Cusco’s Ausangate Tour 7 Lagoons Full Day offers an unparalleled adventure for nature enthusiasts. This 14.5-hour journey immerses participants in stunning Andean landscapes, from a scenic drive to Pacchanta for breakfast to a rewarding 5-hour hike showcasing breathtaking lagoons. With a bilingual guide leading the way, this tour promises an enriching experience amidst the region’s captivating beauty. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable day in the great outdoors or simply curious about this renowned Peruvian destination, this tour may be worth a closer look.

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Key Points

This full-day excursion from Cusco takes visitors on a 14.5-hour guided tour to explore the stunning Ausangate lagoons, including Azulcocha, Otorongo, and Pucacocha.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, transportation, meals, and entry fees, with an opportunity to save up to 10% on bookings.
The itinerary involves a 3-hour drive to Pacchanta for breakfast, followed by a 5-hour round-trip hike to the lagoons and a visit to relaxing hot springs.
The tour is recommended for participants in good physical condition, as it may not be suitable for those with altitude sickness or high blood pressure.
Based on 4 reviews, the tour is rated 5/5, with the stunning scenery, easy/intermediate hike, and excellent bilingual guide contributing to a rewarding experience.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The Ausangate Tour 7 Lagoons is a full-day excursion priced at a range of £24.37 to £27.08 per person, with the opportunity to save up to 10%.

The tour lasts 14.5 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without immediate payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, transport, first aid, meals, entry fees, and optional horse rental.

This adventure isn’t recommended for those prone to altitude sickness or high blood pressure, as good physical condition is required. Proper preparation, such as acclimatization in Cusco, is advised.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., followed by a 3-hour drive to the town of Pacchanta for breakfast.

Guests then embark on a 5-hour round-trip hike to visit a series of stunning lagoons, including Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Qomercocha, Orqo Otorongo, and China Otorongo.

Set out on a 5-hour round-trip hike to visit a series of stunning lagoons, including Azulcocha, Otorongo, and Pucacocha.

These turquoise and green lagoons resemble natural mirrors, surrounded by Andean wildlife like birds, alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas.

After the hike, the tour includes lunch in Pacchanta and a visit to the relaxing hot springs before returning to Cusco by 7:30 p.m.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish), tourist transport, a first aid kit, local breakfast and lunch, dinner, entry tickets to Ausangate (S/ 20.00) and the thermal waters (10 soles), as well as the option to rent a horse.

This all-inclusive package ensures a seamless and worry-free experience for participants.

The tour caters to various needs, from transportation and meals to equipment and admission fees, allowing travelers to focus on seeing the stunning natural beauty of the Ausangate region.

Participant Requirements

Although the Ausangate Tour 7 Lagoons is open to a wide range of participants, it’s not suitable for individuals with altitude sickness or high blood pressure. Good physical condition is required, and acclimatization in Cusco is recommended to adjust to the high altitude. The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should come prepared.

| Participant Requirements | |

|————————–|——————-|

| Altitude Sickness | Not Suitable |

| High Blood Pressure | Not Suitable |

| Physical Condition | Good Required |

| Acclimatization | Recommended |

| Weather | Rain or Shine |

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Preparation and Recommendations

To prepare for the Ausangate Tour 7 Lagoons, participants should bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, snacks, hiking shoes, and rain gear.

The high-altitude trek requires good physical condition, as the hike can be challenging. Acclimatization in Cusco is recommended to help manage the effects of the elevation.

The tour operates rain or shine, so participants should be prepared for varying weather conditions. Bringing cash is advised for any additional purchases or expenses during the excursion.

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Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Ausangate Tour 7 Lagoons, awarding it an impressive 5/5 rating based on 4 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s breathtaking scenery, with the turquoise and green lagoons described as "natural mirrors." The hike, while long, is considered "easy/intermediate," making it accessible to those in good physical condition.

Travelers commend the excellent, bilingual guide who enriched the experience. While the significant travel time is noted, the rewarding views make the day-long tour well worth the effort.

Getting to the Starting Point

The tour begins with a 3-hour drive from Cusco to the small town of Pacchanta, where you will enjoy a local breakfast before embarking on the hike.

The driver collects guests from their hotels in Cusco between 4:30-5:00 AM. The scenic drive passes through the Andes, offering glimpses of the region’s stunning landscapes.

Upon arrival in Pacchanta, guests refuel with a traditional Andean breakfast to prepare for the day’s adventures.

From here, the group sets off on the 5-hour round-trip hike to explore the seven turquoise lagoons that dot the Ausangate mountain range.

What to Expect on the Tour

Hikers embark on a 5-hour round-trip trek through the stunning Ausangate mountain range, where they’ll encounter a series of turquoise and green lagoons resembling natural mirrors. Along the way, they’ll spot Andean wildlife like birds, alpacas, llamas, and vizcachas. After the hike, they can relax in the thermal waters of Pacchanta and enjoy a local lunch.

| Lagoon Name | Characteristics |

|————-|—————–|

| Azulcocha | Turquoise |

| Otorongo | Green |

| Pucacocha | Green |

| Alqacocha | Turquoise |

| Qomercocha | Green |

| Orqo Otorongo | Turquoise |

| China Otorongo | Green |

The tour includes hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, transportation, a first aid kit, breakfast, lunch, entry fees, and optional horse rental.

Things To Know

Can I Rent Hiking Poles for the Tour?

Yes, hiking poles are included in the tour’s inclusions. The tour provider offers pole rentals for participants to use during the hike to the 7 lagoons of Ausangate.

Is There an Option to Do a Shorter Hike?

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an option for a shorter hike on this tour. The itinerary specifies a 5-hour round trip hike to visit the 7 lagoons. Shortening the hike may not be possible without missing key parts of the experience.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks?

No, you don’t need to bring your own lunch or snacks. The tour includes a local breakfast and lunch. However, you may want to pack some extra snacks in case you get hungry during the lengthy hike.

What Is the Restroom Situation During the Hike?

There are no dedicated restroom facilities along the hike. Hikers should be prepared to use the natural environment discreetly. The tour includes a stop at local hot springs where restrooms are available.

Can I Take a Nap on the Bus Ride?

Passengers can take a nap during the 3-hour bus ride to the trailhead. The tour itinerary allows for ample travel time, so there’s an opportunity to rest up before the hike and explore the stunning Andean lagoons.

Sum Up

The Cusco: Ausangate Tour 7 Lagoons Full Day offers an unforgettable journey through stunning Andean landscapes. Hikers can expect a rewarding 5-hour trek to breathtaking lagoons, led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide. With meals, entry fees, and hotel pickup included, this full-day tour provides an enriching experience for those in good physical condition, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.