Turquoise lagoons at 4,000+ meters can look unreal. This day gives you unreal-color lakes in the Vilcanota range, then adds a high-altitude soak in hot springs near Ausangate.

I also really like the human side: you’re welcomed into a local family home in Pacchanta for breakfast and you eat foods grown in the area.

The main catch is food quality. The breakfast and lunch buffet can feel simple, so if you’re picky, plan to bring a snack just in case.

Key highlights you’ll remember

• Ausangate-fed lagoons with colors that are hard to believe until you see them in person
• Pacchanta homestay breakfast with Andean ingredients and a real sense of place
• A first hike that’s the toughest part (about 1.5 hours) at high altitude
• Seven lakes, multiple stops, and lots of photo time without feeling rushed
• Hot springs are optional and short (about 40 minutes), so plan for cold after
• Trekking pole + safety gear (first-aid kit and oxygen bottle) included for peace of mind

From Cusco to Pacchanta: why the drive matters

This tour runs as a long, scenic day from Cusco—about 15 hours total, starting early. You’ll head south for roughly three hours, rolling past villages and everyday life in the Andes. It’s not just a transfer. The road acts like a slow warm-up for what you’re coming to see.

You’ll also pass through Ccatcca, where traditional dress still shows up in daily routines. Seeing that on the way gives the day more meaning than a pure nature outing. The scenery is strong, but it’s the people and routine that make it feel grounded.

The breakfast stop in a Pacchanta home

Around more than 4,000 meters, you reach Pacchanta, where a local family welcomes you in for breakfast. This is one of my favorite parts of the day because it turns the trip into something more personal than a standard sightseeing checklist.

You’ll have breakfast made with Andean ingredients, and you’ll learn more about the place before you head toward the Vilcanota mountain range. That matters because it frames the lakes as local resources tied to the region’s glacier-fed environment, not just pretty spots on a map.

Tip: altitude can make your appetite strange at first. Eat what you can, sip water, and don’t wait until you’re already tired to fuel up.

Ausangate views before you start walking

Once you’re in the mountain area, you get your first big payoff: views of Ausangate, the spectacular glacier that feeds the “boiling lagoons” you’ll visit. You don’t need a geology degree to understand the drama here. The glacier and the surrounding peaks set the mood instantly.

Then you begin the walking segment. Expect it to feel like a workout, even if you’re an active person. This is not a casual stroll—your body will notice the altitude right away.

The first hike: the toughest 1.5 hours

The itinerary builds its effort early. The first hike takes about 1.5 hours to reach the first lagoon, and it’s described as the most strenuous part of the whole adventure.

At these elevations, “strenuous” means your breathing may change sooner than your legs do. I’d plan your pace like you’re saving energy for the day, not trying to win a hike. You’ll likely feel better if you:

• move steadily instead of fast
• take short rests if needed
• keep sipping water, even if you’re not thirsty

Also, you’ll have trekking poles provided. Use them. They can help with balance on uneven ground and reduce stress on your knees during the uphill effort and during any uneven descents.

Lake Comercocha and Alqacocha: the color shock

After the first lagoon, you move through the heart of the lake circuit. Two of the best-known stops are Comercocha and Alqacocha, described as green and turquoise lakes at the foot of the glacier.

This is the moment where people usually stop thinking about the hike and start focusing on the view. The colors here look almost staged, but they’re not. The water and sky combination plus glacier-fed conditions can create shades that feel unrealistic until you’re standing there.

Practical note: if you bring a camera, plan for quick shots. You’ll want photos, but you’ll also want time to just look. This is one of those places where you don’t need to rush to prove to yourself it’s real.

The rest of the seven lakes: Patacocha, Otorongococha, Azulcocha

On the way back toward Pacchanta, you pass more lagoons, including Patacocha, Otorongococha, and Azulcocha. This portion is more about taking in the changing views than pushing hard physically.

You’ll have time for photos during the return stretch. From the time you arrive at the first lagoon until you get back to the restaurant area, plan on about 2.5 hours total for the lake circuit and photography time. That balance is nice: enough walking to earn the views, and enough pause time to actually absorb what you’re seeing.

