Tour Details
Ausangate Trek (5 Days) is an adventure to one of Cusco’s highest and most sacred mountains, the majestic Apu Ausangate (6,385 m). Along the circuit you’ll encounter remote Andean communities living with herds of llamas and alpacas, far from the bustle of modern life.
During the loop we’ll pass glacier faces, turquoise lakes, waterfalls fed by snowmelt, soothing hot springs, and the famous Rainbow Mountain. Expect sweeping Andean vistas and wildlife like vicuñas, vizcachas, condors, flamingos and Andean geese.
What’s Included?
- ✅ Pre-departure briefing at our office.
- ✅ Morning hotel pick-up on Day 1.
- ✅ Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English/Quechua).
- ✅ Entrance fees to the protected area.
- ✅ Double-occupancy tents.
- ✅ Foam sleeping pads.
- ✅ Cook and kitchen team for all trek meals (veg options available).
- ✅ All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- ✅ Wrangler & pack horses (camp gear + up to 5 kg/guest personal duffel).
- ✅ Emergency horse (use if you feel ill or exhausted).
- ✅ Dining tent with tables & chairs, separate kitchen tent.
- ✅ First-aid kit & oxygen.
- ✅ Private transport Cusco ⇄ Tinki.
Not Included
- ⛔ Breakfast on Day 1 (before pick-up).
- ⛔ Hot spring entrance fees.
- ⛔ Sleeping bag.
- ⛔ Tips for guide, cook and wranglers.
- ⛔ Extra personal horse if needed (approx. $10/day).
Important Recommendations
Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize. Wear comfortable trekking clothes, bring sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle.
- ➡️ Toiletries & personal meds; original passport.
- ➡️ Broken-in trekking footwear.
- ➡️ Water bottle + purification tablets/filter.
- ➡️ Rain gear (Oct–Mar).
- ➡️ Headlamp, camera & spare batteries.
- ➡️ Swimsuit (for hot springs).
- ➡️ Insect repellent & sunscreen.
- ➡️ Sun cap.
- ➡️ TP & small towel.
- ➡️ Trail snacks.
- ➡️ Trekking poles (recommended).
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up or coordinated meeting spot in Cusco’s historic center.
Route overview: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Arapa Pass – Ausangatecocha – Palomani Pass – Pampacancha – Q’ampa Pass – Q’omercocha – Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco.
Important: A 5-day high-Andes trek across multiple high passes, turquoise lakes and traditional communities, returning to Cusco on Day 5.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis
3-hour drive to Tinki, lunch, then begin a ~4 h hike to Upis with gorgeous Ausangate views and encounters with local herders. Optional visit to hot springs. Tea time and dinner under a starry sky.
Hiking: ~4 h • Camp altitude: ~4,100 m
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Ausangatecocha
Climb to Arapa Pass (~4,800 m), descend ~3 h by Yanacocha & Puma Cocha lakes (lunch), then continue over a second pass (~4,900 m) with herds of alpacas/llamas and local hamlets en route. Camp by Ausangatecocha lake.
Hiking: 6–7 h • Camp altitude: ~4,500 m
Day 3: Ausangatecocha – Palomani Pass – Pampacancha
Ascend to the highest point: Palomani Pass (~5,200 m) with sweeping views of the Vilcanota range. Long descent to lunch, then continue to Pampacancha for dinner and camp.
Hiking: 6–7 h • Camp altitude: ~4,300 m
Day 4: Pampacancha – Q’ampa Pass – Q’omercocha
Traverse a wide valley dotted with camelids and shepherd huts. Ascend Q’ampa Pass (~4,600 m) with views of Ticllacocha. Lunch, then cross the Pachaspata plain to camp by Q’omercocha lake.
Hiking: 5–6 h • Camp altitude: ~4,500 m
Day 5: Q’omercocha – Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco
Descend to Pacchanta with stunning mountain backdrops, continue to Tinki to end the trek and drive back to Cusco.
Hiking: 4–5 h • Final altitude: ~3,800 m
Photo Gallery
Discover the high-Andean beauty around Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain.
Practical Information
Tour Facts
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Trek distance: ~72 km total
- Max altitude: ~5,200 m (Palomani Pass)
- Difficulty: High — steep ascents and high passes; excellent fitness & acclimatization required
- Minimum age: 14+
- Group size: Up to 16 travelers
What to Bring
- Passport/ID
- Layered clothing: thermal, fleece, windproof/rain shell
- Hat/cap, sunglasses, buff/scarf
- Sunscreen & SPF lip balm
- Hydration (2–3 L) + purification tablets/filter
- High-ankle, broken-in trekking boots + spare socks
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (highly recommended)
- Sleeping bag (~–10 °C) & headlamp with spare batteries
- Personal first-aid (incl. altitude meds per your doctor)
- Cash (PEN) for local purchases/entries
- Dry bags & trash bag
- Energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate)
Health & Safety
- Arrive in Cusco 2–3 days early to acclimatize
- Hydrate and eat energy-rich foods
- Use poles to reduce knee impact on climbs/descents
- Maintain a steady pace; rest as needed
- Not advised for severe heart/respiratory conditions without medical clearance
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
- Avoid alcohol before and during the trek
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation 7+ days before: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund