ausangate tour

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Ausangate Trek 2 Days

Ausangate trek to rainbow mountain 3 days, ausangate trek 4 days / 3 nights, ausangate trek 5 days, rainbow mountain & red valley 1 day, rainbow mountain and red valley 2 days, quelccaya glacier trek 2 days / 1 night, quelccaya trek 3 days / 2 nights, ausangate trek to machu picchu 4 day, machu picchu and rainbow mountain 2 days.

• Why Ausangate?

Ausangate Trek

Know the details and prices of this trip, the incredible treks in the peruvian andes.

Ausangate tours is the #1 tour operator based in Cusco, specialists on different excursions to Ausangate mountain, Rainbow Mountain , Quelccaya and Machu Picchu, we provide different tours than other companies do.  Our team are 100% professional with large experience on these routes. We focus on each guest individually and create  a lifetime experiences during your journey in Peru. Whether you seek ancient history, untouched nature, vibrant culture or a unique combination of all Peru has to offer.

AUSANGATE TREK PERU

Ausangate Trek   is an excellent and quiet/remote trekking circuit offering stunning features such as spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas, alpacas, wild vicuñas, picturesque villages, and traditionally dressed Quechua people who still preserve their culture, traditions and history. We have designed special itineraries that allows you to explore more that one highlights, Ausangate trek,   Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu.  This is a moderate to challenging trek, not technical, with several high passes and often freezing cold nights. It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this hike, spending at least two or three days in Cusco (or equivalent altitude) before starting.

Ausangate Treks are moderate too strenuous with high altitude passes and remote wilderness camping and hiking. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore a true off the beaten path area of Cusco.

When you hike around Apu Ausangate, you will feel the energy of the mountains , meet yourself and understand how big and amazing is this world, each corner will amazed you with its spectacular views that you can find only on this site of the Andes.

Have a look below our different excursions to this remote Andean area and discover the real Andean culture.

Be ready for an incredible adventure  in a remote area less explored!

Explore the ausangate trek in 2 days, this trek is the most sold to tourists for its excellent view of the highest mountain in Cusco and surrounded by lakes ...

The Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Trek 3D offers you an unforgettable experience in just three days! If you like to get off the normal tourist routes and are ...

Ausangate Trek 4 Days offers you a real taste of the Andean life, as you will find and see modest communities where natives still speak the Inca language ...

The Ausangate trek 5 days offers an array of wildlife including soaring condors, Alpacas, Viscachas, vicuñas, Condors, bobcats and pumas. Our private campsites ...

Why Choose Ausangate Tours for Your Next Trek or Tour?

Make your journey worthwhile by choosing to travel with a local company. expert travel advice, unique itineraries and happy trips that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. enjoy flexible private tours and tailor-made personalized packages that matches your idea of your perfect holiday., locally owned & operated.

We are direct operator. You book with us, your Treks & Tours. We are a local trekking & tour agency in Peru.

Legally Licensed

We are registered and licensed Tour Company, accredited by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism DIRCETUR CUSCO.

Unforgettable Experiences

We offer personalized high quality services. Reliability & caring are our strengths, which has earned us a high reputation.

Expert Local Guides

Safety is our top priority and our primal concern! All of our mountain & trekking guides are regularly trained & their skills are updated every year.

Small Groups

A big part of the experience is our small groups. It's these people that make travelling with...

We pride ourselves on providing 5 stars service before, during, and after your trip. Ausangate Tours is dedicated to excellent customer service and adventure experiences.

Local Guides

They are the story when it comes to traveling with us. You'll be guided by personable, friendly, active, empathetic people, who love showing off our superb trip destinations, but more than just that, they love watching you experience it.

Safety is always a priority when you're exploring in the wilderness, and we have an impeccable record. Our guides are trained extensively, they have their outdoor First Aid certificate, food safety certificate, they undergo our customized and comprehensive guide training trip.

When trekking through rugged mountain terrain with unpredictable weather, it is essential to have the best equipment available. We provide 4 season tents, mattress pads, dry bags, and more, to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.

Our groups average about 8 guests per departure, and are typically a mix of solo travelers, friends travelling together, and couples, all of varying ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Come prepared to make lots of new best friends!

The Physical Side

Our trips are sometimes physically and mentally challenging. That said, our trips are designed for people who understand that a little challenge means a lot of reward. You might not be an athlete, or have even done any serious trekking before, but if you’ve got a little bit inside you that wants to take on a physical challenge, be it big or small, then we can help you light the fire!

No Hidden Cost

Our treks and tours are truly 5 star and all inclusive. We do not charge extra to “upgrade” as we offer the best option included in the price already. There are no hidden costs or booking fees!

We Give Back

Joining the dots between hiking trails, we'll often pass through small, traditional towns, opting to stay the night to introduce our guests to the local way of life. We wouldn't still be running adventure tours if we hadn't taken the time to acknowledge and support small communities. After all, it's communities like this that make our trips special and unique. We also support some epic charities! As you can imagine, we have a lot of outdoor equipment, such as tents, packs and sleeping bags. We upgrade this gear as necessary, to keep you nice and comfortable in the backcountry, and we donate our second-hand equipment to schools in Christchurch. You could consider it an investment in our future Active Adventures guides!

