Horseback Riding at 7 lakes Ausangate Private |Optional Hike

The main attraction here is the seven Ausangate lakes, a chain of high Andean pools that shift from turquoise to emerald green beneath Ausangate Mountain. You travel far above Cusco, see alpacas and people in traditional clothing, and spend the day in open mountain air.

I like the local breakfast and lunch, served around Pacchanta, and I like the choice between hiking and horseback riding. The catch is the altitude: Pacchanta sits at 4,100 meters, and the full day can last 12 to 15 hours, with about five hours of walking if you stay on foot.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven high-altitude lakes: See a sequence of colorful lagoons with Ausangate Mountain in the distance.
• A true private outing: Your group travels by private vehicle with an English or Spanish-speaking guide.
• Local food and culture: Breakfast comes in Pacchanta, with Andean ingredients and contact with local families.
• Horseback option: Choose a horse if a long high-altitude walk is more than you want.
• A long Cusco day: Pickup is around 4:00 to 6:00 a.m., with roughly three hours each way by van.
• Hot springs at the finish: Bring 10 soles if you want to soak after the walk.

Why the Ausangate lakes are worth the long day

This is not a quick viewpoint stop. The experience takes you deep into the high Andes, where the scenery changes as you move from Pacchanta toward the lakes. The color of the water is the star, but the surrounding setting matters just as much: broad mountain slopes, sparse vegetation, alpacas, fresh air, and the large presence of Ausangate Mountain.

You will see the first lagoon after roughly 5 to 6 kilometers, or about an hour and a half. From there, the route continues to other lagoons in the mountain range. The total walking portion is listed at about 10 kilometers and five hours, so you should think of this as a serious mountain outing rather than a gentle stroll.

The payoff comes from seeing several lakes in one day. Each pool has its own color and setting, ranging from turquoise to emerald green. Exact colors can look different with changing light and weather, so the appeal is the whole sequence rather than one guaranteed shade.

The early pickup and three-hour ride from Cusco

Pickup from your Cusco hotel usually comes between 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. The exact start time depends on availability, but you should be ready early and expect a long day. The drive to the Ausangate area takes about three hours in private transportation.

That ride is a major part of the outing. It gets you from the busy Cusco area to Pacchanta, a village at about 4,100 meters. The private vehicle is useful here because you are not tied to a large group schedule, and you can focus on the day ahead rather than managing several transfers.

Still, do not underestimate the travel time. You spend about six hours on the road in total, three hours out and three hours back. If you prefer short excursions with lots of time in town, this is not the right fit. If you want a full day in the high Andes and are willing to trade convenience for scenery, the long drive makes sense.

Breakfast in Pacchanta with Andean ingredients

After reaching Pacchanta, you are invited to a local home for a nutritious breakfast. The meal is scheduled for around 7:30 a.m. and uses Andean ingredients, giving the morning a more personal feel than a standard restaurant stop.

I value this part because it connects the excursion to the people who live near Ausangate. You have a chance to interact with local residents and learn about their culture before setting out. It also gives you food in your system before the high-altitude walking begins.

The meal is one reason you should not treat the early departure as a reason to skip breakfast altogether. The day is physically demanding, and the planned meal helps you start with something substantial. Lunch is also part of the Pacchanta portion of the day, and the food received strong praise from Jack, who specifically enjoyed both breakfast and lunch.

The meal arrangement also means the experience is not only about taking photographs. You are spending time in a community near the route, not simply arriving by van, viewing the lakes, and leaving.

Choosing between hiking and horseback riding

The standard outing includes roughly five hours of hiking over about 10 kilometers. The first lake alone is about 5 to 6 kilometers from the starting point, so the opening stretch is not a short walk. At 4,100 meters, distance feels harder than it would at sea level.

You can choose the horseback riding option if you want a different way to cover the route. A horse is included when that option is selected. This is useful for anyone who wants the full Ausangate experience but is concerned about maintaining a long walking pace at high altitude.

The available information does not specify how much of the route is completed on horseback or whether you ride for the entire outing, so ask the operator for the exact riding plan before booking. The route description still refers to hiking, and conditions can change with weather.

I would choose the horse option if your main goal is to see the lakes and mountain scenery rather than complete a five-hour walk. I would choose the walking option if you already feel comfortable at altitude and want more time moving through the countryside at your own pace.

This is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with respiratory problems, people with altitude sickness, or people over 75. Those limits are important. The route is high, long, and exposed to changing weather.

Five hours among the seven lagoons

The route leads into the Andes toward a group of seven lakes. The first lagoon is reached after approximately 1.5 hours, then the outing continues to other pools set among mountain vegetation.

This portion is where the tour earns its price. You are not seeing one lake from a roadside viewpoint. You are spending hours in the area, with time for guided visits and photographs. The guide can also explain the flora and fauna, as well as the importance of the Ausangate glacier.

Michaela specifically valued the explanations about local plants, animals, and the glacier. That matters because the scenery can otherwise become a series of attractive photographs without much context. A bilingual guide gives the views a clearer connection to the natural setting.

