Imagine starting your day in Cusco at dawn—around 4 a.m.—and heading southeast towards a landscape that looks like a painter’s palette, filled with vibrant lakes and towering mountains. This tour takes you around seven breathtaking lagoons at the foot of the majestic Ausangate mountain, a sacred peak that dominates the sky and sets the tone for an unforgettable experience. For just $43, you get a full day of natural beauty, lively landscapes, and a taste of local life, with the added comfort of round-trip transportation, a guide, breakfast, and a hearty lunch.

Two things we particularly love about this trip are the impressive color contrasts of the lagoons—from deep reds to shocking blues—and the chance to walk through a mostly untouched landscape, where flora and fauna thrive away from the crowds. The tour also offers an excellent value with all essentials included, making it accessible for most travelers. However, be prepared for an early start and some demanding hiking—this isn’t a leisurely stroll, but the views and authenticity are worth every step. This experience suits those who enjoy active days outdoors, are comfortable with a full-day outing, and want a genuine connection with Peru’s stunning highland environment.

Key Points

Spectacular scenery with vivid, colorful lagoons at the base of Ausangate
Accessible full-day hike with transportation, guide, meals, and safety gear included
Authentic landscape away from tourist crowds, showcasing local community life in Pacchanta
Early start ensures you beat the crowds but requires an early wake-up
Physical challenge involves a 2-hour walk to the lagoons’ viewpoint and 3 more hours touring the lagoons
Optional visit to Pacchanta’s thermal waters adds a relaxing end to the day

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The Journey Begins: Setting Expectations

Starting at 4 a.m. from your Cusco hotel, the early departure is necessary to make the most of the daylight and avoid the afternoon chill. The drive to Pacchanta—about a 2-hour trip—takes you through the highlands, offering glimpses of rural Peruvian life and passing by striking mountain scenery. Once there, a simple but nourishing breakfast prepares you for the hike ahead.

From Pacchanta, you’ll hike approximately two hours to a viewpoint overlooking the lagoons—this stretch entails a steady walk through rugged but manageable terrain, where walking sticks are provided to help navigate uneven paths. Reaching the viewpoint, you’ll immediately notice the colors of the lakes—some are strikingly red, others deep blue or clear, each telling a story of mineral deposits and natural chemistry.

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Exploring the 7 Lagoons

The true highlight of this tour is the chance to see and enjoy the seven lagoons: Lake Superior, Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Lago Rojo, Lago Ccomer, Lago Azul, and Lago Alqa. Each one offers something unique. For instance, the Lago Rojo is famous for its vivid red hue—shaped by mineral content—making it a photographer’s favorite. The Lago Azul is a peaceful mirror reflecting the sky and mountains, perfect for those Instagram shots.

According to reviews, the walk around the lagoons is a mix of wide-open views and closer encounters with native flora and fauna, such as llamas and condors. We loved the way the tour balances spectacular landscapes with manageable hiking, ensuring you’re immersed in nature without feeling overwhelmed. The guide provides insightful commentary in both English and Spanish, enhancing your understanding of the landscape’s geological and cultural significance.

The Community of Pacchanta and Thermal Waters

After about three hours of exploring, you return to Pacchanta, where a delicious lunch awaits back at the starting point. The meal is simple but satisfying—an important part of the experience after a challenging hike. Many travelers also choose to visit the local thermal baths—a relaxing way to soak tired muscles and enjoy the natural surroundings. This optional stop adds a comforting end to an active day, though it’s worth noting that the tour’s main focus is the lagoons themselves.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation is included, with round-trip service from select areas of Cusco, which is a big plus for those unfamiliar with local logistics. The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with flexibility depending on group pace and weather conditions. You’ll hike with a professional guide, equipped with a first aid kit, oxygen balloon, and walking sticks—keys for safety and comfort in high-altitude environments.

The cost of $43 per person covers most essentials but doesn’t include entry fees to the lagoons or the thermal baths, which you’ll need to purchase locally. This keeps the tour flexible and affordable, but it’s wise to bring some cash for those extras.

Travelers consistently praise the value for money and the stunning scenery, with many noting that the tour is well-organized and guides are knowledgeable. One reviewer mentioned, “The views are absolutely incredible—more than I imagined—and the guide was very helpful, making sure everyone was comfortable.” Others appreciated the early start, as it meant fewer crowds and more serene landscapes.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love active outdoor experiences with a focus on beautiful natural landscapes, this tour is a perfect fit. It suits those willing to start early, hike for several hours, and enjoy authentic highland scenery. It’s also a good choice for travelers who want to see the colorful lagoons without the crowds typical of more popular sites like Rainbow Mountain. However, those with mobility issues or a tight schedule might find the early hours and physical demands challenging.

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The Sum Up

The 7 Lagoons of Ausangate tour offers a chance to witness some of Peru’s most vivid natural wonders in a manageable, well-organized package. It’s perfect for travelers craving an active day with stunning visuals, local culture, and the comfort of guided support. The combination of remarkable colors, untouched landscapes, and authentic community visits makes it a worthwhile addition to any Cusco itinerary.

While the early start might be a hurdle for some, the quiet beauty and authenticity of this adventure make it a memorable highlight. The price reflects great value, considering the transportation, guide, meals, and safety gear provided. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour offers a genuine taste of Peru’s highland magic.

FAQ

How early do I need to wake up for this tour?
You should expect a pick-up around 4 a.m., which is necessary to maximize daylight and avoid the chill of high-altitude mornings.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price of $43 covers round-trip transportation from select areas of Cusco, breakfast, a professional guide, lunch, a first aid kit, oxygen balloon, and walking sticks.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, entry fees for the lagoons and thermal baths are not included in the tour price, so you should budget extra cash for those.

How difficult is the hike?
The walk to the lagoons involves about 2 hours to reach the viewpoint and 3 more hours touring the lagoons, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate outdoor activity.

What should I bring?
Comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, sun protection, cash for entry fees, and a camera to capture the incredible views.

Can I visit the thermal baths?
Yes, many travelers choose to visit Pacchanta’s thermal waters afterward, which makes for a relaxing end to the active day.

This tour offers a genuine taste of the high Andes—stunning, colorful lakes, authentic local life, and a satisfying physical challenge. Perfect for adventurous spirits eager to see the untouched beauty of Cusco’s surroundings without breaking the bank.