Cusco : full day 7 lagoons with lunch

The big draw here is the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, which provides a dramatic backdrop as you walk past seven highland lagoons in one long day. The route combines open scenery, local flora and fauna, and a soak in Pacchanta’s medicinal thermal waters.

I like that breakfast, lunch, transport, a professional guide, walking sticks, and basic first aid are included for $43. I also like the small-group limit of 15 people, plus the chance to finish the hike in hot springs. The main concern is the very early 4:30 a.m. pickup and a 10-kilometer walk, while the van may feel cramped on the long ride.

Key points to know

• Seven lagoons beneath Ausangate: The main appeal is the changing colors of the lagoons and the snowy mountain views.
• About 10 kilometers on foot: You should be ready for a full day of walking, not a simple roadside sightseeing trip.
• Pacchanta adds a welcome break: The thermal baths come after the hike, with entrance paid separately.
• Meals are included: Breakfast starts the day in Pacchanta, and lunch follows the hot springs.
• Small group, bilingual guide: The tour accepts up to 15 participants and operates in English or Spanish.
• Budget price, some extras: The $43 fee includes a lot, but you still pay for the lagoon entrance, thermal baths, and any horse use.

Why the seven lagoons are worth the long day

This excursion takes you southeast of Cusco to the community of Pacchanta, where the seven-lagoon route begins. The setting is open and mountainous, with Ausangate providing the visual anchor for the day.

The lagoons are the reason to come. Their colors change with the light, minerals, water, and surrounding rock, so the walk has more variety than a single viewpoint. You are not simply driven to one photo stop, then returned to town. The route links several bodies of water across a high-altitude area.

I like this format because it gives you time to notice the scenery. The snowy peak, broad mountain views, and natural surroundings make the journey feel like a proper day in the Andes rather than a quick attraction visit.

The description does not provide the exact elevation or the total time spent hiking, so you should not assume the walk will feel easy. A 10-kilometer route is a serious outing, especially when combined with an early start and a long drive from Cusco.

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

Pickup is scheduled for about 4:30 a.m. from selected areas of Cusco, preferably in or near the historic center. That early departure is practical because the tour must reach Pacchanta, complete the walk, allow time for the hot springs and lunch, and return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.

You receive round-trip transportation, but comfort may be basic. One April 2025 booking described the van as very small, with little room to move in the seats. That is a useful warning, since the ride takes up a large part of the day.

If you are sensitive to cramped seating, ask about the vehicle before booking. The small-group limit of 15 sounds appealing, but the actual vehicle can still feel tight depending on how many people are aboard and how the seats are arranged.

The early pickup also means you should organize your things the night before. Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, and clothing suitable for changing weather. This tour runs rain or shine, so a wet forecast does not automatically mean cancellation.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the walk

After reaching Pacchanta, you have breakfast before setting off. This is a useful part of the plan, since the hike is not a short stroll and you will want food before beginning.

The provided details do not specify the breakfast menu, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. What matters is that the first meal is included and takes place close to the start of the route.

Pacchanta is also important at the end of the day, when you return for the hot springs and lunch. The community serves as both the starting point and the place where you recover after walking.

What the 10-kilometer hike involves

The hike begins with the first lagoon, then continues to the remaining six. You will spend the route moving through natural surroundings, with views toward Ausangate and changing colors in the water.

A professional guide accompanies the group in English or Spanish. The guide helps keep the group together and gives structure to a route that could otherwise feel confusing. Walking sticks are included, which is a small but useful touch on uneven ground.

The route is best suited to someone who already feels comfortable with a full-day walk. The tour is not listed as suitable for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues, and that restriction should be taken seriously. If you have concerns about exertion or breathing, choose a gentler outing instead.

You can use a horse only by paying separately. Since horse use is not included, consider this an option rather than part of the standard package. If you are unsure about completing 10 kilometers, ask the provider ahead of time what horse availability and pricing will be like.

The tour information does not give a detailed difficulty grade, trail surface, or elevation profile. That means I would avoid presenting this as an easy hike. Comfortable shoes are required, and you should be prepared for a long day outdoors.

The changing colors of the lagoons

The most appealing part of the route is the variety between the lagoons. Some may appear more blue, green, or dark depending on the conditions, and the combination of water, open ground, and snow-covered peaks gives you plenty to look at as you walk.

The experience is especially suited to people who prefer natural scenery to a tightly scheduled city tour. You have a full day outside Cusco, with the mountain and lagoons providing the focus.

Weather can affect how the colors and mountain views appear. Because the tour operates in rain or shine, the scenery may be clear and sharp one day, then clouded or wet the next. That is part of the tradeoff with a highland excursion. Bring suitable protection rather than relying on perfect conditions.

