Seven lagoons, one big mountain mood. This full-day outing takes you southeast of Cusco to the Ausangate snow-capped scenery and the seven bright lagoons at its base. I like how the day balances effort with reward: a 10 km walk through nature, then a soak in Pacchanta thermal waters and a proper lunch afterward. One real consideration: the van can be tight, so if you’re tall or easily uncomfortable in small seats, you’ll want to plan for that.

You’ll start early (pickup around 4:30), and you’ll be back in Cusco by about 7:00 pm. It’s a small group tour (limited to 15), with a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, walking sticks, and a first-aid kit—handy extras when you’re spending the day off the road. And because it runs rain or shine, you’re hiking in real Andean weather, not perfect postcards.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Seven lagoons near Ausangate: you’ll visit all seven on one hike, with the mountain acting as your backdrop the whole time
• 10 km trekking day: expect a steady walking route, not a slow stroll (walking sticks help)
• Breakfast in Pacchanta: you start with fuel before you begin the lagoons
• Hot springs after the hike: medicinal thermal waters are part of the payoff, but entrance isn’t included
• Small group, early pickup: limited to 15 participants and return timing is tight, so don’t show up late

The Big Picture: Why This Tour Feels Worth It

At $43 per person, this isn’t a “drop you off and wander” kind of day. What you’re paying for is the full package: round-trip transport from select areas in Cusco, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, walking sticks, and a first-aid kit. That matters because you’re spending a long day outdoors and moving between places, so having logistics handled keeps the experience smooth.

The core payoff is simple: the seven lagoons are right there in the Ausangate area, and the colors of the water are the whole point. Add a nature-heavy hike plus thermal waters afterward, and you get a day that feels like more than one activity mashed together. It’s a hike with a reason, followed by recovery time.

Pickup at 4:30: What the Morning Really Looks Like

Pickup is scheduled for about 4:30 from your lodging, ideally in the historical center of Cusco (selected areas are covered). This early start is what gives you enough daylight to hike, eat, soak, and still be back around 7:00 pm.

Once you’re picked up, you’ll head to the community of Pacchanta. This drive is your buffer time: it lets you get in, get warm, and arrive with your head in the game rather than scrambling to eat or figure out meeting points. Based on guide-led timing, the tour is structured so you don’t lose hours to confusion—this is one reason it gets solid marks for being organized and on time.

Practical tip

If you’re sensitive to cold mornings, wear layers you can peel off during the hike. The tour runs rain or shine, so you’ll want something that still lets you move comfortably if the weather turns.

Breakfast in Pacchanta: Fuel Before the 10 km Hike

After arriving in Pacchanta, you’ll have breakfast before the trekking begins. This is more important than it sounds. On a 10 km route, you’ll want real energy early—especially since the day includes a hike between lagoon stops and then a second activity (hot springs) later.

You’ll also get your hiking start from this community, so it helps to treat this as your “launch point.” After breakfast, you begin the walk and visit the lagoon sequence, with the snowy Ausangate mountain in view as the day’s anchor.

The Lagoon Trek: Visiting All Seven Ausangate Lagoons

The hike covers roughly 10 km total and includes stops to visit each of the seven lagoons. Your guide leads the pacing and route, and you’ll move through an environment known for its flora and fauna.

This is where the day’s personality comes through. The lagoons aren’t just scenery from the bus window—you’re walking between them and taking time at the viewpoints. The tour is built around appreciating the environment and the “majestic colors” of the lagoons, so the best way to enjoy it is to slow down at each stop, not just race to the next photo.

A realistic expectation

You shouldn’t expect this to feel like an easy promenade. It’s a hiking day with a total distance around 10 km, and there’s no mention of using horses. The tour provides walking sticks, which is a big deal on uneven ground and helps you stay steady during the climbs and descents between lagoon areas.

About the lagoon entrance fees

One important detail: the tour does not include entrance to the 7 lagoons. You’ll likely pay around $5 USD or 15 soles when you arrive. Because fees aren’t bundled, it’s smart to carry cash just in case the payment happens on-site.

Flora, Fauna, and Mountain Views: What You’re Actually Looking For

You come here for the Ausangate setting—specifically, the feeling of being surrounded by nature and the sight of a snowy peak dominating the skyline. The lagoons add the color, but the overall experience is the full chain: mountain presence, changing views along the walk, and nature around you.

If you like tours where you can see the logic of the place (how communities, terrain, and water tie together), this one fits. You’re not just “checking boxes.” The route is meant to let you appreciate the attraction as you move through it.

Pacchanta Hot Springs: Recovery Time (But Plan for Entrance)

After the hiking portion, you return to Pacchanta. Then you get thermal medicinal waters time in the community hot springs area, followed by lunch.

This is the classic good-tour structure:

1) you walk and earn the views

2) you come back and reset your body

3) you eat while you’re warm and relaxed

Just note: entrance to the thermal baths is not included. So even though hot springs are part of the day, you’ll likely pay separately for access. Budget for that so it doesn’t turn into a surprise when you’re tired and ready to soak.

What lunch feels like after a hike

Lunch is included, and it’s served after the thermal time. That timing is smart. Many tours rush food right after walking and everyone ends up underfed or cranky. Here, you have a recovery window, then you eat.

In the reviews, the food and the overall guide vibe are praised, which makes sense with this schedule. A guide-managed lunch after a soak is often when everyone finally stops talking like they’re still on the trail.

Group Size and the Van Reality

This is a small group tour limited to 15 participants, and you’ll travel by van. The group size is part of what keeps the day feeling controlled: you don’t have dozens of people clogging the viewpoints, and you’re more likely to get personal attention during stops.

That said, one complaint stood out: the van can be very small, with seats where you can barely move. If you’re bigger-framed or easily uncomfortable in tight transport, this is your main heads-up.

How to handle it

• Choose a spot where you can stretch your legs a little, if there’s any flexibility.
• Keep a light layer handy so you’re not stuck in the van feeling exposed.
• Treat this as an early-morning “sit tight, then hike” kind of day.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Pay Separately)

Included:

• Pickup in selected areas of Cusco (historical center preferred)
• Round-trip transportation
• Breakfast
• Professional guide
• Lunch
• Walking sticks
• First aid kit

Not included:

• Use of horses
• Entrance to the 7 lagoons (5 USD or 15 soles)
• Entrance to the thermal baths

The value here is in the parts that would be annoying to organize yourself: getting transport sorted, getting a guide, and getting both meals during a long day. The separate entrance fees are normal for these kinds of destinations, but you should plan for them.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour is best for you if:

• you want dramatic Ausangate mountain views and all seven lagoons in one day
• you’re comfortable hiking about 10 km and walking on uneven ground
• you like a guided schedule that actually moves you through the attraction (instead of a long free-form day)
• you want hot springs and lunch as part of the recovery

It’s not a good fit if:

• you’re pregnant
• you have respiratory issues
• you want minimal walking or zero outdoor time
• you’re very sensitive to cramped seating in the van

And since it runs rain or shine, pack for weather you can handle, not weather you hope for.

Should You Book Cusco 7 Lagoons with Lunch?

I’d book it if your ideal Cusco day includes a full hike, proper meals, and a reward at the end in Pacchanta hot springs. The pricing makes sense when you factor in guide support, breakfast, lunch, transport, and the walking sticks.

Skip it if comfort in transport is a big deal for you—because the van issue is real—and if you’d rather pay more for a roomier setup. Also, be honest about the hike: this isn’t a gentle stroll, it’s a 10 km walking day with lagoon stops.

If you want one day that feels like “Cusco country” rather than just the city, this fits the bill.

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup starts at about 4:30 am from your lodging in selected areas of Cusco, preferably the historical center.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for 1 day, with return to Cusco around 7:00 pm.

What does the tour include?

It includes round-trip transportation, pickup in selected areas, breakfast, a professional guide, lunch, walking sticks, and a first-aid kit.

What about entrance fees for the lagoons?

Entrance to the 7 lagoons is not included. It’s listed as 5 USD or 15 soles.

Are the thermal baths included?

Thermal baths entrance is not included, even though the schedule includes time to enjoy the hot springs.

Do we use horses on the hike?

No. Use of horses is not included.

What’s the hike distance?

The walking route is approximately 10 km in total to visit the lagoons.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card and comfortable shoes.

Is the tour weather-dependent?

No. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women or people with respiratory issues.