Rainbow Mountain Peru

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley 1 Day .- Our adventure begins at 4:00 am. We will pick you up from your hotel door to head for 2 hours towards the Southern Valley in our private transport to the res

Rainbow Mountain And Red Valley Hike DAY 1, Cusco – Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Anantapata – Surine Qocha Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00am, then, we will drive to Pituma

Explore Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain in 2 Days Trip DAY 1, Cusco – Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Rainbow Mountain – Ollantaytambo Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00am

Quelccaya Tours

Quelccaya Glacier Trek 2 Days / 1 Night DAY 1, Cusco – Phinaya – Base Camp A representative of Vidal Expeditions will collect from your hotel located in Cusco early morning, then we’ll be headin

DAY 1, Cusco – Sibinacocha – Phinaya – Base Camp To begin our adventure on the high Andes of Cusco, our guide will pick you up from your hotel in our private bus, then we will drive for abou

DAY 1, Cusco – Tinky – Upis We depart Cusco early morning 5:00am. Then, we drive for about 3 hours in our private bus to the small village of Tinki where we will have a stop to take the breakfast,

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AUSANGATE PACKAGES

• Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days Ausangate | Huayna Ausangate | Pucacocha | Azulcocha
• Ausangate Route 6 Days Ausangate | Pukacocha | Huchuy Pinaya | Pacchanta (Hot Spring)
• The magic of nature 6 Days Ausangate | Rainbow Mountain | Warmisaya | Palomani Pass
• Ausangate and Sibinacocha Lagoon 7 Days
• Ausangate and Machu Picchu 8 Days Ausangate | Rainbow Mountain | Machu Picchu

AUSANGATE TREK

The AUSANGATE TREK PACKAGE includes the best mountain destinations in Cusco: an impressive hike through snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and wildlife in the Peruvian Andes

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PACKAGES

• Rainbow Mountain One Day Tour
• Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Trek 2 Days
• Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley y Machu Picchu 3 Days
• Ausangate Trek & Rainbow Mountain 3 Days Puca Pass | Warmisaya | Rainbow Mountain | Andahuaylillas
• Apu Ausangate in its maximum splendor 4 Days Ausangate | Rainbow Mountain | Red Valley
• Rainbow Mountain: Imperial 4 Days City tour Cusco | Maras Moray | Machu Picchu | Rainbow Mountain
• Highlights in Southern Peru 6 Days Ausangate | Rainbow Mountain | Maras - Moray | Machu Picchu

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Enjoy the natural colors of the stunning Rainbow Mountain Trek, hiking through an isolated valley, in which you may interact with the local people who are still keeping traditional Quechua culture alive! You will see snow capped peaks, herds of alpaca, glaciers and birds of prey, all set within an incredibly colourful mountain range.

MACHU PICCHU PACKAGES

• Rainbow Mountain, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 3 Days
• Ausangate & Machu Picchu 8 Days Ausangate | Rainbow Mountain | Machu Picchu

MACHU PICCHU

Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the world most visited by tourists, it has beautiful stone-based constructions, which were carved with great precision and detail, it is the most important work for the Incas for having been built in a wild mountain and inaccessible, divided into two large sectors, urban and agricultural, separated by a great wall that descends the side of the hill until it reaches the banks of the Vilcanota river.

• Rainbow Mountain and Quelccaya Glacier 2 days
• Classic Quelccaya Glacier 4 days

FULL DAY HIKES

• Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike 1 day
• Pallay Punchu Tour 1 day

AUSANGATE & INCA TRAIL

• Rainbow Mountain + Inca Trail 6 days
• Rainbow Mountain + Inca Trail 4 days
• Quelccaya + Inca Trail short 4 days
• Ausangate + Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
• Ausangate + Short Inca Trail 7 days
• The Best of Cusco & Inca Trail 8 days City tour Cusco | Sacred Valley | Inca Trail Classic | Rainbow Mountain

SALKANTAY TREK

• Rainbow Mountain - Salkantay Challenge 5 days

HUCHUY QOSQO TREK

• Mountains that challenge time 4 days Rainbow Mountain | Huchuy Qosqo | Machu Picchu
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Trip life experiences designed for you by local experts. DISCOVER OUR TREKS

AUSANGATE PERU & THE GREATEST HIKING TREKS IN PERU

• Rainbow Mountain
• Andean Experience

Ausangate Peru is a Recognized and Professional trekking company based in Cusco, and we are a unique Company that is 100% specialists ONLY in Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain Peru. Our treks are done in smaller groups to minimize our impact on the environment and ensure the highest quality and attention to each passenger. Every tour is operated by our highly accredited and experienced guides

who take you along the world-famous Apu Ausangate.

AN ADVENTURE TRAVEL COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST

There are so many reasons to choose us for your adventure among hundreds of other agents who also offer a similar trip to Ausangate in Peru. ENQUIRE NOW

Locally Owned & Operated

We are direct operator. You book with us, your Treks & Tours. We are a local trekking & tour agency in Peru.

Unforgettable Experiences

We offer personalized high quality services. Reliability & caring are our strengths, which has earned us a high reputation.

Expert Local Guides

Safety is our top priority and our primal concern! All of our mountain & trekking guides are regularly trained & their skills are updated every year.

Small Groups

A big part of the experience is our small groups. It's these people that make travelling with...

BEST SELLING TREKKING

If you are having confusion over which trekking itinerary or route is best for you, choose tour 4 Days, was one most often preferred by our guests.

CUSCO | MARAS MORAY | OLLANTAYTAMBO | MACHU PICCHU | RAINBOW MOUNTAIN

Rainbow mountain: imperial 4 days / 3 nights.

• Entrance tickets
• Train Ticket
• 1 Duffle Bag
• Trekking Cook
• Professional Guides

The Greatest Hiking Trails in Peru

Here you will find the best adventure treks around ausangate, rainbow mountain, and machu picchu..

Our collection of the most fabulous hiking trails in Peru bring you up close and very personal with the region’s most jaw-dropping highlights: from the snow-peaked Andes to turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers that seem to hang as if by magic, as well as an abundance of wildlife spotting and a breathtaking, unforgettable adventure in nature.

