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Horseback riding to Ausangate and the 7 lakes tour 1 day

(10 Reviews)
  • Departure city:Cusco, Peru
  • Ends in the city:Cusco, Peru
  • Group Size:12 Per Group
  • Availability:Available
  • Trip Styles:Horseback Tour
  • Max Altitude:4800 m. / 15748 ft.
  • Lodging Type:Not
  • Difficulty:Relaxed

Overview

Horseback riding to Ausangate and the 7 lakes tour 1 day

Experience an unforgettable adventure in the Peruvian Andes with this incredible horseback journey to the majestic Ausangate mountain and its seven colorful lakes. This full-day tour lets you explore high-altitude landscapes without the strain of hiking, guided by local experts and surrounded by pure nature. Ride through glacial valleys, admire crystal-clear lakes like Pucacocha, Azulcocha, and Otorongo, and unwind at the end of the day in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta.
Perfect for travelers seeking a genuine connection with Andean nature, culture, and a more comfortable way to discover one of Peru’s most magical places.

Why Take the Horseback riding to Ausangate and the 7 lakes tour 1 day?

  • Enjoy a 15 km horseback ride with beautiful views.
  • See a paradise in the Andes surrounded by alpacas and snow-capped mountains
  • Feed the alpacas and take photos
  • Live the experience of enfrenting the hidden wonders of the Andes.
  • Explore one of the most beautiful parts of the Ausangate glacier route in just one day.
  • Immerse yourself in the daily life of the most traditional communities in this area of the Andean heights.
  • Observe the diverse flora and fauna of the region. See alpacas and llamas grazing in their natural habitat.
  • Enjoy a relaxing swim in the hot springs of Pacchanta with one of the most precious views of the Ausangate glacier, the highest and most sacred in the region of Cusco.
  • Traverse the 7 green and turquoise lakes; they’ll make this hike a most unique experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cusco – Pacchanta – Ausangate 7 Lakes – Cusco

Our adventure begins very early, around 4:30 a.m., when we pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco. We head out in private transport toward the small Andean village of Pacchanta, located at over 4,300 meters (14,100 ft) above sea level. The drive takes about three hours, during which you can rest or enjoy the stunning Andean sunrise from the window.

Upon arriving in Pacchanta, we are welcomed by a peaceful mountain community surrounded by snowy peaks, alpacas, and a sense of tranquility that only the Andes can offer. A hot and hearty Andean breakfast will be waiting for us — the perfect way to fuel up before the journey begins. Then, our local guides will introduce you to the horses, your travel companions for the day, and give a brief safety and riding instruction.

Once everyone is ready, we begin our horseback ride toward one of Peru’s most beautiful natural wonders: the Seven Lakes of Ausangate. Along the way, surrounded by towering glaciers and wide open skies, we’ll explore a breathtaking landscape where each lake appears like a jewel reflecting the mountains and clouds. Every lake has its own color, history, and charm. We’ll visit lagoons such as Azulcocha, Otorongo, Pucacocha, Alqacocha, Oq’ecocha, Huchuy Pucacocha, among others — each more stunning than the last.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by a professional guide and a local horseman, who will ensure your safety and help you enjoy the experience to the fullest. We’ll make plenty of stops for photos and to soak in the fresh mountain air. The ride lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the beauty of this majestic region.

Around midday, we return to Pacchanta, where a delicious local lunch will be served. After lunch, you’ll have the option to relax in the Pacchanta hot springs, surrounded by snowy peaks — a magical and rejuvenating experience for your body after the ride. The hot springs are natural and rich in minerals, perfect for soothing sore muscles.

After soaking in the thermal waters and a short rest, we begin the drive back to Cusco. We’ll arrive between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., with our hearts full of unforgettable memories and our cameras packed with stunning photos.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Difficulty:  Relaxed.
  • Horseback Distance:  17 km / 10 miles.
  • Activity Duration: 7-8 hours exploring
  • Minimum Elevation: 4100 m. / 13451 ft.
  • Highest Elevation: 4800 m. / 15748 ft.

