The Incredible Ausangate Trek in the Andes
Peru is one of the most diversity country in South America, and hiking in the Peruvian Andes offer some of the most espectacular remote landscapes perfect for adventure lovers. Ausangate is one of the most sacred and majestic mountains in the Peruvian Andes, rising to 6,384 meters (20,945 ft) above sea level. Ausangate Trek takes you to around the highest mountain in Cusco, it is considered the spiritual protector of the region and holds deep cultural significance for local Quechua communities.
Ausangate is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, which include snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, vast valleys, and colorful high-altitude meadows where alpacas and llamas graze. The mountain is also closely linked with the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), known for its striking natural mineral colors.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
The Ausangate Trek 5 Days is one of the best high-altitude adventures in Peru, offering a less-crowded alternative to the Inca Trail. Trekkers experience remote Andean villages, hot springs, and close encounters with traditional lifestyles untouched by modernity. The trek is quite demanding, the average altitude is 4,800 meters and gets to 5,200 meters in the highest point.
Hiking 5-day ausangate trek you'll be amazed by the stunning landscapes, glacial lakes, snowy peaks, observe diverse Andean wildlife, and hike through herds of alpacas. Challenging but rewarding, the Ausangate Trek is perfect for adventure travelers seeking pristine landscapes, cultural immersion, and an unforgettable experience beyond Machu Picchu.
Highlights: Ausangate Mountain and Lakes
Hiking distance: 67km/41.6miles
Considerations: acclimatation is required
Season: April through November
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Tinki - Upis village
-
Day02
Upis Village - Arapa Pass - Ausangate Pass - Anantapata
-
Day03
Anantapata - Warmisaya Pass - Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Qocha
-
Day04
Ausangate Qocha - Palomani Pass - Qampa Pampa - Pachispata
-
Day05
Pachispata - Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco
Be amazed with the stunning and powerful Ausangate Mountain
Hike through herds of alpcas and beautiful glacial lakes
Discover the most spectacular Rainbow Mountain in the Andes of Peru
Challenging the highest point on the Ausangate Trek, get closer to Apu Ausangate
Hike through the Ausangate 7 Lakes and soak in the natural thermal baths
Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
Walking Distance: 8km / 4.9 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,100 meters / 13,451 feet
Highest Elevation: 4,420 meters / 14,501 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4,420meters / 14,501 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping (tent)
Embark on the Ausangate Trek 5 days , our departure from Cusco is early in the morning, we will pick you up at 5:30am from your hotel. After we drive for three hours in private van to the small village of Tinqui (3,800 masl./ 12,464 feet). Here, you will be able to buy the last items that you will need during the trek, also you'll find restrooms. After a short rest in Tinqui we will continue driving to Rodeana 4,100m / 13,451ft. There is the beginning of our hike, the first three hours on the trail are wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, we get to the lunch spot in Upis 4,420m / 14,501ft with great views of Apu Ausangate. Here you will have the option to enjoy the hot springs which contains some minerals with benefif for your body. We will camp here for the night.
Upis -Arapa Pass -Ausangate Pass - Anantapata
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.2 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,420 meters / 14,501 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4,600 meters / 15,091 feet
Maximum Altitude: 4,980 meters / 16,338 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
After the delicious breakfast, we will head toward the first pass in Ausangate Trek. The first two hours involve a steady ascent until we reach Arapa pass (4,850 metres/ 15908 feet) along the way you will enjoy breathtaking views of Ausangate mountain and Huayna Ausangate. From here, we descend into the valley, passing the emerald-green lake of Puqa Q'ocha before arriving at the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha where we will stop for lunch with an incredible view of surrounding peaks. In the afternoon, we ascend to the second pass Condor Pass (4,980 meters / 16,338 feet) which offers stunning views of the valley dotted with lakes. Here you can feel the powerful energy of this Sacred Andean mountain and understand why it is so important to the local communities. Afterwards we descend to Anantapata 4,570m/14,993ft. where we will set up camp for our second night.
Anantapata - Warmisaya pass- Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Q’ocha
Walking Distance: 18km / 11.1 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,600 meters / 15,091 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4,600 meters / 15,091feet
Maximum Altitude: 5,036 meters / 16,522feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Our team will wake you up super early this day with a hot Coca tea in order to see the sunrise once we arrive to the Rainbow Mountain, after an energetic breakfast we heading up to the next pass Warmisaya 5,020m/16,469ft.From here we will appreciate the peak of the Rainbow Mountain, then we hike for a few hours to reach the incredible Rainbow Mountain 5100m/16,732ft. before the crowd arrive, here you will be amazed by the natural colors of the iconic place, you can relax and enjoy the moment capturing incredible photos while is empty, you guide will explain you about the colors and you'll explore each site of the incredible mountain. After you have explored each site we will return the same way until our last campiste to have the lunch where we can recharge our energy and rest for a little, then we coninue our hike to Ausangate Qocha 4,400m/14435ft. Where will be our next campsite.
Ausangate Qocha - Palomani Pass- Qampa Pampa - Pachispata
Walking Distance: 16km / 9,8 miles
Starting Elevation: 4400 meters / 14,435 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4480 / 14,698 feet
Maximum Altitude: 5200 meters / 17,060 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely
After our breakfast we begin hiking up to the highest pass in this trek, with a previous hike of couple hours, we'll reach the Palomani 5200m / 16,060ft. This is the pass where you'll be as close as possible to the Ausangate Mountain, here your tour guide will do some ceremony to say thanks mother earth (Pachamama) for these extraordinary adventure. From the pass we follow the trail into the valley while you are descending you can appreciate a nice lagoon and the glacier at your left side. Then we hike towards our lunch spot. After a little rest and with the energy recharged, we continue our hike to the last pass Qampa 5080m /16,660ft. During the afternoon hike we can look the views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q'ampa valley, once we reach the pass we only have an hour going down to our next campsite Pachaspata, 4580m/14,698ft
Pachispata - Pacchanta - Cusco
Walking Distance: 8km/ 4.8miles
Starting Elevation: 4480 meters / 14,698 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Adventure: Absolutely
The last day of this trip we wake up about 6am enjoy the breakfast, then, we begin with our hike. It's 3 hours trek between turquoise lakes and picturesque villages on the way to Pacchanta where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village and enjoy the relaxing hot spring before taking our private van back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.00.
