From Cusco: 7 Lagoons Tour

The seven lagoons of Ausangate give you a full day of high Andean scenery without the crowds found at some better-known Cusco sights. You begin with breakfast in Pacchanta, walk about 10 kilometers through the mountains, then finish with hot springs and lunch in the same community.

I like the peaceful setting and the simple rhythm of the day: walk, stop for views, eat, and soak. I also like that the $35 price includes transport, breakfast, lunch, and a bilingual guide. The main caution is altitude. Even fit hikers may find the five-hour route tough, and one recent booking had a serious pickup problem, so confirm your transport before bed.

Key details before you book

• Seven lagoons below snowy Ausangate: The route links a series of beautiful mountain pools surrounded by Andean plants and wildlife.
• About 10 kilometers on foot: The hike takes roughly five hours, with the first lagoon about one and a half hours from the start.
• Pacchanta hot springs afterward: Pay the optional 5 soles entrance fee if you want a warm soak after the walk.
• Breakfast and lunch included: Both meals are served in the Pacchanta community, helping keep the day local and practical.
• Altitude is the real challenge: The path may feel harder than the distance suggests, especially if you are not used to exercise or high mountain walking.
• A low tour price with one transport warning: The cost is appealing, but check your pickup details carefully and wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes early.

Seven lagoons beneath Ausangate

The attraction here is not a single grand viewpoint. It is the changing sequence of lagoons spread through the Andes, with snowy Ausangate as the setting. Each stop gives you another angle on the mountain country, and the long route lets you spend time outside rather than rushing from one photo stop to the next.

The first lagoon comes after about 1 hour and 30 minutes of walking. That opening stretch matters. You do not step off a bus beside the main view. You earn the first stop on foot, and the height and open mountain terrain can make the walk feel demanding.

From there, you continue toward the other lagoons. The full route is about 10 kilometers and takes approximately five hours. The tour information describes the route as being in the middle of the Andes, with fauna and vegetation around you. That means you should think of this as a proper mountain hike, not a gentle sightseeing stroll.

I would not book it based only on the word lagoon. The water is part of the appeal, but the bigger experience is the wide, quiet mountain setting and the sense of moving through Ausangate country under your own power. If you like a destination that feels less crowded than major Cusco stops, this route has a strong advantage.

The early ride from Cusco to Pacchanta

The day begins with hotel pickup in Cusco and transport to Pacchanta. You should be ready in the lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup. The return to Cusco is expected around 7:00 pm, so this is a long day from door to door.

The pickup arrangement deserves more attention than the low price might suggest. One booking had a serious mix-up: a pickup agreed for 4:30 am did not happen on time, and the group was later told there was no space on the bus. A car eventually collected the passengers, but they reached the starting point late and had to join another guide.

That appears to be an operational failure rather than a normal part of the tour, but it is useful information. On the evening before departure, confirm the pickup time and meeting point with the provider. Keep the contact number handy, and do not assume that a vague confirmation is enough.

Once the ride is working properly, the transport does two useful jobs. It gets you from Cusco to a remote starting point, and it removes the need to arrange separate transport for a long day in the mountains. At this price, included transport is a major part of the value.

Breakfast in the Pacchanta community

The first meal is breakfast in Pacchanta. This is more than a quick snack before the walk. It gives you a chance to eat before the main effort and begin the day in the community where the route starts.

The details of the menu are not provided, so I would not expect a particular dish. The important point is timing: you have food before tackling the first 1.5-hour stretch. If you normally need a substantial breakfast for exercise, you may still want to bring a small personal snack, though the tour does include breakfast.

Pacchanta also becomes your base at the end of the hike. The day has a pleasing local shape: breakfast in the community, a walk through the mountains, then a return for hot springs and lunch. You are not simply dropped at a viewpoint, given ten minutes, and sent back to town.

What the five-hour hike feels like

The route covers about 10 kilometers, with the first lagoon roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes away. The remaining stops extend the walk to around five hours in total. A recent booking described the route as medium difficulty, while another called it an intense hike because of the height.

Those descriptions can both be true. The distance is manageable for many people, but altitude changes the calculation. A person who walks regularly at home may still need to slow down. If you do not exercise often, expect a serious but possible challenge rather than an easy day out.

Your guide is important here. Guillermo was described as relaxed and helpful, including taking good photographs. Frank was praised for staying attentive and watching for signs of altitude sickness. The guide is also the person who sets the pace, keeps the group moving between lagoons, and helps you judge when to rest.

I would take the altitude seriously without making it sound frightening. Walk steadily, avoid treating the first section as a race, and tell the guide if you feel unwell. The route is beautiful, but the scenery does not make the physical demands disappear.

The tour description also notes wonderful fauna and vegetation. You may see mountain plants and local wildlife along the way, though no exact species are promised. The best reason to pay attention is that the route is not only about reaching each lagoon. The spaces between them are part of the day.

There is an option to take horses at the beginning of the route, according to one booking. The information does not give the price or explain how far the horses can take you, so ask before relying on this as a complete alternative to walking. It may help at the start, but you should confirm the arrangement directly.

