Cusco: Ausangate Tour Seven Lagoons + meals

The draw is the Seven Lagoons beneath snow-capped Ausangate, a high-altitude walk through a striking range of blue, turquoise and green water. I like two things in particular: you visit seven named lagoons rather than stopping at one viewpoint, and the day ends with a meal and a soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs.

The trade-off is the long day: pickup starts around 4:30 a.m., the drive takes about three hours each way, and the walking takes roughly five hours. Guide communication and transport comfort can vary, so this is best for fit hikers who can handle an early start and a bit of uncertainty.

• Seven named lagoons: The route visits Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo.
• A five-hour hike: Expect a substantial walk. Some route estimates put the loop at 12 to 13 kilometers with about 500 meters of ascent.
• Wildlife along the way: Keep an eye out for Andean birds, alpacas, llamas and vizcachas.
• Meals are included: Breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after the hike are part of the tour price.
• Two extra fees: Budget S/20 for the Ausangate entrance and S/10 for the hot springs. Horses cost extra.
• A very long day: The tour lasts 870 minutes, with an approximate return to Cusco at 7:30 p.m.

Seven Lagoons beneath Ausangate

Ausangate is the star of this outing. Its snow-covered slopes rise above the route, while the lakes below shift through shades of blue, turquoise and green. Some are large enough to reflect their surroundings, giving you the natural-mirror effect that makes this a rewarding place to bring a camera.

The tour visits Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo and China Otorongo. Their names matter less than the variety: the point is to keep moving through a series of different views, not to spend the whole hike at one lake. The changing colors and mountain backdrop give you plenty of reasons to pause, though those stops still add time to a demanding walk.

You may also spot Andean birds, alpacas, llamas and vizcachas along the route. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they add a welcome sense of life to a day built around the mountain and its water.

The pre-dawn ride to Pacchanta

Pickup is scheduled between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco. Be ready in the lobby, with your layers and day bag sorted the night before. The drive to Pacchanta takes about three hours, so the ride is a significant part of the experience, not just a quick transfer to the trailhead.

Transport comfort deserves a realistic check. Some departures have had cramped, poorly ventilated vehicles, and delays have occurred. A long ride feels longer when legroom is tight or the air does not circulate well. Bring a warm layer for the early start, and do not count on the vehicle being spacious or having air conditioning.

Group size and guide quality may also vary. A departure that was expected to be small has reportedly grown to 27 people, and some groups have had uneven English-language support. The tour offers English and Spanish guides, but if clear explanations matter to you, confirm the language arrangement with the operator before booking.

Breakfast before the climb

In Pacchanta, you have breakfast before setting off. It is a useful pause after the early pickup and a chance to get ready for the hike, though you should not expect a lavish meal. Bring snacks of your own, as recommended, and drink water before you start walking.

The route climbs gradually toward the first lagoon, then continues past the others. A gradual ascent is easier to manage than a sharp climb, but the altitude still makes this a serious outing. Cusco acclimatization is specifically advised, and you should not treat the steady pace as proof that the hike is easy.

Five hours on the trail

The walk is described as about five hours round trip. Estimates from past outings put the route at roughly 12 to 13 kilometers with around 500 meters of ascent, useful context when judging your fitness. The exact walking time can depend on the group, stops and conditions, so leave room in your expectations.

The trail is not recommended for people with a low fitness level, mobility impairments or altitude sickness. The tour information also says it is unsuitable for people over 60 and pregnant women. Those are firm cautions worth taking seriously, especially because the route is remote enough that feeling unwell can turn a beautiful walk into a difficult day.

There may be horses available for an additional fee, and some hikers have found the route manageable on foot or by horse. Do not assume a horse is included or available at no extra cost. If you think you may need one, ask the operator in advance rather than relying on a last-minute arrangement.

This is a day to dress for changing outdoor conditions. Bring comfortable walking shoes, comfortable clothes, a jacket, outdoor layers, gloves, a hat and sunglasses. Carry cash for fees and extras, plus a camera and snacks. The tour goes ahead rain or shine, so pack for weather rather than hoping for a clear forecast.

