Morning starts early in the Andes. This private horseback route to the Ausangate 7 lakes mixes high-altitude scenery, glacier-fed lagoons, and the kind of Pacchanta hot springs reset you feel in your muscles. I love how the ride is paced for your group, and I love that you get both buffet meals and the entry tickets built in. One thing to think about: the day starts at 4:30am and you’ll still be at big altitude, even if the horse does most of the leg work.

The route centers on Ausangate’s lagoon chain and a standout panorama stop called Ninaparayoc, where you can take photos and simply breathe. You’ll also be dealing with cold mornings, so planning for layers matters as much as enjoying the views. If you’re the type who wants a go-go-go day with minimal comfort, this one may feel a bit long, but if you want a real Andean day with time to soak it in, it hits the mark.

Below is the practical way to think about this experience, who it suits best, and where it can fall short.

Key things to know before you ride to the Ausangate 7 lakes

• 4:30am start from Cusco: you’ll be in the high country while it’s still dark and quiet
• Pacchanta at 4,100 m: warm breakfast helps, but altitude is still part of the deal
• Seven lagoons on horseback: Otorongo, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, Patacocha
• Ninaparayoc Viewpoint: the big panorama stop during the lagoon circuit
• Hot springs afterward: mineral-rich waters at Pacchanta to recover your legs
• Private group feel: your party rides and moves as a unit, with flexibility from your guide

Private timing from Cusco: why the 4:30am departure matters

This is a long day and it starts early: the pickup begins around 4:30am in Cusco, and you’re out long enough that it feels like a full Andean expedition. The trade-off is worth it. Going early usually means you spend your time in the high country before the day gets crowded and before conditions shift.

Your day is set up as two main blocks. First you ride the lagoon circuit, then you slow down for lunch and soak in the Pacchanta hot springs. Because it’s private, your guide isn’t managing a large mix of strangers with different walking speeds and photo habits. That matters when you’re at altitude and when you want the timing to feel smooth rather than rushed.

Also, you should be realistic about cold. Even if you’re excited, you’ll likely feel chilly at the start because mornings in the Andes can be sharp. You’ll want to dress for warmth early and plan to remove layers later.

Pacchanta breakfast at 4,100 m: a smart altitude warm-up

The ride begins at Pacchanta (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), at the foot of Ausangate. Before horses move, you get a warm buffet breakfast prepared by local families. That’s not just a nice touch. It’s a practical altitude strategy: fuel helps, and a hot start can keep you from feeling shaky or drained.

This is also where your guide organizes the horses and goes over safety and the route basics. Even if you’ve never ridden before, having a trained setup for the full circuit reduces stress. The horses are described as trained to ride the entire circuit, which is exactly what you want for a day like this—one where you’ll be focused on scenery, not fighting the basics.

One more practical detail: you’ll have water to drink on the way. In the Andes, hydration matters more than most people expect, especially on an early departure day. It also helps you settle into the rhythm of the route.

The 7 lagoons of Ausangate on horseback: what you’re really seeing

The heart of the experience is the horseback visit to the Ausangate 7 lagunas, a glacier-fed chain that changes character lake by lake. You’ll pass and explore lagoons fed by pristine glacier water, including Otorongo, Alqacocha, Q’omercocha, Orqo Otorongo, Azulcocha, Pucacocha, and Patacocha. It’s the kind of lineup that can look similar on a map, but doesn’t feel that way in person.

Why horseback is a big deal here: it gives you a way to cover a route that can be tiring if you’re hiking the full day. You still feel the altitude and the cold, but the horse reduces the load on your legs. In one of the standout comments from past riders, the horse ride effectively saved their legs—even though they also admitted they might choose to hike by foot next time. That points to the balance: you get the adventure and effort without turning the whole day into a grind.

At the same time, horseback isn’t a free ride. You’ll likely spend hours mounted, and your body will notice the bumps and the chill. If you prefer very gentle outings, consider that you’re in a high-mountain environment and the pace is tied to the terrain.

If you’re the type who likes a guided route with stops, this works well. The guide’s job is to keep the line moving safely while letting you enjoy the lakes, rather than just rushing you through.

Ninaparayoc viewpoint: the best payoff stop

The route includes a highlight called the Ninaparayoc Viewpoint, a panoramic perspective over the lagoons and peaks. This is where the day tends to click for people: you’ve been moving through the landscape, and now you get a bigger picture—wide views that help you understand why Ausangate is such a big draw.

You also get the advantage of private-group pacing here. Instead of feeling like you’re squeezing photos between groups, your moment at Ninaparayoc feels more under your control. You can take your time with images, look for details across the lagoon chain, and just enjoy the quiet. One rider described the feeling of safety and comfort during the adventure, which helps when you’re stopping often and paying attention to your footing and surroundings.

