The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Horseback Riding 1 Day tour is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Located just a few hours from Cusco, this journey allows you to explore the majestic Ausangate mountain, sacred to the Quechua people, while riding through turquoise lakes, alpaca fields, and high-altitude glaciers.
If you’re looking for an authentic Andean adventure without the need for long hikes, this one-day horseback riding tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate is the perfect choice.
Your day begins early in the morning with a hotel pick-up in Cusco. After a scenic drive through traditional villages and valleys, you’ll arrive at Pacchanta, a peaceful Andean community located at the base of the Ausangate glacier.
Here you’ll meet your trained horse and your local guide, who will make sure you feel comfortable and safe. The 7 Lakes of Ausangate Horseback Riding 1 Day experience is designed for all levels of riders — even beginners.
As you start your ascent, the rhythm of the horse’s steps blends with the wind and the sounds of the mountains. The landscapes are breathtaking: snow-capped peaks, streams of clear water, and herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely.
This is where you truly connect with the Andean spirit — calm, pure, and timeless.
The highlight of this 7 Lakes of Ausangate Horseback Riding 1 Day adventure is the colorful chain of lagoons surrounding the Ausangate glacier.
Each lake has a unique tone — emerald green, turquoise, deep blue, or even milky white — formed by the minerals from the melting glaciers.
These lakes include:
According to local legend, the lakes are the “eyes of the Apu Ausangate,” guardians of nature that protect the surrounding communities.
Each stop along the route is a perfect photo opportunity — reflections of glaciers on the water, Andean wildlife, and pure silence interrupted only by the sound of the wind.
After exploring the lakes, you’ll return to Pacchanta to enjoy one of the most relaxing moments of the day: soaking in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta with panoramic views of the Ausangate glacier.
This is the perfect time to rest your body and reflect on the beauty of the journey.
A freshly prepared Andean lunch made with local ingredients awaits you — a well-deserved reward after hours of adventure.
The ideal time to take the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Horseback Riding 1 Day tour is between April and November, when the skies are clear, and the trails are dry.
The rainy season (December to March) brings lush green scenery and fewer visitors — great for those seeking solitude.
Because the elevation reaches up to 4,700 meters (15,420 ft), it’s important to spend at least two nights in Cusco beforehand to acclimatize.
We recommend bringing:
When you travel with Andes Peru Expeditions, you’re supporting local Andean communities who have lived beneath Ausangate for generations.
All horses are well cared for, and our horsemen are experienced locals who share their ancestral knowledge of the mountains.
By choosing our 7 Lakes of Ausangate Horseback Riding 1 Day experience, you help preserve their traditions and protect the fragile ecosystem of the high Andes.
We follow eco-friendly practices, carry out all waste, and encourage travelers to leave nothing but footprints.
As the sun sets behind the peaks, the colors of the Andes turn golden and pink — the perfect ending to your 7 Lakes of Ausangate Horseback Riding 1 Day journey.
You’ll return to Cusco filled with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the beauty and spirit of the Peruvian highlands.
Experience the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Horseback Riding 1 Day with Andes Peru Expeditions — a journey of color, culture, and serenity high in the Peruvian Andes.
👉 Book your adventure now and make your trip to Cusco truly unforgettable.
