Excursion: Explore in one day the 7 lakes of Ausangate from Cusco

High mountains, bright water, and a very early start. This $35 day trip takes you from Cusco to Pacchanta for a hike past seven lagoons beneath Ausangate, one of the region’s great snow-capped peaks. I like the mix of outdoor effort and local comforts: you get a traditional breakfast and lunch, then soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs.

I also like the range of scenery, from alpacas and llamas along the trail to turquoise, emerald-green, and deep blue water in the lagoons. The main caution is altitude. At more than 4,600 meters, this is not a casual stroll, even though one verified booking described the hike as less difficult than expected. Give yourself two or three days in Cusco first.

The schedule is long and coordination may need patience. One booking had a pickup confusion, with the vehicle arriving at 5:00 a.m. instead of the expected 4:20 to 4:40 window, and the guide changed from Antoni to John. Once underway, John was described as friendly and professional, and the driver handled the long roads well.

Key Points Before You Book

• The hike reaches more than 4,600 meters: Altitude, not technical climbing, is the main challenge.
• Seven lagoons fill the walking route: Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Q’omercocha each offer different colors and mountain views.
• Pacchanta adds a welcome finish: Hot springs and a local meal make the day more than a high-altitude hike.
• The full day runs about 12 hours: Pickup is around 4:00 a.m., with return to Cusco roughly between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
• The price is low, but the entrance fee is extra: The tour costs $35 per person, plus 30 soles for the lagoons and thermal baths.
• You need a reasonable fitness level: Comfortable hiking shoes, water, rain gear, sun protection, and warm trekking clothes matter here.

Leaving Cusco Before Sunrise

Pickup generally begins around 4:00 a.m. from your accommodation in Cusco. The agency is supposed to contact you one day before the outing, so keep your phone available and confirm the exact time, meeting point, guide name, and vehicle details.

That early departure is not a flaw in the schedule. Pacchanta is about three to three and a half hours away by van, and the walking portion takes several hours. If you want to see all seven lagoons and still return to Cusco the same day, the morning has to begin in darkness.

Still, allow for possible confusion. Pickup information was not handled well on one occasion, and several calls were needed to clarify the arrival time and guide. I would treat the stated pickup window as approximate and avoid planning anything important in Cusco that evening.

The drive is a major part of the day. You spend about three hours going to Pacchanta and another three hours returning, with the road time broken up by breakfast, hiking, lunch, and the thermal baths. Bring water, a small backpack, and anything you need to stay comfortable in a van for long stretches.

Breakfast in Pacchanta at 4,600 Meters

After the drive, you stop in the community of Pacchanta for a traditional Andean breakfast. The meal lasts about 30 minutes and gives you a chance to eat before the main physical effort.

This is more important than it sounds. Starting a high-altitude hike on only a cup of coffee is a bad plan, especially when the air is thin and the temperature can change quickly. Eat what you can, drink water, and use this pause to check your layers and footwear.

Pacchanta also gives you your first close look at the setting around Ausangate. Alpacas and llamas may be seen near the route, and the snow-capped mountain provides the visual backdrop for the day. The appeal here is not a single monument or viewpoint. It is the combination of open mountain country, grazing animals, cold air, and changing light.

The community prepares both breakfast and lunch. That gives the outing a more local feel than a trip built entirely around packaged food, though you should expect practical, basic meals rather than a restaurant-style feast.

Walking the Seven-Lagoon Trail

The hike from Pacchanta lasts about four to five hours in total, divided between the outward and return sections. The stated schedule allows about three hours and five minutes on the first part of the trail, 30 minutes at the lakes, and two hours walking back.

The route passes through high mountain scenery with views toward Ausangate. The trail’s difficulty is described as moderate to challenging, but the altitude is the key factor. A person who is comfortable hiking at sea level can still struggle here because each step demands more effort.

You will want sturdy hiking shoes, trekking pants, warm layers, and rain protection. Bring enough water and a few energy snacks. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat are essential because strong sun at high altitude can catch you off guard, even when the air feels cold.

The weather can shift, so rain gear belongs in your pack even if the morning begins clear. Comfortable clothes are useful during the van ride, but avoid treating this as a sightseeing outing where ordinary sneakers will do.

The trail is also a good reason to slow down. You are walking for views, not racing to finish. Keep your pace steady, listen to your guide, and tell the guide if you feel unwell. Headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual shortness of breath should not be brushed aside at this elevation.

The Seven Lagoons and Their Changing Colors

The day’s main reward is the series of seven lagoons associated with Ausangate. The route includes Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Q’omercocha.

The water colors can range from turquoise to emerald green, with each lagoon offering a different angle on the surrounding mountains. These colors are not guaranteed to look identical every day. Sun, cloud, weather, and viewing angle all affect what you see, so it is best to judge the outing by the whole set of views rather than expecting one exact shade from a photograph.

You have about 30 minutes for photo stops and free time at the seven lagoons. That is enough to take panoramic pictures and enjoy the setting, but it is not an unlimited photography session. If you use a camera, keep it ready before reaching the viewpoints and protect it from rain and sudden weather changes.

I would also bring a phone with extra battery power. The cold and long day can drain a battery, and the open views invite frequent photographs. Keep your attention on the trail as well. The scenery is broad and dramatic, but the high altitude deserves respect.

The lagoons are the strongest reason to book this trip. The hike gives you access to a remote-feeling mountain setting in one day from Cusco, without committing to a multiday trek. The tradeoff is that you pay for that convenience with a very early start, long road transfers, and a demanding walk.

