Cusco’s seven-lagoon day has the wow-factor early. You’ll head out from Cusco at about 4:30 and spend the day walking with views of the snow-capped Ausangate mountain, passing through a nature-rich area with lagoons in startling colors. I especially like how the day mixes scenery with real movement—about 10 km on foot—and how you get a payoff afterward with Pacchanta’s hot springs and a proper lunch. One thing to consider: the van can feel tight, since the ride is done in a very small vehicle.

This tour runs rain or shine, so you’re not “shopping for perfect weather.” You’ll start with breakfast in Pacchanta, then hike lagoon to lagoon, then soak and eat before heading back to Cusco around 7:00 pm. Because it’s not a horseback tour and horses aren’t included, it’s best if you’re comfortable walking and staying steady on a long day.

Key points at a glance

• Ausangate views from the hike: you’re out under big mountain scenery from the start.
• About 10 km of walking: plan for a full day on your feet, not a short stroll.
• Pacchanta breakfast, hot springs, lunch: food and recovery are built into the schedule.
• Small group size (up to 15): easier navigation and less crowd pressure on the trail.
• Entrance fees are extra: plan for the 7-lagoon entry and optional thermal baths.

Why the Ausangate seven-lagoon route feels worth it

If you like dramatic mountain scenery, this is a strong day. You’re specifically visiting the seven lagoons connected to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, so the whole hike keeps pointing you back toward that “how is this real?” view.

I also like that the tour isn’t just about checking off water. The route goes through an environment described for its flora and fauna, which means you’ll likely notice more than just the water’s color—look for small details in plants and the way the area changes as you climb and move between lagoons.

The other part I appreciate is the structure of the day. It’s not a rush-and-vanish situation. You hike, you pause around the lagoons, and then you get time to relax in Pacchanta’s thermal medicinal waters before lunch. That recovery piece matters when you’ve walked a full loop.

The 4:30 pickup and what Pacchanta breakfast sets up

Pickup starts at about 4:30 from selected areas in Cusco, preferably the historical center. If you’ve ever tried to do a morning tour and ended up playing catch-up, you’ll like that this is planned like a proper expedition: early start, then steady activity.

You’ll head to the community of Pacchanta and have breakfast there, which is a practical move. It means you’re not trying to “perform” on a half-finished morning stomach. After breakfast, the hike begins from that point, and the day has a clear rhythm: walk, visit lagoon, continue, then return.

One small practical note: you’ll want to be ready for a very long day of walking. The more comfortable you are on your feet at the start, the more you’ll enjoy the views when the trail stretches out.

Walking the 10 km circuit: 7 lagoons and the best way to enjoy them

This is the heart of the experience: a hike around 10 km where you visit the first lagoon and keep going until you’ve seen all seven lagoons. The tour includes walking sticks, which tells you this route expects real time on uneven ground.

What should you do while you’re walking? Don’t just look at the water—watch the way the mountain presence changes as you move. On a day like this, the vista isn’t one single postcard photo. It’s a set of changing angles: the snowy peak in the background, the lagoon color in the foreground, and the way the terrain frames both.

Also, keep your expectations realistic. Seven lagoons means you’ll be busy. You’ll get time to enjoy the area, but this isn’t a slow wildlife safari. If you want to take photos, start with smart patience: shoot, then keep walking so you don’t lose the best light by staring at one spot too long.

Horses aren’t part of this plan

Horses aren’t included, which is important. This tour is designed for people who are happy to hike. If you’re aiming for an “easy day,” you may find the distance and pacing more than you bargained for.

Thermal medicinal waters and lunch: the payoff after the hike

After you finish the lagoon circuit, you return to Pacchanta. Then comes the part that makes the long hike easier to take: hot springs in the community of Pacchanta, described as thermal medicinal waters.

This is where you’ll likely feel the value of the day’s pacing. If your legs are tired, the timing is on purpose—you’ve already done the work, so relaxing is the focus, not waiting around for the next step.

Lunch follows the hot springs, and I like that it’s included. It keeps you from having to find food on the fly after a big hike. Even better, the tour includes a professional guide and a first aid kit, which adds comfort for a day that takes you away from Cusco and into outdoor terrain.

Price and value: what $43 really buys (and what costs extra)

At $43 per person, this tour is priced like a solid full-day outing: round-trip transportation, pickup in selected areas, breakfast, a professional guide, lunch, walking sticks, and a first aid kit are included. For a day that runs from early morning to about 7:00 pm, that’s a lot of logistics handled for you.

Two extra costs matter:

• Entrance to the 7 lagoons costs $5 USD or 15 soles (not included).
• Entrance to the thermal baths is also not included.

So the “true cost” depends on how much you care about paying for each included experience versus optional add-ons. If you only pay the lagoon entrance and skip any extra thermal bath charges beyond what’s arranged in the program, your total will land just above the base price. If you want to fully enjoy the thermal part and there are extra fees for entry, budget a bit more.

If you’re comparing options, don’t just compare sticker price. This one includes a guide, sticks, and food—those are real costs you’d otherwise pay separately.

Logistics that affect your comfort: van size, weather, and group pace

This tour runs rain or shine. That’s not a small detail. On a long outdoor day, weather changes the feel of the trail. You can’t assume it’ll be dry and easy just because the morning looks good.

The other comfort factor is the van. One downside that stands out is that the van can be very small, and seating may feel tight—like you’re sitting rather than settling in. If you’re sensitive to cramped rides, consider that upfront so you don’t end up annoyed before the hike even begins.

Good news: the group is capped at 15 participants and you’ll have a live guide (English and Spanish). Smaller groups tend to move more smoothly, especially when you’re trying to keep an eye on everyone’s pace across a long route.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This is a good fit if you want a full-day active outing with big payoff views. It’s also a strong choice if you like small-group travel and appreciate a guide who can help you stay oriented during a day that’s mostly outdoors.

It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with respiratory issues

You should also plan on comfortable shoes. The only specific footwear instruction here is comfort, but you’ll feel the meaning of that on a ~10 km hike. Bring an ID card or passport, too.

Should you book the Cusco 7 lagoons day with Chullos Tours?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, well-paced “walk to the views” day that includes breakfast, lunch, transportation, and a guided visit to all seven lagoons tied to Ausangate. The big strengths for me are the Ausangate scenery, the natural setting, and the fact that the day ends with Pacchanta hot springs rather than just dragging you back to Cusco.

I would think twice if cramped vehicles would bother you, since the van can be small and seating can feel tight. And if you’re hoping for a short walk or a completely low-effort day, you may want a gentler alternative, because this is built around about 10 km on foot.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys getting out early, walking with a purpose, and then rewarding yourself afterward, this one is a strong candidate for your Cusco time.

FAQ

What time is pickup from Cusco?

Pickup is at approximately 4:30 from selected areas in Cusco (preferably the historical center).

How far do you hike?

The walking route is approximately 10 km and includes visits to all seven lagoons.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Breakfast is included and served when you reach the community of Pacchanta before the hike starts.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes pickup in selected areas, round-trip transportation, breakfast, a professional guide, lunch, a first aid kit, and walking sticks.

Are the 7-lagoon entrance fees included?

No. Entrance to the 7 lagoons costs 5 USD or 15 soles and is not included.

Are the thermal baths included?

No. Entrance to the thermal baths is not included.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.