Cusco : full day 7 lagoons with lunch

Seven high-altitude lagoons beneath the snow-capped Ausangate mountain are the main draw here, and the route gives you a full day among open mountain scenery, local flora, and fauna. I like that the hike links all seven lakes in one outing, and that a soak in Pacchanta’s thermal waters follows the walk. The main trade-off is a very early start and roughly 10 kilometers on foot.

You’ll also want to budget separately for the lagoons’ entry fee and the hot springs. The ride may be cramped: one account describes a very small van with little room to move, so it’s worth keeping that possibility in mind.

Key points to know before you go

• The walk covers about 10 kilometers and visits all seven lagoons near Ausangate.
• Pickup is around 4:30 a.m. from selected Cusco areas, preferably the historic center.
• Breakfast and lunch are included, along with round-trip transport, a guide, a first-aid kit, and walking sticks.
• Lagoon entry costs $5 or 15 soles extra. The thermal-bath entry fee is also not included.
• Groups are capped at 15 people, with guides available in English or Spanish.
• You return to Cusco around 7 p.m. Bring comfortable shoes and your passport or ID.

Seven lagoons, one long day from Cusco

This outing is for people who want mountain scenery and a substantial walk, not a gentle sightseeing loop. From Cusco, you travel southeast to Pacchanta, the community that serves as the starting point for the hike and the stop for the thermal baths afterward.

The seven lagoons are the heart of the day. Their colors are a major part of the appeal, with the snow-capped Ausangate mountain providing a dramatic setting. You’ll also have a chance to appreciate the area’s flora and fauna as you walk. The tour information does not specify the exact names of the lakes or a detailed route between them, so think of this as a guided visit to a group of mountain lagoons rather than a stop-by-stop natural history lesson.

I like the way the plan combines walking with time at the hot springs. After several hours on foot, a soak can be a welcome change of pace, and it gives the day a local connection through Pacchanta rather than making the lagoons the only point of interest.

The practical question is whether you’re ready for the distance and schedule. A 10-kilometer walk can feel like a serious outing, especially after leaving Cusco before dawn. The information provided does not give an elevation figure, pace, or expected hiking time, so if you have concerns about exertion, ask the operator before booking.

The 4:30 a.m. pickup and ride to Pacchanta

Pickup is approximately 4:30 a.m. from selected areas of Cusco, with the historic center preferred. That early departure is what makes it possible to travel to Pacchanta, hike to all seven lagoons, stop at the baths, eat lunch, and return to the city around 7 p.m.

The pickup time is approximate, so have your belongings ready and confirm your meeting details before the tour. Round-trip transport is included, but comfort may vary with the vehicle. One account described the van as very small, with little room to move in the seats. If you’re tall, have limited mobility, or simply dislike tight rides, consider asking Chullos Tours about the vehicle before you commit.

The tour has a maximum group size of 15. That’s small enough to make it easier to stay with the guide than on a large coach outing, though it doesn’t guarantee a private or especially quiet walk. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that lets you follow instructions and ask questions comfortably.

Breakfast before the 10-kilometer hike

At Pacchanta, breakfast is included before the walk begins. It’s a useful part of the plan: you leave Cusco early, and a meal before setting out is more practical than starting the hike on an empty stomach. The exact breakfast menu is not specified, so don’t count on a particular dish or dietary option without checking in advance.

Walking sticks are included, as is a first-aid kit. Those are worthwhile provisions for a route of about 10 kilometers. You should still bring comfortable shoes, as requested, and choose footwear you already trust on a long walk. The tour does not list specialist hiking gear as included.

The guide accompanies the outing, but the available details don’t describe the pace or the amount of commentary. If you need frequent breaks or want to know how demanding the route is, ask before booking rather than assuming the group can adjust its timing. The itinerary includes all seven lagoons, so the walk is the day’s central activity.

