Horseback Riding In Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day – Private

A private horseback day to Ausangate’s 7 lakes is interesting because it mixes big high-mountain views with hands-on comfort. What I really like is the private-group pace, so you are not rushed, and the included breakfast and lunch, which keeps the day moving without stress. One possible drawback is the early start, 4:30 am, so you will want a full night of sleep or a game plan for tired mornings.

You also get real help in the practical parts. The route starts from Pacchanta at about 4,100 m, with horses and safety guidance sorted before you head out. My only caution is altitude, since Cusco is already high and this day goes even higher, so go steady and tell your guide if you feel off.

Key highlights that matter before you go

• Private only for your group, which usually means more flexibility with photo stops and your pace
• Trained horses for the full circuit, so you are not just sitting on a horse once
• Ninaparayoc Viewpoint, where the lake-and-peak panorama feels like the payoff
• Pacchanta hot springs after the ride, ideal for sore legs and that long-day reset
• Meals included (warm buffet breakfast and traditional Andean buffet lunch), so you can focus on the day

The 4:30 am launch from Cusco: worth the wake-up time

This tour is built around a simple reality: Ausangate country looks best when the day is still calm. You leave Cusco early, with pickup arranged from your hotel, and the start time is 4:30 am. That is early, yes, but it also helps you get into position before the day warms up and before the crowds become a factor.

From the start, you are not doing logistics yourself. Private transportation handles the drive from Cusco to the trail start area, and the return ride back to your hotel is also private. That matters because this is a long day, roughly 10 to 11 hours total, and you want the end of it to be predictable.

I also like that you are not guessing what is happening next. After you reach Pacchanta, the guide organizes horses and runs through the route and safety guidelines before you set off. You are ready to ride, not figuring it out on the fly.

Pacchanta at 4,100 m: breakfast, horses, and a route briefing you can trust

Your first major stop is Pacchanta, at about 4,100 m, and that elevation sets the tone. The good news is you start with a warm buffet breakfast prepared by local families. This is not just coffee and a bun. A warm breakfast helps you feel human before you begin moving, and it is also a nice way to experience how the area supports day tours.

Then comes the part that makes horseback days feel safe instead of chaotic. Your guide organizes the horses and explains the route, plus safety rules for your group. You are riding with horses that are trained to handle the full circuit, which is a big deal. It reduces the constant question of whether you will be fighting the horse, and it leaves you time to focus on the scenery and your breath.

Practical tip: at altitude, go easy. Even if you feel okay, keep your effort smooth. Riding still counts as time outside at height, and you will likely want to sip water regularly. Drinking water is included on the way, which helps you avoid the common mistake of forgetting hydration when you are busy taking photos.

The 7 Lakes circuit: Otorongo, Alqacocha, and the big viewpoint payoff

Once you are mounted and set, the day shifts into pure high-Andes rhythm. You move through a sequence of lakes fed by pristine glacier waters. The names you will hear for the circuit include Otorongo, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Patacocha.

What I like about this setup is that it is not just one lake and done. You get a connected loop of water and peaks, so you keep getting visual variety. Between stops, the ride gives you time to look around without your legs doing all the work. It is a true compromise for travelers who want the views but do not want a full day of hiking.

A major highlight is the Ninaparayoc Viewpoint. This is where you slow down and take in a panorama of the lakes and surrounding peaks. The private-group angle helps here. You are not trying to squeeze between other tour groups during the best photo moments. If you care about quiet, this is one of those times you notice it.

Possible consideration: horseback riding is still outdoors and you will be in a long day format. Even if the horses reduce leg fatigue, you might feel stiffness from the cold morning, so pack layers you can peel on the go. If you get cold easily, that is not a small issue at 4,100 m.

The Pacchanta return ride and lunch reset

After time for photos at the viewpoint and other lake stops, you ride or walk back to Pacchanta. The itinerary gives you room for this shift, because this is not a sprint. The slower pace is a real advantage of a private tour. If your group wants extra moments at a certain water edge, you are more likely to get it than on a strict group schedule.

Lunch is included and served as a delicious buffet with traditional Andean dishes. This is a smart inclusion, because it keeps your energy up before the hot springs portion of the day. It also saves you from hunting for food in a remote start area while everyone is tired.

If you are thinking about value, meals are a big part of it here. In many mountain tours, lunch costs extra and tends to be basic. Here you get both a warm breakfast and a proper lunch, so you are not paying twice for basics.

Pacchanta hot springs: the real recovery session

Next, you can enjoy the Aguas Termales Pacchanta hot springs. These are naturally heated by thermal activity, and the mineral-rich waters are ideal for soothing muscles after a long day at altitude.

