Pricing

EXTRAS & UPGRADES

• Pacchanta Hot Springs Entry – $4 USD per person (Natural thermo-medicinal pools managed by the local Pacchanta community, located right at the trailhead and lunch spot at the base of Apu Ausangate. A perfect way to warm up before the hike or unwind after. Cash only — paid directly to the community)
• Trekking Poles Rental – $5 USD per pair (Recommended for the steady 2-hour ascent to the lagoons at 4,730 m / 15,518 ft. Available for rent at the trailhead or from our office the evening before departure)
• Horseback Riding to the Lagoons – $20–$25 USD per person (Local horses available at Pacchanta for travelers who prefer not to hike the ascent. Managed by community horsemen. Cash only, paid directly on-site. Please inform us at the time of booking so we can coordinate in advance)
• Mountain Bike Circuit Option – $30 USD per person (Explore the lagoon circuit on two wheels with a full-suspension mountain bike instead of hiking. Both conventional and electric bikes available. A unique and adventurous alternative — please request at the time of booking)
• Electric Mountain Bike Upgrade – $50 USD per person (For those who want the cycling experience without the full physical effort at high altitude. Full-suspension electric mountain bike with battery assist. Please request at the time of booking)
• Andahuaylillas Church Stop – $4 USD per person (~15 soles — An optional visit to the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” on the drive to or from the Ausangate area, passing through the colonial village of Andahuaylillas. Cash only at the door)
• Pikillaqta Wari Ruins Stop – $10 USD per person (An optional visit to the impressive pre-Inca Wari urban center located along the route toward Ocongate. The Partial Tourist Ticket (S/. 70 soles) is required — see below)
• Partial Tourist Ticket (South Valley Circuit) – $19 USD per person (~70 soles — Required to enter Pikillaqta and other sites along the South Valley. Can be purchased in advance or at the gate. Only relevant if the Pikillaqta stop is requested)
• Coca Tea & Soroche Pills Pack – $5 USD per person (A small acclimatization kit with traditional coca leaves and altitude sickness tablets, available for purchase at our office the evening before departure — especially useful given the 4,730 m maximum altitude on this tour)
• Hotel Pick-Up Outside Historic Center – $10 USD per vehicle (Standard pick-up covers hotels within Cusco’s city center. A small surcharge applies for Airbnbs or accommodations located outside this zone)
• Combo Loyalty Discount – $10 USD off (If you have previously booked any other tour with us — such as Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, or the Salkantay Trek — you qualify for a special promotional rate on this tour. Mention your previous booking at the time of reservation)

Pricing & Availability – Ausangate Color Lagoons Day Trip – Minaparayoq Uturungococha

This tour departs daily, year-round, with hotel pickup at 5:00 AM and return to Cusco around 7:00 PM. The tour visits four stunning high-altitude color lagoons — Minaparayoq, Uturungococha, Yanacocha, and Q’omercocha — starting from the Pacchanta community at 4,350 m / 14,272 ft and reaching a maximum altitude of 4,730 m / 15,518 ft. Daily departures are available and can be booked up to one day in advance. A minimum of 2 travelers is required for a guaranteed departure. Best season: May to October (dry season). A minimum of 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco is strongly recommended before this tour.

GROUP SERVICE

• $55 USD per person
• Groups of 10–14 people, maximum 16 participants
• Discount of $5 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons

PRIVATE SERVICE

• $120 USD per person – 2 persons
• $95 USD per person – 3 to 4 persons
• $75 USD per person – 5 to 6 persons
• $60 USD per person – 7 or more persons

DISCOUNTS

• Students (18–25 years old): $5 USD discount. A valid ISIC card or university ID is required at the time of booking. Information required: university name, student name, photo, and expiration date.
• Under 18 years old: $5 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
• Children under 9 years old: Tour service fee still applies. This tour reaches 4,730 m / 15,518 ft — a minimum of 2–3 days of acclimatization in Cusco is required for all participants, including children.

Important Notes: The Ausangate Color Lagoons Day Trip is one of the most remote and least crowded day excursions available from Cusco, offering a profoundly peaceful and authentic high-Andean experience. The four lagoons — Minaparayoq (green), Uturungococha (wine/red), Yanacocha (black), and Q’omercocha (turquoise) — each have a striking and distinct mineral color created by the glacial geology of the Vilcanota mountain range. The hike from Pacchanta to the lagoons takes approximately 2 hours each way at a moderate pace, with the Ausangate glacier and its snow-capped peaks visible throughout. Pacchanta Hot Springs (~$4 USD) are available at the trailhead both before and after the hike. There are no ATMs along the route — bring small bills in Peruvian soles or US dollars. Tips for your guide and driver are optional but always appreciated.

What to bring

• Long Sleeved Shirts: These help protect your skin from the sun and offer warmth at higher altitudes.
• Walking Pants: Choose comfortable, durable pants suitable for hiking. Avoid heavy cotton if possible, as it retains moisture.
• Polar or Thermal Clothing: Essential for warmth, especially for early mornings and high-altitude areas where temperatures drop significantly.
• Sweater and Warm Jacket: Layering is key for managing temperature changes throughout the day. A warm jacket is crucial for cold conditions.
• Thermal Clothes: Base layers help maintain body heat and wick away moisture.
• Hiking Boots: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support and traction are critical for uneven terrain.
• Waterproof Pants and Jacket: Protect yourself from rain and wind, as weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
• Cotton Pants: While comfortable, be aware that cotton can stay wet and cold if it rains. Quick-dry materials are generally preferred for hiking.
• Wool Gloves: Keep your hands warm in cold and windy conditions.
• Scarf: Provides extra warmth for your neck and face.
• Hat or Cap for the Sun: Protects your face from strong high-altitude sun exposure.
• Memory Cards: Bring enough memory for your camera to store all your photos.
• Toiletries and First Aid: Carry personal hygiene items and any necessary personal medications, plus basic first aid supplies.
• Binoculars: Useful for viewing distant landscapes or wildlife.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from intense sun and glare at high altitudes.
• Sunscreen: Apply regularly to exposed skin to prevent sunburn.
• Lip Balm: High altitude and wind can cause chapped lips.
• Hiking Poles: Provide stability and reduce strain on your knees, especially on descents.
• Pocket Knife: A useful multi-purpose tool for various situations.
• Bottle or Canteen: Essential for carrying water and staying hydrated during the hike.
• Plastic Bag to Keep the Battery, Dirty or Wet Clothes: Protect electronics from moisture and keep dirty/wet clothes separate from clean ones.
• Small Backpack: For carrying your personal items, water, and snacks during the day.