Cusco: Seven Lagoons of Ausangate Hiking Day Trip with Lunch

The big draw here is the seven Ausangate lagoons, each with its own color and name, set below the massive Ausangate mountain. You get a high-country walk, a viewpoint, close looks at the water, and a soak in Pacchanta’s thermo-medicinal pools in one long day.

I like the early breakfast in Pacchanta, which gives you something substantial before the walk, and I like that lunch and transport are included at a price of $30. The catch is the 4:00 AM start, a three-hour drive each way, and an entry fee that is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• The hike forms a loop: You walk from Pacchanta to the viewpoint, continue around the lagoons, and return to the same town.
• The seven lagoons have distinct names: Upper Lake, Otorongo Male, Otorongo Female, Red Lake, Ccomer Lake, Blue Lake, and Alqa Lake.
• You get three hours of walking: The route includes about two hours to the viewpoint and another hour on foot, followed by a longer stretch that brings you close to the lagoons.
• Pacchanta adds a relaxing finish: After lunch, you have time for swimming in the town’s thermo-medicinal waters.
• The group is limited to 12 people: That is a more manageable size than a large coach excursion, though the quality of the day still depends on the guide and driver.
• Bring cash for the entrance fee: The fee is not included, and one past booking had a serious problem with money collected for admission.

Why the Ausangate lagoons are worth the long day

This is a mountain scenery trip first, not a relaxed sightseeing outing. The seven lagoons sit in the Ausangate area, where open high-country views, rugged peaks, cold air, and changing water colors make the walk memorable.

The color theme is the hook, but it is better to think of the lagoons as a set of separate scenes rather than seven identical photo stops. The names give the route some character: Upper Lake, Otorongo Male, Otorongo Female, Red Lake, Ccomer Lake, Blue Lake, and Alqa Lake.

You will see the lagoons from a viewpoint after roughly two hours of walking, then continue for another three hours through the area. The supplied timing also lists an hour on foot between the guided hiking portion and lunch, so expect a substantial day outdoors rather than a quick walk to one lookout.

I like this format because the viewpoint gives you a broad sense of the area before you move closer to the water. You can take photos from above, then see more of the lagoons at ground level as the loop continues.

The route also gives you a look at local flora and fauna typical of the area. The information provided does not specify which species you will see, so treat wildlife as a possible bonus rather than a promise.

The 4:00 AM departure from Cusco

Pickup begins at your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM. That is early even by Cusco excursion standards, but it is necessary for a 10-hour outing that includes a three-hour ride to Pacchanta and another three-hour ride back.

The first leg is listed as a van ride of about three hours. You will want warm clothing close at hand, since the day begins before sunrise and the destination is mountain country. Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera are also on the recommended packing list.

The small-group limit of 12 is helpful here. A group of that size can usually move more easily at stops and regroup without the delays that come with a much larger bus. Still, you should be ready for a full day in transit, with long stretches in the vehicle on both ends.

Pickup is included, and the return is in Cusco, ending at Plaza Regocijo. The experience is therefore convenient if you are staying in Cusco and want the transport handled for you. The return point is not described as your hotel, so check the final drop-off details if that matters to your plans.

Breakfast in Pacchanta before the trail

After the drive, you stop in Pacchanta for about 50 minutes of breakfast and free time. This is a practical part of the day, not just a meal added for show.

Eating before the hike matters because the route lasts several hours and the day begins so early. You can also use the stop to prepare your clothing, check your water, and get ready for the change from van travel to walking.

Pacchanta is also the base for the loop. The hike begins in town and later returns there, which makes the plan easier to follow than a route requiring a separate pickup at the far end.

The town is tied directly to the Ausangate lagoons and to the thermo-medicinal waters used later in the day. That combination gives the excursion more local shape than a simple drive to a photo viewpoint.

Two hours to the Ausangate viewpoint

The first main walking section takes about two hours. From the viewpoint, you can look across the seven lagoons and photograph their different colors.

This is likely the most dramatic single stop of the day. From above, the lagoons make sense as a group, with Ausangate and the surrounding mountain country providing the setting. The viewpoint also rewards you before the longer close-up portion of the walk begins.

You should pace yourself here. The tour is not a short stroll, and the schedule includes more walking after the viewpoint. The information provided does not give the route’s altitude, trail grade, or elevation gain, so you should not assume that the path will feel easy simply because it is described as a day hike.

The inclusion of walking sticks is useful. They can help with balance and make the route more comfortable, especially on uneven ground. A first aid kit and an oxygen balloon are also carried, but those items are safety support, not a substitute for preparing properly for a high-altitude outing.

Seeing the seven lagoons up close

After the viewpoint, you continue on foot and see a large portion of the lagoons at closer range. The full route is described as a large loop that finishes back in Pacchanta.

That loop is a real advantage. You get changing angles and more than one kind of view rather than walking out to a single lake and retracing the same path. The walk includes mountains, open natural surroundings, plants, and possible animal sightings.

