Ausangate Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights

5 Days |

4 Nigths

General description

The 5-day Ausangate trek starts and ends in the small Andean village of Tinqui and takes you around the majestic Ausangate massif in a breathtaking circuit. Throughout the route, you will cross remote high-altitude passes, walk through vibrant multi-colored valleys, and camp beside pristine lagoons such as Azulcocha and Pukacocha.

As you travel through these untouched landscapes, you’ll pass traditional herding communities where life has remained unchanged for centuries. Here, Quechua families tend to their alpacas at altitudes above 4,000 meters, offering a rare glimpse into authentic Andean culture.

Each day of the trek reveals new dramatic scenery—towering glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and crystalline lakes reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The highlight for many travelers is approaching the towering face of Apu Ausangate itself, considered a sacred mountain protector in Andean cosmology.

This trek is ideal for adventurers seeking isolation, striking natural beauty, and a deep connection to the high Andes. While physically demanding due to the altitude and cold nights, it is one of the most rewarding and spectacular trekking experiences in Peru.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco – Tinqui Village – Upis (Camping At Hot Springs)

Early transfer from your hotel in Cusco with 6:00 am departure. We drive for 4 hours on a new highway to Tinqui, passing Urcos Pass (4,000 m/13,123 ft) along the way. Tinqui is a village on the high plains “altiplano” east from Cusco and is where we will start our trek. We follow a wide, gently ascending path toward the northwest face of the impressive Ausangate mountain. We will have a small lunch around noon by the side of the trail. We will continue walking through fields and by scattered stone farm houses, and later in the day we will begin to see llamas and alpacas. We ascend gently to the Upis pass (4,435 m/14,107 ft) and camp at Upis Hot Springs (4,250 m/13,779 ft) where we will be surrounded by snow capped mountains Ausangate.There are thermal springs at Upis where we can enjoy a soak at the end of the day. Happy hour is around 4:00pm and dinner at approx 6:00pm depending on hiking speed/weather.

Walking distance approximately 16 km/9.9 miles (6 hour acclimatizing hike)
Meals: Box breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks on the trail
Overnight: Camping in 3 person, 4 season Tents (double occupancy)

Day 02: Upis – Ausangatecocha

After breakfast we begin our trek at 7:00am. We begin ascending for 3 hours to Arapa Pass 4,800 m/15,748 ft. At the top of the pass we will have a wonderful view of the Maria Huamantilla Mountain and Ausangate Mountain behind it. From the Arapa pass we trek across an arid hillside for 20 minutes and then we descend, sometimes quite steeply, for 45 minutes into a valley of deep blue glacial lakes and waterfalls. We will stop to have a quick lunch by one of the lakes. After lunch we continue for 1 hour on flat trails and then 1 more hour gentle ascent to our second pass of the day, Ausangate Pass 4,700 m/15,419 ft. At the top of the pass we will have a beautiful view of Ausangante Mountain and the lake Ausangatecocha, formed by a melting glacier. We then descend for 40 minutes to our campsite by the lake Ausangatecocha 4,300 m/14,107 ft, which is at the bottom of one of the Ausangate glaciers. Happy hour is around 4:00pm with dinner at 6:00pm.

Walking distance approximately 18 km/11.1 mi (7 hour hike)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks on the trail
Overnight: Camping in 3 person, 4 season Tents (double occupancy)

Day 03: Ausangatecocha – Huchuy Finaya – Pampacancha

After breakfast we leave camp at 7:00am and climb steeply for 3 hours on glacial moraine to the highest point on the trek, Palomani Pass 5,400 m/17,716 ft. From the pass there are extensive views of all the peaks in the Cordillera Vilcanota. We then descend for 2 hours on a steep trail into the Huchuy Finaya Valley where we will stop for a quick lunch. From the valley and lunch stop we will have a view of “Las dos gemelas” or the two twin mountains. We continue hiking 3 hours on a varied path to our campsite in the Pampacancha Valley (Qampa) 4,300 m/14,107 ft. Happy hour at 4:00pm and dinner at 6:00pm.

