Seven lakes, one very long day. This one-day Cusco adventure sends you toward Ausangate and its 7 lagoons for big high-Andes scenery, wildlife along the way, and the kind of stillness you don’t usually get near Peru’s biggest sights. I especially like how the day builds in real pacing for altitude (including oxygen and trekking rods), and how the lakes feel peaceful and untouched. One thing to consider up front: the day starts extremely early, and you’ll want layers, sunscreen, and a moderate fitness level because you can be in strong sun with limited shade.

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation and shuttled out in private transport, with a buffet-style breakfast in Pacchanta Baja. Then the main work is a hike that culminates in the seven lagoon viewpoints, followed by an optional soak in hot springs at Aguas Termales Pacchanta and a lunch before you’re driven back to Cusco.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Small group size (maximum 15) means less crowding at the viewpoints
• Early start is part of the deal, not an afterthought, so you get more calm conditions
• Oxygen and trekking rods included give you practical support for thin air and uneven ground
• Seven lagoons in one day lets you compare colors and moods without planning a multi-day trek
• Hot springs stop is optional, so you can choose recovery or keep moving at your pace
• Private transportation from Cusco keeps the day focused on the hiking, not logistics

Ausangate’s Seven Lagoons: why this feels different from a typical day tour

Cusco has no shortage of day trips. This one stands out for how “real” the Andes feel once you’re moving. The route takes you past working countryside where you might see wild birds, llamas, and people herding sheep. That matters, because you’re not just walking through scenery—you’re walking through a lived-in high-altitude region.

The lakes themselves are the main event. They’re famous for their shifting colors, from deep turquoise tones to greener hues, which means each stop can look slightly different depending on light and weather. Add in the constant backdrop of the snow-covered Ausangate area, and the views don’t feel like a single postcard shot. They feel like you’re slowly walking through a whole series of them.

The schedule: expect an early start and a full 15-hour day

This is about 15 hours total, and you should plan your day around that. One review note that pickup can be around 4 a.m., which makes sense given the distance and the time it takes to reach the lagoon area before conditions change.

A long day like this has a rhythm:

• Morning: transport out of Cusco, then breakfast to fuel the climb
• Midday: the hike to the seven lagoons
• Afternoon: optional hot springs, then lunch
• Evening: return to Cusco and drop-off back at the meeting point

If you’re someone who likes to wake up late and wander slowly, this probably isn’t your best match. If you like early starts, steady effort, and earning the views, you’ll probably enjoy it.

Pacchanta Baja breakfast: real calories before thin-air hiking

Your first major stop is Pacchanta Baja, where you get a rich breakfast buffet after pickup and transport. In practical terms, this is the most important meal of the day. At high altitude, your body works harder just to keep moving, and breakfast gives you a buffer before the longest walking stretch.

It’s also one of the “comfort anchors” of the tour: you’re not dropped into the hike immediately. The plan gives you time to settle in, eat well, and get your layers sorted before you start gaining altitude.

The hike to the 7 lagoons: colors, weather shifts, and a guide who keeps you steady

After breakfast, the hiking portion begins. The total walking time for this section is about 6 hours, with around 2.5 hours before you reach the point where you can see the seven lagoons.

This is where the included gear matters. Trekking rods can reduce strain on knees and help you keep balance on uneven ground. Oxygen is also included, which is a real reassurance if altitude is your biggest worry. The goal isn’t to make the hike feel easy—it’s to help you last longer and feel more controlled.

What you’ll likely notice on the trail

• Limited shade: one review specifically mentioned almost no shade, so sun protection is not optional
• Fast weather changes: you’ll want layers because the temperature can shift quickly at elevation
• Wildlife and local life: expect occasional surprises like birds or livestock in the distance
• Steady effort over speed: the better your pacing, the better the day feels

The lakes are not all the same. Each stop gives you a different color and texture impression. That’s why this is so memorable: you don’t just hit one viewpoint and leave. You move, pause, and compare.