There is no promise of a particular view at every stop, but the route is built around the seven lagoons and Ausangate. The visual payoff comes from the total sequence, not from one guaranteed postcard moment.

Pacchanta hot springs after the hike

After visiting the lagoons, you return to Pacchanta for the thermal medicinal waters. This is a smart order for the day. The hot springs come after the physical effort, giving you a chance to rest before lunch and the drive back to Cusco.

Entrance to the thermal baths is not included, so carry extra money for this stop. The same applies to the lagoon entrance, which costs $5 or 15 soles. At $43, the tour remains reasonably priced, but the advertised amount is not the full cost if you want to enter both attractions.

The hot springs are optional in practical terms because the entrance fee is separate. Still, I would budget for them if you want the complete Pacchanta experience. After several hours on foot, a warm soak may be the most welcome part of the schedule.

Lunch and the return to Cusco

Lunch follows the thermal baths and is included in the tour price. The food is described as delicious in the activity details, while a verified booking specifically praised the food and the guide. The menu is not stated, so you should not expect a particular meal without checking first.

The return to Cusco is expected around 7:00 p.m. That makes this a full-day commitment, with the pickup before sunrise and the end of the tour in the evening. Plan nothing important immediately afterward.

One July 2024 booking reported an on-time pickup, friendly staff, and excellent views. That is encouraging for the basic organization of the day, though the small-van concern remains important if comfort matters to you.

What the $43 price really includes

At $43 per person, the package offers solid value for a long excursion. You receive pickup in selected Cusco areas, round-trip transport, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, walking sticks, and a first aid kit.

The value improves if you would otherwise need to arrange private transportation, meals, and a guide separately. A small group of no more than 15 people also gives you a more manageable format than a large coach outing.

Still, set aside additional cash for:

• The seven-lagoon entrance, $5 or 15 soles
• Thermal-bath entrance
• Horse use, if needed

The package is not expensive, but you should compare the final price rather than judging only the $43 headline figure. The extra fees are ordinary for a community-run attraction, yet they still affect your daily budget.

The current rating is 3.7 out of 5 from six ratings, so I would treat the tour as a good-value basic outing rather than a polished luxury experience. The strongest points are the scenery, food, friendly staff, and punctual pickup. The clearest weakness is vehicle comfort.

Who should book this Ausangate day trip

I would choose this tour if you want to see the seven lagoons without arranging transport, food, and a guide yourself. It suits active visitors who enjoy a long mountain walk and want the hot springs as a reward afterward.

It is also a good fit if you are watching your budget. The included meals and transport make the price easier to justify, and walking sticks remove one small packing problem.

I would think twice if you need roomy transportation, dislike pre-dawn starts, or want a relaxed sightseeing day. The 10-kilometer walk and long total schedule require real energy.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues. If that applies to you, do not treat the optional horse service as a guaranteed solution, since horse use is separate and the tour itself is built around a substantial route.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear comfortable shoes with good support. The operator specifically asks you to bring them, and they matter more here than stylish clothing.

Carry your passport or ID card, since it is listed among the required items. You should also bring money in soles or dollars for the lagoon and thermal-bath fees.

Pack for rain and changing conditions. The tour operates rain or shine, so a waterproof layer is more useful than hoping the forecast improves.

Expect a basic, efficient setup. The included first aid kit and walking sticks are helpful, but this is a value-focused day trip, not a private luxury transfer.

If possible, confirm pickup details and vehicle space before the day begins. The pickup is aimed at selected areas, especially the historic center, and the small van may be uncomfortable for some people.

Should you book the seven lagoons tour?

Book it if the combination of Ausangate views, seven lagoons, and Pacchanta hot springs sounds worth an early start and a 10-kilometer walk. For $43, the included meals, guide, transport, and equipment make this a practical way to reach a remote natural attraction.

Skip it if you need generous seating, cannot manage a long hike, or want a slow and flexible day. The scenery and schedule are the main rewards, while the cramped van and extra entrance fees are the main cautions.

FAQ

Where does the seven lagoons tour take place?

The tour takes place in the Cusco Region of Peru, southeast of Cusco, around the community of Pacchanta and the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.

How long is the activity?

It lasts one full day. Pickup is around 4:30 a.m., and the return to Cusco is expected around 7:00 p.m.

How far do you walk?

The route covers approximately 10 kilometers and visits all seven lagoons.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup from selected areas of Cusco and round-trip transportation are included.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is provided in Pacchanta before the hike, and lunch is served after the hot springs.

Is the seven-lagoon entrance included?

No. The entrance costs $5 or 15 soles and must be paid separately.

Are the thermal baths included?

No. Entrance to the Pacchanta thermal baths is not included in the tour price.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

What should you bring?

Bring your passport or ID card and comfortable shoes. Since the tour operates rain or shine, suitable rain protection is also a sensible choice.