Horseback Riding at 7 lakes Ausangate Private |Optional Hike

The best part of this private Ausangate day trip is the setting: seven high lakes spread across the Andes, with Ausangate Mountain rising behind them. The colors shift from turquoise to emerald green, and alpacas, local residents in traditional clothing, and broad mountain views add life to the route.

I like the local breakfast and lunch, which turn a long mountain day into a more personal experience. I also like the choice of walking or horseback riding, especially since the route reaches 4,100 meters and includes about five hours of hiking. The drawback is the schedule: pickup can begin as early as 4:00 a.m., and the full day lasts 12 to 15 hours.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven high-altitude lakes: See a series of turquoise and emerald lagoons near Ausangate Mountain.
• Horseback option: Choose a horse if you want help covering the long route at altitude.
• Local meals in Pacchanta: Breakfast is served in a local home, followed by lunch after the mountain route.
• Private transport and guide: The group travels by private van with a bilingual English and Spanish-speaking guide.
• Hot springs finish: Relax in Pacchanta after the hike for an extra 10 soles.
• Serious altitude and an early start: Pacchanta sits at 4,100 meters, so this is not a casual outing.

The real draw: seven lakes beneath Ausangate

The Ausangate area gives you a very different day from the stone streets and Inca sites around Cusco. Here, the focus is open mountain country, cold air, bright water, and the huge presence of Ausangate Mountain.

The seven lagoons are the main event. Their colors range from turquoise to emerald green, although the exact shade depends on light and weather. The lakes sit among Andean vegetation, with mountain slopes and glacier views forming the backdrop.

I like the way this route gives you several scenic goals instead of one viewpoint. You keep moving from one lake to the next, and each stop offers another angle on the mountains. You also have time for photos, guided explanations, and a closer look at the plants and animals of the area.

The setting is exposed and high. Do not expect a shady woodland walk or a gentle park path. You will be out in fresh mountain air, with sun, wind, and changing weather all part of the day.

Leaving Cusco before sunrise

Pickup from your hotel takes place between about 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. The exact departure time depends on the schedule for your booking, so be ready early and keep your day before the tour fairly light.

The drive to the Ausangate area takes about three hours by private van. Private transport matters here. You do not have to coordinate with a large group, and the guide can keep the day focused on your own party.

The early start also explains the long duration. You are not simply driving to one viewpoint, taking a few photos, and returning. The day includes the transfer, a local breakfast, the lake route, lunch, hot springs if you choose to pay for them, and the return drive to Cusco.

Bring a daypack with water, sunscreen, gloves, warm clothing, and a camera. Comfortable shoes are essential for the walking portion. Cash is useful for the hot springs and other personal expenses.

Breakfast in Pacchanta at 4,100 meters

You reach the village of Pacchanta after the morning drive. Local residents invite you into their homes for a nutritious breakfast made with Andean ingredients, scheduled for around 7:30 a.m.

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience because it gives the day a local setting before the mountain route begins. You are not just eating from a roadside stop. You are sharing a meal in the community near Ausangate.

Breakfast also gives you a chance to get ready for the altitude. Eat, drink water, and take your time. At 4,100 meters, even simple movement can feel harder than expected, especially if you have only recently arrived in the Cusco region.

The trip is not suitable for people with altitude sickness or respiratory problems. It is also not designed for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 75. Those limits are important, not minor fine print.

The first lake takes about 90 minutes

After breakfast, you head into the Andes toward the first lagoon. The information for the tour places this first lake about 5 to 6 kilometers away, with a walking time of roughly 1.5 hours.

That is a useful expectation. The first view does not come immediately after breakfast. You need to cover real ground before reaching the water, and the high elevation makes the distance feel longer.

Your guide leads the group and can explain the local flora and fauna. Michaela specifically praised the explanations about the plants, animals, and the importance of the Ausangate glacier. That kind of context helps you see more than color and scenery.

The route also gives you a chance to see alpacas and local people wearing traditional clothing. These details make the walk feel connected to the community rather than separated from it as a purely scenic outing.

Five hours among the remaining lagoons

After the first lagoon, the route continues to other lakes in the Ausangate range. The total walking portion is described as about 10 kilometers and five hours.

The route passes through high Andean vegetation and open mountain terrain. Ausangate Mountain remains part of the view, and the changing colors of the water give you a series of photo stops rather than one single look.

A guide is especially useful here because the route is long and the altitude is demanding. Julio guided a private Ausangate trip praised for its personal format, while Alexander received strong praise for the food and views. The provider supplies guides in English and Spanish, so make sure your preferred language is clear at booking.

You can choose the horseback riding option if you would rather not walk the full route. A horse is included only when that option is selected. Since the information does not specify how many sections are ridden or how the horse is assigned, confirm the riding details before you pay if that choice is central to your plans.