Walking distance approximately 17 km/ 10.5 mi (7-8 hour hike)
Meals: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks on the trail
Overnight: Camping in 3 person, 4 season Tents (double occupancy)

Day 04: Qampa – Pacchanta (Hot Springs Camping)

After breakfast we leave camp at 7:00am and begin climbing up to the Qampa pass (5,400 m/17,716 ft) for 2 hours. At this pass we have incredible
views of The Three Peaks, the Pacchanta Valley, and will hopefully get a glimpse of some wild vicuña and deer, and if we are really lucky, a condor. We then descend gradually through the Pacchanta Valley, walking between Ausangate Mountain and the Two Twin Mountains for 2 hours until we stop for lunch. After lunch we continue descending gradually on a rocky trail for another 2 1/2 hours to our campsite at Pacchanta Valley (4,000 m/13,123 ft). From this campsite we will have a great view of Ausangate Mountain. There are also hot springs at this campsite, which we can enjoy before dinner.

Walking distance approximately 17 km/ 10.5 mi (6-7 hour hike)
Meals: breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks on the trail
Overnight: Camping in 3 person, 4 season Tents (double occupancy)

Day 05: Pacchanta – Tinqui Village – Cusco

After breakfast we walk for 3-4 hours on a varied and gentle trail to Tinqui across open fields where we will have our final view of Ausangate, potato crops, and herds of llamas and alpacas. At Tinqui we will have lunch and meet our private transport and return to Cusco (3 hour drive), arriving around 4 or 5 pm.

Walking distance approximately 16 km/9.9 mi (3-4 hour hike)
Meals: breakfast, Lunch, Snacks on the trail
Overnight: Camping in 3 person, 4 season Tents (double occupancy)

Included

Pre-trek briefing the night before the departure
Hotel pickup in Cusco on the morning of the trek
Private bus transportation to the trailhead and back to Cusco
Personal porter to carry up to 8 kg / 17.6 lbs of overnight gear
Waterproof dry bag for your personal items
High-quality camping equipment: 3-person, 4-season tents (shared by 2 people), one-inch thick foam sleeping mattress
Toilet tent, portable toilet, and toilet paper
Professional English-speaking guide
All meals during the trek: 3 meals per day, afternoon tea time, and snacks
First-aid kit with emergency oxygen tank and emergency horse
Chef, cooking equipment, and kitchen tent
Dining tent with tables and stools
Ability to cater to any dietary needs upon request
Horsemen and pack horses to carry equipment, food, and duffel bags
Hot water every morning and evening for washing
Boiled water provided twice daily to refill bottles
Entrance fee to the Ausangate trail

Not Included

Flights
Hotel before/after trek
Dinner on the last day
Sleeping bags and
walking poles (poles must have intact rubber bottoms)
Entrance to hot springs
Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
Tip for your guide(s) and trek staff are optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy your trek

Recommendations

What to Bring for Your Trek

Everything you need during the day must be kept in the daypack you carry, as items left with your porter will only be available once you arrive at the evening campsite.
Avoid hiking in cotton or jeans, as they dry very slowly when wet.
Bring hiking boots or trail running shoes—regular running shoes have poor traction, especially in rain.

Recommended Gear

Sleeping bag and walking poles (poles must have rubber tips)
Sleeping bag rated for 20°F / -7°C or colder
Optional: sleeping bag liner
Additional mattress pad (we provide one, but bring your own if you have specific sleep needs)
Personal sleep items (e.g., camp pillow)
Sunscreen – the sun is very strong in Cusco
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Lip balm
Hiking shoes/boots with good traction
Optional: microspikes (only if heavy snow occurs – rare)
Hiking pants or shorts, and moisture-wicking shirts
Warm layers for cold nights (long underwear, warm sleep pants)
Optional hand warmers
Warm hat, gloves, scarf, and thick socks (or buy beautiful Peruvian wool items locally!)
Daypack with rain cover
Rain gear: rain jacket and optional rain pants; ponchos available in Cusco
Cash for tips, purchases, emergencies (USD or Soles)
Important: Bills must be in perfect condition—damaged bills are not accepted in Peru
Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops (if visiting hot springs)
Sandals
Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries
Insect repellent (especially if visiting Machu Picchu)
Hand sanitizer and face covering
Extra snacks (Cusco does not sell many specialty items like protein bars)
Small personal first aid kit (your guide carries one, but a personal set is useful)
Personal medication and toiletries
Camera, spare memory cards, batteries, power bank/solar charger
Water bottle or hydration bladder
Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond travel dates)
Copies of passport (store separately)
Power plug adapter
TSA-approved travel locks (for U.S. travelers)
Tickets, itinerary, and emergency contacts
Quick-dry towel and/or biodegradable wipes for end-of-day cleaning

Optional Medications (Consult Your Physician)

Antibiotic for traveler’s diarrhea or UTI
Antibiotic for severe bacterial infections
Medication for indigestion/upset stomach
Altitude sickness prevention medication (prescription required; has contraindications)
Anti-inflammatory medication (some use it for altitude-related discomfort—consult a doctor)
Anti-diarrhea medication
Anti-nausea medication (motion sickness or altitude sickness)
Cold/flu medication
General pain reliever/fever reducer
Up-to-date vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, etc.)

