Ausangate Trek Cusco 5 Days
5 Days & 4 Nights
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From US$400 person
The Ausangate Trek is one of the most impressive experiences you can live in Cusco, ideal for nature lovers and high mountain trekking. This trek will take you through landscapes that seem like something out of a dream, with towering glaciers, turquoise lakes and the rich wildlife of the Andes.
This route is known to be one of the most challenging, with three passes that exceed 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) in altitude, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. On clear days, the majestic Apu Ausangate, with its 6,380 meters (20,926 feet), dominates the horizon, providing a visual spectacle that has no comparison. As you approach this sacred mountain, you will understand why the ancient Incas revered it so highly.
During the hike, you will have the opportunity to interact with the local communities, where people still wear their traditional costumes, and llamas and alpacas graze freely on the mountain slopes.
Ausangate Tour 5 Days
Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis
We leave Cusco early in the morning for a three-hour drive to the small town of Tinqui, located at 3,800 meters (12,464 feet) above sea level. The trip in private transport takes us through picturesque landscapes and traditional villages such as Urcos, Cattca and Ocangate.
After lunch in Tinqui, we begin our hike. During the first three hours, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Cordillera Vilcanota, with Ausangate as a backdrop. We continue hiking for two more hours until we reach the hot springs of Upis, at 4,400 meters (14,432 feet), where we will camp with incredible views of Ausangate.
Day 2: Upis – Ausangate Q’ocha Lake
We start the day crossing the Arapa pass, at 4,850 meters (15,908 feet). Then, we descend through the valley for approximately 3½ hours, passing by Puqa Q’ocha Lake and arriving at the beautiful Jatun Puqa Q’ocha Lake.
Afterwards, we ascend to the second pass, Apuchata, which is at 4,900 meters (16,072 feet). Here, the turquoise waters of the Ausangate Q’ocha Lagoon will take our breath away. This lake, fed by the Ausangate snowmelt, will be our campsite for the night.
Day 3: Ausangate Q’ocha Lake – Qampa
The day begins with an ascent to Palomani Pass, at 5,200 meters (17,056 feet), the highest point of our trek. Then, we descend to the valley for lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, we will hike through landscapes dominated by the snow-capped Tres Picos and Puca Punta, before reaching the wide green expanse of Pampa Jutunpata and the Q’ampa River valley, where we will camp in a tranquil setting.
Day 4: Q’ampa – Pacchanta
We begin the day passing through the small community of Q’ampa and heading to the final pass of the trek, the Q’ampa pass, at 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Along the way, we will discover amazingly colorful lagoons and have lunch by the Q’oma Q’ocha lake.
After several hours of hiking, we arrive at the picturesque village of Pacchanta, where we can relax in the hot springs and enjoy a well-deserved beer. We will camp near Pacchanta, with the option to explore the village or spend the night in a basic lodge.
Day 5: Pacchanta – Cusco
On our last day, we will hike three hours back to Tinqui, giving us the opportunity to explore this charming Andean village. From Tinqui, we will take private transportation back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 6:00 pm.
- ✅ Transfer to the hotel in Cusco
- ✅ Transportation from Cusco to Phinaya and back.
- ✅ Professional English/Quechua/Spanish speaking guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups larger than 6 people).
- ✅ Entrance fees
- ✅ Meals and camping equipment.
- ❌ First morning breakfast
- ❌ Sleeping bag (rental)
- ❌ Tips for the guide, cook and porters.
- ❌ Additional horses for the passengers’ luggage.
We recommend you bring:
- A light backpack with a change of clothes for the entire period of the hike: be prepared for a wide range of temperature changes.
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be purchased for approximately $1 in Cusco.
- Sturdy footwear and waterproof hiking boots are recommended. Spare socks are a must.
- Warm clothing, including jacket, fleece, gloves, scarf and hat. Thermal clothing, especially for sleeping, is also recommended. * This is a particularly cold hike, so be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing.
- Sandals or plastic flip-flops are also good to give your feet a chance to breathe at night if you wish to wear them.
- Sleeping bag (we can rent you one)
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera, batteries (batteries are consumed more quickly in cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold.
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or moisturizer for face and body.
- Toilet paper, packing and packaging
- Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable water bottle (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
- Your own medical kit with any special medication you may need, paracetamol, second skin for blisters, etc.
- Small towel or sarong
- Swimsuit (if you intend to swim in hot springs).
- Cash: enough for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
