Ausangate Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights
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
Duration
5 Days
Destination
Cusco
Type of activity
Trekking in Cusco
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