The AUSANGATE TREK is an adventurous route offering stunning features such as spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuña, chinchillas, a rare condor, picturesque villages, and traditionally dressed Quechua people.
This 5 day/4 night Ausangate trek is at the beginning of the Vilcanota mountain range and traverses past the highest peak (Ausangate 6,385 m/20,948 ft) in the Cusco region. This adventurous trek is approximately 67 km/41.6 mi and goes up to 5,400 m/17,716 ft. It is moderate to challenging, not technical, with several high passes and often freezing cold nights. This beautiful five-day trek starts and finishes at the small Andean village of Tinqui and takes you around Ausangate mountain and over three high passes (two of them over 5,000 m/16,404 ft). Want to hike this trail and see Machu Picchu? We’ve got an awesome package for that.
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ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – TINQUI VILLAGE – UPIS
We begin our adventure with an early morning transfer from your hotel in Cusco, departing at 6:00 AM. The drive takes approximately 3 hours along a newly paved highway, passing over the scenic Urcos Pass (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) before arriving at the village of Tinqui. Located on the high Andean plains east of Cusco, Tinqui is a traditional village where we’ll stop briefly to use the restrooms and pick up any last-minute snacks.
From here, we continue by vehicle for another 25 minutes to the starting point of our trek. At this spot, we’ll meet our muleteers and horses, who will accompany us throughout the journey.
Our trek begins along a wide, gently ascending trail that leads us toward the northwest face of the magnificent Ausangate Mountain. After approximately 3 hours of hiking through breathtaking highland scenery, we arrive at Upis (4,435 m / 14,551 ft), where we’ll set up camp for the night.
Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch followed by some rest. In the afternoon, you’ll have two optional activities: take a short one-hour hike to a beautiful nearby lagoon, or unwind in the natural hot springs located close to our camp. After returning, we’ll gather for a hearty dinner under the stars, surrounded by the stunning Andean landscape.
.Elevation: 4400m (14,435 ft)
.Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
.Meals: lunch & dinner
.Accommodations: camping at Upis
DAY 2: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – AUSANGATE PASS – AUSANGATECOCHA
After breakfast, we begin our trek at 7:00 AM, ascending steadily for about 2 hours until we reach the Arapa Pass at 4,800 m (15,748 ft). From the top, we’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Mount Maria Huamantilla, with the majestic Ausangate Mountain rising behind it.
From the pass, we continue for about 30 minutes across an arid hillside before beginning a steep 1-hour descent into a breathtaking valley filled with deep blue glacial lakes and cascading waterfalls. Here, we’ll stop to enjoy a scenic lunch beside one of the lakes.
In the afternoon, we resume our hike with a gentle 2.5-hour ascent toward our second high point of the day — the Ausangate Pass (4,700 m / 15,419 ft). From the summit, we’re rewarded with incredible views of the glacier-capped Ausangate Mountain and the turquoise Ausangatecocha Lake, formed by glacial meltwater.
A final 30-minute descent brings us to our campsite on the shores of Ausangatecocha Lake (4,300 m / 14,107 ft), nestled at the foot of one of Ausangate’s glaciers. We’ll relax with tea or coffee during “happy hour” around 4:00 PM, followed by a delicious dinner at 6:00 PM, surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Andes.
.Elevation: 4900m (14,435 ft)
.Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
.Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
.Accommodations: camping at Ausangate Lake
DAY 3: AUSANGATE LAKE – PALOMANI PASS – HUCHUY FINAYA – QAMPA
After 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 trek: the Palomani Pass, standing at an impressive 5,200 m (17,060 ft). From the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the entire Vilcanota Mountain Range.
After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we begin a 2-hour descent along a steep trail into the Huchuy Finaya Valley, where we’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch. From this peaceful spot, you’ll have clear views of “Las Dos Gemelas” — the striking twin peaks rising side by side in the distance.
In the afternoon, we continue hiking for about 2.5 hours along a scenic and varied trail that leads us to our campsite in the beautiful Qampa Valley (4,300 m / 14,107 ft), where we’ll spend the night surrounded by dramatic Andean landscapes.
.Elevation: 5,200 m/17,060 ft
.Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
.Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
.Accommodations: camping at Qampa
DAY 4: QAMPA – QAMPA PASS – PACCHANTA (HOT SPRINGS CAMPING)
After breakfast, we break camp at 7:00 AM and begin a steady 2.5-hour ascent toward the Qampa Pass (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). From the summit, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of The Three Peaks, the vast Pacchanta Valley, and—if we’re lucky—spot wild vicuñas, Andean deer, and perhaps even a soaring condor.
From there, we begin a gradual descent through the stunning Pacchanta Valley, hiking between the majestic Ausangate Mountain and the impressive Twin Peaks for about 2 hours before stopping for lunch in a scenic highland setting.
In the afternoon, we continue descending along a rocky but beautiful trail for another 2.5 hours until we reach our campsite in the heart of the Pacchanta Valley (4,200 m / 13,779 ft). From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Ausangate, especially magical at sunset.
To end the day on a relaxing note, we’ll have the opportunity to soak in nearby natural hot springs before gathering for a delicious dinner under the Andean stars.
.Elevation: 5,100 m/16,732 ft
.Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
.Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
.Accommodations: camping at Pacchanta (Hot Spring)
DAY 5: PACCHANTA – TINQUI VILLAGE – CUSCO
After breakfast, we begin our final day with a relaxed 2-hour walk along a varied and gentle trail. Along the way, we’ll enjoy our last views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, as well as the surrounding highland landscapes, dotted with potato fields and herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely.
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 scenic picnic lunch near an archaeological site a peaceful and culturally rich spot to reflect on the journey.