The names of the lagoons help you keep track of what you are seeing:

• Upper Lake
• Otorongo Male
• Otorongo Female
• Red Lake
• Ccomer Lake
• Blue Lake
• Alqa Lake

Do not expect every lagoon to look exactly as it does in a photograph. Water color can vary with light and conditions, and the appeal is the range of tones across the route. The experience is strongest when you give yourself time to notice the setting, not just stop for a quick picture at each point.

The walking section is where the trip earns its price. A van ride to one viewpoint would be easier, but it would not give you the same sense of the area. At the same time, three hours of walking is enough to rule this out for anyone looking for a gentle half-day activity.

Lunch and Pacchanta’s thermo-medicinal waters

Once the loop finishes, you return to Pacchanta for lunch and swimming. This portion is scheduled for about 1.5 hours and comes after the longest physical part of the day.

I like the order of the schedule. You walk first, eat afterward, then have the option to relax in the thermo-medicinal waters. The pools give the day a clear finish and may be especially welcome after the early start and extended time on foot.

Swimming is included in the scheduled stop, but the supplied details do not explain the pool facilities, water temperature, changing arrangements, or whether towels are provided. Bring only what you are comfortable managing on a hiking day, and do not assume that a towel or personal toiletries are supplied.

Lunch is included, which improves the value of the $30 price. You do not need to arrange a separate midday meal while moving around the route. Breakfast is also included, making this a fairly complete food-and-transport package.

Is $30 a good value?

At $30 per person, this is a low-cost way to reach an area that would otherwise require you to arrange transport, meals, a guide, and route support separately. The package includes hotel pickup, return transport in Cusco, breakfast, lunch, an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, walking sticks, a first aid kit, and an oxygen balloon.

The three-hour ride each way is part of the value calculation. You are paying for access to a remote mountain area, but you are also giving up about six hours to transportation. If you dislike long van journeys, the price alone will not make this a good fit.

The entry fee is not included. Budget extra money for admission, and clarify the amount and payment process before handing cash to anyone. This is especially important because one customer reported that a bus conductor took 100 soles from several people for the Ausangate entrance and failed to return change. The issue was eventually addressed with help from the guide, but it is a serious warning.

Use official payment instructions whenever possible, ask for the exact fee, and keep your cash organized. Do not hand over a large note without confirming the change you should receive.

Guide quality and group size

The activity is offered with a live guide in English or Spanish, and the group is limited to 12 people. The guide is expected to lead the walk and provide support, while the included first aid kit, oxygen balloon, and walking sticks add a basic safety layer.

The guide is one of the most important parts of a trip like this. A good guide can keep the group together, explain the names of the lagoons, manage the pace, and help you understand what you are seeing. The supplied booking information does not provide a guide’s name, so you should not book this expecting a particular person.

The available feedback is mixed. One verified booking praised the guide as wonderful, helpful, and kind, while another raised a serious complaint about the driver and bus conductor over entrance-fee money. A separate Spanish-language review described the guide as attentive and called the experience great. Taken together, the practical lesson is simple: the scenery earns strong praise, but you should keep an eye on payment handling and communication during the day.

Who should book this Ausangate day trip?

I would recommend it most to you if you want dramatic mountain scenery and are comfortable with a long, early day. The route suits people who prefer a real walk and a sequence of views instead of a short stop at one famous lookout.

It also works well if you want a guided plan from Cusco. Hotel pickup, meals, transport, equipment, and the return to town remove much of the organizing work. The small group is another plus for anyone who prefers a more personal outing.

You should think twice if you need a late start, have limited walking stamina, or dislike spending hours in a van. The activity is specifically not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems. The supplied details do not list other medical restrictions, but anyone with health concerns should assess the long walking day carefully before booking.

Warm clothing is essential. Add comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, a camera, and your passport or ID card. The high mountain setting and early departure mean you should prepare for changing conditions rather than dressing only for Cusco’s daytime weather.

The final call

Book this trip if the seven Ausangate lagoons are high on your Cusco wish list and you want the simplest low-cost way to reach them. The combination of colorful water, a viewpoint, a three-hour loop, Pacchanta lunch, and thermo-medicinal pools gives you a full day with plenty of variety.

Skip it if you want a short, easy outing or if the three-hour drive from Cusco sounds exhausting. Before you go, confirm the entrance fee, carry suitable cash without handing over more than necessary, and be ready for a 4:00 AM pickup. With those points understood, the trip offers strong value for an active day in the Ausangate area.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate Seven Lagoons tour take?

The activity lasts about 10 hours, including transportation, meals, hiking, and the stop in Pacchanta.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco begins at 4:00 AM.

How long is the drive from Cusco to Pacchanta?

The van ride takes about three hours each way.

How long is the hike?

The schedule includes about two hours of walking to the viewpoint, followed by additional walking around the lagoons and back to Pacchanta. The full guided walking portion is listed as about three hours, with another hour on foot also shown in the schedule.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast in Pacchanta is included before the hike, and lunch is included after the loop.

Can I swim in the thermo-medicinal waters?

Yes. Swimming in Pacchanta’s thermo-medicinal waters is part of the stop after lunch.

Is the entrance fee included?

No. Entry fees are not included in the price, so you should budget separately for admission.