The Ausangate 12 Lakes Horseback Riding Tour 1 Day is an exceptional high-altitude adventure designed for travelers who wish to discover the breathtaking beauty of the Ausangate region in a comfortable and unique way, riding entirely on horseback. This experience allows you to explore one of the most scenic areas of the Peruvian Andes without the physical demands of long hikes, making it an ideal alternative to traditional trekking routes.
Located at the foot of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, the route crosses wide valleys, glacial streams, high-Andean grasslands, and pristine landscapes dominated by snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. The lagoons you will visit are fed directly by the melting ice of Ausangate, creating an impressive palette of colors ranging from intense turquoise and emerald green to deep blue and mineral red, each lagoon shaped by unique geological formations.
The journey begins in the remote Andean community of Pacchanta, a traditional village known for its strong cultural roots and its famous natural hot springs. From here, you will follow peaceful, off-the-beaten-path trails that are rarely visited by hikers, offering a serene and immersive experience far from the crowds commonly found on the classic Ausangate 7 Lakes hike. Riding at a relaxed and steady pace allows you to fully appreciate the vast landscapes, take photos, and connect with nature.
Throughout the horseback ride, your professional local guide will share valuable insights into Andean culture, ancient traditions, and the spiritual significance of Ausangate, considered one of the most sacred Apus (mountain deities) in Andean cosmology. You may also encounter native wildlife such as alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and Andean birds, all thriving in this high-altitude ecosystem.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and scenic experience in the Andes, combining comfort, culture, and nature. Whether you are short on time, traveling with family, or simply prefer a less strenuous adventure, the Ausangate 12 Lakes Horseback Riding Tour offers a memorable way to experience one of Peru’s most impressive mountain landscapes in just one day.
The Ausangate 12 Lakes Horseback Riding Tour begins early in the morning with hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:30 a.m., heading toward the heart of the Peruvian Andes and the impressive Ausangate Mountain, the most sacred and iconic peak in Ausangate, Peru. During the scenic three-hour drive, you will pass traditional Andean villages, vast highland plains, and breathtaking mountain landscapes until reaching the remote community of Pacchanta, located at the foothills of Ausangate Mountain.
Upon arrival in Pacchanta, you will enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast prepared with fresh local ingredients. After breakfast, your professional guide will give a short horseback riding briefing, explaining safety instructions and ensuring everyone feels comfortable before starting the ride. This tour is done entirely on horseback; no hiking is required.
The horseback adventure begins along peaceful, off-the-beaten-path trails surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, crystal-clear streams, and herds of alpacas and llamas. Riding at a relaxed pace, you will explore the spectacular 12 Lagoons of Ausangate, each lagoon offering different shades of turquoise, emerald green, deep blue, and mineral red, all fed by glacial waters from Ausangate Mountain.
Unlike the traditional Ausangate 7 Lakes hike, this Ausangate 12 Lagoons horseback route follows an alternative and less-traveled circuit, allowing you to enjoy the landscapes without crowds and with minimal physical effort. Throughout the ride, your guide will share insights about Andean culture, local traditions, wildlife, and the spiritual importance of Ausangate in Andean cosmology.
During the tour, you will reach high-altitude viewpoints offering spectacular panoramic views of the Ausangate range, with plenty of time for photos and moments to fully appreciate the untouched Andean scenery—all from horseback.
After completing the 12 Lagoons of Ausangate circuit, you will ride back to Pacchanta. Here, you will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared with fresh local Andean products.
To finish the day, relax in the famous Pacchanta hot springs, one of the highlights of any Ausangate Mountain tour. These natural thermal waters are perfect for relaxing your muscles while enjoying close-up views of Ausangate’s glaciers.
In the afternoon, return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., concluding an unforgettable Ausangate 12 Lagoons Horseback Riding Tour – 1 Day.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about 12 Lakes of Ausangate full-Day in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
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All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the (Peru Hike) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 6% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office(you can organize briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike Company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Secure your trekking adventure by paying just 20% now, and complete the remaining 80% in Cusco 1 or 2 days before your hike begins. With a small deposit your spot is guaranteed, making the process simple, safe, and stress-free so you can fully focus on enjoying the trek of a lifetime.
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