Cusco is one of those places that rewards the early wake-up. This Day Trip to the 7 Ausangate Lagoons starts at 04:00 a.m., then takes you southeast toward the foot of Ausangate for a full day in a high-altitude natural setting. The real payoff is the series of lagoon colors, from red and blue tones to darker alpine hues, all with mountain views that keep changing as you walk.

I love how the itinerary mixes effort with timing. You get a restorative breakfast in the Pacchanta area, then you’re walking toward a viewpoint before you cover the lagoons themselves. My other big win is the included support: a professional guide, trekking sticks, oxygen, and a first aid kit make this feel less like a DIY slog and more like a guided mountain day.

One consideration: this is not a casual stroll. There’s a total of about 5 hours of walking (2 hours to the first viewpoint, then about 3 more to cover the lagoons), and it’s not suitable if you have low fitness, mobility limits, back problems, or respiratory issues.

Quick reasons this trip works for most people

• Seven lagoon names you can actually track: Superior, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Fembra, Roja, Ccomer, Azul, and Alqa.
• A viewpoint early in the day: You don’t wait hours just to see your first big panorama.
• Real walking time built in: Roughly 5 hours on foot, so you earn the photos.
• Included mountain comfort items: Trekking sticks, oxygen, and a first aid kit are part of the package.
• Lunch happens where the hike finishes: Less time shuffling and more time on trail.
• Optional thermo-medicinal waters: You can add Pacchanta community hot springs, with tickets not included.

Why the Ausangate lagoons feel different from other Cusco day trips

This isn’t the kind of Cusco outing where you hop out, snap a few pictures, and leave. You’re going southeast of the city of Cusco to the foot of Mount Ausangate, and the whole point is to move through the high mountain environment where the lagoons sit.

The lagoons themselves are the main event. You’ll be looking at a chain of lakes with distinct colors and names—Laguna Roja and Laguna Azul are the two most obvious color cues—but you also get the in-between shades as light changes. That means your best photos often come not just from one spot, but from different angles along the walk.

And then there’s the ride. The transport from Cusco to the Pacchanta area matters because it sets you up for a full day without having to plan buses, taxis, or trail logistics. For a one-day trip, that’s a big value.

The 04:00 a.m. pickup and Pacchanta breakfast that keeps you sane

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco at 04:00 a.m. and head toward Pacchanta. Yes, it’s early. But the early start is what makes it possible to fit in the long walk plus lunch and still get you back to Cusco afterward.

In Pacchanta, you’ll have breakfast. It’s not a fancy “brunch” situation—you’re eating to fuel the hike—so keep it practical. You’ll want energy before you start walking, especially if you’re adjusting to altitude and want to avoid feeling heavy early in the day.

This is also where your day becomes more than a drive. Once breakfast is done, you’ll begin the walk toward your first major viewpoint. That transition—food, then movement—is what makes the schedule feel workable instead of chaotic.

The 2-hour walk to the first viewpoint

The first walking segment is about 2 hours to reach a viewpoint where you can see the seven lagoons. That’s a smart design. You don’t just arrive at the area and get sent straight into the longest stretch. You get a chance to orient yourself visually first.

When you reach the viewpoint, your job is simple: take in the layout. As you later walk the route and revisit different lagoons by name, having that first wide view helps everything click. The lagoon colors also shift depending on cloud cover and sun angle, so this first panorama can look different from what you’ll see later on the trail.

You’ll also be using trekking sticks, which are included. That matters on mountain paths where footing may be uneven. Even if you’re a confident hiker, sticks can take pressure off knees and help you keep a steady pace.

Walking the loop of 7 lagoons: what each name tells you

After the viewpoint, the hike continues for about 3 more hours, covering a large part of the lagoon area and ending back in Pacchanta at the starting point where you’ll have lunch.

Here’s what to look for, based on the named lagoons you’ll visit on the route:

• Laguna Superior: Usually the first one people try to identify from a distance. Keep an eye out for how its color changes as you get closer and the shoreline angle shifts.
• Otorongo Macho and Otorongo Fembra: These pair names are distinctive, and they’re a good way to anchor your memory of the route. When the guide points them out, treat it like a checkpoint system.
• Laguna Roja: The name is a clue. You’ll likely notice red or reddish-brown tones more clearly here, especially when the water reflects less bright light.
• Laguna Ccomer: This one may feel less obvious at first glance. Don’t worry—often the value is in the progression: the more lagoons you see, the easier it is to notice small differences.
• Laguna Azul: Again, the name helps. The blue tones often look striking in photos, but what’s more interesting in person is how the water reads under different light.
• Laguna Alqa: If you keep track of the sequence, this becomes your “last landmark” before lunch. Use it as a mental cue for how much farther you still have.