Ausangate Trek Classic

• Max group size: 12
• 5 days trekking
• Max altitude - 5200 metres
• For Adventure Seekers
• 1 day trekking

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain

• 3 days trekking

Rainbow Mountain: Imperial

• 4 days tour

Rainbow Mountain & Quelccaya Glacier

• 2 days trekking

Rainbow Mountain + Inca Trail

• 9 days treks
• Max altitude - 5100 metres

Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike

• Max altitude - 4800 metres

For us quality of experience is only second to safety.

We are committed to providing world-class trekking experiences for our guests that go way above and beyond the mass-produced tours so common today., 2 days of adventures in the andes.

We did the 2-day tour through Ausangate, the rainbow mountain, and the red valley. The tour was private, the guide Jimmy was very friendly and professional, the whole trip has well organized the food was delicious during the excursion. I thank the travel agency for this beautiful experience, and I recommend it.

Why Book With Us?

Why Us? We are considered by many to be the authority on an authentic trekking experience at a competitive price. We always go the extra mile to provide you with the utmost satisfaction during your adventure, and we believe that responsible tourism is a better way to see the world... WHY AUSANGATE?

Expert Guides

We work with the best guides in the city. They all have an official degree in tourism and have vast experience touring our routes. They are responsible, respectful, trustworthy, and fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua.

Small Groups & Big Adventures

With a maximum group size is 8 on most tours, it feels more like traveling with friends than being on an organized tour. You'll meet like-minded people where everyone is guaranteed to share a passion for travel.

Environmental Sensitivity

We have deep love and respect for our Mother Earth or Pachamama since we are a 100% Cusco company. We know the importance of our Andean culture, and like good children of the earth, we do everything possible to avoid contamination.

Fantastic Meals

To provide exceptional meals, we customize our menus depending on the preferences of the group, and we regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specialty diets.

Our Experience

We offer the most focused and personal treks you will be able to find in Perú. With a multitude of exciting itineraries, you can experience breathtaking journeys through the Andes'.

Camping Equipment

It’s essential to have the best equipment when you’re walking in the mountains. Due to the constant climate changes in the region, we use tents suitable for all four seasons.

ULTIMATE AUSANGATE TREK PACKING LIST

This Ausangate Packing List will help you to prepare for your outdoor adventure in one of the most stunning regions of South America.

In it we have provided as much detail on every piece of kit you will need for a safe and successful trekking. The packing list includes personal recommendations on gear that we own and use. We believe these recommended items of gear provide the best value for money and deliver the best performance.

OUR EQUIPMENT

Trekking in Peru means walking and camping in places that are at high altitudes. The higher you are, the colder it is. The temperature can drop to -0 C during the night. The weather in the mountains of Peru is also unpredictable. It's vital that you stay warm, dry, well-fed, and well-hydrated to enjoy 100% of your adventure in the pristine beauty of the mountains of Peru. That's why we offer you the best quality equipment during our walks. All of our equipment is inspected, tested, and sanitized before each departure.

We are here to help

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we`re here for you..

Ausangate Trek: The Complete Trekker’s Guide

Ausangate Mountain is considered by the Quechua people to be one of the most holy mountains in all of the Andes. As a result, the 6-Day Ausangate Trek, while being a visually stunning adventure, is something of a spiritual pilgrimage. The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is a more popular hike of the region, and for that reason more crowded and limited in availability. Ausangate is an off-the-beaten track hiking alternative with minimal foot traffic that allows you to carve into the mystical side of an ancient Andean world. 

Ausangate Trek Guide

• Spiritual Significance
• Best Time to Go

Ausangate Trek Difficulty

Guided vs. independent trekking.

• Climate & Weather
• Machu Picchu Extension

Rainbow Mountain Side Excursion

Altitude sickness.

• Packing List

Daily Itinerary Breakdown

A voyage to Ausangate mountain is one of natural beauty, living history and ancient spirituality. Considered challenging, this 6 day trek is recommended for seasoned hikers only, who have experience hiking at high elevations. The route takes you through the Cordillera Vilcanota , or the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Ausangate is actually the 5th tallest mountain in Peru, standing at 20,945 feet above sea level. 

Through this Peru trek , you’ll ascend and descend through the mountain range, finding sweeping Andean vistas, thermal lakes, mystical glaciers, green mossy passes and enormous snowy mountains. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of interesting wildlife, like condors , chinchillas and groups of vicunas. You’ll also come across hidden Andean villages richly embedded in centuries-old traditions. The highest point of the trek is 16,800 feet above sea level and the highest campsite elevation is at 15,255 feet. 

Alpaca traversing the Vilcanota Mountain Range along the Ausangate Trek. Image: Unsplash

Spiritual Significance 

In Andean spirituality, the mountains, called apus, are highly revered and believed to have a spirit. In fact, in Quechua apu means lord . These powerful spirits are believed to protect the local people in the highlands. Ausangate Mountain stands with 11 other sacred apus of the Cusco area, namely Salkantay, Mama Simona, Pillku Urqu, Manuel Pinta, Wanakawri, Pachatusan, Pikchu, Saksaywaman, Viraqochan, Pukin and Sinqa. 

The road of the Apu Ausangate, or Ausangate Trek, is believed to be the most profound pilgrimage in the Andes and is one of the most renowned hikes in Peru. Traditionally, this spiritual journey is made during the Qoyllur Rit’i festival, a Quechua holiday that celebrates the stars in late May or early June (coinciding with the full moon). Specifically, it celebrates the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the night sky, marking the beginning of harvest season. The Ten Nations, or brotherhoods, of the surrounding areas all gather for the occasion.

Andean woman walking in the Andes Mountains. Photo by Peru for Less.

