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Spend a full day on trained horses from Pacchanta to the seven colorful lagoons beneath Ausangate. This private journey combines a 15 km ride, a traditional Andean picnic and a restorative soak in natural hot springs.
Spend a full day on trained horses from Pacchanta to the seven colorful lagoons beneath Ausangate. This private journey combines a 15 km ride, a traditional Andean picnic and a restorative soak in natural hot springs.
Dawn in Cusco is a slow, practical light—bundled travelers meet a private van and head southeast into the high Andes. By 7:30 a.m. you arrive in Pacchanta at roughly 4,300 m, where horses, muleteers and a chill mountain breeze wait. The animals step forward on compacted trails; the ride unfolds across puna grasslands, past grazing alpacas and toward petals of color in seven high-altitude lagoons. Ausangate’s snow-capped bulk watches every mile.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Peru Hike · Pacchanta, Cusco Region
Dawn in Cusco is a slow, practical light—bundled travelers meet a private van and head southeast into the high Andes. By 7:30 a.m. you arrive in Pacchanta at roughly 4,300 m, where horses, muleteers and a chill mountain breeze wait. The animals step forward on compacted trails; the ride unfolds across puna grasslands, past grazing alpacas and toward petals of color in seven high-altitude lagoons. Ausangate’s snow-capped bulk watches every mile.
This landscape sits in the Vilcanota range and carries Quechua cultural weight: Ausangate is an Apu, a sacred mountain in local cosmology, and the scattered communities have lived from camelid herding and seasonal potato terraces for centuries. Geologically, the lagoons are fed by glacial melt and mineral runoff, which is why each basin takes on a distinct blue-green, turquoise or rust tone.
Expect about 15 km on horseback over mostly gentle ground; the ride is designed for varying abilities though altitude is the chief challenge. A picnic on traditional blankets uses local ingredients—quinoa, fresh cheese and herbal teas—and the day finishes with a soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs to ease cold muscles.
Practical edge: this is a long day—9–10 hours including drive time—so acclimatize in Cusco first, layer for sun and wind, and keep water and coca tea handy. Guides provide horses and local knowledge; bring patience for the rhythm of the animals and respect for the communities you pass.
moderate.
9–10 hours.
Suitable for travelers in average fitness but expect sustained exposure to high altitude; light horseback ability helpful.
The advertised route covers roughly 15 km on horseback with about 2–3 hours en route to the lagoons and a shorter return ride—total riding time around 3–4 hours.
No formal experience is required; horses are trained and guides manage pace, but basic balance and comfort in a saddle are helpful.
Pacchanta is at ~4,300 m; altitude is the main concern—allow time in Cusco to acclimatize and consult a doctor if you have cardiovascular issues.
Private transport from Cusco, trained horses, guide, picnic lunch, entrance to Ausangate and Pacchanta hot springs, water and hotel drop-off are included.
Ausangate has long been revered by Quechua communities as an Apu (sacred mountain) and sits within traditional herding territory that dates back centuries.
The high Andean ecosystems are fragile—stick to trails, avoid leaving waste, and support local guides who practice low-impact visitation to protect glacial-fed lagoons.
Peru Hike operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Dawn in Cusco is a slow, practical light—bundled travelers meet a private van and head southeast into the high Andes. By 7:30 a.m. you arrive in Pacchanta at roughly 4,300 m, where horses, muleteers and a chill mountain breeze wait. The animals step forward on compacted trails; the ride unfolds across puna grasslands, past grazing alpacas and toward petals of color in seven high-altitude lagoons. Ausangate’s snow-capped bulk watches every mile.
Dawn in Cusco is a slow, practical light—bundled travelers meet a private van and head southeast into the high Andes. By 7:30 a.m. you arrive in Pacchanta at roughly 4,300 m, where horses, muleteers and a chill mountain breeze wait. The animals step forward on compacted trails; the ride unfolds across puna grasslands, past grazing alpacas and toward petals of color in seven high-altitude lagoons. Ausangate’s snow-capped bulk watches every mile.
This landscape sits in the Vilcanota range and carries Quechua cultural weight: Ausangate is an Apu, a sacred mountain in local cosmology, and the scattered communities have lived from camelid herding and seasonal potato terraces for centuries. Geologically, the lagoons are fed by glacial melt and mineral runoff, which is why each basin takes on a distinct blue-green, turquoise or rust tone.
Expect about 15 km on horseback over mostly gentle ground; the ride is designed for varying abilities though altitude is the chief challenge. A picnic on traditional blankets uses local ingredients—quinoa, fresh cheese and herbal teas—and the day finishes with a soak in Pacchanta’s hot springs to ease cold muscles.
Practical edge: this is a long day—9–10 hours including drive time—so acclimatize in Cusco first, layer for sun and wind, and keep water and coca tea handy. Guides provide horses and local knowledge; bring patience for the rhythm of the animals and respect for the communities you pass.