Ausangate Trek 5 Days 4 Nights

Duration

5 Days

Type of tour

Trekking

Difficulty

Medium

Best Time

April - October

Embark on an unforgettable journey along one of Peru’s most impressive trails: the Ausangate Trek. In five days, you will traverse otherworldly landscapes, surrounded by turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, and Andean villages that preserve their ancestral essence. Each day will take you to new heights, crossing passes over 5,000 m.a.s.l., soaking in natural hot springs, and witnessing the majesty of Ausangate, the sacred mountain of the Andes. This is not just a trip—it is a transformative experience amidst extreme nature, designed for those who love the outdoors and long hikes, a unique challenge for everyone who enjoys living culture and the most star-filled sky you will ever see.

Are you ready to embrace the challenge and beauty of the heart of Peru?
Ausangate is waiting for you!

DAY 1: START THE HIKE

Pick up from your hotel.
Private transportation from Cusco to Tinqui.
3 hours of hiking.
See and capture beautiful photos of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
2-hour hike to enjoy the hot springs.
Dinner and briefing for the next day.

DAY 2: DISCOVER DIFFERENT LAKES

We will cross the first pass at 4,850 meters above sea level.
Descend for 3.5 hours.
Enjoy the views of Puqa Q’ocha and Jatun Puqa Q’ocha lakes.
Continue ascending to the second pass, Apuchata, at 4,900 meters above sea level.
Dinner and briefing for the next day.

DAY 3: REACH THE HIGHEST POINT!

Energizing breakfast.
Climb to the third pass, Palomani, at 5,200 meters above sea level.
Descend for 3.5 hours.
See snow-capped mountains.
Continue through a green valley to the Q’ampa River.
Dinner and briefing for the next day.

DAY 4: THE LAST PASS

Breakfast.
We will hike to the last pass at 5,000 meters above sea level.
Enjoy the views of the colorful lakes.
Hot springs.
Free afternoon.
Dinner and briefing for the next day.

DAY 5: RETURN TO CUSCO

Delicious breakfast.
3-hour hike to Tinqui.
Free time to explore the traditional Andean town of Tinqui.
Take our private transportation back to Cusco.

DAY 1: START THE HIKE
We begin with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco and travel in private transportation to the picturesque village of Tinqui, the gateway to Ausangate. From here, we start a 3-hour hike through breathtaking Andean landscapes until we reach Upis, where you’ll be welcomed by a majestic view of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. In the afternoon, we continue with a 2-hour walk to the Upis hot springs, where you can relax while admiring the snow-capped peaks. The day ends with a hot dinner and a briefing for the next day.

DAY 2: DISCOVER DIFFERENT LAKES
Today we cross our first high mountain pass at 4,850 m.a.s.l., with an impressive view of the Ausangate glacier. We then descend for about 3.5 hours, passing the stunning turquoise-colored lakes of Puqa Q’ocha and Jatun Puqa Q’ocha. Afterward, we ascend again to reach the second pass, Apuchata, located at 4,900 m.a.s.l. Upon arrival at camp, we enjoy a hearty dinner and a talk about the next stage of the trek.

DAY 3: REACH THE HIGHEST POINT!
After a nourishing breakfast, we head toward the highest point of the trek: Palomani Pass, standing tall at 5,200 m.a.s.l. From here, the views of the glaciers and snow-covered peaks are truly unforgettable. We descend for about 3.5 hours into a lush green valley, in striking contrast to the icy environment earlier in the day. Crossing the Q’ampa River, we set up camp in a pristine natural setting, followed by dinner and planning for the next day.

DAY 4: THE LAST PASS
After breakfast, we climb to the final pass of the journey, at 5,000 m.a.s.l., where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of colorful lakes and the surrounding mountains. We then descend toward Pacchanta, where you’ll have the chance to relax in soothing natural hot springs. The afternoon is free to rest, explore, or simply enjoy the Andean scenery. In the evening, we share a group dinner and a final briefing.

DAY 5: RETURN TO CUSCO
Following a delicious breakfast, we set off on a 3-hour hike back to Tinqui. Here, you’ll have free time to explore this traditional Andean town, meet its people, and appreciate its local culture. Finally, we take our private transportation back to Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure through Peru’s most sacred mountain range.

¿Qué incluye?