Best Time to Go 

The best time to do the Ausangate trek, and all Peru hiking tours, is between May and September. This is the dry season in the Andes, making for sunnier weather and clearer days to take in the beautiful scenery. Try particularly for July or August, the driest months of the year. The dry season is also the high season for the area, so Cusco , Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail tend to be more densely populated. Fortunately, the remote Ausangate Trek is a unique choice, making it clear of crowds year round – even during peak season. 

Trekking Tours:

The Ausangate trek is considered strenuous, with a few moderate days sprinkled in. The trek is classified as Grade C in difficulty, which implies altitudes between 14,800 to 16,400 ft (4500-5000 m) and 6-7 hours of hiking per day. Many of the days have steep sections that cause rapid altitude gain in a short time. Anyone with a good level of fitness can manage this hike, but it is recommended that trekkers have experience with multi-day hikes at high elevations.

Another factor to consider, aside from the steep sections and 16,000 ft+ elevation passes, is the weather. The weather can be quite unpredictable, and blizzard conditions at the higher altitudes are not uncommon. It is important to factor the low temperatures and your tolerance to cold and snow when determining your suitability for this trail.

Valley leading to Ausangate Mountain. Image: Ausangate Landscape by Petr Meissner is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Only about 5 percent of hikers do this trek independently. It is only possible if you are a seasoned hiker who is acclimatized with the necessary gear and ample experience backpacking, hiking high elevations, and managing low temperatures/sometimes extreme weather conditions. 

We recommend doing this trek with a guide. Between the experienced guides with rich regional knowledge, the traditional meals by local chefs, and the gear being carried and set up from campsite to campsite by local porters, a guided trip notably enhances the experience. Also, you’ll have more time and energy to focus more vividly on the adventure while also supporting the local economy and trek crew welfare. 

Check out our Ausangate Trek tour for more information about inclusions for guided tours. 

Climate & Weather 

In the Vilcanota Range, there is a dry season and a wet season. The dry season is between May and September, and is considered the best time to hike in the Andes. Keep in mind, however, that the dry season, containing Peru’s winter months, is also the colder time of year. The coldest months are May through July. Expect the days to be cool, no warmer than 40 degrees F, and the nights to drop to freezing temperatures as low as 10 degrees F. 

The rainy season is between October and April. While the rainy season is warmer, it can still be cool at night. In fact, there can be heavy snow as well given the elevation. The rain and snow can cause muddy conditions on the trail and even partial closures. It is especially inclimate between January-March, with February bringing the most precipitation. The shoulder months of October and April bring more moderate weather with mixed rainy and dry days. 

The Ausangate hike traces through high elevation landscapes ranging between 10,334 ft to as high as 16,800 ft above sea level. The land surrounding the mountain features Andean uplift, glacial valleys with hanging glaciers, Permian formations and cretaceous limestone forests. The trail takes hikers through landscapes bursting with glaciers, snow capped mountains, thermal lakes, high flatlands and lush green valleys. 

Machu Picchu Extension 

Traditionally, the 6 day Ausangate trek does not include connection to Machu Picchu . However, if you have extra time to spare, it can certainly be added on. Instead of ending day 6 at Tinki, you would continue on to Laguna Armaccocha, reach a viewpoint and lake Singrenacchocha on day 7, hike alongside the river to Mallma on day 8, and finally board a train to Aguas Calientes , the town at the base of Machu Picchu on day 9. 

Machu Picchu. Photo by Ana Sotello of Peru for Less.

Another compelling aspect of the Ausangate trek is that you can conveniently arrange to do Rainbow Mountain as a side excursion. Rainbow Mountain, or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a very popular destination. Here you can see these iconic mountains with rich mineralization bringing red, orange and yellow hues across a seemingly endless mountain expanse. It’s truly a sight to behold. 

This part of the trek would bring you to a soaring 17,060 feet above sea level. This portion also tends to be, by far, the busiest part of an otherwise remote journey. It is important to keep in mind the crowds and higher elevation (higher than any other point on the classic Ausangate) to decide if you’d like to add this portion to your Ausantage hike. Talk to a travel advisor for more information.

Rainbow Mountain. Image: Unsplash

Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a health effect that can arise at high elevations. Minor symptoms include headache, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and dizziness. More progressed cases can result in vomiting, shortness of breath and high altitude cerebral edema, which is associated with lethargy, nausea and disorientation. 

Altitude sickness occurs in 20 percent of people at 8,000 feet and 40 percent of people at 10,000 feet. For a hike like the ausangate trek, it is highly likely that you will experience some form of altitude sickness, as elevations reach as high as 16,800 ft. For this reason, it is important to acclimate properly, take your time on the trail and take measures to combat symptoms. 

Measures to combat acute mountain sickness include acclimatizing in the Andes for 48-72 hours, eating a light and high calorie diet, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and alcohol, easing into the hike and taking breaks whenever necessary. You may also contact your healthcare provider for a recommendation for anti-altitude sickness medication as well. Another local remedy is chewing coca leaves, drinking coca tea or consuming coca candies – a traditional treatment for fighting AMS among the people of the Andes. 

Machu Picchu Tours:

Ausangate Trek Packing List 

It’s best to pack lightly for Ausangate hiking. Generally hikers leave the bulk of their belongings safely in storage at their Cusco hotel , and bring only their hiking pack for the trek. This list ensures that you have everything you need for a guided trek without overburdening yourself.

Clothing   

• Long sleeve hiking shirt 
• Hiking pants 
• Thermal shirt for sleeping 
• Long thermal pants for sleeping
• Wool socks (2 pairs) 
• Socks for sleeping 
• Underwear (2-3 pairs) 
• Sports bra (for women)
• Hiking boots with ankle support  
• Flip-flops/comfortable shoes for camp  

Weather gear

• Lip balm with SPF 
• Rain & wind proof jacket
• Rain cover for the backpack 

Hiking gear

• Backpack, 50-70L 
• Hiking poles (optional but recommended) 
• Water bottle 
• Water filter
• Purifying tablets 
• Zip-lock bags (for money, maps etc.)