Prices

Price:
Price for 6-10 trekkers: 630 USD per person
Price for 3-5 trekkers: 670 USD per person
Price for 2 trekkers: 720 USD per person
Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome, Please email us to customize.

Extra information:

DIETARY NEEDS
Yes, we do cater to any dietary restriction. We have had many people join our trips who are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, and have various other intolerances and/or allergies. Just inform us well in advance of your specific needs!

WHEN TO GO AND DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY

March/April to November or the dry season. (Dec to Feb/March or wet season: rainfall and snow can block the pass and cancel the trek though we can arrange the trek during the wet season). This trek is rated as a moderate to challenging (intermediate to advanced) hike considering the high altitudes and length of walking especially on the 2nd Day. It is recommended that you acclimatize in Cusco for at least 3 days before trekking.

WHAT TO CARRY – DAYPACKS

On the trail you should carry a day pack with your camera, water bottle or bladder, snacks, hand sanitizer, face mask, cold weather clothing and rain gear or poncho in case of rain (unlikely in dry season – May to October) and anything you will need before dinner as horses do not walk alongside you. A recommended packing list is sent after you book the trip and can be found below under the “what to pack for your trek” tab. We will provide you with a dry bag for your overnight gear to be carried by horses. Your bag will be waiting for you at every campsite. Yes, we can store your luggage for you during the trek. Most hotels/hostels also provide this service.

WEATHER & WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR TREK

Weather on the trek and in Cusco
The weather varies a lot across Peru, having 28 climates and 84 of the worlds 104 ecosystems. Cusco is set high up (3,380 mts, 11,089 ft) in the Andean Mountain Range and the dry season (winter) is from Mar/April to October/November with the wettest part of the year (summer) being December through March. The weather for trekking is pretty much the same year round, with the main difference being the amount of rainfall. During the dry season, most days are dry and clear, but high-altitude mountains always have the potential for rain and/or snow so it is essential to come prepared for all types of weather regardless of the time of year.
The Ausangate trek is very high altitude, therefore the weather can be quite cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 20F/-7C. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind, if the weather is rainy or cloudy it will be colder, and that the weather can change in an instant, particularly when up at the high-altitude passes. It is often quite windy at the top of the passes as well. As with any high-altitude trek you’ll need to bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
Cusco weather: Cusco is always very cold at night due to the high altitude. It is regularly around 40F/4.4C at night so bring a nice warm jacket for nighttime walking in town. It is warmer in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes as these areas are lower altitudes than Cusco and the trek.

DONATING/VOLUNTEERING

Helping Local Children or Andean People (Optional) Along certain treks we may encounter some local children and Andean people. If you wish to lend a helping hand you may bring some clothes, toys, books and school equipment (used or new), toiletries and other essentials, and new/sealed medication for a variety of ailments. You will be rewarded with their gratitude and beautiful smiles. Please do not give candy or sweets as they do not have access to dental/medical care and tooth decay can lead to serious illness.
For those who wish to help but take a trek that does not pass local people or villages you can leave your donated items with a Cachi Life Peru representative and we will distribute them to one of the local communities that we support. You can also set up a day to visit a local community to donate your items personally! There are a variety of other ways in which to lend a helping hand to local communities (charity events, building schools, and much more). We support several local communities so if interested please get in touch!

Starting from

US$720 USD

Duration

5 Days

Destination

Cusco

Type of activity

Trekking in Cusco

Our team is ready to help. Send us a message on WhatsApp or contact us online — we’ll get back to you right away.

