Exploring the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate: A Detailed Review of the Cusco Day Trip

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure to experience some of the most striking scenery in the Peruvian Andes, the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate Hiking Day Trip offers a rewarding mix of natural beauty, culture, and physical activity. For just $31 per person, this tour packs in a lot—visiting vibrant villages, hiking past turquoise lagoons, and relaxing in warm thermal springs—all with the impressive backdrop of Ausangate, one of Peru’s most spectacular snow-capped peaks.

What we love about this trip is how it combines a manageable hike with authentic local experiences. You get to start your day with a hearty breakfast in a family home, which really helps you connect with local traditions. Later, you’ll enjoy the stunning vistas from the Ninaparayoc viewpoint and take dips in natural hot springs that soothe your muscles after a vigorous hike. The chance to see colorful local costumes in Ccatcca adds that extra authentic touch.

A consideration worth noting is the high altitude—more than 4,000 meters—so this trip isn’t suited for everyone, especially if you’re prone to altitude sickness. Also, the hike can be moderate to challenging, so good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, want to see stunning mountain landscapes, and don’t mind a bit of physical exertion. It’s perfect for those curious about local culture, as well as anyone eager for a memorable day outside Cusco’s bustling streets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Spectacular Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of Ausangate and turquoise lagoons.
Authentic Cultural Stops: Visit a local family’s home and see traditional costumes in Ccatcca.
Hearty Meals: Includes breakfast and lunch featuring Andean ingredients.
Relaxing Hot Springs: End your day soaking in natural thermal waters.
Moderate to Challenging Hike: About 3.5 hours ascent to Ninaparayoc viewpoint.
All-Inclusive Value: For $31, transportation, guides, meals, and entrance fees are covered.

While in Cusco, here are other experiences we've covered

The Journey: What to Expect on the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate Day Trip

Starting early in Cusco, your day begins with a pickup from one of over 40 designated locations—whether from your hotel or a central spot like Plaza Regocijo. From there, a comfortable van transports you through the stunning Andean landscape, passing through quaint villages that reveal daily life in the highlands.

The drive itself is scenic, with views of traditional homes, locals in vibrant clothing, and the interoceanic highway connecting Peru and Brazil. Your first stop is in Ccatcca, a small town where you’ll get a glimpse of regional customs and take a stroll through its narrow streets and lively square.

Continuing to the village of Pacchanta, you’ll meet a welcoming local family who will invite you into their home for a nutritious breakfast featuring local ingredients. This is a genuine highlight—sharing a meal with a Peruvian family adds a special touch of authenticity often missing in more commercial experiences.

Once fueled up, you’ll head to the Vilcanota Mountain Range, where the snow-capped Ausangate looms in the background. From this vantage point, you’ll start your hike, which is about 3.5 hours uphill to reach the Ninaparayoc viewpoint. Along the way, you’ll pass by Lagoons like Comercocha and Alqacocha, with their vivid green and turquoise waters, set at the foot of the Callangate glacier.

The views from the summit are truly awe-inspiring, offering sweeping panoramas of jagged peaks and shimmering lakes—a critical moment for photography and reflection. On the way back down, you’ll encounter more lagoons—Patacocha, Otorongococha, and Azulcocha—each with its own unique colors and character.

After the hike, you’ll return to Pacchanta for a hearty buffet lunch, emphasizing local flavors and ingredients. Then, it’s time to unwind at the thermal springs—a perfect way to relax tired muscles amid natural surroundings before heading back to Cusco.

Throughout the day, guides are attentive, knowledgeable, and fluent in both Spanish and English, enhancing your understanding of the landscape and local traditions.

The Highlights and Why They Matter

Breathtaking Views: The high-altitude vistas of Ausangate and the surrounding lagoons are what make this trip stand out. The contrast of turquoise lakes against snow and mountain peaks creates perfect photo opportunities and a sense of awe that sticks with you.

Cultural Encounters: Visiting Ccatcca and sharing breakfast in Pacchanta offers a window into highland life—something you can’t get from a bus or a museum. Seeing locals in traditional dress and engaging with their everyday environment adds depth to your experience.

Gastronomic Experience: The included meals are more than just fuel—they showcase Andean ingredients and cooking styles. We loved the hearty breakfast with local bread and the generous buffet lunch, which helped us recharge after the vigorous hike.

Relaxation in Hot Springs: The thermal waters at Pacchanta are naturally warm and peaceful, a lovely reward after a demanding morning trek. Many reviews highlight how soothing this experience is, especially after altitude gains.

Physical Challenge with Reward: The hike’s moderate level might be strenuous for some, but the views and sense of achievement make it worthwhile. Proper footwear and acclimatization are advised, especially given the elevation.

Critical Factors and Practical Tips

The price of $31 is a solid value considering the included transportation, meals, guide, and entrance fees. It’s a budget-friendly way to access some of Peru’s most stunning natural scenery.

The duration—a full day—means you’ll want to start early and be prepared for a long but rewarding experience. The tour’s logistics are well-organized, with clear pickup points and a small-group atmosphere, which helps keep things personal and flexible.

Altitude is a key consideration. At over 4,000 meters, some travelers might experience symptoms like headache or nausea. It’s wise to hydrate well, wear warm clothing, and listen to your body.

The hike is approximately 3.5 hours to the viewpoint, with some ascent involved. The terrain varies from well-trodden paths to uneven ground, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. If you have any physical limitations or are pregnant, this might not be suitable.

What to bring includes comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. The tour providers suggest bringing a swimsuit for the thermal springs, which many travelers find enjoyable.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for active travelers who want an authentic, scenic experience with cultural highlights. If you’re comfortable hiking at high altitude and eager to see turquoise lagoons against towering peaks, this will be a memorable day for you. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate local culture—sharing breakfast with a family, seeing traditional clothing, and enjoying regional food.

However, if you are pregnant, traveling with very young children, or have heart problems, the altitude and physical demands might be a concern. Also, those seeking a relaxed, non-strenuous day might prefer a different activity.

Love the outdoors? Here are other hiking experiences we've covered in Cusco

Final Thoughts

The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate tour offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and physical activity—all at a surprisingly affordable price. It encapsulates what many travelers seek when venturing into the Andes: stunning landscapes, genuine local encounters, and a sense of achievement.

While the high altitude and challenging hike might not suit everyone, those who are prepared will find this trip to be an unforgettable highlight of their Cusco visit. The chance to enjoy panoramic views, relax in thermal springs, and taste authentic Andean cuisine makes this a well-rounded adventure that respects both the environment and the local communities.

For active travelers eager to see Peru’s vibrant mountain scenery and connect with local traditions, this tour delivers on both fronts—an authentic, beautiful, and satisfying day out.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 8 years due to the high altitude and physical demands of the hike.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential, along with warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and possibly a swimsuit for the thermal springs.

How long does the hike last?
The main hike to Ninaparayoc viewpoint lasts about 3.5 hours, with some ascent involved.

Are meals included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a nutritious breakfast in Pacchanta and a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients, both included in the price.

What about entrance fees?
The entrance fee to the lagoons and mountains is PEN 20, and the hot springs cost PEN 5, payable on the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Embark on this scenic journey and discover why the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate are one of the most captivating sights near Cusco—an experience blending natural grandeur with rich local culture.