If you’re sensitive to cold, remember that your body may feel different once you stop moving. Warm layers matter.

Lunch buffet: local ingredients, but manage expectations

After you return to the host family home, you’ll have a delicious buffet lunch featuring locally grown natural products. This part fits the day’s theme: the lakes connect to the glacier, and the meals connect to the land.

That said, the food experience isn’t uniform. Some people find the meals basic or plain in taste and structure, especially when it comes to the buffet style. If you’re the type who needs strong flavor or hates bland starches, bring a snack you like for emergencies.

Also, keep in mind that after a high-altitude hike, your tastes can shift. What might sound boring on paper can be totally satisfying when you’re tired and hungry.

Hot springs at altitude: optional, time-limited, and chilly after

After lunch, you’ll get about 40 minutes to visit the hot springs. This part is optional, so you should bring a swimsuit if you want the option to soak.

Hot springs at this altitude are worth considering, but they come with a reality check. The warm water may relax you, and then stepping out into cooler mountain air can feel harsh. Bring a towel (if you have one in your day bag), keep your layers easy to change into, and give yourself a minute to warm back up after you’re done.

Entrance to the hot springs is not included (listed as PEN 5.00), so budget that extra cost if you plan to use them.

Price and logistics: is $38 good value?

At about $38 per person, this tour is priced like a full-day package: long transport from Cusco, a professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish), a breakfast plus lunch buffet, and a shared trekking setup with trekking poles. That’s often where value hides on these longer days.

Extra costs are relatively small but real:

• Entrance fee for the lakes: PEN 20.00
• Hot springs entrance: PEN 5.00

So yes, you should expect to pay a bit more than the headline price once you’re there.

The bigger “value” part is timing and support. You’re not just driving to viewpoints. You get a structured lake circuit, a homestay meal experience, and built-in safety items like first-aid equipment and an oxygen bottle.

What to pack for a high-altitude, cold day

Bring gear that helps you stay comfortable on the ground and while you’re walking. The essentials listed are:

• Comfortable shoes
• Warm clothing (temperatures can be low)
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Camera

A couple of common-sense add-ons you might consider, even though they weren’t listed: a light snack for taste preference and a warm hat. At high elevation, the cold can sneak up fast when the sun shifts.

Also plan for the fact that the day starts early. If you’re used to sleeping in during trips, this one will remind you that the Andes don’t care about your schedule.

Who should book, and who should skip

This day trip is best for people who can handle altitude and a moderate-to-challenging hike. If you’re in good health and your walking stamina is solid, you’ll likely enjoy the mix of trekking and major-view payoff.

It’s not suitable for:

• children under 2
• pregnant women
• people with pre-existing medical conditions

Altitude matters here because the route includes areas over 4,000 meters. If you have any medical concerns, treat this as a “talk to a professional first” situation rather than a try-it-and-see trip.

Should you book the Cusco 7 Lakes + hot springs day?

I’d book this if you want a full-day Ausangate lake experience with more than just scenery. The homestay breakfast in Pacchanta, the glacier context from the Vilcanota area, and the sheer visual impact of Comercocha and Alqacocha make this the kind of outing that sticks in your memory.

I’d think twice if you have a sensitive palate and hate bland buffet food. You can still enjoy the lakes, but you might want a backup snack so the meal part doesn’t ruin your day.

If you’re okay with early mornings, high altitude, and short hot springs time, this is a strong choice for seeing the real Andean high-country rhythm in one long, well-structured day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 15 hours total.

Do I get picked up in Cusco?

Yes. Pickup is included from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco, and the day ends near Plaza del Regocijo in the city center.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and Spanish.

What altitude will I be at?

You’ll visit areas over 4,000 meters above sea level, including the Pacchanta area.

Are meals included?

Yes. You get a breakfast and a lunch buffet during the day.

What entrance fees are extra?

Entrance fees are not included for the lakes (PEN 20.00). Hot springs entrance is also extra (PEN 5.00).

Is the hot springs visit included?

The hot springs visit is optional, with about 40 minutes available. Bring a swimsuit if you want to go.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or people with pre-existing medical conditions.