Cusco: Seven Lagoons of Ausangate Hiking Day Trip with Lunch

Colorful water, cold mountain air, and a very early start. This full-day outing from Cusco takes you to the seven Ausangate lagoons, where you walk through open mountain country, stop at a viewpoint, and see several lakes close up. I like the clear mix of scenery and local experience: you get the hike, a meal in Pacchanta, and time in its thermo-medicinal waters.

I also like that the small group is limited to 12 people, with a guide, walking sticks, an oxygen balloon, and a first aid kit included. The main drawback is the schedule. Pickup begins at 4:00 AM, the drive takes about three hours each way, and the walk lasts roughly four to five hours.

• Seven named lagoons: Upper Lake, Otorongo Male, Otorongo Female, Red Lake, Ccomer Lake, Blue Lake, and Alqa Lake.
• Pacchanta stop: Breakfast begins the day, while lunch and thermo-medicinal waters follow the hike.
• Long walking route: Expect a loop with a viewpoint after about two hours, followed by closer views of the lagoons.
• Small-group format: No more than 12 participants, with English and Spanish guiding.
• Low advertised price: The $30 cost includes transport, two meals, a guide, sticks, first aid equipment, and oxygen, but entry fees are extra.
• Important service note: Confirm pickup and clarify all entrance payments before handing over cash.

The 4:00 AM Start From Cusco

Your day begins before sunrise, with hotel pickup in Cusco at about 4:00 AM. That early departure is not just a scheduling quirk. Pacchanta is around three hours away by van, so leaving early allows time for breakfast, the walk, lunch, and the return to the city.

The transport portion is practical rather than scenic entertainment. You will spend about three hours in the van before reaching Pacchanta, so I would treat the ride as recovery time. Bring warm clothing within easy reach, since the morning start and mountain setting can feel very different from Cusco’s streets.

The stated drop-off point is Plaza Regocijo in Cusco. That works well if your accommodation is nearby, but it is worth checking the final arrangements before you leave. One booking included a missed pickup that required a taxi to catch up with the group. That appears to have been an isolated service problem, but I would still be ready at the agreed pickup point and keep the operator’s contact details handy.

Breakfast in Pacchanta Before the Walk

After the long ride, you stop in Pacchanta for a replenishing breakfast. The scheduled breakfast and free time last about 50 minutes, giving you a chance to eat, organize your daypack, and prepare for the trail.

This is a useful part of the plan because the hike is not a short stroll. You will spend several hours walking, and starting with food is much better than trying to rely on snacks alone. Water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes belong in your day bag, not buried under spare clothing.

Pacchanta is also the place where the day comes full circle. You start the walk from town, return there after completing a broad loop, then have lunch and time for swimming in the thermo-medicinal waters.

The First Two Hours Toward the Viewpoint

The route begins on foot from Pacchanta. The description places the first major viewpoint about two hours into the walk, although the timed schedule groups some of the guided walking into a three-hour segment. In practical terms, you should prepare for a long outing on foot rather than expect a quick viewpoint stop.

The reward is a broad look at the seven Ausangate lagoons. From the viewpoint, the lakes show different colors, and this is the best moment to pause, take photos, and understand the shape of the route before continuing.

The lake names are part of the character of the place: Upper Lake, Otorongo Male, Otorongo Female, Red Lake, Ccomer Lake, Blue Lake, and Alqa Lake. You may hear the guide use Spanish or English names, depending on the group and guide.

I like this viewpoint stop because it gives the day a clear visual payoff early in the hike. You are not simply walking toward an unknown destination. You can see the collection of lakes from above, then continue to inspect more of them at closer range.

Three More Hours Among the Ausangate Lagoons

After the viewpoint, the walk continues for roughly three hours, including about one hour listed as walking between scheduled activities. The route follows a large loop and eventually returns to Pacchanta.

This is where the day feels most worthwhile. You see the lagoons up close, along with Ausangate mountain views, local plant life, and the area’s wildlife. The experience is about the changing colors and wide open setting, not monuments or buildings. Bring a camera, but do not let the camera turn the walk into a series of rushed stops.

The route is long enough that you should be honest about your walking ability. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems, according to the operator. The supplied walking sticks can help with balance and rhythm, while the first aid kit and oxygen balloon provide basic support for the group.

The oxygen balloon should not be treated as a guarantee that any health problem can be handled on the trail. If you have a medical concern, especially one linked to strenuous walking, ask a medical professional before booking. The experience provider specifically identifies heart problems as a reason not to participate.

The Seven Lakes and Their Changing Colors

The lakes are the main reason to make this long day from Cusco. Their colors are the visual center of the trip, with water tones that vary from one lagoon to the next. The exact appearance can change with light and weather, so I would enjoy the range of colors without expecting every photo to look identical to an advertisement.

The Red Lake, Blue Lake, and Ccomer Lake are especially easy names to remember, while the two Otorongo lakes add a distinctive local naming detail. The list of seven gives the walk a sense of purpose, but the route is also valuable for the mountain views between each stop.

You will have time for photos at the viewpoint and closer to the lagoons. Still, this is a guided group walk, not a private photo expedition. If you want long, quiet stops at every lake, ask about the pace before departure.

