Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour 1 day + Buffet Breakfast and Lunch

Ausangate’s seven lagoons offer a striking change from Cusco’s stone streets: a high-altitude walk past blue, turquoise and green pools, with glaciers nearby and open mountain views. You start in Pacchanta, then climb to around 4,600 meters, where the scenery is the reward and the thin air is part of the challenge.

I like two things about this outing: you visit several distinct lagoons on one hike, and the day ends with a meal and a soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs. The main consideration is altitude. The walk begins around 4,200 meters, and the stated hiking time varies between about three and five hours, so ask the operator to clarify what pace and schedule to expect.

The useful details at a glance

• Seven named lagoons: Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo.
• A high starting point: The walk begins near 4,200 meters and reaches about 4,600 meters.
• A full day out: Allow roughly 14 hours, including about three hours of driving each way from Cusco.
• Meals and a hot-springs stop: Breakfast and lunch are included; hot-springs admission is not.
• Extra entrance costs: Budget S/20 for the Ausangate entrance and S/5 for Pacchanta hot springs.
• A demanding walk: The route is listed as about 12 kilometers, but the stated walking time differs between the tour details.

The climb begins in Pacchanta

Pickup is scheduled from Cusco hotels and Airbnb stays between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. The tour also lists Centro Histórico and Plazoleta de San Blas as pickup options. It is an early start, but the long drive to Pacchanta makes it hard to begin much later and still fit in the hike, lunch and hot springs before returning to Cusco.

The drive takes about three hours. In Pacchanta, you have breakfast for around 40 minutes before setting out. This small community is the practical starting point for the walk, not just a place to grab a meal. You will return here afterward for lunch and the hot springs, so it helps to keep your daypack organized and leave anything you do not need for the hike on the transport, if the operator allows it.

Be ready for a slow start if pickup runs late. One account describes a half-hour wait and a departure from Cusco around 6 a.m.; that delay meant breakfast was no longer available on arrival. It is sensible to bring a small snack from Cusco, even though breakfast is included. That way, an early-morning scheduling hiccup does not leave you starting a high-altitude hike hungry.

Breakfast is listed as a 40-minute stop, but the exact menu and portion sizes are not specified. A comment on the food suggested there was room to improve, especially at breakfast, which matters more than it might on a casual sightseeing day. Eat enough before you leave Pacchanta, and carry water and a snack of your own.

Seven lagoons, one high-altitude route

The walk visits Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo. Their colors are described as blue, turquoise and green. Some are large enough to reflect the surrounding scenery like natural mirrors. The point is not simply to tick off seven names: the changing water colors and shapes give the route variety as you move through the mountain setting.

The tour also promises views of the Ausangate glaciers. Along the way, keep an eye out for Andean birds, alpacas, llamas and vizcachas. These are possibilities rather than guaranteed sightings, but the open terrain gives you a good reason to pause and look beyond the next lagoon.

The hike is the central event, not a short stroll between photo stops. The route information gives an approximate distance of 12 kilometers and says you start around 4,200 meters above sea level, reaching roughly 4,600 meters. At that height, even a gradual climb can feel demanding. One person described the walk as beautiful but difficult, a fair warning for anyone used to hiking closer to sea level.

There is a notable timing mismatch in the tour details. The main description says the round-trip walk lasts five hours, while the practical information gives about three hours for the entire walk. Those estimates are far enough apart to affect your expectations, so ask the operator which applies to your departure. Either way, plan for a strenuous outing, not a quick lap around a lake.

A guide accompanies the group and is advertised in English and Spanish. The guide’s role matters here: you are walking at altitude, and a clear explanation of the route and pace is useful. English comprehension has not been consistent for everyone, so if detailed commentary is important to you, confirm the guide’s language arrangements before booking. No individual guide names are provided.

The route’s high point and length make footwear and pacing more than minor details. Bring proper hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, water, sun protection and rain gear. The packing suggestions also include gloves, a hat, breathable layers and a daypack. You do not need to bring every item on the list, but Cusco’s early start, high elevation and changing conditions argue for being prepared rather than relying on a sunny forecast.

Back to Pacchanta for lunch and hot springs

After the lagoons, you return to Pacchanta. The schedule allows about 40 minutes for the walk back, followed by roughly 40 minutes for lunch, free time and possible shopping. Lunch is included, but dinner is not. The exact meal details are not provided, so bring extra food if you have dietary needs or know you will want more after a long hike.

