Horseback Riding at 7 lakes Ausangate Private |Optional Hike

This private day trip is interesting because it pairs a big Andean view goal with real village life. You go to the seven Ausangate lagoons, where the water shifts from turquoise to emerald green, and you do it with a plan that starts early and stays personal.

I love the rainbow lagoons for photos and the fresh-air payoff, and I also love the Pacchanta home-style breakfast with Andean ingredients before you hit the trail.

One consideration: you are at high altitude, around 4,100m near Pacchanta, and the day runs rain or shine, so warm layers and gloves are not optional.

Key things that make this Ausangate seven-lagoons day work

• Private group, bilingual guide (English and Spanish) so you can move at a human pace
• Pickup from Cusco around 4:00 to 6:00 am to beat crowds and get better morning light
• Pacchanta breakfast around 7:30 am with Andean ingredients, served in a local setting
• Guided hiking route to multiple lagoons with views of Ausangate Mountain in the distance
• Optional horseback riding if you want a fuller, less walking-heavy experience
• Hot springs time after the hike, with the soak costing an extra 10 soles

From Cusco to Pacchanta: the early start that sets the tone

The day begins with a very early hotel pickup in Cusco, typically between 4:00 and 6:00 am. Then you ride in a private van for about 3 hours toward the area near Ausangate Mountain and the village of Pacchanta.

Why the early start matters: at altitude, mornings are when the air feels crisp and your body is less likely to get sluggish from repeated sun and exertion. You also get the best chance at clear views of the mountain in the distance before clouds build later.

Once you reach Pacchanta, you are right in the action of rural Andean life. The tour includes an invitation into local homes for breakfast around 7:30 am, made with Andean ingredients. This is not just a meal stop. It is your first reset, a place to warm up a bit, and a good moment to ask questions about daily life before you head into the high-country hiking.

The private guide setup: how you get value out of a long day

This is a private group experience, and that changes the feel. You are not competing with other people for the same photo angles, and it is easier for your guide to pace you around photos, rests, and viewpoint changes.

Your guide is bilingual (English and Spanish), and the plan includes a medical kit or first aid kit plus private transportation. That combination is especially comforting on a day like this, because you will be out for 12 to 15 hours with significant walking.

The itinerary also includes “visit” time and guided moments at key points. That matters because in high-altitude terrain, it is easy to just stare at the views and forget what you are actually seeing. A good guide helps you connect the dots, like plants and animal life you might notice along the way.

In previous outings with this operator, guides named Alexander and Julio were mentioned as great fits. If you get one of them, you can expect a guide who explains what you are looking at, including the natural features around the Ausangate glacier.

Hitting the Andes: your route to the first lagoon

After breakfast, you head into the Andes with the goal of visiting the seven Ausangate lagoons. The hike is guided, and the route is designed so you are not just “walking until tired.” You have photo stops and specific target lagoons.

The first lagoon is about 5 to 6 kilometers from the start and takes roughly 1.5 hours to reach. This early segment is a sweet spot. It is long enough to feel like you are getting moving, but it is not so intense that you arrive at the views completely wrecked.

What makes this part satisfying is the way the environment changes as you go. The day is described as passing through a stunning variety of terrain, and you will feel that in your legs and your eyes, not just your camera roll.

You will also get sightlines to Ausangate Mountain in the distance. Even when you are not at the highest point, that mountain presence pulls the whole hike into a bigger story.

The seven lagoons: rainbow colors and why they look different

The main draw is the set of lagoons with water colors that range from turquoise to emerald green. That palette is what makes this trip feel like a one-day version of a nature documentary.

But the color shift is also practical information for you as a photographer. Bright water colors can look different depending on the angle of the sun and your position. So do not rush through every stop. Pause long enough to look around, then take photos from at least two angles.

After the first lagoon, the plan continues with more hiking to additional lagoons tucked higher in the Andes. Expect vegetation along the way and plenty of room to stop, breathe, and take in the view of the surrounding high country.

The walking time adds up to about 10 kilometers total and around 5 hours of walking. In a day that also includes transport and meals, that walking block is the real engine. If you keep a steady pace and take short breaks when your guide suggests them, you will feel better at the later lagoons.

A nice detail from past days on this route is the chance to see alpacas and people in traditional clothes in the surrounding area. Even if you do not get perfect timing, you are still in the kind of place where wildlife and culture show up alongside the big scenery.

Adding horseback riding: when it helps and when it doesn’t

The horseback riding option is there for one reason: it changes how you experience the day. If you choose it, the tour includes a horse.

So who should consider horseback riding?

• If long walking at altitude sounds like a risk to your energy, horseback riding can reduce strain.
• If you want a more “this is the Andes” feeling, horseback riding adds a different rhythm to the day.
• If you are traveling with friends and want a shared experience that still leaves time for photos and viewpoints.