Lunch and Pacchanta’s hot springs

After the hike, you return to Pacchanta for lunch. Lunch is included, and it gives you a chance to refuel before the ride back to Cusco. The food is one of the practical advantages of a long guided day: you do not need to arrange a separate meal in the village.

The hot springs are a relaxing finish, but they are not included in the $34 price. Entry costs S/10, and you need to bring swimwear and a towel. Treat the pools as local, shared bathing facilities rather than a private spa. The setting may feel informal, and you may find local families using the same water.

Give yourself time to get oriented when you arrive. Some visitors have found the directions to the pools unclear, so ask the guide plainly where to enter and where to change. The schedule allows time for lunch and a soak, but the outing is long and the return drive still lies ahead. If the hike runs late, you may need to choose between a leisurely dip and a prompt departure.

What $34 does and does not cover

At $34 per person, the base price includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, a first-aid kit, breakfast and lunch. That is a useful bundle for a remote day trip, especially with two meals and a long round-trip transfer included.

The mandatory add-ons listed are S/20 for the Ausangate entrance and S/10 for the hot springs. Horses are extra, as is dinner. Hotel drop-off is not included, so plan on making your own way from the return point to your accommodation. Carry cash for the fees and any other purchases.

The value depends in part on the quality of the organization. The price is appealing, but it does not guarantee a small group, a comfortable vehicle or consistently strong guiding. Some departures have had late pickups, language problems and little explanation on the trail. If you value smooth logistics and detailed interpretation more than a low price, confirm those points before paying.

Planning for altitude and a long day

Acclimatize in Cusco before taking this tour. The operator calls for good physical condition and advises against joining if you have altitude sickness. That warning matters more than the route’s gradual start: exertion at altitude can feel much harder than the same walk at lower elevations.

The tour lasts 870 minutes, or 14 hours and 30 minutes. Pickup is around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., and the planned return to Cusco is about 7:30 p.m. Keep the evening free. The day may stretch further if pickup or travel runs late.

Wear shoes you can walk in for several hours, and bring layers you can add or remove. Pack sunglasses, sun protection, gloves, swimwear, a towel, snacks, cash and a camera. Since the tour operates in rain or shine, a jacket is more useful than a hopeful weather forecast.

Who should book this Ausangate tour?

Book it if you are acclimatized, fit enough for a substantial high-altitude walk and keen to see several lakes in one outing. It suits hikers who value the scenery and the chance to see Ausangate, and who are comfortable with a long day that includes a basic breakfast, a filling lunch and a local hot-spring stop.

Think twice if you need a relaxed pace, accessible transport, a small group or polished guiding. The walk is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, low fitness, altitude sickness, pregnant women or people over 60, according to the tour information. You should also look elsewhere if a cramped ride or uneven English-language support would spoil the day.

For the best chance of a good outing, arrive acclimatized, bring cash, pack snacks and ask ahead about group size, vehicle comfort and the guide’s language. The lakes and mountain views are the main reward. The logistics are the gamble.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate Seven Lagoons tour take?

The tour lasts 870 minutes, or about 14 hours and 30 minutes. Pickup is scheduled between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., with an approximate return to Cusco at 7:30 p.m.

How long is the hike?

The walk is described as about five hours round trip. Some estimates put the route at 12 to 13 kilometers with around 500 meters of ascent.

Which lagoons does the tour visit?

The route includes 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 follows the walk. Dinner is not included.

Are the entrance fee and hot springs included?

No. The Ausangate entrance costs S/20, and entry to the thermal waters costs S/10. Horses also cost extra.

What should I bring for the hot springs?

Bring swimwear and a towel. The pools may be shared with local bathers, so expect an informal setting rather than a private spa.

What should I bring for the hike?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring a jacket, outdoor layers, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, snacks, cash and a camera. The tour runs in rain or shine.

Is the hike suitable for beginners?

The tour requires good physical condition, and the walk is about five hours. It is not recommended for people with low fitness or altitude sickness, so it is not a good choice if you are unprepared for a demanding high-altitude hike.

Can I cancel, and do I have to pay when I book?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying at the time of reservation.