Ausangate Trek + Machu Picchu 7 days

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Cusco – Tinqui Village – Upis

We begin the day with an early transfer from your hotel in Cusco, departing at 6:00 AM. The drive takes approximately 3 hours along a newly paved highway, passing through the Urcos Pass at 4,000 meters (13,123 ft), en route to the village of Tinqui located on the high plains («altiplano») east of Cusco.
At Tinqui, we’ll make a short stop to use restrooms and pick up last-minute snacks before continuing for another 25-minute drive to the starting point of our trek. Here, we’ll meet our muleteers and pack horses, who will accompany us on the journey.

From this point, we begin our hike along a wide, gradually ascending trail leading toward the northwestern face of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, we arrive at our first campsite: Upis (4,435 m / 14,107 ft).

Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch, followed by some time to rest or explore. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to take a short 1-hour hike to a beautiful nearby lagoon, or simply relax in the natural hot springs located near the camp.

We end the day with a delicious dinner under the stars, surrounded by the stunning Andean landscape.

• Max Elevation: 4400m (14,435 ft)
• Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Meals: lunch & dinner
• Accommodations: camping facilities

Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Ausangate Pass – Ausangatecocha

After an early breakfast, we begin our trek at 7:00 AM, ascending gradually for about 2 hours to reach the Arapa Pass at 4,800 m (15,748 ft). From the summit, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Maria Huamantilla Mountain, with the impressive Ausangate Mountain rising majestically behind it.

From the pass, the trail continues along an arid, highland slope for approximately 30 minutes, followed by a steep descent of about 1 hour into a stunning valley filled with deep blue glacial lakes and cascading waterfalls. We’ll pause here to enjoy a scenic picnic lunch beside one of the lakes.

In the afternoon, we begin a gentle 2.5-hour ascent toward our second high pass of the day: the Ausangate Pass (4,700 m / 15,419 ft). From this vantage point, you’ll have breathtaking views of Ausangate Mountain and the beautiful Ausangatecocha Lake, a brilliant turquoise body of water formed by glacial melt.

We then descend for about 30 minutes to our campsite by the shores of Ausangatecocha Lake (4,300 m / 14,107 ft), nestled at the base of one of Ausangate’s glaciers.

Happy hour is served around 4:00 PM, followed by a hearty dinner at 6:00 PM, all while surrounded by the awe-inspiring Andean scenery.

• Max Elevation: 4900m (14,435 ft)
• Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodations: camping facilities

Day 3: Ausangatecocha – Palomani Pass – Huchuy Finaya – Qampa Valley

After an energizing breakfast, we leave camp at 7:00 AM and begin a steep 2-hour ascent over glacial moraine to reach the highest point of the entire trek: the Palomani Pass, standing at an impressive 5,200 m (17,060 ft).

From the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, including countless snow-capped peaks that define this dramatic Andean landscape.

We then descend along a steep trail for about 2 hours into the Huchuy Finaya Valley, where we’ll stop for a quick lunch surrounded by highland scenery. From this vantage point, you’ll also enjoy views of “Las Dos Gemelas” the stunning Twin Peaks that rise side by side in the distance.

In the afternoon, we continue for approximately 2.5 hours along a varied and scenic trail that leads us to our campsite in the beautiful Qampa Valley, situated at 4,300 m (14,107 ft).

• Max Elevation: 5,200 m/17,060 ft
• Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodations: camping facilities

Day 4: Qampa Valley – Qampa Pass – Pacchanta (hot springs)

After breakfast, we break camp at 7:00 AM and begin a steady 2.5-hour ascent toward the Qampa Pass at 5,100 m (16,732 ft). From the summit, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of The Three Peaks, the expansive Pacchanta Valley, and with some luck you may spot wild vicuñas, Andean deer, and perhaps even the majestic condor soaring overhead.

We then begin a gradual descent through the scenic Pacchanta Valley, hiking between the towering Ausangate Mountain and the Two Twin Peaks for about 2 hours before stopping for a well-deserved lunch in a peaceful highland setting.

In the afternoon, we continue descending along a rocky yet beautiful trail for another 2.5 hours until we reach our campsite in Pacchanta Valley (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). From here, you’ll have unobstructed views of Ausangate Mountain, especially stunning at sunset.

To top off the day, you’ll have the chance to soak in natural hot springs located right at the campsite  the perfect way to relax before enjoying a delicious dinner under the stars.

• Max Elevation: 5,100 m/16,732 ft
• Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Accommodations: camping facilities

Day 5: Pacchanta – Return to Cusco

After breakfast, we begin our final day with a 2-hour walk along a gentle and varied trail. Along the way, we’ll enjoy our last views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, as well as the surrounding landscapes dotted with potato fields, and herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely in the highlands.

At the end of the hike, our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. On the way, we’ll make a short stop to enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot near an archaeological site, offering a peaceful and culturally rich conclusion to our journey.

We then continue our 3-hour drive back to Cusco, arriving around 2:00 to 3:00 PM, with unforgettable memories of one of the most stunning treks in the Peruvian Andes.

• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch
• Accommodations: Hotel in Cusco (double occupancy)

Day 6: Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we begin the day with a private transfer to the picturesque village of Chinchero (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), located in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Chinchero is renowned for its stunning mountain views, traditional Andean weaving practices, well-preserved Inca ruins, and its beautiful colonial church built atop an Inca foundation a striking blend of cultures and history.

Our journey continues to the fascinating archaeological site of Moray (3,450 m / 11,319 ft). This unique site features a series of circular agricultural terraces built by the Incas, believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. Each terrace has its own microclimate, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced understanding of environmental science and crop cultivation.

After exploring Moray, we head to the Salt Mines of Maras (Salineras)  a truly unique site composed of thousands of evaporation ponds carved into the mountainside. Fed by a natural salt spring that dates back to Inca times, these ponds have been used for centuries to produce salt through solar evaporation. Once the water evaporates, the salt is harvested, processed with iodine, and distributed to local markets.
Following our visit to Salineras, we continue by private transport to the charming town of Ollantaytambo, where we board the train to Aguas Calientes the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we check in to our comfortable hotel and have time to relax or freshen up before dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast in the hotel, Dinner in Aguas Calientes,
• Accommodations: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)

Day 7: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Today starts very early, with a wake-up call and breakfast around 5:00 AM, to ensure we catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,875 ft). The early arrival allows us to witness the magical sunrise over the citadel, one of the most unforgettable moments of the journey.

Upon arrival at the entrance, you’ll need to present your passport and entrance ticket. If you’re traveling with a student discount, your valid ISIC card must be shown it is required for entry with a student ticket.

From the main gate, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the iconic viewpoint in the South Zone, overlooking the agricultural terraces and offering the classic postcard view of Machu Picchu.

Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, where your expert guide will bring the site to life sharing insights into Inca engineering, history, architecture, and the site’s rich flora and fauna. You’ll explore temples, ceremonial spaces, and hidden corners as the morning mist lifts from the ruins.

The tour typically concludes between 9:00 and 9:30 AM, after which you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or take photos. If you’ve pre-booked an additional hike such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain this is when you’ll begin that experience. Note: These hikes require a separate permit and are subject to availability, so be sure to book in advance.

Once you’ve finished exploring, either around 10:00 AM or later depending on your ticket, you’ll take the shuttle bus back to Aguas Calientes. There, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants your guide will be happy to recommend a good spot.

In the afternoon, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the early evening with memories of a truly unforgettable adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast in the hotel
• Accommodations: not included