Itinerary notes - Ausangate trek (Ausangate Circuit) - 5 days
The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here. The Ausangate region is very high, plus you are close to a snow covered massif. Temperatures are cold, and can fall well below freezing in the nights. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Hire/or carry sleeping bags for temperatures less than freezing (minus 15 celsius or more).This region has limited tourist infrastructure and this tour makes use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure, and visitors to Peru are encouraged to have an open mind and be open to the differences in the way things are done in another culture.
At Cusco Climbing we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Ausangate Trek. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your Ausangate Trek 5 Days.
WE INCLUDE
Cusco Climbing Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Ausangate trek departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the trek. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will be carried by the horses while you are hiking
Professional Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service, our tour guide have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through to their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Andes.
Entrance Fees to Ausangate park
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek it will be for a specific date and will be in your name.
Accommodations
At Cusco Climbing we include accommodations 4 nights along the Ausangate trek, with a suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of the life time. Our tents are Mountain gear or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only for 2 people to ensure you comfort and enough place for your luggage. The same way we include Inflatable mattress for your comfort. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal along this tour.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, the bus returning from Ausangate to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.
Horses
We include horses to transport all the duffle bags and equipment during this tour also will be a horse man. At Cusco Climbing we know safety is first is for that we include a emergency horse in case someone feels tired or get altitude sickness.
Equipment
Personal Duffle bag
We included a personal duffle bag for your 5 days Ausangate trek. You will get this duffle bag at Cusco Climbing office during your pre-departure briefing the night before of your trek. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon you arrive to the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag and mattress but the maximum allowable weight is 7kg/17lb. The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
Toilet Tents
During our trek to Ausangate we bring our own portable toilet tent because we know how important is to protect our environment and we are trained to don’t leave no traces along the route.
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Cusco Climbing are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Cusco Climbing , we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 4 breakfast, 5 lunch and 4 dinner. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients.
Water
Cusco Climbing will provide you water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled and cooled by our Chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the Ausangate trek needs a proper sleeping bag which has to be for -20°C / 2° F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or you don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.
Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits, protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially on the remote area which are many up and downhill, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increased stability, if you don’t have a pair of trekking poles you can rent them from our office.
First Breakfast
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotel offers breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Ocongate where you will be available to purchase a breakfast.
Travel Insurance
Tips for our team
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Ausangate, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
AUSANGATE TREK 5 DAYS PACKING LIST
At Cusco Climbing we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- Trekking poles
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3 kg.
- 3-4 wicking t-shirts
- 3-4 hiking pants
- 3-4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
- Small towel
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible. Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
PREPARING FOR YOUR AUSANGATE TREK
BOOKING SYSTEM
At Cusco Climbing, we try to make the best of us to booking system works as easy as possible for you, once you decided to do this Ausangate Trek, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required detail which are important to book your tickets, we need a previous deposit of 50% per person. Once as soon as you paid it, we immediately book a spot for this tour once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation form that all the booking process has set up satisfactorily.
IS CUSCO CLIMBING TEAM CONTACTING US BEFORE FLYING TO PERU?Yes, our work policy is to be in contact with our customers as long as necessary to inform them of all the details and changes that could occur after have confirmed the reservation, please you ask to check constantly your e-mail, also if you have some issue let us know to solve as soon as possible.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?Cusco is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow especially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, we will send you a notify for the pick up if is not possible the access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop off also a night before your tour you will meet with your tour guide who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Vidal Expeditions sales team.
ALONG THE TREK IS THERE ELECTRICITY ALONG THE TREK?Not, because this trek is located in remote place where there is not electricity some local village located along the trek has solar panels your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone, we recommend to bring your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains.
HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK?This trek is particularly challenging specially for people who does not has experience hiking on the mountains, we recommend to training with some exercises a few times per week to don’t have problem, also is recommendable to spend some days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude because part of the segment along this trek are located over 4000m/13123ft
WHAT HAPPEN IF I GOT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?No worry, our guide and team are professional and they know how to solve any issue during your trek, your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these, also will be there an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recovery. Our team always has radio and they are trained for any emergency happen during our tours.
DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS?Definitely, it is always recommendable to wear a light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas, crossing some rivers especially the day 2 some of them are slippery, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.
SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well.
WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?In case you have extra luggage which you not need to bring to the trail all the hotels in Cusco has storage where you can leave your luggage completely free, if you will change your hotel after the trek we have available our storage in Vidal Expeditions office, get more info with from our office team.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHERThe weather in Cusco regions and part of the Andes is unpredictable even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months - a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in some part of the trail.
From: USD 480.00 per person
USD 460.00: from 4 people to more
*Sleeping bag -15°C / 5°F for the entire trip: $25USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Cusco Climbing. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Cusco Climbing will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Ausangate Trek
Ausangate Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Cusco Climbing we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
-
Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
-
Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
-
Best Climbing & Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art climbing and camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
-
Best Climbing team: At Cusco Climbing we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
Why Travel with us
Start a Conversation
Hi! Click one our members below to chat on WhatsApp ;)
Related Ausangate Treks
Alternative journeys you may be interested in
Here you have other options that will suit your needs from the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu