Ausangate 7 Lagoons Tour 1 day + Buffet Breakfast and Lunch

The Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour takes you into a stark, high Andean world where blue, turquoise, and green water sits beneath glacier country. The day begins before sunrise and reaches elevations of about 4,200 to 4,600 meters, so the scenery is impressive, but the hike is not a casual stroll.

I like the efficient one-day format and the chance to see seven named lagoons without committing to a multiday trek. I also like the finish at Pacchanta’s hot springs, a welcome place to warm up after the cold, thin-air walk.

The main concern is the schedule. A late pickup can affect breakfast and shorten your time on the trail. The high altitude is another serious factor, especially if you have not spent time acclimatizing in Cusco.

Key points at a glance

• Seven lagoons in one morning: See Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.
• High-altitude hiking: The route begins around 4,200 meters and reaches roughly 4,600 meters.
• Early Cusco pickup: Hotel or Airbnb pickup begins between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m., with about three hours on the road to Pacchanta.
• Meals included: Breakfast and lunch are part of the tour, though an early departure makes reliable timing important.
• Hot springs finish: You get about 50 minutes for swimming and relaxation at Aguas Termales Pacchanta.
• Good value with extra fees: The $40 price includes transport, guide, meals, and assistance, but you pay separately for lagoon and hot spring entry.

Why the seven lagoons are worth the early start

The appeal here is not one famous viewpoint. It is the changing sequence of water, rock, ice, and open mountain space. Each lagoon has its own name and color, and some are described as broad natural mirrors. The effect is more varied than a single photo stop.

You begin near Pacchanta and climb gradually toward the lagoons. That gradual rise helps, but the altitude still makes every uphill section harder than it would be at sea level. At 4,200 meters, even a moderate pace can feel demanding.

The seven stops are Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo. The tour is designed to show them as a group, so you are not simply hiking to one lake, taking a picture, and turning around.

Look around between the viewpoints. Andean birds, alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas may appear along the route. The animals are part of the setting, not a guaranteed wildlife show, so keep your camera ready without expecting close encounters.

The area also gives you a short introduction to the Ausangate region and its glaciers. You will not be completing a major expedition, but you do get a demanding taste of high mountain trekking within a single day.

Leaving Cusco before sunrise

Pickup begins from hotels or Airbnbs at about 4:30 to 5:00 a.m. The listed pickup points include Cusco’s Historic Center and Plazoleta de San Blas. The tour ends at Plaza Regocijo, with arrival in Cusco planned for about 7:30 p.m.

That makes this a roughly 14-hour day. You need to be ready before dawn, and you should keep your morning simple. Have your daypack packed the night before, with water, warm layers, rain gear, sunscreen, and cash.

The ride to Pacchanta takes about three hours by tourist transport. That is a long road journey before the hike begins, but it is necessary to reach this remote mountain area in one day. If you sleep easily on buses, use the ride to rest. If you do not, expect the return journey to feel long after walking at altitude.

Pickup timing deserves attention. One booking had a 30-minute wait, and departure from Cusco happened around 6:00 a.m. instead of the planned early start. That delay meant breakfast was no longer available on arrival. I would treat the stated pickup window as approximate, stay near your phone, and carry a small backup snack even though breakfast is included.

Breakfast in Pacchanta, then the climb

The group stops in the Comunidad Campesina de Pacchanta for breakfast, planned at about 40 minutes. This is your chance to eat before the hike and use the facilities before heading uphill.

Breakfast is useful because the route is physically demanding. Still, do not rely on it as your only food plan. The early departure and possible transport delays mean a small personal snack is sensible. The meal has also received mixed feedback, so travelers who need a substantial breakfast should be prepared for a basic start.

From Pacchanta, the route rises toward the lagoons. The tour information describes the entire walk in two slightly different ways: one section says about five hours round trip, while the practical note gives approximately three hours and 12 kilometers. That difference may reflect pace, stops, or different ways of counting the route. Ask your guide for the expected walking time on the day.

The important fact is the elevation, not the stopwatch. You begin around 4,200 meters and climb to approximately 4,600 meters. If you are acclimatized and comfortable with mountain walking, the route can be manageable. If you are still feeling headaches, nausea, unusual fatigue, or shortness of breath in Cusco, this is not the day to push yourself.

Seven stops between 4,200 and 4,600 meters

The guided walk includes photo stops, sightseeing, and views along the way. The guide speaks English or Spanish and provides assistance throughout the outing. A first aid kit is carried, which is reassuring, though it does not replace sensible preparation or travel insurance.

The colors of the lagoons are one of the main reasons to choose this trip. The water can appear blue, turquoise, or green, and some lakes reflect the surrounding peaks like natural mirrors. Light and weather will affect what you see, so do not expect every photograph to match a promotional image.

The walking surface and conditions are not described in detail, so sturdy hiking shoes are the safest choice. Bring gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and layers that you can adjust. At this elevation, bright sun and cold air can arrive at the same time. Rain gear belongs in your bag even if the morning begins clear.

The hike is also a group activity. One booking raised a practical issue: people in different physical condition did not move at the same pace. That matters here because the route is long, the air is thin, and the group must manage both strong walkers and anyone struggling with the altitude. Tell the guide early if you need to slow down. Do not wait until you are exhausted.

The strongest praise has been directed at the guiding, with one high-scoring booking specifically calling the guides great despite describing the walk as difficult. That fits the nature of the trip: a good guide can help with pacing, route direction, and basic support, but no guide can make 4,600 meters feel low.