Why the quieter setting matters

Several high-profile Cusco excursions can feel crowded, especially when a viewpoint becomes the main event. The seven-lagoon route offers a different pace. One recent booking specifically valued the quiet and the fact that the route was not overwhelmed by people.

That does not mean you will have the mountains entirely to yourself. The trip is becoming more popular, and the condition of basic facilities is worth noting. A booking from October 2025 pointed out that the bathroom service needs attention as the route gains popularity.

This is a practical warning, not a reason to reject the trip. It simply means you should keep expectations realistic. You are going into a high mountain area, not a fully developed park with polished visitor facilities. Ask your guide about available bathrooms before setting out, and plan accordingly.

The quieter setting also gives the route its strongest character. You have more room to notice the mountain forms, the water, and the broad open views. For me, that is more valuable than adding another rushed stop to a packed sightseeing day.

Returning to Pacchanta for hot springs

After the hike, you return to Pacchanta and have the option of using the hot springs. The entrance costs 5 soles and is not included in the $35 tour price. You also pay a separate 10-sol entry ticket for the excursion itself.

The hot springs are well timed. Five hours on foot can leave your legs tired, and a warm soak gives the day a clear ending before lunch and the ride back to Cusco. The hot springs are optional, so you can skip them if you prefer to change, rest, or simply wait for the meal.

Do not confuse the 5-sol hot-spring fee with the 10-sol entry ticket. Together, the additional required and optional costs are modest, but you should carry soles so there is no awkward search for cash at the end of a long hike.

The hot springs also make this tour more appealing than a route that ends at the final lagoon. You finish with a comfort stop in the community rather than immediately climbing onto a vehicle for the return journey.

Lunch and the value of the $35 price

Lunch follows the hot springs in Pacchanta. The meals received strong praise for taste, and breakfast and lunch are both included. The menu is not specified, so I would judge the value by the complete arrangement rather than by expecting a particular dish.

At $35 per person, the package covers transport from Cusco, a bilingual English- or Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, and lunch. You also get a full day outdoors and the chance to visit seven lagoons. Add the 10-sol entry ticket and, if you choose, the 5-sol hot springs fee.

That is a good price for a full-day excursion if the pickup and group operation run correctly. The meals matter because buying food separately in a remote area can be inconvenient, and the transport matters even more because Pacchanta is not a simple walk from central Cusco.

The low cost does come with a tradeoff. You should not expect a private, highly customized mountain outing based on the information available. The experience is built around shared transport, a set route, and a group guide. If you want flexibility over pace and stops, a private trip may suit you better, but it will likely cost more.

Guides, communication, and group care

Guides speak English and Spanish. That is useful for both the practical side of the hike and the safety side, since you need to communicate clearly if the altitude affects you.

Guillermo received praise for being easygoing and for taking photographs. Frank was noted for paying close attention to people who felt the effects of altitude. These details point to the kind of guide behavior that matters most here: calm pacing, clear help, and awareness of how the group is coping.

The provider is Viajeros a Peru. Because one departure had a major pickup mistake, I would keep communication active before the trip. Confirm the day, pickup time, and hotel details rather than relying on a single message.

The overall score is 4.7 from eight ratings, with several very positive accounts and one serious complaint about the company’s handling of transport. That makes the right conclusion fairly simple: the route itself is highly appealing, but the booking process deserves a little caution.

Who should book the seven-lagoon tour?

This trip suits you if you want a full day in the Andes, enjoy walking, and prefer a quieter mountain route to a crowded attraction. It is also a good fit if you value a low price and like having meals, transport, and a guide arranged together.

You should think twice if you dislike early starts, find five-hour hikes difficult, or know that altitude affects you badly. The route is described as medium difficulty by one person and intense by another, so your own fitness and altitude experience matter more than the label.

The optional horses may help at the start, but do not book on the assumption that they replace the entire hike. Ask what is available before departure. Also be ready for basic facilities, particularly bathrooms.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour for the scenery, quiet route, and strong value, provided I confirmed the pickup the day before. The seven lagoons, snowy Ausangate, Pacchanta meals, and hot springs create a satisfying one-day outing from Cusco.

I would not book it casually if I were unprepared for altitude or a long walk. Bring comfortable walking clothes, carry soles for the 10-sol entry and optional 5-sol hot springs, and tell the guide early if you feel unwell. If the operator confirms your transport and you can handle the route, this is one of the more appealing budget day trips in the Cusco area.

FAQ

How long does the seven lagoons tour last?

It is a one-day tour, with the return to Cusco expected around 7:00 pm.

How far is the hike?

The walking route is approximately 10 kilometers.

How long do I walk?

The hike takes about five hours in total. The first lagoon is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from the start.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is served in the community of Pacchanta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served after returning to Pacchanta.

Is transport from Cusco included?

Yes. Pickup from your hotel in the city of Cusco and transport are included.

Are the hot springs included in the price?

No. Entry to the Pacchanta hot springs is optional and costs 5 soles.

Is there another entry fee?

Yes. The tour information lists a 10-sol entry ticket, which is not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour provides a live guide in English or Spanish.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.