Information prior to departure in Cusco.
Professional bilingual guide (2 guides for groups of more than 10 people).
Pick up from your hotel in the morning (we will pick you up from wherever you are).
Private transportation from Cusco to Tinqui (the beginning of the trek) and return at the end of the trek.
Entrance fee to Ausangate mountain.
Sleeping tents – 2 people in a tent; capacity of 4 people. This will allow for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
Air mattress.
Cook and cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups).
All meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 snacks (hot drinks, cookies and popcorn) and 4 dinners.
Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment) – days 1 to 5
Pack animals to carry personal gear, up to a maximum of 7 kg per person (including sleeping bag and sleeping mat) – day 1 to 5.
Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing / boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and evening, and also at lunch time if requested with enough time in advance
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
Vegetarian/special dietary options available.
Private transportation from Tinqui to Cusco.

No incluye

Sleeping bag.
Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day in Aguas Calientes.
Extra horse to ride or for any extra backpack.

Recomendaciones

Acclimatize in Cusco at least 2–3 days before starting the hike.
Maintain good physical condition; the trek is demanding and at high altitude.
Bring appropriate layered clothing and gear for extreme cold.
Wear waterproof and comfortable trekking boots.
Carry a sleeping bag suitable for very low temperatures (at least -10°C).
Use sunscreen, UV-protection sunglasses, and lip balm.
Bring a small daypack and another bag of up to 7 kg to be carried by support staff.
Don’t forget a headlamp and spare batteries.
Carry a reusable water bottle and energy snacks.
Notify in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.
Consider renting an extra horse if you’re unsure about your stamina.
Use trekking poles; they’re very helpful on this terrain.
Keep your ID and cash on hand.
Be flexible: weather conditions can change and affect the itinerary.
Respect the local communities and take care of the natural environment.

PRICE PER PERSON
SERVICE CATEGORY	Foreign Adult	Peruvian Adult	Student Child
Standard Service Tour: tourist transportation, guide, buffet lunch, Vinincunca restaurant.	499 USD	499 USD	499 USD
Standard Service Tour: tourist transportation, guide, buffet lunch, Qempo restaurant.	549 USD	549 USD	549 USD
Premium Tour: private transportation service, exclusive guide, buffet lunch, Colca restaurant (Base 4 People).	589 USD	589 USD	589 USD

Preguntas frecuentes

Do I need to acclimatize before the tour?
Yes, it is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2 to 3 days before starting the trek due to the altitude (over 5,000 m.a.s.l. at some points).
How difficult is the Ausangate trek?
It is a demanding trek. You will be walking between 4,000 and 5,200 meters of altitude, with high mountain passes and daily hikes of 6–8 hours.
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a professional bilingual guide, private transportation, camping equipment, cook, all meals during the trek, pack animals, entrance fees, and more.
What is not included in the price?
It does not include a sleeping bag, breakfast on the first day, lunch on the last day, or an extra horse for riding or carrying additional luggage.
Can I carry my own backpack during the trek?
You can carry a daypack, but your main gear (up to 7 kg) will be transported by pack animals. If you bring more weight, you can rent an additional horse.
Can I rent a sleeping bag or an extra horse?
Yes, you can rent both. You must request it in advance from the tour operator.
Are there bathrooms and showers available during the trek?
There are no showers, but in some campsites (such as Upis and Pacchanta) there are basic bathrooms and hot springs. Hot water is provided for washing.
Is there cell phone signal or internet on the route?
No. For most of the trek you will be in areas without coverage. It is a completely disconnected experience.
How cold does it get during the trek?
Temperatures can drop to -10°C or lower at night, especially in the campsites at higher altitudes.
What kind of food is served during the tour?
Hot breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners are served. Vegetarian options and special diets are available if requested in advance.
How many hours do we walk each day?
You will walk between 5 and 8 hours per day, depending on the section, the weather conditions, and the group.
Can I do the trek if I don’t have experience?
It is not recommended for people without experience in long hikes or at high altitude. It is ideal to have done previous trekking.
What is the return to Cusco like?
On the last day, you will walk about 3 hours to Tinqui, and from there return by private transport to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.

From: $620.00 / person

IMPORTANTE

To enjoy the full Machu Picchu experience, it is essential to book in advance, especially for Circuit 2, which is the most recommended. This tour offers the most comprehensive coverage of the citadel, combining breathtaking panoramic views with the most important archaeological sites.