The bigger point: this walk is about variety. Even if you’re thinking only about photos, the experience is better when you pay attention to how the route changes your view. Different lagoons appear and disappear as the trail curves, and the light can make the same lagoon look totally different at two different moments.

Lunch in Pacchanta and the optional thermo-medicinal waters

Lunch happens at the Pacchanta starting point, after the walking segments. This is another practical piece. You’re not hunting for food after the hike; you’re eating where the route finishes, so you can recharge without adding extra time pressure.

There’s also an option to visit the populated center of Pacchanta and its thermo-medicinal waters. This can be a great add-on if you want a slower moment after the hike. Just know that entrance tickets to hot springs are not included, so you’ll want some cash on hand for that extra cost.

Even if you skip the hot springs, the lunch stop still gives you a solid reset: sit, eat, and let your legs cool down before the ride back to Cusco.

Price and value: what $40 actually buys you

At about $40 per person for a full day, the value is mostly in what’s included rather than what’s extra.

Included items you’ll feel during the trip:

• Pickup and round-trip transport from your hotel area in Cusco
• Breakfast and lunch
• Professional guide
• Trekking sticks
• Oxygen
• First aid kit

For a long day that starts at 04:00 a.m. and includes hours of hiking, those inclusions matter. You’re not paying to assemble the pieces yourself, and you’re not left to guess about basic safety or comfort items.

The one notable exclusion is entrance tickets to the hot springs (if you choose to go). So think of the $40 as the “core day” price, and the thermo-medicinal waters as a potential add-on.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This trip is best for people who:

• can handle a full day and roughly 5 hours of walking total,
• are comfortable hiking on uneven mountain terrain,
• want a nature-focused outing near Cusco rather than another city-style tour.

It’s not a good match if you:

• are pregnant,
• have back problems,
• have mobility impairments,
• have respiratory issues,
• have low fitness,
• or are traveling with children under 8 years.

If you’re on the fence, be honest about your hiking stamina. The early start is only part of it. The more important factor is whether you can sustain a steady pace over hours.

Practical packing and trail basics that help you enjoy it

This is a “bring the right gear” day. From the practical list, I’d treat these as non-negotiables:

• Comfortable shoes plus hiking shoes
• Hiking pants
• A camera
• Cash (useful for extras like hot spring tickets)
• Passport or ID card

A couple trail habits make a big difference:

• Wear shoes you trust on uneven ground. You’ll thank yourself after the first viewpoint when the route continues.
• Dress for changing temperature. Mountain mornings can feel sharp, and afternoons can feel different—layers help even if the guide doesn’t say so explicitly.
• Bring your attention. The route relies on following the guide and learning lagoon names; if you’re rushing, you’ll miss the fun of tracking Laguna Superior to Alqa.

Also note what you shouldn’t bring: weapons or sharp objects, and no alcohol or drugs.

How the guide and language options shape the experience

You’ll have a live tour guide in English or Spanish. That helps a lot on a route like this, because lagoon names and timing matter. When the guide points out each named lagoon, you can match what you’re seeing to the labels—Laguna Roja, Laguna Ccomer, and so on—and your photos become more meaningful.

There’s also oxygen included. You’re not expected to take it as a ritual. But having it available gives peace of mind, especially for people who get winded easily at altitude.

Quick booking tips so the day goes smoothly

A few “know this now” items can prevent headaches:

• You must reserve one day before the tour.
• You should provide your hotel name for pickup.
• The info also says you must contact the emergency number after booking, which likely ties to confirming details. Follow it so your morning pickup is trouble-free.

Pickup is from the hotel lobby, and you’ll be expected to be ready.

Should you book this Cusco day trip to the 7 Ausangate Lagoons?

If you want a short trip that still feels real—walking into the mountain scenery, seeing multiple lagoon colors, and finishing with lunch in Pacchanta—then yes, this one is worth your time. The biggest strengths are the included logistics (transport, guide, meals) and the built-in mountain support (oxygen and trekking sticks).

If you prefer low-effort sightseeing, or you have any concerns about long walking, altitude comfort, or health limits, I’d skip it and choose a gentler day tour instead. This is a hike day first, a scenic day second.

My practical rule: book it if you can confidently do 5 hours of walking and you’re excited by lagoon colors and named landmarks. Skip it if you’re hoping for something easy and flexible.

FAQ

What time is pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is at 04:00 a.m. from your hotel lobby in Cusco.

How long is the tour?

It’s a 1-day experience with walking segments adding up to about 5 hours, plus transport and meals.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is included in the Pacchanta area, and lunch is served at the starting point in Pacchanta after the hike.

Are the thermo-medicinal waters included?

Visiting the Pacchanta community and its thermo-medicinal waters is optional, but entrance tickets to hot springs are not included.

Which languages are available for the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?

No. It is not suitable for children under 8 years old or for pregnant women, and it’s also not recommended for people with back problems, mobility impairments, respiratory issues, or low fitness.