Electronics  

Toiletries  

• Dry shampoo
• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Small towel

Tipping is not mandatory on a guided Ausangate Trek, but it is highly recommended. You will be amazed by the amount of work and dedication that the guides, chefs, porters and other crew bring to your experience. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the incredible experience. A good rule of thumb is 30-50 soles ($8-$15) per hiker per day. All the hikers on the team can pool their tips and then hand to the trekking team, who will distribute among themselves. 

Below is a daily itinerary and highlight breakdown of the classic 6 Day Ausangate trek. 

Campsite beside a lagoon on the Ausangate Trek. Image: Trekkers camping near a laguna in the majestic cordillera Vilcanota on the Ausangate circuit by sergejf is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Day 1 : Cusco to Tinki

Day 1 itinerary includes the archeological site of Tipon with its impressive water fountains, irrigation systems, and other marvels of pre-Columbian engineering. It then continues on to the ancient settlement of Pikillaqta, which was originally settled by the Wari culture. Later, you’ll continue on to the beautiful lake of Huacarpay and the town of Andahuaylillas with its famously decorated church, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. Eventually your journey through this ancient landscape ends at the town of Tinki. Approximately 2-3 hours of hiking time. 

Day 2 : Tinki to Upis

Start by making your way to the camp of Upis. On the way, you’ll pass by the beautiful ecological landscape of Quinsapucyu and the mountain Huarmisaya. After lunch time, hikers have an opportunity to hike mystical thermal lakes and marvel at the uniqueness of its surrounding glaciers. Approximately 6-7 hours of hiking time. 

Day 3 : Upis to Ausangatecocha

Day 3 is the most challenging day of the trek. You’ll start on an increasingly steep trail that leads you up to a high mountain pass at Arapa where you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the entire mountain chain. After Arapa pass, you approach a series of beautiful Andean lakes. In the afternoon you’ll make another climb to the Ausangate pass before descending towards your campsite for the night at Ausangatecocha. Approximately 9 hours of hiking time. 

Day 4 : Ausangatecocha to Hatunpampa

Today, you begin your approach to the highest point of the trek, the pass at Abra Palomani. At this point you will be at a breathtaking 16,800 feet above sea level, enjoying unique views of the vast mountain chain that runs below you. From here you descend to the settlement of Huchuy Phinaya and continue on a gentler gradient through high flat land until reaching your campsite in the shadow of snow-capped Hatunpampa mountain. Approximately 9 hours of hiking time. 

Day 5 : Hatunpampa to Pacchanta

Starting out for another challenging day, your trail rises immediately towards the second high pass of Abra Janca, dominated by the peak of Colquecruz. From here it’s a gentle descent towards your lunch spot before you reach the town of Pacchanta where you’ll be rewarded with a dip in the town’s mineral rich thermal baths – a perfect chance to relax after a long, demanding day of hiking. Approximately 8 hours of hiking time. 

Day 6 : Pacchanta to Cusco

Following the trail from Pacchanta, you eventually return to the town of Tinki, from where you began your adventure. You will celebrate the end of your epic Peru adventure trek with a pachamanca, a unique and ancient style of Andean cooking. Approximately 5 hours of hiking time. 

See our Ausangate Trek page, where you can find more in depth information about the daily itinerary, inclusions for the trek, and high and low elevations of trail and campsites. You can also find a form to contact a travel advisor to perfectly tailor your ultimate Peru trekking adventure . 

The Ausangate mountain trek, traversing one of the biggest mountains in all of Peru, is like a dream from start to finish. Between the high altitude naturescapes, the spiritual flourishes and the amazing local guides, it’s an adventure like no other. If you want to take to one of the lesser known trails of the mystical Andes, reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to include it in your upcoming Peru travel package . 

Gina loves the hidden turquoise rivers of the Andes, the magical pink dolphins of the Amazon, and the lush ocean-view parks of Lima. She finds Peru to be the most inspiring country in the world, and has been exploring and writing about this sacred place since 2014.

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Ausangate Trek – Complete Guide To The Highest Trek In Peru

Welcome to my complete guide to hiking Peru’s Ausangate Trek. This is a stunning hike through the wildest and rarely visited areas in Peru. Namely, the beautiful Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range.

The route takes hikers over several high passes and down into low alpine valleys.

Discover traditional Peruvian villages, herds of llamas, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.

You will also get the chance to see the Rainbow Mountains of Vinicunca!

In this article, I’ve included a detailed overview of all route and itinerary options. There's also useful info on packing, acclimatisation, and preparation. Everything you need to ‘know before you go’ on an amazing Ausangate trek starts here.

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Ausangate Trek – An Overview

Ausangate trek: the basics.

Whilst most Ausangate treks are offered on a 6-day itinerary, certain companies will combine the trek with a visit to Machu Picchu as well. This adds an additional 3 days to your trip. You will also have the option of visiting the world famous Rainbow Mountains .

The trail winds 70km / 43 miles through the Vilcanota Mountain range. This is closer to 100km / 62 miles if you extend your trek to Machu Picchu (see more on this below).

You will start and end your trek at the town of Tingui (sometimes called Tinki). Unlike the Inca Trail , no permit is needed for the Ausangate trek.

The Ausangate trek is more challenging than some of the alternative Inca Trail trails to Machu Picchu . As a result, it is one of the quietest in the region. You can go days without another tourist in sight.

Vilcanota Range and Ausangate Mountain

Lying 100 km / 62 mi south of Cusco is the impressive Cordillera Vilcanota. The mountain range has several peaks over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) high, including the sacred Ausangate peak (6,372m / 20,906ft). Ausangate is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and the 5th highest mountain in Peru.

