TourismCusco

Tours & experiences

Ausangate 12 Lakes Horseback Riding Full Day Tour – Private

About this experience

The Ausangate 12 Lakes Horseback Riding Adventure offers an immersive journey through the stunning Peruvian Andes. This full-day tour begins with a scenic drive from Cusco to the traditional village of Pacchanta, where riders embark on a leisurely horseback excursion. Discover twelve high-altitude glacial lakes, each showcasing unique colors, set against the backdrop of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. Enjoy local insights from an expert guide about Andean culture and wildlife along the trail. Conclude the day by relaxing in the thermal hot springs of Pacchanta, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

- Full-day horseback riding tour in the Ausangate region
- Explore twelve glacial lakes with vibrant colors
- Expert guide shares cultural insights and wildlife information
- Relax in natural hot springs after your adventure

At a glance

  • Duration: 10 hr
  • Private experience

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Ausangate 12 Lakes Horseback Riding Full Day Tour - Private
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour10 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Entrance ticket to pacchanta hot springs
  • Breakfasts
  • Entrance ticket to Ausangate and 12 lakes
  • Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the trek.
  • Lunches
  • Horses trained to ride for the entire circuit
  • Private transportation from the end of the trek to Cusco to your hotel.
  • Experienced Guide speaks English and Spanish
  • Water to drink on the way

Not included

  • Tips for our staff

Itinerary and highlights

The adventure begins very early with a hotel pickup at 4:30 a.m. Our professional guide will meet you promptly at your hotel, ensuring you start the day comfortably and on schedule. We will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 3 hours toward the picturesque Pajchamta community. Along the way, you will be able to admire breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, with snow-capped mountains, rolling valleys, and traditional villages that seem frozen in time.

Upon arrival in Pajchamta, we will savor a delicious local breakfast, freshly prepared with traditional ingredients from the region, giving you the perfect energy boost for the day ahead. During breakfast, you will have the chance to observe the daily life of the local community, interact with friendly villagers, and experience the authentic culture of this unique area.

After breakfast, our guide will give you all the necessary instructions for the horseback tour, ensuring your experience is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. We will then begin the horseback ride towards the 12 Lagoons of Ausangate, traveling through unique, less-visited trails that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings.

Along the route, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Colquecruz Mountain and the Jampa Pass, with snow-capped peaks on both sides and crystal-clear lagoons scattered throughout the area. This route is special because we ride through areas away from the crowds, offering a deep connection with the natural beauty of the Vilcamota Mountain Range.

Our guide will also share information about the local flora, fauna, and culture, as well as fascinating stories about the Ausangate region, making every moment educational and memorable.

After exploring the 12 Lagoons, we will descend along a scenic trail to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate, where we will enjoy a peaceful ride on our horses, each of them with different colors, allowing everyone to fully appreciate the beauty of these lagoons. We will then continue horseback riding back to Pajchamta to enjoy a well-deserved lunch.

After enjoying a delicious lunch in the Pajchamta community, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural hot springs. This is a perfect moment to relax and rejuvenate while taking in the breathtaking surrounding landscapes. After this serene experience, we will return to our vehicle and begin the approximately 3-hour journey back to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will drop you off directly at your hotel or at any location of your choice, ensuring a comfortable and convenient end to your adventure.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Guests will be picked up directly from their hotel in Cusco by our professional guide and driver. The guide will meet them at the hotel lobby at the confirmed pickup time, holding a sign with the lead traveler’s name. At the end of the tour, the guide and transport will return the guests to the same hotel or pickup point, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Peru Hike

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 10 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Guests will be picked up directly from their hotel in Cusco by our professional guide and driver. The guide will meet them at the hotel lobby at the confirmed pickup time, holding a sign with the lead traveler’s name. At the end of the tour, the guide and transport will return the guests to the same hotel or pickup point, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Adult tickets: age 10+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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