7 Lakes Ausangate Horseback Tour
Experience the spectacular 7 Lakes of Ausangate on a private horseback adventure through the high Andes of Peru. Starting from Cusco, travel to the peaceful community of Pacchanta, located beneath the impressive Ausangate Mountain, where your horseback journey begins.
After enjoying a traditional breakfast prepared with local ingredients, meet your horse and begin riding through the beautiful high-altitude landscape. The route takes you through open valleys, mountain scenery and highland pastures while surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Ausangate region.
As you continue, discover the beautiful lakes of Ausangate, known for their striking shades of turquoise, blue and green. Your guide will share information about the local landscape, traditions and the communities that live in this remote part of the Andes.
After exploring the lakes, return to Pacchanta and relax in the community’s natural hot springs. Finish the experience with a traditional Andean lunch before beginning the journey back to Cusco.
The 7 Lakes Ausangate Horseback Tour is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the dramatic landscapes of Ausangate without completing a long trekking route.
Important: The tour reaches approximately 4,630 m / 15,190 ft above sea level. Proper acclimatization is strongly recommended before traveling to this high-altitude destination.
Enjoy a private horseback adventure through the spectacular landscapes surrounding Ausangate Mountain. After breakfast in Pacchanta, meet your local horseman and begin your ride through the high Andes.
Along the route, discover the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, surrounded by mountain peaks, glaciers and expansive highland scenery. Take time to enjoy the views, photograph the lakes and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this remote Andean region.
After the horseback ride, return to Pacchanta and relax in the natural hot springs before enjoying a traditional Andean lunch.
Your adventure begins early in the morning with private pickup from your hotel in Cusco, usually between 4:30 and 4:40 AM. Travel south through the scenic landscapes of the Cusco region toward Pacchanta, passing traditional Andean communities and beautiful mountain scenery along the way.
After approximately three hours of travel, arrive in Pacchanta and enjoy a traditional breakfast prepared with local ingredients. After breakfast, meet your local horseman and receive a brief introduction before beginning the horseback journey.
Ride through the high-altitude landscapes toward the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and, depending on local conditions, herds of alpacas and llamas along the route.
At the lakes, take time to explore and admire their different shades of blue, turquoise and green. Your guide will share information about the local landscape, traditions and legends while you enjoy the scenery and take photographs.
After visiting the lakes, return by horseback to Pacchanta. Once back in the community, relax in the natural hot springs and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.
After the hot springs, enjoy a traditional Andean lunch prepared by local families. Finally, begin the private journey back to Cusco, with hotel drop-off included. Arrival is normally around 6:30 PM, depending on road and traffic conditions.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Be prepared for high altitude and changing weather conditions in the Andes. We recommend bringing:
Please note that itineraries, schedules, routes, and activities may be adjusted when necessary due to circumstances beyond our control, including weather conditions, road conditions, strikes, demonstrations, natural events, or other local restrictions. Any changes will be communicated and coordinated with you whenever possible.
No. Previous horseback riding experience is not normally required. Your local horseman will provide basic guidance before the ride. However, you should be comfortable spending several hours on horseback at high altitude.
Yes. This is a private tour for your group, including private transportation from Cusco.
Pickup usually takes place between 4:30 and 4:40 AM from your hotel in Cusco.
The horseback route is approximately 11 km / 7 miles. There is also approximately 1 km / 0.6 miles of walking during the experience.
You may see alpacas and llamas along the route and around the Andean communities. Animal sightings depend on the conditions of the day and cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. After returning from the 7 Lakes, you will have time to enjoy the natural hot springs in Pacchanta before lunch.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the high Andes. For safety reasons, the guide and operations team may adjust the itinerary or activities when necessary.
Bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, a waterproof jacket or poncho, sun protection, water, a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs, personal medication and your passport or photo ID.