Returning to Pacchanta for Lunch

After visiting the lagoons, you walk back to Pacchanta. The return section is scheduled for about two hours, shorter than the outward walk, and it gives tired legs a chance to settle into a steady rhythm.

Lunch follows, with about 40 minutes set aside for a typical Andean meal prepared by the local community. The food has been described as basic, tasty, and plentiful. That sounds about right for a day like this. You need fuel and a warm place to sit more than you need a polished dining room.

The meal is also part of the value of the trip. Your payment supports a route that includes local food service, rather than only covering transport and a guide. At this price, breakfast, lunch, pickup, and guiding make the outing a strong budget option, provided you understand that the day is physically demanding.

The 30 soles entrance charge for the lagoons and thermal baths is not included. Add it to the advertised price when working out your real cost. The extra fee is modest, but knowing about it beforehand prevents an unpleasant surprise when you are already tired.

Soaking at Pacchanta’s Thermal Baths

The hot springs in Pacchanta are scheduled after lunch, with about 30 minutes of free time. This is a short stop, but it may be the most welcome part of the afternoon.

The pools offer views toward the snow-capped Ausangate while you rest your legs in warm water. That contrast, cold high mountains outside and thermal water under you, gives the day a memorable finish.

Do not expect the hot springs to replace proper recovery. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and you still have the return drive afterward. Bring what you need to change into dry, comfortable clothes if possible, and keep your belongings organized before entering the pools.

The thermal baths also help explain why this route is popular. You get a physical challenge, striking scenery, local meals, and a simple way to rest afterward. Few day trips offer that mix for $35, even after adding the 30 soles entrance fee.

The Return to Cusco and the Real Cost of the Day

After the hot springs, you return by van to Cusco. The final drive takes about three hours, and the drop-off is near the historic center, with arrival generally between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

You should expect to feel tired. This is a 12-hour outing with roughly six hours of road time, several hours of walking, and a high-altitude setting. The schedule does not leave much room for delays, long meals, or extra stops.

At $35 per person, the tour offers good value if you want transportation, a guide, breakfast, lunch, and a first aid kit bundled together. An oxygen bottle is also listed among the inclusions, which is sensible for a route at this elevation. The guide speaks Spanish or English.

The value is less clear if your priority is comfort. The van rides are long, pickup can require confirmation, and the day leaves little spare time. You are paying for access to the seven lagoons without arranging transport, meals, route guidance, and the return trip yourself.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking less rigid. Those policies are useful if your Cusco plans are still changing, but they do not remove the need to prepare properly for altitude.

Who Should Take This Ausangate Day Trip?

I would recommend it to you if you have two or three acclimatization days in Cusco, enjoy long outdoor days, and want high Andean scenery without a multiday trek. It also suits budget-minded visitors who value included meals and transportation more than extra comfort.

You should think twice if you have not adjusted to altitude, dislike early departures, or prefer a relaxed sightseeing pace. The hike is moderate to challenging, and the lakes sit above 4,600 meters.

The outing is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart or respiratory conditions, or people with blood pressure concerns unless a doctor has cleared them. The stated restrictions also advise against participation for people over 65. Anyone with a medical condition should ask a doctor before booking.

The guide and driver can make a real difference. One outing had a stressful start because the pickup and guide information did not match, but guide John was described as professional once the trip began, and the driver was also praised for handling the route well. Confirming details the day before is the simplest way to reduce that risk.

What to Pack for the Seven Lagoons

Pack for sun, rain, cold, and sustained walking. A small, light backpack is better than a heavy one, since you carry it for several hours.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes with secure soles
• Water and energy snacks
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Rain gear
• Comfortable warm clothing
• Hiking pants
• Trekking gear
• Extra battery power for your phone or camera

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Avoid bringing anything that could interfere with your balance or judgment at high altitude.

Should You Book the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour?

Book it if you want a demanding but rewarding day in the high Andes, and if you have already adjusted to Cusco’s altitude. The seven lagoons, Ausangate views, alpacas and llamas, local meals, and Pacchanta hot springs create a full day for a very reasonable price.

Skip it if you need a short, gentle excursion or if you have medical concerns related to altitude, heart, breathing, or blood pressure. Also skip it if a loose pickup schedule would cause major stress.

My practical advice is simple: spend two or three days acclimatizing, confirm pickup and guide details the day before, carry water and rain gear, and budget the additional 30 soles entrance fee. If you accept the early start and long return drive, this is one of the better-value ways to see Ausangate’s high mountain scenery from Cusco.

FAQ

How long does the 7 Lakes of Ausangate tour last?

The full outing lasts about 12 hours, beginning around 4:00 a.m. and usually returning to Cusco between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is included from accommodations in Cusco. The final drop-off is near the historic center.

How high are the seven lagoons?

The lagoons are located at more than 4,600 meters above sea level.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike is rated moderate to challenging and takes about four to five hours in total.

How many lagoons will I visit?

The route visits seven lagoons: Comercocha, Patacocha, Alqacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Q’omercocha.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. A traditional Andean breakfast is served in Pacchanta before the hike.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A typical Andean lunch prepared by the local community is included.

Are the entrance fees included?

No. The entrance fee for the lagoons and thermal baths is 30 soles.

Does the tour include the hot springs?

Yes. The schedule includes free time at the Pacchanta thermal baths after the hike and lunch.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish and English.