You should bring a camera, but do not plan the day around perfect photos. The tour runs in rain or shine. Weather can affect visibility, walking conditions, and the appearance of the lakes. Warm clothing, gloves, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes are all essential. A daypack keeps those items close without adding unnecessary weight.

The altitude is the central practical issue. At 4,100 meters, you may feel the difference even if you are fit. The activity is not suitable for anyone currently dealing with altitude sickness, and people with respiratory issues should avoid it. Since the tour begins and ends in Cusco, it is wise to consider how you feel at altitude before committing to a full day farther up.

Alpacas, local dress, and the human side of the route

The mountain scenery is impressive, but the route also has a human and animal presence. You may see alpacas along the way, and there is a chance to meet local people wearing traditional clothing.

That detail gives the outing more character than a purely scenic hike. You are seeing a working Andean area, not a landscaped attraction built only for day trips. The local breakfast and the opportunity to learn about culture support that connection.

At the same time, be respectful when taking photographs. Ask before photographing people, especially when traditional clothing or family homes are part of the scene. The tour offers contact with local residents, but that contact should remain courteous and unhurried.

Lunch, Pacchanta, and the optional thermal waters

After the lake visit, the group returns toward Pacchanta for a break and lunch. The schedule allows about an hour for this stop before the return drive to Cusco.

The day ends with the option to use Pacchanta’s hot springs. The entrance costs 10 soles and is not included in the tour price. Bring cash if you want to soak, since the tour information specifically lists cash among the recommended items.

The hot springs are a sensible final stop after a long walk or ride. Michaela called the thermal waters a memorable part of the day, and the timing makes practical sense: you can relax before sitting in the van for the journey back.

Do not assume the hot springs are included in the $139 price. They are an extra 10 soles. Also, the listed inclusions do not mention dinner, so plan to arrange your own evening meal after returning to Cusco.

What the private format changes

The $139 per person price buys more than transport to a viewpoint. It includes hotel pickup in Cusco, private transportation, a bilingual guide, the entrance ticket, a first aid kit, and a horse if you select the riding option.

The private format is especially useful for this kind of long day. You are not traveling with a large public group, and the schedule can feel more personal. Raphael praised guide Julio and the private setup, while another outing was guided by Alexander. Guide assignments can vary, but these names show the kind of direct, personal service associated with the experience.

A private group also helps if some people choose horses while others prefer walking, although you should confirm the exact arrangement with the operator. It gives you a better chance to ask questions about the glacier, wildlife, plants, and local culture without competing with a large crowd.

Value depends on your priorities. If you only want a short visit to one high-altitude viewpoint, $139 may feel high. If you want private transport, a guide, meals in the Pacchanta area, access to seven lakes, and the option of horseback riding, the price is easier to justify.

The tour also includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Cusco schedule is still changing, though the main decision should remain your comfort with the altitude and the length of the day.

Who should book this Ausangate day trip?

I would recommend this for an active adult who wants a full mountain day and prefers a private group over a large shared tour. It is also a good match if you want more than scenery, since the visit includes local food, contact with residents, cultural information, and time in the thermal waters.

The horseback option makes the day more accessible for someone who does not want to walk the full route, but it does not remove every challenge. You still face an early start, a high-altitude setting, changing weather, and a long ride in each direction.

I would not book this as a casual add-on after a sleepless night or as a relaxed family outing. The duration can reach 15 hours, and the high point of the day sits around 4,100 meters. You need warm clothing, water, sunscreen, gloves, sturdy shoes, and a daypack.

Good weather can make the mountain views and lake colors especially striking, as happened for Ildiko, who had clear conditions for seeing both the mountains and lagoons. But the tour operates in rain or shine, so you should be comfortable with the possibility of less favorable conditions.

Should you book the seven lakes experience?

Book it if you want Ausangate scenery with local contact, not just a quick photo stop. The seven lakes, the glacier views, Andean meals, alpacas, and Pacchanta hot springs create a varied day, and the private format is a strong advantage.

Choose horseback riding if the 10-kilometer walking plan worries you, but confirm the riding details first. Skip the tour if you have altitude problems, respiratory concerns, or little patience for a 12 to 15 hour day.

For the right person, $139 is a fair price for private transport, a bilingual guide, entrance, and the choice of horse or hike. Just arrive prepared for altitude, cold, an early alarm, and a very full day in the Andes.

FAQ

How long does the Ausangate seven lakes experience last?

The activity lasts about 12 to 15 hours, including the drive from Cusco, the visit to the lakes, meal breaks, and the return journey.

What time is hotel pickup?

Pickup from your Cusco hotel is scheduled between approximately 4:00 and 6:00 a.m. The exact starting time depends on availability.

How far is Pacchanta from Cusco?

The drive takes about three hours each way by van.

How much walking is involved?

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

Can I choose horseback riding instead of hiking?

Yes. A horseback riding option is available, and a horse is included when you select it. The provided details do not specify how much of the route is completed on horseback, so confirm that plan before departure.

Are the hot springs included?

No. The hot springs cost 10 soles and are paid separately.

Who should not take this tour?

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