What you should keep in mind: the hike is still a big part of the outing, and you will still be out in cold morning conditions. Horseback riding is not a magic trick that removes altitude reality. Think of it as a way to shape the experience toward comfort and variety.

If you do horseback riding, bring the same basics as hikers: gloves, warm clothing, and comfortable shoes. Even if you spend time on horseback, you will still likely get off for viewpoints and walking sections.

Ausangate breaks, lunch, and the thermal-water payoff

You do not just suffer for beauty on this tour. There are built-in stops for breaks.

After reaching more of the lagoon area, the plan includes time for lunch, plus another break period. Lunch is part of what makes the full day feel sustainable. It also gives you a chance to cool down just a bit, hydrate, and reset for the drive back.

In past experiences with this operator, lunch was specifically called out as amazing, and breakfast also got strong praise. That is a good sign because in high-altitude tours, food quality and timing can make or break your energy.

Then comes the hot springs stop. The day includes hot springs time, but it is not included in the tour price. The soak costs 10 soles. I like this structure. You can decide in the moment if you want the warmth after hiking, and you do not feel forced into paying for something you might not enjoy.

When you finally return to Cusco, you will feel the full length of the day, but in a good way. The drive back gives you time to decompress and compare photos while the mountain memories settle in.

Logistics that matter: rain or shine, cold hands, and altitude pacing

This tour runs rain or shine, so you need a rain-ready approach even if you plan to be optimistic about the weather. You will be outdoors for a long day, from early morning pickup through the hiking and the return.

Your packing list is already a clue to the conditions:

• Gloves (important at altitude and in the early hours)
• Warm clothing (for mornings and breezy viewpoints)
• Water (you will need it across the walking hours)
• Sunscreen (high elevation sun is no joke)
• Comfortable shoes
• Daypack
• Cash (helpful for small extras like the hot springs fee)
• Camera and passport (passport is specifically listed)

If you want one practical tip: keep your warmth gear accessible. When you are tired, it is easy to lose five minutes rummaging. Better to have gloves and an extra layer ready before you start.

And remember who should be cautious: the tour is not suitable for people with altitude sickness, respiratory issues, and it is not recommended for pregnant women. That is not a warning to ignore. High altitude is a real factor here, and the day is long.

Price and value: what you really pay for at $139

At $139 per person, this is not a budget “walk around and hope for the best” kind of trip. It costs what it costs because you are paying for several things at once:

• hotel pickup and private van transportation
• a bilingual guide
• entrance ticket to the attraction area
• a medical kit or first aid kit
• time and effort at high altitude, plus food stops (breakfast and lunch are included)
• and, if you choose the option, a horse included in that choice

So is it worth it? For me, it looks like good value when you compare it to big-group tours that often feel rushed and crowded. A private format means you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying. And the included breakfast and lunch matter because they reduce the chances you start the day hungry and end it cranky.

If you can handle the early start and the hike distance, this price buys you structure. Structure is comfort at altitude.

Who this Ausangate seven lagoons day fits best

This experience is best for you if:

• you want private guidance rather than a crowded group experience
• you want classic Ausangate views plus time in the Pacchanta village setting
• you like your day trips with both a human story and a natural one
• you want a chance to see wildlife like alpacas and to encounter traditional clothing in the area

It might not fit if:

• you are under 12, pregnant, or use a wheelchair
• you have respiratory issues
• you have a history of altitude sickness
• you are over 75 years old

One more thought: this is a long day, 12 to 15 hours. Even with horseback riding, you will still be outside for many hours, so plan for that reality rather than hoping it will feel like a quick afternoon outing.

Should you book Horseback Riding at 7 Lakes Ausangate Private | Optional Hike?

Book it if you want an Ausangate day that feels personal, has real food breaks, and delivers the color show of the seven lagoons without turning the day into a chaotic scramble.

Skip it if altitude, cold mornings, or long hours outdoors are issues for you. Also be honest about your walking comfort, because the day includes about 5 hours of walking on a route totaling around 10 kilometers.

If you do book, I recommend you choose the horseback riding option if you want to reduce fatigue and make room for more stops and photos. If you enjoy steady hiking and want the full on-foot experience, the optional hike style still gives you plenty to enjoy, especially with the guide support and the included breakfast and lunch.

FAQ

What time do you get picked up in Cusco?

Pickup is around 4:00 to 6:00 am from your hotel in Cusco.

Where do you start the hiking day, and what altitude is Pacchanta?

You drive to the village of Pacchanta, located near Ausangate Mountain, around 4,100m.

How long and how far is the hiking?

The first lagoon is about 5 to 6 kilometers and takes about 1.5 hours. The hike overall is about 10 km and takes around 5 hours of walking.

Is horseback riding included?

Horseback riding is optional. If you choose it, the tour includes the horse.

What meals and additional costs are included?

Breakfast and lunch are included. Dinner is not included, and the hot springs cost 10 soles.

Does the tour run only in good weather?

No. It takes place rain or shine.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

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