Ausangate mountain itself is considered a holy mountain (or mountain spirit) by locals. Since pre-Inca times (see Inca trail history ), the mountain has been a place of worship.

The mountain is also notable for the Qoyllur Rit’I Festival at the end of May. This is held on the opposite side of the Cordillera Vilcanota, in the Sinakara Valley. The festival draws over 10,000 pilgrims each year. This deity of Cusco is celebrated through traditions and offerings.

Looking for a day tour? Here are my 5 favourite day tours around Cusco: 

• Rainbow Mountain day trip (with meals)
• Moray and Salt Mines Quad Bike Tour
• Sacred Valley day tour
• Humantay Lake day tour
• Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu entrance tickets

See more Cusco day trips .

Where Do You Sleep On The Ausangate Trek?

Camping is usually the norm for sleeping and resting on this route. If you book with a tour company, porters will pack and carry the tents and camp equipment for you.

You may also like : Best Inca Trail companies and Best Machu Picchu tours

Please Note: There are no established campsites on the Ausangate trek. Tents are set up along the route, and often alongside a turquoise lake.

Some companies also offer Ausangate trek as a ‘lodge’ trek in which you will stay in very basic huts along the route.

Where to stay? Here are 5 of my favourite accommodation options in Cusco: 

• Sonesta Hotel (great 4 star hotel)
• Antigua Casona San Blas
• El Mariscal Cusco (very good value)
• Hotel Paradis (good 3 star hotel)
• Quechua Hostal Recoleta (cheap and cheerful)

See more Cusco accommodation options .

Horse Riding On The Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate trek is one of the few treks in Peru that offers the option to ride a horse along the route. Operators will provide the horses and extra horses will also be brought to carry your gear and equipment.

Certain sections of the trek are so steep that you’ll need to get off and walk beside your horse. If you are not a confident rider (or don’t like horses) then trekking-only tours on foot are a more suitable option.

Ausangate Trek Scenery And Wildlife

The Ausangate trail has some of the most stunning scenery of all of Peru’s hiking areas. Mossy passes and glaciers add to the mystical feel of this route. You will pass small villages where time has stood still.

The trek offers an array of wildlife including soaring condors and vicunas (a wild relative of the alpaca). Look out for chinchillas scrambling between the boulders. And, if you are extremely lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a bobcat or puma.

You’ll also have the chance to bathe in hot springs and view the trek’s signature Rainbow mountains! These colorful sandstone slopes are some of the coolest things you’ll see in Peru.

How Difficult Is The Ausangate Trek?

With several mountain passes over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) high, the Ausangate Trek is relatively difficult. It is best to have experience with multi-day hikes in alpine conditions to do this trek.

As such, the Ausangate trail is classified as a Grade C trek: fairly long and many sections are at high altitudes.

You’ll need a good level of fitness and stamina as you’ll be trekking over many undulating sections. In addition, the elevation changes significantly over a short space of time.

The trail itself is fairly good and well-defined, but the weather can be unpredictable in these mountains. It's not uncommon to experience blizzard conditions in these parts. If you don’t deal well with cold conditions, then this trek isn’t for you.

If you are going by horseback, you’ll most likely be riding for much of the flat sections. Your operator should allow good time for acclimatization to prevent hikers from getting altitude sickness on the higher slopes.

Please Note: This trek is not suited for first-time trekkers. If you are a strong walker and have completed some moderate treks prior to this, then you should be fine.

As there are several high sections on the trek, I recommend reading up on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to diagnose and treat the condition. The important thing is not to rush during your trek - slow and steady is better for descending a steep mountain pass. If you have chosen a good operator, they will take this into account.

Ausangate Trek - Typical 6-Day Route Itinerary

There are several route itineraries options for the Ausangate trek: a 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, and 7-day itinerary. The most popular is the 6-day itinerary which we have laid out in more detail below.

Day 1: Cusco - Tinki - Upis

• Total Hiking distance: 7km / 4.3 miles

Most tours will start in Cusco from where your operator will drive you southeast to Tinki (Tinqui). You’ll most likely stop along the way in Ocongate or Qatca for a drink and to experience the local culture.

The journey to Tinki takes roughly 3.5 hours. From Tinki, the real trekking begins.

You will start trekking through the Vilcanota Valley before steadily climbing upwards through high grasslands. Here, you will get your first glimpse of the Vilcanota range. You will see both Ausangate and Colqe Cruz peaks in the distance.

Next, you will start crossing the Mapacho river. Continue on through local community villages towards the base of Ausangate. You will camp near the thermal baths at Upis which are 4,408m (14,462 ft) high.

Local legend tells of the bath’s medicinal properties. Each year, pilgrims make their way to these healing waters.

Day 2: Upis - Arapa Pass - Puqa Q’ocha Lake

• Total hiking distance: 15km / 9.3 miles

The morning begins with your first mountain pass crossing – Arapa (4,850m / 15,912 ft). It takes about 2 hours to ascend this pass. The views of Ausangate from Arapa pass are stunning, so get your camera ready!

After reaching the pass, you will stop for a light lunch. Next, you will descend into the valley, which will take 40-60 minutes of trekking on a well-trodden gravel trail.

On your descent, you’ll pass the green lake of Puqa Q’ocha (4,556m / 14,948 ft). This is connected by a waterfall to another gorgeous lake - Jatun Puqa Q’ocha. Your camp for the evening is usually beside this lower lake.

From your campsite, you can choose to climb a nearby ridge to view the red-tinged lake of Vino Q’ocha. Each lake in the region is colored differently. This is because of sediment variations in the nearby mountains, which makes for an alluring experience.