Hot springs at Aguas Termales Pacchanta: optional recovery for tired legs

Once you finish the lagoon route and return from the hike, the day includes time at Aguas Termales Pacchanta for hot springs. This stop is optional, so you can choose to soak or keep your energy for the ride back.

If you do the hot springs, it’s a smart way to manage fatigue after a long day in altitude and uneven terrain. If you’d rather skip it, you’re still getting lunch afterward and the tour still ends back in Cusco.

The hot springs admission is included, so you’re not scrambling for extra payments mid-day.

Included extras that make the $70 price feel more reasonable

At $70 per person, you’re paying for more than just the hike. The value comes from the bundle:

• Private transportation
• Breakfast and lunch
• Trekking rods
• Oxygen
• Admission coverage for the lagoon/hot spring portions

Also, this tour is a popular one in the Cusco scene. It’s often booked about 97 days in advance on average. That’s a clue: if you’re traveling in high season or around busy holidays, you’ll want to lock it in early rather than waiting for the last minute.

What costs extra (and how to think about it)

Two items are not included:

• Tips
• Horses

Horses aren’t part of the standard package. If you know you need an alternate way to get over steep or rocky stretches, plan ahead rather than assuming it will be arranged on the spot.

Tips are always personal, but if you want a smoother decision at the end, I suggest you decide your tip range early so you aren’t doing math when you’re cold and tired.

Group size and pacing: why max 15 matters on the best viewing stops

Maximum 15 travelers is a sweet spot. It keeps things from turning into a stampede at viewpoints and helps the guide manage the group through altitude and trail conditions.

Pacing is also a big deal on this route. Several comments emphasize that the hike is challenging at elevation, but the day feels more doable when the guide keeps the tempo right. The included oxygen and rods support that pacing. You still need to work, but you’re not just thrown into the deep end.

What to pack (based on the conditions you’ll actually face)

You’ll be at altitude in sun, and you’ll hike for hours. Plan for conditions that change during the day.

Bring:

• Layers (warm gear for mornings, lighter layers for later)
• Sunscreen (and reapply if you stop often)
• A camera (snowy mountain backdrops and color-changing lagoons are real photo fuel)
• Sturdy footwear for uneven ground
• Anything you need for altitude comfort (the tour provides oxygen, but you still control your personal readiness)

If you’re thinking about comfort, also consider a small day pack for the hike portion so you aren’t juggling things while walking.

Who this tour suits best

This one-day Ausangate option is best for:

• People with moderate physical fitness
• Those who want a big high-Andes day without committing to a multi-day trek
• Nature lovers who care about wildlife and local life, not just scenic photos
• Anyone who likes a guided experience with support for altitude

It may be less ideal if you:

• Have very limited stamina (because you’re committing to a long day)
• Hate early wake-ups and strong sun with little shade
• Expect a relaxed sightseeing drive more than a hiking day

Should you book the 7 Lakes Ausangate One Day tour?

I think this is a strong choice if you want one focused day to see Ausangate’s lagoon colors, experience the quiet countryside feel, and get real support for altitude. The combination of oxygen, trekking rods, and private transport makes the $70 price feel grounded, not inflated.

Book it if you’re comfortable with a physically demanding day and can handle the early start. Skip it if your idea of a day trip is mostly comfort and minimal walking. And if you’re on the fence, pay attention to the conditions: limited shade and fast weather shifts mean your preparation matters as much as the tour itself.

FAQ

How long is the Tour 7 Lakes Ausangate One Day?

It lasts about 15 hours.

Where does the tour start and where do you end?

The tour starts at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Private transportation, breakfast, lunch, trekking rods, and oxygen are included.

Is the hot springs stop included, and is it optional?

Yes, admission for Aguas Termales Pacchanta is included, and the hot springs bathing stop is optional.

Do I need moderate physical fitness for this tour?

Yes. The tour is for people with a moderate physical fitness level.

When should I expect to be picked up?

Expect an early start; one provided experience note mentions pickup around 4 a.m.

Can I change or get a refund if my plans change?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.