This is the part that makes the tour feel complete. You ride for hours, then you finish with a place designed for rest. In practice, this means you can take off the edge of fatigue without doing more work. You do not have to spend your evening stretched out in your hotel bed wondering what you paid for.

One extra detail I appreciated from real-life experiences is that the day can feel very safe when your group is looked after. In one case, the day included guard dogs that helped keep the experience calm from the side of the trail people do not always think about. You still rely on your guide for safety, but it is a helpful reminder that animals and people both shape the feel of mountain travel.

What a private horseback tour changes for you

The private format is not a gimmick. It changes how the day flows in small but important ways.

First, the pace becomes yours. If you need a slow start, your guide can account for it. If you are comfortable at some points but need extra breaks later, the day can bend around you rather than forcing you to keep up.

Second, your group tends to get more attention during the riding setup. Horses are organized and safety guidelines are explained for your group. That matters because horseback riding is not just about sitting. It is about understanding how to handle your horse and what the guide expects, especially in higher, cooler conditions.

Third, you avoid the constant crowd pressure. The Ninaparayoc Viewpoint is the kind of spot where shared tours can turn into a slow-moving queue. On a private tour, you spend more time actually looking, and less time waiting for a turn.

Price and value: what $180 buys you, and where it makes sense

At $180 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Ausangate’s 7 lakes. But when you break down what is included, the price starts to make sense.

You are paying for:

• Private hotel pickup and return from Cusco
• Breakfast and lunch (warm buffet breakfast, traditional Andean buffet lunch)
• Entrance tickets to Ausangate and 7 lakes
• Entrance ticket to Pacchanta hot springs
• Horses trained for the entire circuit
• An experienced guide who speaks English and Spanish
• Water during the ride

For me, the big value drivers are the trained horses for the full route and the included hot springs recovery. Those are not small add-ons, and they shape the whole feel of the day. If you tried to do this yourself, you would still pay for transport, horse support, and park or site access, and you would have to arrange food and timing on your own.

When does this price feel like a win? If you want a full day experience but you are not trying to hike the whole time. If you have limited time in Cusco and want one organized day that includes recovery, this is a solid fit.

Timing, weather, and altitude: the stuff that can change your day

This tour requires good weather. That is typical for high-mountain routes, but it is especially relevant because Ausangate areas depend on conditions for safe riding and visibility.

Altitude is another consideration. You start around 4,100 m at Pacchanta, and even if you are already adapted to Cusco, you should still take altitude seriously. The tour helps you by keeping the format sensible, and the riding reduces leg impact, but it does not reduce altitude exposure.

A practical approach:

• Take it slow during mounting and first riding segments
• Sip water regularly
• Keep breathing steady, especially in cold air
• Dress in layers so you can adjust as you warm up

Who should book this horseback ride, and who should consider hiking

This tour says most travelers can participate, which is reassuring. But I would match the experience to your comfort level with riding and long days.

Choose this horseback tour if:

• You want the 7 lakes experience but do not want a full hiking day
• You like guided structure and a smooth schedule
• You want a clear recovery ending with hot springs
• You care about a private group pace and flexibility

Consider hiking instead if:

• You dislike horseback riding for any reason
• Your body feels better walking than riding
• You want maximum control over stops, pace, and footing

One real-life note that I agree with: horses can be a huge relief on your legs. But if you already love hiking, you might feel more connected to the terrain on foot. The good part is you are offered options like ride or walk back at certain points, so you can blend how you feel during the day.

Should you book? My take

I would book this tour if you want a structured, private day that combines Ausangate’s 7 lakes, a standout viewpoint at Ninaparayoc, and the payback of hot springs at the end. The included meals, trained horses for the full circuit, and private transport from your Cusco hotel all reduce the usual stress of planning a remote day.

If you are sensitive to early mornings or altitude, plan carefully with layers and a calm pace. But if you can handle a 4:30 am start, this is a very practical way to see a big stretch of the Andes without turning it into a punishing leg day.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 4:30 am.

How long is the horseback riding day?

It runs about 10 to 11 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour, and only your group participates.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included at Pacchanta (a warm buffet), and lunch is included after riding back (a traditional Andean buffet).

Are tickets included for the lakes and hot springs?

Yes. Entrance tickets for Ausangate and the 7 lakes are included, and the entrance ticket to the Pacchanta hot springs is included.

Do you ride horses for the full circuit?

The horses are trained to ride for the entire circuit.

Is water provided during the day?

Yes, water to drink is included on the way.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I get picked up and dropped off at my Cusco hotel?

Yes. Private transportation is provided from your hotel in Cusco to the start area, and from the end of the trek back to your hotel.