Day 3: Jatun Puqa Q’ocha Lake - Palomani Pass - Chillca

• Total Hiking Distance: 9.5km / 6.8 miles

On day 3 of your trek, you will conquer the highest pass on the trek - the Palomani pass. You will rise early and begin your day passing herds of vicunas, alpacas, and llamas. The looming form of Ausangate watches over you from your left.

It is a 500m (1,640 ft) ascent up the pass. At the top of Palomani pass, you will be 5,051m / 16,571 ft above sea level. The reward for your effort is breathtaking views across the southeast mountain range.

From here, you are able to see the peaks of Mariposa and Caracol in the distance. This is a great location to spot solitary condors and marvel at their enormous size!

After heading back down, you will follow the Jampamayo River through the small village of Jampa. Your campsite will be at Chillca (4,456 m / 14,619 ft).

Please Note: If you are visiting Rainbow Mountain, you will probably camp at Ananta. You should arrive by midday and visit Rainbow Mountain the same afternoon. You can leave your bags at camp and hike to Rainbow Mountain and back. Alternatively, you can go to Rainbow Mountain early on Day 4 of your trek.

Day 4: Chillca - Pampa Jutunpata Valley trek - Lake Q’omercocha

• Total Hiking Distance: 12.5km / 7.8 miles

Day 4 is a slightly easier trek. You will follow the Pampa Jutunpata valley along the shores of Lake Ticllacocha.

The valley is a great place to spot wildlife. Look out for vizcacha, vicuñas, and bobcats. You’ll stop and have lunch before tackling the last of the passes – the Q’ampa pass (5,000m / 16,404 ft).

From the top of the pass, you can see several stunning lakes glimmering in the sunlight. You will then descend down the other side and camp beside the blue-green lake of Q’omercocha (4,704m / 15,433 ft).

Day 5: Q’omercocha - Pajchanta

• Total hiking distance: 7.5km / 4.6 miles

After breakfast, you will have an easy descent. You will be walking down slope towards the village of Pajchanta (4,010m / 13,156 ft). This takes most hikers approximately 5 hours of walking.

The village is an extremely authentic insight into traditional Peruvian culture where local village people make their living here from herding and farming.

The village is also home to some very picturesque natural thermal pools. Take the opportunity to soak your weary bones in the warm waters.

Some operators will press on for another 3 hours to the town of Tinki; however, most camp at Pajchanta for the night.

Day 6: Pajchanta - Tinki

• Total hiking distance: 4.8km / 3 miles

In the morning, you will make your final trek back to Tinki. Say goodbye to your guide and pack up your horses (and say thank you with a nice tip). The bus will collect you here for your trip back to Cusco.

9 Day Ausangate Trek: Machu Picchu Extension

Occasionally, a tour operator will offer the Ausangate trek in conjunction with a visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu . If you have a little more time (and money) on your hands and want to see the magnificent ruins, then this is a great option.

The itinerary is almost identical to the one above until you get to the final day. Instead of trekking from Pajchanta to Tinki, you will trek from Pajchanta to Laguna Armaccocha instead. See below for more details. 

Day 6: Pajchanta - Laguna Armaccocha

You’ll have the chance once again to bathe in the thermal pools in the morning. Afterward, you will set off from your campsite at Pajchanta.

The trek is on a well-trodden route through remote highlands. You’ll likely see more herds of alpacas and llamas here.

The walking distance is a fairly short one. You should arrive early in the afternoon at the beautiful Laguna Armaccocha (4,665m / 15,305 ft).

The snow-capped Nevado Collque Cruz peak sits directly above you, making this a lovely place to camp.

Lake Singrenacchocha

Day 7: Lake Armacoccha - lookout point - Lake Singrenacchocha

After breakfast, you will continue trekking northeast. You will climb a steep shoulder and cross a narrow pass to reach an incredible lookout point (4,940 meters / 16,207 feet).

From the lookout, you get a gorgeous 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. Several of the peaks are above 6,000 meters (19,685 feet)! From here, you will descend down to the shores of lake Singrenacchocha (4560m / 14,961 ft). This is where you will camp for the night.

Day 8: Lake Singrenacchocha - Mallma - Cusco - Ollantaytambo

Day 8 is the final day of trekking. You will hike along the lake shore to the rivers that feed it. Follow the river as it gently descends to Mallma at 4,230 meters / 13,878 feet.

In Mallma, you will have lunch before boarding a bus that will take you back to Cusco. From there, you will head to Ollantaytambo where you will check into a hotel .

Day 9: Train to Aguanas Calientes

From Ollantaytambo, you can take a 90-minute train to Aguas Calientes . We have detailed information on things to do at Machu Picchu .

Rainbow Mountain Add-On To The Ausangate Trek

A visit to Rainbow Mountain will add an additional day to your Itinerary. Most companies hike to Ananta camp on Day 3. From here, you will trek to Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon or the following morning.

Expect to see loads of tourists and decorated alpacas at this famous Peruvian landmark. There are usually long queues to get a ‘classic shot’ of the colorful slope in the background.

Please Note: If you are looking for a more authentic trail, you may want to skip this extension. You can still visit Rainbow Mountain on a day tour from Cusco. It is fairly easy, and arguably better, to take a bus to visit Rainbow Mountain. It is recommended that you travel slightly later in the morning (around 8 am) to reach the mountain just after the crowds have thinned out.

Can I Hike The Ausangate Trek Without A Guide?

It is possible to hike Ausangate without a guide. This is a lot more adventurous and also works out much cheaper. However, due to its difficulty and remote setting, I don't recommend this option for inexperienced trekkers.

Only about 5% of hikers on the Ausangate Trek do it solo. These hikers have the right equipment and experience trekking at high altitudes.

If you are planning on hiking Ausangate without a guide, you will need to be completely self-reliant. It is difficult to find accommodation along the way. This means you need to carry all of your own camping gear and food.