Seeing the seven lagoons beneath Ausangate

From Pacchanta, you set out to visit the first lagoon, then continue through the route to the other six. The round trip is described as approximately 10 kilometers. That gives you time on foot among the lakes and mountain scenery, rather than a quick roadside viewpoint.

The changing colors of the lagoons are a highlight, and the setting beneath Ausangate’s snowy summit gives the outing its sense of scale. You’re also there to enjoy the natural surroundings, including local flora and fauna. Bring your ID or passport as required, and keep in mind that the day goes ahead rain or shine. The weather may affect how comfortable the walk feels, so pack with the forecast in mind.

There is a separate fee to enter the seven lagoons: $5 or 15 soles. This is not part of the $43 tour price, so carry money for it. The supplied details don’t specify whether that fee is collected in cash or by another method. Confirm payment arrangements with the operator before departure.

I’d book this for the views and the chance to see all seven lakes in one organized trip, not because it offers a leisurely pace. The walk is long enough that comfortable footwear and a realistic sense of your stamina matter more than bringing a camera with the fanciest zoom.

Pacchanta’s thermal waters and included lunch

After the hike, the group returns to Pacchanta for a visit to its medicinal thermal waters and lunch. The baths offer a chance to rest after the walk, but the entry fee is not included in the tour price. Since no amount is provided for that fee, ask the operator or bring extra money rather than assuming the $43 covers the soak.

Lunch is included, which makes the long day easier to manage and adds value to the package. The menu and any options for dietary needs are not specified. If you have restrictions, check with Chullos Tours before the trip.

The order matters: this is not a short hike with a hot-springs stop on the way out. The soak comes after the route to the lagoons, when it may be especially welcome. Still, the bath is optional in practice if you prefer not to pay the additional fee or do not want to use the thermal waters.

What the $43 price includes, and what it doesn’t

At $43 per person, the price covers quite a few of the day’s essentials: pickup in selected Cusco areas, round-trip transport, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, a first-aid kit, and walking sticks. For a full day outside the city, having transport and two meals arranged is convenient and makes the cost easier to assess.

But $43 is not the final spend. Add $5 or 15 soles for entry to the seven lagoons, plus the separate thermal-bath fee if you plan to soak. You may also need to allow for a horse, but horse use is not included and no price is given. The information does not say that you need a horse, only that hiring one is an extra.

The best value comes if you plan to hike the full route, appreciate having transport and meals organized, and want to visit both the lagoons and Pacchanta’s baths. If you’re mainly interested in a short stop at one lake, this full-day format may be more than you need. There is no shorter option described here.

Is this the right Ausangate day trip for you?

I’d consider this tour if you’re comfortable with a very early start, a roughly 10-kilometer walk, and a day that runs from dawn until about 7 p.m. The scenic payoff is clear: seven colorful lagoons, a snow-capped mountain, and time in a natural setting, with a hot-springs stop at the end.

It may not suit everyone. Pregnant people and people with respiratory issues are specifically listed as not suitable for the activity. If you have other health or mobility concerns, the available information does not give enough detail to judge the hike’s demands, so contact the operator before booking.

The small group limit, meals, guide, and transport make the outing straightforward to arrange. On the other hand, the van may feel cramped, and the entrance fees are extra. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those flexible terms are helpful if your plans are still taking shape, but they don’t change the basic calculation: book for the seven-lagoon walk and mountain views, and go prepared for a long day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts one day. Pickup is around 4:30 a.m., and the return to Cusco is expected around 7 p.m.

How far is the hike?

The walk is approximately 10 kilometers and includes visits to all seven lagoons.

What is included in the $43 price?

The price includes pickup in selected areas of Cusco, round-trip transport, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, a first-aid kit, and walking sticks.

Is lagoon entry included?

No. Entry to the seven lagoons costs $5 or 15 soles per person.

Are the thermal baths included?

No. The thermal-bath entry fee is not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide is available in English or Spanish.

How large is the group?

The tour is limited to 15 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card and comfortable shoes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and people with respiratory issues.