Trip Info

Inclusions
Packing List
Before You Go
High Quality Service & Safety
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Experienced Guide speaks English and Spanish
  • Medical Kit – First Aid Kit
  • Customer Service 24/7
  • Extra oxygen
Permits & Entrance Tickets
  • Entrance ticket to Ausangate and 7 lakes
  • Entrance ticket to pacchanta hot springs
Transportation
  • Horses trained to ride for the entire circuit
  • Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the trek.
  • Private transportation from the end of the trek to Cusco to your hotel.
Meals
  • Meals: 1 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches
  • Meals: vegetarian and vegan
  • Water to drink on the way
Additional Included
  • Trekking stick
What Is Not Included?
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for our staff
  • Additional costs or delays out of control of the management
  • Original Passport
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
  • Insect repellant
  • Toiletries and hand sanitiser
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and film with extra batteries
  • Torch with spare batteries
  • Daypack

Information Before leaving for the Horseback riding to Ausangate and the 7 lakes 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 Horseback riding to Ausangate & 7 lakes tour in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!

Briefing or informative meeting

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.

Payment of Trek Balance (in Cusco)

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.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office 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.

Pick up of guests

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

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

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.

Lost objects

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.

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  • Group Horseback TourGroup Service 16 people
    Adult: $ 150 Children: $ 140
    Available: 16 seats
  • Private Horseback Tour100% Flexible in everything
    Adult: $ 180 Children: $ 170
    Available: 12 seats

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10 Reviews
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Natalie O

Family Traveller

I came to Peru looking for something different, something that would connect me with nature and culture in a deep way — and this tour delivered exactly that. The horseback ride made it possible to reach places I never could have walked to in one day. Ausangate is majestic and humbling, and the seven lagoons are each like a hidden gem. Riding alongside alpacas and crossing little streams felt surreal. Our guide, Rosa, made the day extra special with her knowledge and kind energy. This wasn’t just a tour — it felt like a journey back in time. I left with a full heart.

June 21, 2025

Sophie L

Couple Traveller

From the moment we arrived at the trailhead, everything was beautifully organized. The horseback ride made the journey to Ausangate and the 7 Lakes so much more accessible and enjoyable. As someone who doesn’t do well with long hikes at altitude, riding a well-trained horse allowed me to fully appreciate the landscapes without physical exhaustion. The Ausangate mountain was absolutely majestic, and each of the seven lakes had its own unique color and vibe — turquoise, emerald, even milky blue. Our guide was so passionate about the local culture and explained the spiritual significance of the area. I left feeling not only amazed by nature but also spiritually fulfilled. A once-in-a-lifetime tour!

June 18, 2025

Thomas Ñ

Couple Traveller

This tour exceeded all expectations. I originally chose it because I wanted to visit Ausangate without doing a multi-day trek, and the horseback format was ideal. The path was scenic from the very beginning, passing small Andean villages and herds of llamas. Once we reached the lakes, I couldn’t believe how stunning they were. Each one seemed more beautiful than the last. Our guide, Martín, was warm, informative, and patient. He shared stories about the Apus (sacred mountains) and made the experience feel more meaningful. I left feeling completely recharged and deeply grateful. This was the highlight of my Peru trip.

June 17, 2025

Isabella P

Couple Traveller

Absolutely incredible! Riding through the Ausangate region was something out of a dream. The horse I was given was calm and easy to manage, even for someone like me with limited experience. Our guide made sure we were all comfortable and gave us fascinating insights about the local legends and spiritual importance of each lagoon. We visited all 7 lakes and even had time to sit quietly and just take in the serenity. The colors of the water were unbelievable — I’ve never seen anything like it. If you’re short on time but want a deep connection to the mountains of Peru, this one-day horseback tour is the perfect choice.

June 13, 2025

Elena H

Family Traveller

I can’t express how amazing this horseback tour was! I’ve always wanted to see Ausangate, but wasn’t sure if I could handle the trek. Luckily, this one-day horse tour gave me full access to the region without the strain. The horses were gentle and clearly loved by the guides. As we climbed, I was constantly in awe — the Ausangate glacier, the wild landscapes, and the stunning blue-green lakes. I particularly loved the peaceful moments when we stopped by the water’s edge and just admired the silence. Everything was well timed, safe, and authentic. If you’re looking for a unique day trip far from the crowds of Cusco, this is the one.

June 11, 2025
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