Horseback Riding at 7 lakes Ausangate Private |Optional Hike

The Andes start early here. This private Ausangate outing pairs seven colorful lakes with a long, high-altitude day in the mountains, plus local food, horse riding, and a soak in Pacchanta’s thermal waters. I like the mix of scenery and human contact, especially breakfast and lunch prepared with Andean ingredients.

I also like the private format. You avoid a large group and have an English or Spanish-speaking guide with you throughout the day. The main drawback is the altitude: Pacchanta sits at 4,100 meters, and the walk lasts about five hours, so this is no gentle countryside stroll.

• A 4:00 to 6:00 a.m. pickup gets you from Cusco to Pacchanta for a full mountain day.
• Seven Ausangate lakes offer changing shades from turquoise to emerald green.
• Horseback riding is optional, making the route more manageable for some participants.
• Local breakfast and lunch bring Andean ingredients and community contact into the day.
• Ausangate Mountain views and alpacas add plenty of photo stops.
• Pacchanta hot springs provide a welcome finish, though entry costs 10 soles extra.

Why Ausangate Makes a Serious Day Trip

Ausangate is one of the big mountain areas near Cusco, and this trip is built around its high lakes rather than a single viewpoint. You spend much of the day in open Andean country, with Ausangate Mountain visible in the distance and vegetation around the lakes.

The scale is the first thing to understand. The drive from Cusco takes about three hours each way, and the full outing lasts 12 to 15 hours. That means a very early start, a late return, and plenty of time in a van. Still, the long transfer gets you far beyond the city and into a quieter part of the Cusco Region.

I like this kind of day when you want a major mountain experience without committing to a multiday trek. You see a lot in one outing, and the private vehicle makes the long road time easier to manage with your own group.

The setting also feels more connected to daily life than a quick scenic stop. Local people in Pacchanta welcome you into their homes for breakfast, and you may see alpacas and people in traditional clothing along the route. Those details give the day more character than a simple drive, photo, and return.

Leaving Cusco Before Sunrise

Pickup takes place from your Cusco hotel between about 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check it when you book. At that hour, the practical question is not just excitement, but preparation: have your warm clothes, water, sunscreen, gloves, and a packed daybag ready before bed.

The private vehicle is included, as is hotel pickup. The ride to Pacchanta takes roughly three hours. That is useful for a private group because you are not organizing several transfers yourself, but it is still a substantial stretch of road before the walking begins.

You should eat lightly before leaving if you can, but the day includes breakfast in Pacchanta. Do not count on a leisurely morning. This is a schedule built around reaching the highlands early and making the most of the daylight.

Breakfast in Pacchanta at 4,100 Meters

Pacchanta is the base for the outing, sitting near Ausangate Mountain at about 4,100 meters. The altitude matters immediately. Even if you are comfortable walking at home, the thin air can make a steady pace feel harder than expected.

At around 7:30 a.m., local people invite the group into their homes for a nutritious breakfast made with Andean ingredients. This is one of the strongest parts of the experience for me because the meal is not just fuel. It gives you a direct connection with the community before heading farther into the mountains.

The food also matters from a practical point of view. You have several hours of walking ahead, and a proper breakfast is far better than relying only on snacks from Cusco. Bring water, though, since water is specifically listed as something you should carry.

The tour includes a bilingual guide in English or Spanish. Four guides and staff names are not promised in advance, but individual bookings have been handled by guides named Alexander and Julio. The key point is to confirm your language preference and pickup details before the morning begins.

The First Lake and the Opening Views

The first lake lies approximately 5 to 6 kilometers away and takes about 1.5 hours to reach. The figures describe a meaningful approach rather than a short walk from the vehicle, so comfortable shoes are essential.

As you move into the Andes, the scenery changes from the settlement around Pacchanta to open mountain country. Ausangate Mountain appears in the distance, and the lakes begin to provide the strongest visual reward of the route.

The water is known for a broad range of colors, from turquoise to emerald green. The exact appearance can change with light and weather, so the best approach is to allow time for photographs rather than rushing from one viewpoint to the next.

This first section also gives you a useful test. If the altitude or pace is already causing trouble, tell your guide early. The full route is much longer, and there is no benefit in pretending you feel fine at 4,100 meters.

Five More Lakes Across the High Andes

After the first lake, the route continues to other lagoons set among the Andes. The walking portion is approximately 10 kilometers and takes about five hours in total. That is the core physical demand of the day.

The reward is variety. You are not looking at one lake from one angle and then heading home. The seven lakes show different colors and sit among mountain vegetation, with broad views toward Ausangate and plenty of open air.

The route also offers repeated photo stops. You might see alpacas along the way, and traditional clothing adds a strong local presence to the scenery. The setting combines wildlife, community life, and high mountain views without turning the whole day into a staged performance.

The optional horseback riding can change how you handle this section. If you choose it, a horse is included. This may make the long route more approachable, but it does not remove the effects of altitude or guarantee a completely effortless day. You should still bring warm clothing and suitable footwear, and follow the guide’s instructions.

If you prefer walking, expect a sustained outing rather than a short sightseeing loop. People with respiratory issues, altitude sickness, or limited tolerance for high elevation should not book this experience. It is also not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 75.

What the Private Format Adds

A private group is a real advantage on a route like this. Your group can receive direct attention from the guide, and you do not have to match the pace of a large mixed party. That is particularly helpful when altitude affects people differently.

