Ausangate Trek – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Duration
5D/4N
Difficulty
Difficult
Private
From 2ppl
Group
Only small groups
Recommended Age
All ages with good physical condition
The Ausangate Trek is one of the most breathtaking high-altitude adventures in the Cusco region. This 5-day journey takes you around the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft), the fifth-highest peak in Peru and a place of great spiritual significance for local communities.
Known for its stunning landscapes, the trek passes through remote Andean villages, turquoise lakes, glaciers, colorful valleys, and natural hot springs. Along the way, you will also encounter herds of alpacas and llamas, and enjoy the hospitality of the local highland people.
This trek is a physically demanding experience due to its altitude and challenging terrain, but it rewards adventurers with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Andes. It is the ideal choice for those seeking a combination of nature, culture, and adventure away from the crowds.
Itinerary
What you will do and explore with us
Depart early in the morning from Cusco by private transport and travel through the fertile valleys and traditional Andean villages towards the Vilcanota mountain range. After approximately 3.5 hours, arrive in Tinqui (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the Ausangate Trek.
From Tinqui, begin hiking through the vast Andean highlands, surrounded by open landscapes and herds of llamas and alpacas. As you gradually ascend, enjoy your first impressive views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, rising above the surrounding valleys.
Continue towards Upis (4,400 m / 14,435 ft), located at the foot of the sacred Ausangate massif. Upon arrival, settle into camp and admire the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain.
You can also visit the nearby Upis Hot Springs, where you may relax in the natural thermal waters after your first day of trekking.
Enjoy dinner prepared by the trekking team and spend the night camping beneath the Andean sky.
Overnight camping in Upis.
After breakfast at camp, continue your journey through the spectacular high-altitude landscapes surrounding Ausangate Mountain. Along the trail, observe herds of alpacas and llamas grazing across the mountain pastures.
Gradually ascend towards Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft), the first major mountain pass of the trek. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of rugged peaks, glaciers, and the impressive Vilcanota mountain range.
After reaching the pass, descend towards a beautiful area of high-altitude lagoons. Along the way, discover three remarkable lakes: Hatun Pucacocha, Huchuy Pucacocha, and Qomercocha, known for their striking turquoise and deep blue waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Continue to the Pucacocha campsite, where you will settle in for the evening with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Enjoy dinner at camp and, weather permitting, admire the spectacular Andean night sky.
Overnight camping near the Pucacocha Lakes.
After an early breakfast, begin the challenging ascent towards Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the Ausangate Trek.
The trail climbs through rugged high-altitude terrain, surrounded by impressive glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and colorful mountain landscapes. Take your time as you approach the summit, where the spectacular scenery makes every step worthwhile.
At the top of Palomani Pass, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ausangate Mountain and the vast surrounding Andean landscape. Take a moment to rest, capture photographs, and appreciate this remarkable high-altitude experience.
From the pass, descend into the remote valley of Huchuy Phinaya, a peaceful Andean area where local herders continue their traditional way of life. Along the way, you may encounter families living in traditional stone houses and caring for their llamas and alpacas.
Upon arrival, settle into camp and enjoy a well-deserved dinner prepared by the trekking team.
Overnight camping in Huchuy Phinaya.
After breakfast, leave the peaceful valley of Huchuy Phinaya and continue your trek towards Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,630 ft).
The trail gradually ascends through spectacular high-Andean scenery, with towering glaciers, colorful mountain formations, and herds of alpacas and llamas grazing along the way.
Upon reaching Jampa Pass, enjoy impressive panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Continue downhill towards Qampa Lake, a beautiful turquoise lagoon surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Take a break to admire the landscape and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing towards Pacchanta.
In the afternoon, arrive at Pacchanta Village, a traditional Andean community famous for its natural hot springs. After several days of trekking at high altitude, relax in the thermal waters while enjoying magnificent views of Ausangate Mountain.
Enjoy dinner at camp and spend your final night beneath the starry Andean sky.
Overnight camping in Pacchanta.
After breakfast and a final opportunity to admire Ausangate Mountain, begin the final hike towards Tinqui Village.
Enjoy an approximately 3-hour walk through the open Andean highlands and traditional farmlands, passing rural landscapes where local herders and their alpacas are part of everyday life.
Upon arrival in Tinqui, meet your private transport for the return journey to Cusco. Travel through picturesque valleys and traditional Andean villages, enjoying your final views of the Peruvian highlands.
Arrive in Cusco in the afternoon, bringing your unforgettable 5-day Ausangate Trek to an end.
End of the trek.
Prices
PRIVATE SERVICE
Based on 2 participants
Private guide · Private transportation
SHARING GROUP
Standard group · Up to 18 participants
Small Group (4–10 participants): price available on request.
CONTACT US FOR A SPECIFIC ESTIMATION FOR YOUR OWN TRIP
Prices per person. Please contact us to confirm availability and your preferred service.
Includes
- Professional trekking guide (English/Spanish).
- Private transport (Cusco – Tinqui – Cusco).
- Entrance fees to Ausangate region.
- Horses and horsemen for carrying camping equipment.
- Camping equipment: tents, mats, cooking gear.
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks).
- Cook and muleteer support team.
- Emergency horse for assistance.
- First aid kit and oxygen.
- Trekking poles.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Extra expenses and tips.
- Personal snacks and drinks.
- Travel insurance.
Recommendations
- Good physical fitness: This trek is recommended for strong hikers who are comfortable walking several hours a day over challenging mountain terrain.
- Proper acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, reaching up to 5,200 m (17,060 ft), it is essential to spend several days acclimatizing in Cusco or at a similar altitude before starting the trek.
- Camping experience: Previous experience with multi-day trekking and camping is highly recommended.
- Cold weather preparation: Temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. Bring warm clothing, thermal layers, gloves, a hat, and a suitable sleeping bag.
- Basic camping conditions: Be prepared for rustic conditions, limited facilities, and little comfort during the trek. This is a remote mountain adventure rather than a comfortable hiking holiday.
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Ausangate Trek – 5 Days / 4 Nights
5D/4N