We then continue our 3-hour drive to Cusco, arriving around 2:00 or 3:00 PM, filled with unforgettable memories of one of the most stunning treks in the Peruvian Andes.
.Hiking time: 2 hours
.Meals: Breakfast & lunch
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- WHAT IS INCLUDED ON THE TRAIL.Pre-Trek briefing the night before the trek .Private transportation to start of the trek
.Professional guide, fluent in English
.Meals as indicated in the itinerary
.8 kgs personal luggage allowance to put on the horses.
.Toilet tent and toilet paper
.Personal duffel bags for your extra luggage to put on the horses
.Spacious tents ; sleeping mats ; dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent
.Chef and cooking equipment and kitchen tent
.Horses to carry the group’s equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)
.Emergency horse to ride if you are tired or ill
.Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit
.Entrance to the Ausangate trail
.Hot water every morning and evening for hand washing purposes
.Boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and afternoon
NOT INCLUDED ON THE TRAIL
- WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE TRAIL.Breakfast on the 1st day
.Dinner on the last day
.Sleeping Bag –$20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
.Air Mattress –$20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
.Walking Poles –$15 USD per pair per trek (Professional Poles that can be extended)
.Personal tent -$30 USD – (Tent for solo trekkers)
.Entrance to hot springs
.Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
.Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters
HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR?
PRICE
The Ausangate Trek: 5 Days service is available only by group service (from 2 persons). Then, we need minimum 2 persons to open this service for you.
.Our price for 2 trekkers: 700.00 USD per person
.Our price for 3-5 trekkers: 650.00 USD per person
.Our price for 6-8 trekkers or more: 620.00 USD per person
.Reservation price: USD $ 250 per person
.Balance ( cusco): commonly paid in cusco after the briefing.
EXTRAS
.Sleeping Bag: $20 USD per person per trek (It will be clean and warm)
.Air Mattress: $20 USD per person per trek (Therm-a-rest mattresses)
.Walking Poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
.Personal tent:$30 USD – (Tent for solo trekkers only)
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services and the Ausangate trek.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an Nomad In Peru logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
THE BRIEFING
We use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time Will be ready any time for our clients.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack only what you will need for the 4 days trek!
HOW TO BOOK THE AUSANGATE TREK?
STEP ONE: To book your Ausangate and Machupicchu Trek, please complete our booking form by clicking on the “BOOK NOW” button on our homepage or simply click here to access the form.
You will need to provide the following personal information exactly as it appears on your passport:
.Full name
.Gender
.Passport number
.Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
.Nationality
Important: We require a copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
STEP TWO: We require a deposit of $250.00 USD per person to secure your permit for the Ausangate Trek.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total cost in order to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days before the start of the service in Cusco.
To avoid the high credit card fees often applied in Peru, we recommend paying the remaining balance in cash, either in US dollars or Peruvian soles. There are numerous ATMs available throughout Cusco for your convenience. Alternatively, you may complete the payment using the same method as your initial deposit.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE AUSANGATE TREK?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. But you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the altitude. With the Ausangate Trek, we highly recommend you bring some very warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack. It can be very cold at the high altitudes of this trek.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON AUSANGATE TREK?
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.
We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your Ausangate trek , you will be given a duffle bag to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 8kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 8 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
Yes the Ausangate Trek is considered moderately to challenging. You should be physically prepared and in good health before starting the hike.
We recommend having a moderate level of fitness and engaging in regular exercise prior to the trek. It’s also important to spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand to properly acclimatize to the altitude. This preparation will help ensure that you enjoy the experience safely, comfortably, and to the fullest.
WHAT ABOUT TOILETS ON THE AUSANGATE TREK?
This has been highly appreciated by most of our clients, especially by our trekkers, who want a private, clean and sanitary toilet! NOMAD IN PERU toilet facilities have an individual tent and a camping toilet with a seat.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE AUSANGATE TREK?
If you’re unable to complete the trek due to health reasons, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for medical help and transportation. We always carry oxygen for altitude-related issues.
Please note that no refunds are provided in such cases. Most trekkers who leave the trail early are taken to Cusco.
WHAT TYPE OF WILDLIFE CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE TREK ?
The Ausangate trek has a variety of ecosystems in the Peruvian Andes, from high-altitude puna grasslands to lush valleys. This diverse environment supports a wide range of wildlife such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and if you are very lucky you can see the condor along the trek.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip though not compulsory is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.
PACKING LIST
PACKIN LIST
WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU FOR THE AUSANGATE TREK?
.Original Passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
.Comfortable daypack (the smaller, the better)
.Water storage: 2-3 litre reusalbe bottles
.Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
.Sleeping bag (can be rented from Nomad In Per)
.Headlamp: essential
.Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG FOR THE AUSANGATE TREK?
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and Include an extra pack horse who will carry up to 8 kgs or 16 pounds including your 2 kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 8 kilograms (16lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. your personal gear.
.2 t-shirts
.2 hiking pants at least
.4 sets of undergarments
.3 sets of hiking socks
.Bathing suit for the thermal waters
.Fleece/ Thermals
.Warm clothes, down jacket — 2nd campsite temp around 3º Celsius.
.Gloves
.Comfortable shoes for camp
.Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
.Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
.Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us.
TOILETRIES
.Hand sanitizer
.Wet wipes
.Toothbrush and paste
.Personal medications
.First aid kit: band aids, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK
On the trail you should carry a day pack with your .
.Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time
.Sun hat
.Sunscreen
.Headlamp: essential
.Wool hat
.Rain gear
.Fleece
.Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
.Rain plastic poncho
.Camera
.Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
.Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