The private setup also gives the day a more personal feel. You have room to ask about the flora, fauna, and the importance of the Ausangate glacier. The guide can explain what you are seeing rather than simply pointing toward the next lake.

That said, private does not mean quick. The drive still takes three hours each way, the hike still covers about 10 kilometers, and the day still begins before sunrise. You are paying for privacy, transport, guiding, and a focused experience, not for a relaxed half-day excursion.

Horseback Riding or Walking?

The title emphasizes horseback riding, but the information makes clear that riding is an option. The choice depends on your comfort, fitness, and how you want to experience the route.

Choose the horse if you want to reduce the walking burden or if a five-hour high-altitude hike sounds beyond your comfort level. It can also help preserve energy for the lakes and the return drive.

Choose to walk if the physical journey is part of the appeal. The route lets you notice the plants, mountain air, alpacas, and changing views at ground level. Either way, the altitude remains the central challenge.

I would not treat horseback riding as a shortcut around preparation. Bring gloves, warm layers, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. The weather can change, and the outing runs rain or shine.

Lunch, Thermal Waters, and the Ride Home

After the mountain route, the group returns to Ausangate and takes a break for lunch. Like breakfast, lunch is included and is prepared with local Andean ingredients. This is well timed because the walk takes a lot out of you, especially at elevation.

The final treat is Pacchanta’s hot springs. Soaking in warm thermal water after the hike is a sensible way to finish the day. It gives your legs a break before the three-hour return to Cusco and adds a relaxing note to an otherwise demanding schedule.

Hot spring entry is not included and costs 10 soles. Bring cash for this and other small expenses. Dinner is also not included, so plan to eat after returning to Cusco.

The ride back takes around three hours, and the total return time depends on the morning pickup and conditions. You should avoid scheduling an important evening activity. After a 12 to 15-hour day, a quiet dinner and sleep will make more sense than nightlife.

Is $139 Good Value?

At $139 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see mountain scenery near Cusco. It is also not a bare-bones transport service. The price includes hotel pickup, private transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance to the attraction, a first aid kit, and a horse if you select the riding option.

Breakfast and lunch are included too, which improves the value. You are covering a long private transfer, guiding, meals, admission, and the chance to visit seven lakes in one day. For a private group that wants comfort and flexibility, the cost is reasonable.

The value drops if you dislike long vehicle rides or mainly want a quick photo stop. Three hours out and three hours back is a major part of the day. You are paying for access to a remote mountain area and a complete outing, not a nearby attraction.

The private format is especially useful for friends or family who want to stay together. It is also a good fit if you prefer direct explanations from a guide instead of a large group with limited interaction.

Weather, Packing, and Altitude Advice

The tour operates rain or shine. That makes packing important rather than optional. Warm clothing is essential, and gloves are specifically recommended. Add comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, a camera, cash, and a daypack.

Bring your passport as well. Even if you do not need every item at every stage, the supplied guidance lists it among the things to carry.

The strongest caution is altitude. Pacchanta is at 4,100 meters, and the walking route remains in high Andean country. The experience is not suitable for people with respiratory issues or altitude sickness, and the physical demands make it a poor choice if you are not ready for a five-hour walk.

The weather can also affect what you see. On a clear day, the lakes and Ausangate Mountain should provide the best views. Clouds or rain may soften the colors and reduce visibility, but the tour still runs.

Who Should Book This Experience?

I would recommend this for active adults who want a full day outside Cusco and prefer a private group. It suits people who care about mountain scenery, local food, and community contact as much as ticking off a famous viewpoint.

It is particularly appealing if you want several highlights in one day: seven lakes, Ausangate views, alpacas, local meals, optional horse riding, and thermal waters. That is a lot of variety for a single excursion.

I would think twice if you struggle with altitude, dislike pre-dawn departures, or want a relaxed schedule. The trip is long, the route is high, and the return to Cusco comes after a full day on the move.

The perfect weather reports from May and September are useful reminders that conditions can shape the experience. The day can be excellent when the mountain and lakes are visible, but you should not book expecting guaranteed sunshine.

Should You Book the Ausangate Seven Lakes Tour?

Book it if you want a serious but manageable introduction to the Ausangate region, especially with the added comfort of private transport and the option of a horse. The combination of colorful lakes, local meals, alpacas, and Pacchanta’s hot springs gives the day more substance than a standard scenic drive.

Skip it if high altitude or a five-hour route is a concern. For everyone else, $139 is a fair price for a private, meal-included day with entrance, guiding, and transportation handled. Just start rested, pack warmly, carry cash for the 10-sol hot spring fee, and keep your evening in Cusco free.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate seven lakes experience last?

The full experience lasts about 12 to 15 hours, including the drives between Cusco and Pacchanta.

What time does hotel pickup take place?

Pickup from your Cusco hotel takes place approximately between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. Check availability for the exact starting time.

How high is Pacchanta?

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

How far is the hike?

The walking portion is approximately 10 kilometers and takes about five hours. The first lake is around 5 to 6 kilometers away and takes about 1.5 hours to reach.

Is horseback riding included?

A horse is included if you choose the horseback riding option. Horseback riding is optional.

Are meals included?

Breakfast and lunch are included. Breakfast is served in Pacchanta and uses Andean ingredients. Dinner is not included.

Is the hot spring entry included?

No. Entry to the hot springs costs 10 soles.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Who should not take this tour?

The experience is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, people with altitude sickness, or people over 75.