Lunch and Thermo-Medicinal Waters in Pacchanta

When the loop ends, you return to Pacchanta for lunch. The schedule allows about 1.5 hours for lunch, swimming, and a break, which is welcome after the extended walk.

The thermo-medicinal waters are one of the smartest additions to the day. You get a chance to rest in Pacchanta instead of simply eating and climbing straight back into the van. Pack a swimsuit if you want to use the pools, along with a plastic bag for wet clothing.

The order of activities can make a difference. You will want enough time to eat before swimming, and you should keep track of your belongings during the change between hiking clothes and swimwear. The supplied information confirms swimming at the hot springs, but it does not specify changing-room arrangements, so do not assume a particular setup.

Lunch is included, as is breakfast. That improves the value of the $30 price, since you are not paying separately for two meals during a remote full-day outing. Entry fees are not included, however, so budget for that extra cost.

Is $30 a Good Value?

At $30 per person, this is priced as a budget-friendly full-day excursion. You receive hotel pickup, return transport to Cusco, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, walking sticks, a first aid kit, and an oxygen balloon. You also get the seven-lagoon route and time in Pacchanta’s thermo-medicinal waters.

The value is strongest if you want an organized day and do not want to arrange transport to Pacchanta yourself. A private vehicle for the three-hour journey each way would usually be the bigger expense, while this format spreads the transport cost across a small group.

The low price does call for careful attention to extras. Entry fees are excluded, and you should confirm the exact amount and who collects it. One serious complaint involved a bus conductor taking 100 Peruvian soles from a participant for an entrance payment and failing to return the change until the guide intervened. That is not a minor detail. Carry smaller bills, ask for the fee and change clearly, and keep receipts when available.

The overall public score is 3.8 from seven ratings. The positive side is clear: one verified booking praised the scenery and described the guide as wonderful, helpful, and kind. Another review in Spanish praised the attentive guide and called it a great experience. The negative account concerns pickup and money handling, so I would book with realistic expectations and confirm those details in writing.

What the Small Group Means

A maximum of 12 participants is a useful middle ground. You are not in a huge crowd, but you are also not getting a private guide. A small group makes it easier to hear instructions, keep a shared pace, and ask questions in English or Spanish.

The guide is an important part of this trip because the walk has several named lagoons and a long loop. An attentive guide can help you understand which lake you are viewing, keep the group together, and manage the return to Pacchanta.

The service record appears mixed. Some feedback highlights an attentive, kind guide, while one account raises a serious concern about the transport staff. I would separate those roles in your expectations: the guide may be excellent, but you should still handle entrance money directly and carefully.

What to Pack for the 10-Hour Day

The packing list is simple, but each item matters because the outing combines a cold early start, long walking, and water time.

• Comfortable shoes for several hours of walking
• Warm clothing for the early departure and mountain conditions
• A hat and sunscreen
• Water
• A camera
• Passport or identification card
• Swimwear and a bag for wet clothing, if you plan to use the waters
• Small bills for entry fees and personal expenses

Walking sticks are included, which saves you from bringing your own. The first aid kit and oxygen balloon are also supplied, but they do not replace personal medication or advance medical advice.

Who Should Book This Ausangate Day Trip?

I would choose this trip if you want dramatic mountain scenery but have only one day available from Cusco. It suits people who enjoy a long guided walk, want meals included, and like finishing with hot-spring time instead of returning straight to the city.

It is less suitable if you dislike early mornings, long van rides, or group pacing. The total duration is about 10 hours, but the day can feel longer because six hours are spent on transport alone. The walk itself is also substantial.

You should also think carefully about health. The operator states that the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems. If your fitness or medical condition is uncertain, get professional advice before booking rather than hoping the included oxygen will solve a problem.

Should You Book It?

Book this Ausangate day trip if your priorities are colorful lagoons, a guided mountain walk, included meals, and Pacchanta hot springs at a low price. The scenery receives the strongest praise, and the attentive guide experience can make the long route much more enjoyable.

I would book it with three precautions: confirm the pickup point, ask about the entrance fee, and carry only the cash you need in smaller denominations. If you accept the 4:00 AM start and the long return drive, this offers a lot for $30. If you want a slower hike, guaranteed private attention, or a relaxed transport schedule, look for a private alternative instead.

FAQ

What time does pickup begin in Cusco?

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

How long is the complete experience?

The activity lasts about 10 hours, including transport, breakfast, hiking, lunch, swimming, and the return to Cusco.

How long is the drive to Pacchanta?

The van ride from Cusco to Pacchanta takes about three hours, followed by another roughly three-hour ride back to Cusco.

How many lagoons will I see?

The route visits seven Ausangate lagoons: Upper Lake, Otorongo Male, Otorongo Female, Red Lake, Ccomer Lake, Blue Lake, and Alqa Lake.

How long is the hike?

The description outlines a walk of about five hours, including the route to the viewpoint and the continued loop around the lagoons.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

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

Can I swim during the excursion?

Yes. The schedule includes swimming at Pacchanta’s thermo-medicinal waters after lunch.

Is the entrance fee included?

No. Entry fees are not included in the price of the activity.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.