Bring patience to this moment. High viewpoints can be windy, and the weather can change fast in the Andes. If you dress in layers, you’ll be able to enjoy the views even when it gets chilly.

Lunch plus Pacchanta hot springs: recovery is part of the itinerary

After the lagoon circuit, you ride or walk back to Pacchanta for lunch. You’ll find another buffet lunch with traditional Andean dishes, which is a welcome contrast to the cold mornings and high-altitude effort.

Then comes the part most people end up remembering: the Pacchanta hot springs, naturally heated by thermal activity tied to the mountain area. This is where the day stops feeling like a workout and starts feeling like a reward. The mineral-rich waters are described as ideal for soothing muscles while you still keep mountain views in the frame.

This is also where the horseback choice pays off in a real way. Because the ride is more relaxed than a fully hiking day, you usually have more energy to actually enjoy the soak. The hot springs aren’t just a checkmark. They’re a meaningful end to the day, especially if you want your legs to feel decent for the next day in Cusco.

Pro tip: don’t show up to the springs under-dressed. Even after you’re warm from lunch or travel, the air around hot water areas can still feel cool. Layers make it easier to step in and out comfortably.

Safety and guide support: what a smooth day feels like

This tour is run with an experienced guide who speaks English and Spanish, plus safety instructions before you head out. For most people, that’s the difference between feeling nervous and feeling confident. A patient, accommodating guide also matters because private tours often mean your schedule and comfort level shape the timing.

One of the most memorable safety details from past riders involved the local setting. There were two guard dogs that helped keep the situation calm when other dogs approached. That sort of local “everyone knows how to handle the moment” feeling can make a difference on an active day where you’re focused on staying secure and enjoying the scenery.

Also note the private nature of the day. Since it’s your group only, there’s less of the usual chaos that can happen when multiple parties need the same narrow trail or the same photo spots at the same time. That helps everyone move more calmly.

Price and value at $180: what you’re paying for

At $180 per person, you’re not just paying for a view. You’re paying for a package that includes:

• Breakfast and lunch (buffet style, traditional Andean dishes)
• Entrance tickets for the Ausangate 7 lakes area
• Entrance ticket to Pacchanta hot springs
• Horses trained for the full circuit
• Guide (English and Spanish)
• Private transportation from your Cusco hotel to the start, and back after
• Water on the way

When you compare that to DIY options, the value becomes clearer. Private transportation plus trained horses plus hot spring entry can be hard to replicate without spending time coordinating multiple vendors. This tour is effectively paying someone else to handle the hard parts: scheduling early, moving you safely, and tying everything together into a single day.

And because it’s private, you’re also paying for the “less friction” advantage. Even if you were otherwise comfortable traveling on your own, you’re still saving time and stress by having everything set.

If your priority is the cheapest option, this won’t be it. But if your priority is a comfortable private day with real recovery at the end, $180 can feel reasonable.

Who should book this private horseback ride?

This experience is a good fit if you want a real day in the Ausangate region without turning it into a long, punishing trek. It’s also a strong match if you prefer a private group pace—less waiting, fewer crowd pressures, and more control over stops like Ninaparayoc.

It may be especially appealing if:

• You want horseback adventure but still care about comfort and meals
• You’d rather let trained horses cover distance while you focus on the scenery
• You’re looking for a day that ends with hot springs rather than just another hike finish

One consideration: a day that starts at 4:30am and runs about 10 to 11 hours means you need stamina. Even with horses, you’ll be in a cold, high-altitude environment.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book this private Ausangate 7 lakes horseback day if you want the Andes experience to feel guided, supported, and timed for comfort—especially if you’ll appreciate the combo of lagoons + Ninaparayoc views + Pacchanta hot springs in one long day.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you’re looking for a very light outing or you dislike early starts. Also think hard if you know you struggle with altitude; this tour is set up for “most travelers can participate,” but it still reaches high elevations.

If you’re deciding between hiking-only and horseback-only, this is a smart middle path. You get the major sights with less strain on your legs—and then you actually recover at the end.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?

The tour starts at 4:30am. The full experience runs about 10 to 11 hours.

What meals are included?

A breakfast buffet is included at Pacchanta before the ride, and a buffet lunch is included after the lagoon circuit.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Entrance tickets are included for the Ausangate 7 lakes area and for Pacchanta hot springs.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

Does the tour include horses and guidance?

Yes. The tour provides horses trained for the entire circuit and an experienced guide who speaks English and Spanish.

Do I get water during the day?

Yes. Water to drink is included on the way.