat a standard fitness label as a guarantee. If you are sensitive to altitude or have only just arrived in Cusco, consider whether a long mountain walk is the right choice for your first day. During the hike, keep your own pace and tell your guide if you begin to feel unwell. Frank was singled out for paying attention to altitude concerns, and Guillermo was described as relaxed and helpful, including with photos.

A horse option has been available at the start of the route. Its price, conditions, and availability are not specified, so ask the operator in advance if you may want that alternative. Do not assume it will be waiting on the day.

Seeing seven lagoons across the mountain route

The appeal is the sequence. Rather than visiting one lake and turning back, you continue through the Andes to see the other lagoons, with mountain scenery, local vegetation, and wildlife around the route. The precise look of the water and the conditions can change with the weather and season, so it is better to approach the seven stops as a natural outing than as a guaranteed set of identical postcard views.

This is also why the walk can feel worthwhile even when it is demanding. The quieter setting gives you time to notice the changing surroundings between stops, and one participant appreciated that the route did not feel as crowded as some other Cusco-area destinations. That is not a promise of solitude, particularly as the excursion becomes more popular, but it may suit you if you would rather spend a day walking than join a short, heavily scheduled sightseeing loop.

Take care on the route and around the water. The mountains are the attraction, but the outing is still a long walk in a high-altitude setting. Keep your attention on the route, follow the guide’s instructions, and avoid treating the lagoons as a place to rush through for photos. The guide is there to lead the group, but your own pace and awareness matter too.

Facilities deserve a little thought. One participant raised concerns about the state of the bathrooms as the route grows more popular. The supplied details do not describe where facilities are located, so ask before departure and do not count on frequent or well-maintained restroom stops along the walk.

Returning to Pacchanta for hot springs and lunch

After the lagoon route, the group returns to Pacchanta. There you can use the community hot springs for an extra 5 soles, then have the included lunch. The springs are optional, which is helpful: you can decide on the day whether a soak sounds appealing after the hike, rather than paying for an activity you may not use.

For many people, this is a smart way to end the outing. You have spent several hours on foot, and the return to the community changes the pace from mountain walking to a meal and a chance to rest. The bathing fee is modest, but remember that it is separate from the $35 tour price and the 10-sol entry ticket.

The experience is rooted in Pacchanta, not just the mountain views. Breakfast and lunch in the community mean the day includes a stop for local food as well as the hike. A participant described both meals as very good, though specific dishes are not listed. If you have dietary requirements, check ahead rather than assuming the meals can be adapted.

After lunch, the group returns to Cusco, arriving around 7 pm. That makes this a full-day commitment, so avoid scheduling a tight evening connection or an important appointment. The tour’s value rests partly on that long day: transport, guide, two meals, and access to a substantial mountain walk are bundled together, but you will need to give up most of the day to get the experience.

What the $35 price covers, and what it does not

At $35 per person, the core price includes transport, breakfast, a bilingual guide, and lunch. For a full-day excursion from Cusco, that is a useful package. It saves you from arranging the long transfer and meals separately, while giving you a guide for a route that takes several hours and reaches high-altitude terrain.

Budget separately for the 10-sol entry ticket. If you want to use the hot springs, add another 5 soles. In other words, the advertised price is not the complete cost for someone who wants both the lagoon route and a soak, although the additional charges are stated clearly and the hot springs remain optional.

Value also depends on how you feel about the hike. If you want a gentle sightseeing day with little walking, this is poor value for your energy, even if the price is appealing. If you want a full mountain outing with meals and transport arranged, the package makes more sense. The horse option may help some people, but its cost and availability need to be confirmed.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would put this tour on your shortlist if you want a full day outdoors, can handle a roughly five-hour walk, and are interested in seeing more of the Andes beyond Cusco. It is also a good fit if you value the combination of nature and a community stop, rather than spending the entire day in a vehicle.

It may be less suitable if you are still adjusting to altitude, have difficulty with long walks, or want a tour with precise, easily verified facilities along the route. The distance is not extreme on paper, but altitude can change the effort involved. Make your decision based on how you are feeling in Cusco, not only on your usual fitness level.

Guide quality can make a real difference on a demanding day. Guillermo and Frank were both named positively, with comments about a relaxed manner, helpful photos, and attention to altitude concerns. Those names are useful context, but you cannot assume a particular guide will lead your departure.

Should you book the Ausangate seven lagoons tour?

Book it if the idea of a long walk among seven Andean lagoons appeals more than a quick excursion, and you are comfortable with the possibility that altitude will make the hike feel tough. The included breakfast, lunch, transport, and guide give the $35 price practical value, while Pacchanta’s optional hot springs offer a pleasant way to finish.

Think twice if you need a low-effort day or are uneasy about high-altitude walking. Before you commit, confirm your pickup time, ask about the horse option if it matters to you, and check any food or bathroom questions with the operator. With those points settled, this is a rewarding choice for an active day out of Cusco.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts one day. The group is expected to return to Cusco around 7 pm.

How much walking is involved?

The route is about 10 km and takes approximately five hours. The first lagoon is about an hour and a half on foot from the start.

What is included in the $35 price?

Transport, breakfast, a bilingual guide, and lunch are included.

Are there extra entrance fees?

Yes. The entry ticket costs 10 soles. The hot springs are optional and cost 5 soles to enter.

Which languages are available for the guide?

The live guide is available in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is available, so you can book without paying today.