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What Our Travelers Say

Authentic stories from travelers who explored Peru with us.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 135 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   lanahb304 
 
 
 
 Verified Machu Picchu and sacred valley
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with David from the very beginning of planning our trip. As three ladies traveling together we couldn’t have had any smoother and safer experience. He was there for us throughout the entire process, spending countless hours helping us plan full 5 days, answering all our questions, and responding to our WhatsApp messages within minutes. His communication was truly amazing, and we always felt that we were in great hands. We visited Pisac, Chinchero ruins, Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. When we arrived, David was waiting for us at the airport. He even arranged for someone to help us with our luggage at the Cusco airport, drove us around, and gave us invaluable tips on how to adjust to the high altitude. He was always attentive, alert to our needs, and making sure we were comfortable. David also took us to authentic local places where we could experience things like traditional alpaca weaving, which made the trip feel much more genuine and special. Everything went exactly as planned. He also brought a driver along, which made getting around much smoother and easier. Our Machu Picchu experience, including Circuits 3D and 1B, was unforgettable. There were three of us, and one of us was having difficulty with the mountain climbs. David stayed right behind her throughout the journey, making sure she was safe and supported every step of the way. His care and patience really stood out. And as if being our guide and driver wasn't enough, David also became our personal cameraman! 😊 He was constantly directing us and helping us get the best photos and memories from our trip. On our last day, he took us to Rainbow Mountain and was once again incredibly patient and accommodating to our needs. Throughout the entire trip, David went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful experience. We are so grateful for everything he did for us and would highly recommend David to anyone planning a trip to Peru. If you want someone who is knowledgeable, caring, responsive, organized, and genuinely invested in making your trip special, David is your person! Thank you, David, for helping make our trip so memorable!
  
 
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   Ashley W 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Time with Frank!
Frank was a fantastic guide, we are so happy we had him with us! He understood the pace that was best for our fitness level, and he would take breaks at good moments to teach us about local people, plants, animals, history, and culture, which we felt was all really interesting. We learned so much about Machu Picchu, the Incas, and each archaeological site, and we genuinely enjoyed listening to him. It felt like traveling with a friend, he was so nice and had a great attitude, we were always laughing together. He also had great English, we were able to laugh together at our joke that a sitting chinchilla we saw was "chinchilling." We were also really happy to support Cachi Life which is a Peruvian owned company. We did the 2-day trek, and we appreciated the amount of care put into each step. The hotel that was included in our tour package was very quiet, the bed comfortable, the shower hot, with good breakfast choices as well. Frank also took great photos of us, with good framing and angles, and he never rushed us. He was so knowledgeable and friendly that we would love to return someday and trek with him and Cachi Life again!
  
 
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   Charlene K 
 
 
 
 Verified An Exceptional Experience!
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Cachi Life during our time in Peru, and we cannot recommend them highly enough! We had created our own bespoke itinerary for our trip but we wanted a knowledgeable guide to bring the history to life when visiting the incredible ruins around Cusco and during our two days in Machu Picchu. After reading so many wonderful reviews from other travellers, we decided to use Cachi Life and we are so glad we did. We also used them for transportation throughout the Sacred Valley including journeys from Cusco to Pisac and Ollantaytambo as well as visits to Maras and Moray. From the very beginning, everything was handled with such warmth, professionalism and care. David came to meet us at our Airbnb the day before our tour to personally brief us on the schedule for the coming days. This was such a thoughtful touch and gave us a great sense of confidence that everything was organised and that we were in very good hands. Over the following days, we had the pleasure of spending time with David exploring the remarkable archaeological sites around Cusco, including Sacsayhuamán, Q’enko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara, as well as experiencing the incredible Machu Picchu. David was an exceptional guide. His knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history was impressive, but what really stood out was his passion and enthusiasm. It was very clear that this was far more than just a job for him. He genuinely loves the history, culture and heritage of Peru and that passion came through in every story and explanation. He had a wonderful ability to bring the ancient sites to life, helping us understand not just what we were looking at, but the people, culture and history behind them. We learnt so much from David and having him with us made the experience of visiting these extraordinary places even more meaningful and memorable. We also had the pleasure of having Frank (David’s brother) drive us from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Although we had not booked a guide for this particular day, Frank was incredibly generous with his knowledge and shared lots of interesting information about the places we passed along the way. It was very much appreciated and added another wonderful dimension to our journey. Both David and Frank were friendly, reliable, thoughtful and genuinely lovely people to spend time with. Their warmth and hospitality really captured what we had hoped to experience in Peru. We never felt like just another tourist booking. They took a genuine interest in making sure we had a fantastic experience and were always happy to help. Thank you so much, David and Frank, for making our time in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu so special. Your knowledge, enthusiasm, kindness and hospitality made a lasting impression on us, and we would wholeheartedly recommend Cachi Life to anyone planning a trip to Peru.
  