The hot springs are the day’s gentler finish. You have about 50 minutes at Aguas Termales Pacchanta, with time to visit and swim. Admission costs S/5 and is paid separately. Bring swimwear, a towel, sandals and a change of clothes; these are easy to forget when your attention is on the hike.

The hot springs are a welcome change of pace, but keep the schedule in mind. The group still has about three hours on the road to Cusco, and the return is expected around 7:30 p.m. The stated finish point is Plaza Regocijo. If you are planning dinner or onward transport, allow for a long day and avoid making tight evening commitments.

What the $40 price covers, and what it does not

At $40 per person, the tour bundles round-trip tourist transport, hotel pickup, an English- and Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, a first-aid kit and ongoing assistance. For a remote day trip with a long drive and guided hike, that package offers practical value. You do not have to arrange transport to Pacchanta or coordinate the day’s stops yourself.

The price is not the full cost, though. Add S/20 for the Ausangate entrance and S/5 for the hot springs, plus any personal purchases and dinner. Carry cash for those costs. The tour does not list dinner, personal expenses or either admission fee as included.

The value also depends on how well the day runs. A late pickup can cut into breakfast, and the difference between a three-hour and five-hour hike estimate is significant. Before paying, confirm the expected walking time, language for your guide and the plan if the group reaches Pacchanta late. Those are useful questions for any high-altitude excursion, not fussy details.

Who will enjoy this day, and who should think twice

I would consider this tour if you want a full day in the mountains and are comfortable with a sustained walk at high altitude. It suits people who care more about scenery and time outdoors than a relaxed schedule. The chance to see seven lagoons, glaciers and local wildlife, then rest in the hot springs, gives the day a satisfying shape.

It is not a good match if you are uneasy with strenuous hiking, have not had time to adjust to altitude, or need a predictable short walk. The tour specifically advises against participation for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with recent surgeries, people over 130 kilograms, and people over 95 years old. Those restrictions are worth taking seriously given the elevation.

This is also a poor choice if you need a guaranteed smooth English commentary or a leisurely breakfast. The tour is advertised in English and Spanish, but English clarity can vary, and a late departure may affect the meal stop. If those points would spoil the day for you, ask specific questions before booking or choose a less demanding outing.

Practical booking notes

The tour lasts about 14 hours, with pickup starting between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. Availability determines the exact start time. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which can help if your plans are still taking shape.

Pack your passport or ID, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, hiking shoes, rain gear, warm layers and cash. For the hot springs, add swimwear, a towel, sandals and dry clothes. Keep your phone charged, and use a daypack that leaves your hands free on the trail.

Weapons and sharp objects, alcohol and drugs, and explosive substances are not allowed. Strollers, baby carriages, mobility scooters and scooters are also prohibited, and littering is not allowed. The tour is not designed as an accessible, low-effort outing.

Should you book the Ausangate seven-lagoon tour?

Book it if you want a demanding mountain day with a clear payoff: seven colorful lagoons, glacier views, Andean wildlife and a hot-springs stop, with transport and two meals arranged. The $40 fare is appealing for what it includes, but remember the separate entrance fees and the possibility of a very early, very long day.

I would pause before booking if altitude is a concern, you need a reliably easy hike, or you have a fixed evening plan in Cusco. Most of all, get clarity on the three-versus-five-hour hiking estimate and ask how the operator handles breakfast if pickup is delayed. With those expectations set, you can decide whether the climb is worth the effort.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The advertised duration is 14 hours. Pickup starts between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., and the return to Cusco is expected around 7:30 p.m.

How long is the hike?

The route is described as about 12 kilometers. The stated walking time differs: one part gives five hours round trip, while another estimates about three hours for the entire walk. Confirm the expected duration before booking.

How high does the route go?

The walk starts at about 4,200 meters above sea level and reaches roughly 4,600 meters.

Which lagoons are included?

The route names Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike, and lunch is served there after the walk. Dinner is not included.

Are the entrance fees included?

No. The Ausangate entrance costs S/20, and admission to Pacchanta hot springs costs S/5. Personal expenses are also extra.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered with a live guide in English and Spanish.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people with recent surgeries, people over 130 kilograms, and people over 95 years old.