Peru
Ausangate Trek (5 days)
Ausangate Trek (5 days)
Duration
5 days
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Very demanding
Overview
Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,945 ft) is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and a sacred apu for the Quechua people. This five-day trek leads through some of the most remote and pristine landscapes of the Peruvian Andes – a world of glaciers, turquoise lakes, wide puna and towering peaks of the Cordillera Vilcanota. From the village of Tinki, the route crosses four high passes, including the Palomani Pass at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft, and passes deep blue glacial lakes, waterfalls and the famous Seven Lakes. Along the way, you meet llama and alpaca herders and weavers who still live in traditional ways. The trek ends in Pacchanta with its hot springs. Horses carry the equipment, our chef cooks fresh meals and you sleep in comfortable tents. You travel privately or in a small group with experienced local guides.
Tour Code
Tour Language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Travel Program
Day 1
Cusco – Tinki – Upis
Campsite Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft)
8 km / 5.0 mi · 5–6 h · max. 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and drive along the highway towards Puerto Maldonado, through villages such as Urcos and Ccatca, to Ocongate – your last chance for supplies – and on to Tinki (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the trek. A gentle ascent leads across the wide puna, past small herders’ settlements and weaving communities. After about three hours, we stop for lunch with views of Ausangate. Another two hours bring us to our first campsite at Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Cusco – Tinki – Upis
Day 1
Campsite Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft)
8 km / 5.0 mi · 5–6 h · max. 4,400 m / 14,436 ft
We pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 am and drive along the highway towards Puerto Maldonado, through villages such as Urcos and Ccatca, to Ocongate – your last chance for supplies – and on to Tinki (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), the starting point of the trek. A gentle ascent leads across the wide puna, past small herders’ settlements and weaving communities. After about three hours, we stop for lunch with views of Ausangate. Another two hours bring us to our first campsite at Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Day 2
Upis – Arapa Pass – Ausangate Pass – Ausangate Cocha
Campsite Ausangate Cocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 7–8 h · max. 4,900 m / 16,076 ft
After breakfast, we start at 6:30 am with a demanding climb of about three hours to the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), with a spectacular view of Ausangate. We then descend into a valley dotted with deep blue glacial lakes and waterfalls, where we have lunch by one of the lakes. After an hour on level ground and another hour of gradual climbing, we reach the Ausangate Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft), overlooking the glacial lake of Ausangate Cocha. A descent of about an hour brings us to our campsite by the lake (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), right at the foot of the Ausangate glacier.
Upis – Arapa Pass – Ausangate Pass – Ausangate Cocha
Day 2
Campsite Ausangate Cocha (4,600 m / 15,092 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 7–8 h · max. 4,900 m / 16,076 ft
After breakfast, we start at 6:30 am with a demanding climb of about three hours to the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), with a spectacular view of Ausangate. We then descend into a valley dotted with deep blue glacial lakes and waterfalls, where we have lunch by one of the lakes. After an hour on level ground and another hour of gradual climbing, we reach the Ausangate Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft), overlooking the glacial lake of Ausangate Cocha. A descent of about an hour brings us to our campsite by the lake (4,600 m / 15,092 ft), right at the foot of the Ausangate glacier.
Day 3
Ausangate Cocha – Palomani Pass – Sorapata
Campsite Sorapata (4,590 m / 15,059 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 7–8 h · max. 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
After breakfast, a climb of about two hours takes us to the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the trek, with sweeping views over the Cordillera Vilcanota. A steep descent of about an hour leads to Machuracay for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue through the peaceful valley, with Ausangate watching over us, to our campsite in the Sorapata valley (4,590 m / 15,059 ft).
Ausangate Cocha – Palomani Pass – Sorapata
Day 3
Campsite Sorapata (4,590 m / 15,059 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 7–8 h · max. 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
After breakfast, a climb of about two hours takes us to the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the trek, with sweeping views over the Cordillera Vilcanota. A steep descent of about an hour leads to Machuracay for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue through the peaceful valley, with Ausangate watching over us, to our campsite in the Sorapata valley (4,590 m / 15,059 ft).
Day 4
Sorapata – Jampa Pass – Seven Lakes – Pacchanta
Campsite Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 7–8 h · max. 5,000 m / 16,404 ft
After an early breakfast, we walk for about three hours through the small community of Jampa to the last pass of the trek, the Jampa Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft). Along the way, you see the colorful Seven Lakes and Ausangate from a new angle, and we have lunch in this beautiful area. Two more hours bring us to our last campsite in Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), where you can relax in the hot springs and explore the highland community in the afternoon.
Sorapata – Jampa Pass – Seven Lakes – Pacchanta
Day 4
Campsite Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft)
15 km / 9.3 mi · 7–8 h · max. 5,000 m / 16,404 ft
After an early breakfast, we walk for about three hours through the small community of Jampa to the last pass of the trek, the Jampa Pass (5,000 m / 16,404 ft). Along the way, you see the colorful Seven Lakes and Ausangate from a new angle, and we have lunch in this beautiful area. Two more hours bring us to our last campsite in Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), where you can relax in the hot springs and explore the highland community in the afternoon.
Day 5
Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco
6 km / 3.7 mi · 2–3 h · max. 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
After breakfast, an easy walk of about two hours takes us to Tinki (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we have lunch. Our private transport then brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco
Day 5
6 km / 3.7 mi · 2–3 h · max. 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
After breakfast, an easy walk of about two hours takes us to Tinki (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), where we have lunch. Our private transport then brings you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Price from
US$695.00
Services
What's included
Pre-Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure, where you also receive your duffel bag.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, traditions, flora and fauna; two guides for groups of more than eight.
Entrance Fees: Local communities along the route.
Horses & Horsemen: Horses carry tents, food, cooking equipment and your duffel bag (max. 6 kg including sleeping bag); an emergency horse is available.
Camping Equipment: Spacious 4-person tents (Eureka Timberline SQ 4XT) shared by two, inflatable sleeping pads, dining and kitchen tents.
Meals & Chef: All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5, prepared by our chef, plus daily afternoon tea; vegetarian and special diets on request.
Hygiene & Drinking Water: Warm water and biodegradable soap every morning and afternoon; filtered and boiled drinking water from Day 2.
Transportation: Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Tinki and back.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended.
Meals: Breakfast on Day 1.
Sleeping Bag: Available for rent – see options.
Trekking Poles: Available for rent for USD 15.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the crew (guide, chef, horsemen) are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Character of the trip
Condition
Very demanding
Altitude
Very high (up to 5,200 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – very challenging: Four long days of hiking with up to 15 km (9.3 mi) and 7–8 hours per day at very high altitude, including four passes between 4,800 m / 15,748 ft and 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. Excellent fitness, endurance and multi-day hiking experience are required.
Altitude – very high: All campsites lie between 4,200 m / 13,780 ft and 4,600 m / 15,092 ft, and the highest point is the Palomani Pass at 5,200 m / 17,060 ft. Very good acclimatization is essential – we recommend spending at least three days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) or doing a shorter trek beforehand.
Culture & nature – nature-focused: Glaciers, turquoise lakes, the Cordillera Vilcanota, herders’ settlements and the hot springs of Pacchanta.
Camping & horses: Four nights in tents; nights are very cold. Horses carry your duffel bag (max. 6 kg / 13 lb including sleeping bag); you only carry a light daypack.
Dates and Prices
Individual Dates
Optional
Sleeping Bag
US$25.00
per person
Cusco City Tour (half day)
Public tour – the private tour is available under “Day Tours”.
US$20.00
per person
Sacred Valley Tour (full day)
Public tour – the private tour is available under “Day Tours”.
US$25.00
per person
Groups of 5 or more: contact us for special rates and tailor-made options.
Travel Information
Good to know
Acclimatization: This trek stays above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft for several days. Please spend at least three days in Cusco beforehand.
What to bring
Daypack: A comfortable backpack for your daily essentials.
Original Passport: Mandatory; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, plus sandals or light shoes for camp.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, a complete change of clothes, warm layers (fleece, beanie, gloves) and thermal clothing for the cold nights.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, headlamp with spare batteries, personal first-aid kit and medications, small towel, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries (they drain faster in the cold) and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.
Hot Springs: Swimsuit and small towel for the hot springs in Pacchanta.
Warm Gear: Very warm sleeping clothes, down jacket and warm gloves – night temperatures can drop well below freezing.