The horse option does not change the altitude. You still need to handle cold air, strong sun, and a long day in the mountains. It is best viewed as a way to reduce walking effort, not as a way to turn the outing into a short or effortless ride.

Why a private group can be worth $139

The price is $139 per person. That is more than a basic shared bus excursion, but the package includes hotel pickup in Cusco, private transportation, a bilingual guide, the attraction entrance fee, a first aid kit, and a horse if you select the horseback option.

Breakfast and lunch are also part of the day’s plan through the local community. The private format is the main value for people who dislike large groups. You can travel with your own party, ask questions directly, and avoid spending the day waiting for many unrelated participants.

The price is less attractive if you want only a quick mountain photo stop. This is a 12 to 15 hour commitment, with about six hours of driving in total and several hours on foot or horseback. You are paying for access, transport, meals, guiding, and a full mountain day.

The entrance ticket is included. The hot springs are not. Plan on an additional 10 soles if you want to soak after the route. Dinner is also not included, so arrange food for the evening or return to Cusco with a plan.

Pacchanta hot springs after the route

After the lake visit, you return to Pacchanta for lunch. This is a welcome pause after the long mountain portion, and the meal gives you time to warm up and recover before the drive back.

The hot springs offer an optional finish for 10 soles. After several hours in cold mountain air, warm water can be a very practical reward rather than an extra luxury. Bring cash, since the hot spring fee is separate from the tour price.

The order of the day makes sense: eat locally, visit the lakes, return for lunch, then rest in the thermal water before heading back to Cusco. Do not count on a relaxed evening afterward. With the morning pickup and three-hour return drive, you may arrive back late.

Weather, clothing, and altitude

The tour runs rain or shine. That means your clothing matters. Wear warm layers, bring gloves, and pack sunscreen even if the morning begins cold. At high elevation, sun exposure can be strong, while wind and rain can make the same route feel much colder.

Water is essential. So is a daypack that leaves your hands free. Comfortable shoes are listed as a requirement, and they are the sensible choice for a route that includes several hours of walking.

Bring your passport, camera, cash, and any personal items you need for a full day away from your hotel. A first aid kit is supplied, but it does not replace your own medication or preparation.

The tour is not suitable for anyone already dealing with altitude sickness. If you feel unwell at elevation, tell the guide promptly rather than trying to push through five hours of walking. The high point of this trip is the scenery, not proving toughness.

Who will enjoy this Ausangate day trip most

I would recommend this for fit adults who want a serious day in the mountains without committing to a multiday trek. It suits people who value local food, private transport, and a guide who can explain the environment along the way.

The horseback option broadens the appeal for anyone who wants to see the lakes but would prefer less walking. Still, you should be comfortable spending a long day outdoors at 4,100 meters.

This is not the right choice for a slow morning, a short excursion, or a low-effort sightseeing stop. It is also a poor fit if you have not allowed time to adjust to high altitude, since the route begins well above Cusco and includes a long walking section.

The private setup works especially well for friends or families with older teenagers who want to set their own pace. Children under 12 are not accepted, and the tour is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Practical booking details

Pickup is included from your Cusco hotel, and the guide handles the transfer to Pacchanta. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, with a private group rather than a large shared party.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps payment off your plate at the time of booking. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when you reserve.

The listed duration is 12 to 15 hours. That range reflects the early pickup, the three-hour drive each way, the breakfast stop, roughly five hours on the route, lunch, and the optional hot springs.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want Ausangate’s colored lakes, local meals, and a private day with the choice of walking or riding. The strongest reasons are the scenery, the community connection in Pacchanta, and the chance to finish in thermal water.

Skip it if you need a short outing, dislike pre-dawn departures, or know that high altitude is a problem for you. The $139 price is fair when you value private transport, guiding, meals, and the horse option, but the day demands stamina.

For the best experience, arrive prepared with warm layers, water, gloves, sunscreen, and realistic expectations. This is a long, high mountain day, but it gives you a memorable look at the Ausangate region without requiring a multiday trek.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is provided from your hotel in Cusco. The morning departure is scheduled between about 4:00 and 6:00 a.m.

How long is the tour?

The full experience lasts about 12 to 15 hours. The drive from Cusco to the Ausangate area takes about three hours, followed by a similar drive back.

How high is Pacchanta?

The village of Pacchanta is located at about 4,100 meters near Ausangate Mountain.

How many lakes will I see?

The route visits seven Ausangate lagoons, with colors ranging from turquoise to emerald green.

How long is the walking route?

The walking portion is approximately 10 kilometers and takes about five hours. The first lagoon is described as roughly 5 to 6 kilometers away and about 1.5 hours from the starting point.

Is horseback riding available?

Yes. A horse is included if you choose the horseback riding option when booking.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. Local residents in Pacchanta invite the group to their homes for a breakfast made with Andean ingredients.

How much do the hot springs cost?

The hot springs cost 10 soles and are not included in the tour price.