Returning to Pacchanta for lunch

After the lagoon circuit, you walk back to Pacchanta. The listed return walk takes about 40 minutes, followed by around 40 minutes for lunch and free time.

Lunch is included in the $40 price, which makes the tour easier to budget. Food feedback has been mixed, just as it has been for breakfast, so think of the meals as practical fuel rather than a central culinary experience. If you have dietary needs, confirm them before booking because no special menu information is provided.

The Pacchanta stop also gives you time for shopping and personal expenses. Bring Peruvian soles for entrance fees and anything you may want to buy. The tour does not include your evening meal, so you will need to arrange dinner after returning to Cusco.

Hot springs after the hike

The final stop in Pacchanta is Aguas Termales Pacchanta. You get about 50 minutes for a visit, swimming, and rest. After a cold, high-altitude hike, this is a well-chosen finish.

You need swimwear, a towel, sandals, and a change of clothes. These items are easy to forget when leaving Cusco at dawn, so pack them in a separate section of your daypack. You should also bring toiletries if you plan to change before the bus ride home.

Hot spring admission is not included. The additional charge is S/ 5.00. The Ausangate area entrance fee is listed separately at S/ 20.00, so budget S/ 25.00 in extra admission costs, plus personal spending.

The hot springs are a comfort stop, not a long spa visit. With only about 50 minutes, you will have time to swim and relax, but not to linger. Keep an eye on the departure time. Missing the return bus would create a serious problem after such a remote day.

What the $40 price really covers

At $40 per person, this is a strong value if you want transport, a guide, two meals, and a high-altitude excursion in one package. The three-hour ride each way is expensive and time-consuming to arrange independently, and the tour includes pickup in Cusco.

The price covers:

• Tourist transport
• Hotel or Airbnb pickup in the morning
• English or Spanish guide
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• First aid kit
• Ongoing assistance

You still pay S/ 20.00 for the Ausangate entrance and S/ 5.00 for the hot springs. You also cover dinner, drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses.

The value depends mainly on your tolerance for a long day. You leave before sunrise, spend about six hours in transport, hike at very high elevation, and return in the evening. If your priority is convenience and access, the price is attractive. If you dislike early starts, long bus rides, or group pacing, the low fare may not feel like a bargain.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without paying immediately give you some flexibility. Check the exact departure time before confirming, since early pickup is central to the plan.

Who should book this day trip

I would recommend it to a fit visitor who has already spent time acclimatizing in the Cusco area and wants a demanding mountain day without a multiday trek. It suits people who value scenery, wildlife possibilities, and a simple package more than comfort or a relaxed schedule.

You should be comfortable walking for several hours, carrying a daypack, and managing changing weather. Hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, warm clothing, gloves, and rain protection are not optional extras here.

This is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, people recovering from recent surgery, anyone over 130 kilograms, or people over 95 years old. The altitude also means you should take personal health concerns seriously even if you do not fall into one of those categories.

The tour is not suitable for anyone expecting a gentle sightseeing outing. The route reaches about 4,600 meters, and one direct assessment called the walk beautiful but difficult. That is the right way to think about it.

Practical packing for a 14-hour day

Pack light, but pack for several conditions. Your daypack should include:

• Passport or identification
• Water and a small snack
• Hiking shoes and comfortable clothes
• Warm layers, gloves, and socks
• Sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen
• Rain gear
• Swimwear, towel, sandals, and spare clothes
• Cash in Peruvian soles
• Charged phone and camera
• Travel insurance details

The supplied packing guidance also lists insect repellent, toiletries, breathable clothing, hiking pants, closed-toe shoes, and a GPS or map. You will not need every item to the same degree, but closed-toe footwear and sun protection are sensible choices.

Leave alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, explosives, baby strollers, mobility scooters, and scooters at home. Littering is also prohibited. The high mountain setting deserves careful treatment.

Should you book the Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour?

Book it if you want seven high-altitude lagoons, a short introduction to Ausangate’s glacier region, included meals, and hot springs at a modest price. The guiding has been a clear strength, and the scenery gives you a genuine mountain experience rather than a quick roadside stop.

Think twice if you are not acclimatized, need a dependable breakfast at a precise time, or prefer small groups with a carefully controlled pace. Carry a snack in case of pickup delays, confirm the walking time with the guide, and budget the extra S/ 25.00 for entrance fees.

For the right person, this is a demanding but efficient day from Cusco. It asks a lot from your legs and lungs, then rewards you with striking water colors, open Andean views, and a hot spring soak before the long ride home.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate 7 Lagoons tour last?

The full experience lasts about 14 hours. Pickup begins around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., and arrival back in Cusco is planned for about 7:30 p.m.

Where can I be picked up in Cusco?

Pickup is available from hotels or Airbnbs, with listed pickup points including Cusco’s Historic Center and Plazoleta de San Blas.

How high does the hike go?

The walk begins at about 4,200 meters above sea level and reaches approximately 4,600 meters.

How long is the hike?

The tour information gives two estimates: about five hours round trip in the main description, and approximately three hours with a 12-kilometer distance in the practical notes. Ask the guide for the expected timing on your departure.

Which lagoons will I see?

The route includes Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast in Pacchanta and lunch after the hike are included in the tour price.

Are the entrance fees included?

No. The Ausangate entrance fee is S/ 20.00, and hot spring admission is S/ 5.00.

Can I use the hot springs?

Yes. The tour includes about 50 minutes at Aguas Termales Pacchanta for visiting, swimming, and free time. Bring swimwear, a towel, sandals, and spare clothes.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The guide service is offered in English and Spanish.