 
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   Trail19335405803 
 
 
 
 Verified Rainbow Mountain private two days trip
We had an amazing experience with Cachi Life travel agency in Peru! 🇵🇪 From the very beginning, David, our guide helped us create a fantastic and personalised plan for Rainbow Mountain. They took the time to understand what we wanted and made sure everything was well organised and suited to our needs. The communication was excellent throughout the whole process. They were always helpful, responsive and happy to answer our questions or make adjustments whenever needed. We really appreciated the personal approach and attention to detail. The whole experience was very well organised, and thanks to their support, we could simply enjoy the incredible views and the experience without having to worry about the logistics. 🌈⛰️ I would definitely recommend this agency to anyone planning a trip to Peru. They genuinely care about their customers and go the extra mile to make the experience special. Thank you for helping us create such an unforgettable experience! ❤️🇵🇪
  
 
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   Cesco_Food 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable
Spending two days in the Sacred Valley with David of Cachi Life has incredibly turned into positive our vacation in Peru. In this country you are pretty much jumping from one operator to another and we didn’t have good experience until we find Cachi. David has a natural passion and a great knowledge of the story of this country and his people, plus is also very friendly and curious by nature. If we ever come back to Peru I would avoid passing through internet and I will get in touch directly with Cachi to organize all my trip. Thank you David for guiding us and sharing your passion and Thank you Oscar for demonstrating that driving is an important part of the trip. Unforgettable.
  
 
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   Suman Maharjan 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome Experience
We did full day tour to Pallay Punchu with David from Cachi Life. David was professional, knowledgeable, and caring. My wife has fear of heights, and he made sure we felt safe the whole time. Highly recommended this tour for anyone looking for a less crowded hike with stunning views and also Cachi Life. We would definitely lgo with them again.
  
 
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   Rich C 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic experience!
We had an excellent experience with Cachi Life. David was Extremely helpful and professional. We did the 5 day Salkantay Trek and it was fantastic, Taking us from the high Andes to the cloud forest and coffee growing region and on to Machu Picchu, it was amazing. The food prepared by Juan, our guide was exceptional. I highly recommend Cachi Life when trekking to any of the Cusco treks.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mich 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome Experience
David is such a great tour guide and owner. He was always very communicative, accommodating, helpful, and a pleasure to work with. He treated my family and me with the utmost respect and kindness. His knowledge of Machu Picchu is excellent and we learned so much from him. He took care of us the minute we set foot in the Cusco region, including having a driver pick us up and take us to and from the train station in Ollantaytambo. He met us with us at our vacation rental the evening prior to go over everything with us. He even stopped at the store to buy us tea and sugar. He took care of everything for us and all we had to do was pay and show up. You will not find better service to see Machu Picchu than Cachi Life Perú.
  
 
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   Sara M 
 
 
 
 Verified Exceptional experience
I thank David Aragon Villagra for organizing a fantastic three-day tour for us in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. We were accompanied by the guide Frank, who skillfully and enthusiastically immersed us in the Inca world. Thanks to the super driver Oscar, who was cautious and attentive. Unbeatable value for money. I highly recommend Cachi Life Peru — with Cachi Life Peru.
  
 
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   Liz K 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible trip, outstanding on every level
David (Cachi Life) was recommended by friends when I decided to take a solo trip to Peru. I'm a woman in my mid-60's, fairly physically fit, who wanted to experience Peru's scenery, history, culture, and people. David helped to customize my 11-day trip to include exactly what I wanted (Manu/Amazon rainforest, Inca Trail hike to Machu Piccu, various day tours out of Cusco, etc.) Lodging and transportation arrangements everywhere were clearly arranged and communicated efficiently. Upon arrival he met me at the airport and drove me back at the end of the trip. The entire time David was always quickly responsive and communication was outstanding. This trip was utterly incredible (also exhausting!) in every way. Truly stellar. I will carry the experience with me always. I highly recommend David/Cachi Life to anyone considering a trip to this magnificent country. You will be in very good hands.