A guided trek is a better option for most people. Ausangate is one of the less popular hikes around Cusco. This means group sizes are usually small if not completely private.

Another benefit of booking with a company is that you don’t have to worry about carrying food or preparing meals. You can focus on enjoying the trail.

What Does It Cost To Hike The Ausangate Trek?

Ausangate trek cost with a company.

Prices for the Ausangate trek vary greatly between companies. This is true for all the trekking tours from Cusco.

Generally, you can expect to pay between $450-$850 for this trail. This includes guides, transport, horses, and camping gear. Chefs and all meals during the trek will also be included in the price.

Please Note: You usually need to pay extra for sleeping bag rental. Sometimes, the first and final meals are not included. Be sure to check with your tour company about what’s included in your tour package as well as extra expenses.

Unguided Ausangate Trek Cost

Hiking the Ausangate Trek without using a company works out significantly cheaper. There are no support crew fees. Basically, you will only be paying for transport, food, and equipment rental.

Please Note: This is only an approximate estimate. You may need to hire additional equipment and prices vary between rental agencies. I recommend taking a day or two to shop around and adjust your budget.

Doing the trail independently is much more planning intensive. However, this can be rewarding if you are a seasoned multi-day trekker.

Here is a breakdown of expenses on the Ausangate Trek (per person):

• Bus from Cusco to Tique: 10 soles ($3) each way.
• Tique Park Entrance Fee: 10 soles ($3).
• Food Supplies (including gas for cooking): 100-150 soles ($30-$45).
• Camping Gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and cooking set): approximately 40 soles per day.
• Try to budget for about 300 soles ($80) for 6-7 days.
• Total Ausangate Cost Per Person: 470 soles (about $120).

Map and Guidebooks

The map below is the best online map I could find for the Ausangate trek. Please note that the map is not to scale. The trail marked on the map is only representative of the general direction of the route.

There is a serious lack of hand-held maps for the Ausangate trek. Your best option is to buy the Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes guidebook map for more detailed maps of the region.

Although not as detailed as many maps, the map of the Cordillera Vilcanota above is decent enough. With maps like this, experienced trekkers should be able to find their way without a guide.

Please Note: Planning on hiking the Ausangate solo? I’d advise being a little sneaky while in Cusco. Find out which tour offices sell this trek and pay them a visit. If you tell them you are interested in this trail, they will usually describe the route and may even give you a map. Just don’t say you intend on trekking unguided!

Best time to do the Ausangate Trek

Like most treks in the region, the best time to do the Ausangate trek is in the dry months. This is between May and September which coincides with the busy season.

Unlike other popular Machu Picchu routes , the Ausangate trek is very quiet, even in peak season.

Seasonal shoulder months are April and October. During this time, there is a mix of rain and sunshine. The weather is mostly pleasant, and it is possible to hike the Ausangate trek.

At these high elevations, you’ll have to contend with freezing nights though. This is also true for the dry season which is Peruvian wintertime. The Ausangate trek is best avoided in the wetter colder season between November and February due to snow at high altitudes.

In the dry months, daytime temperatures are usually mild and visibility is high. You will want to wear layers, especially for colder nights. Please see our packing list below for suggestions.

You may also like : best time to hike to Machu Picchu and Inca trail weather

Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness On The Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate trek is one of the highest altitude treks in Peru. Obviously, this means certain altitude sickness risks. Acclimatization is the key factor in ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable trek.

We suggest that you take a minute to read our detailed article on altitude sickness and acclimatization .

Ausangate Trek Packing List

The equipment and packing list for the Ausangate trek is similar to that for other Cusco hikes.

For more insights, see our packing list for the Inca Trail . You will need more changes of clothes as the Ausangate trek is longer. It is also worth investing in thermal undergarments too for an added layer of protection.

If you are hiking independently, make sure the gear you take is suitable for sub-zero temperatures. In this case, you will also need to take cooking equipment and food. Items like dried fruit, instant pasta, packet soup, and instant oatmeal are lightweight and convenient food choices.

Do You Need Trekking Insurance for the Ausangate Trail?

Insurance for any multi-day trek in a foreign country is a must. Many operators will require you to carry sufficient travel insurance for your trek.

The Ausangate trek reaches passes higher than 5, 000m. In this instance, you will need to make sure your insurance covers you for high-altitude hiking. I have reviewed a number of travel insurance providers and the most affordable and best is World Nomads .

I hope you have enjoyed this article. If you have any further questions about the Ausangate trek, please leave a comment below. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

You might want to bookmark this page for future reference. Feel free to share my article with friends or link to your blog. We also always appreciate a shout-out on social media. Happy trekking!

Tags: Ausangate trek, Ausangate trek Peru, Ausangate trail, Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu

References: 1. Contemporary Nomad

Alison Macallister

With a degree in Nature Conservation and experience working with wildlife including the Big 5, Alison works as a guide for a 5-star reserve. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking.

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Ausangate Trek 5 Days

Our unique 5 day Ausangate trek itinerary gets you into the remote, untouched wilderness of the Ausangate circuit, long famous for its stunning high altitude scenery, turquoise lakes, and herds of roaming alpacas.

See Full Description

• Ausangate boasts one of the most renowned treks in Peru, yet it is still off the beaten track. On a clear day, Ausangate Mountain dominates Cusco’s southern skyline. Situated in the Vilcanota Mountain range about 100km southeast of Cusco, Ausangate is the biggest and most impressive mountain in the region, reaching 6,380m (20,926 ft).

Read more about Ausangate, Peru and all the trekking options it has to offer.

On the other side of the Ausangate range is the Sinakara valley, where the Qoyllur Rit’i pilgrimage takes place. Every spring, thousands of pilgrims make the midnight trek by the light of the full moon, and spend three days enjoying the festivities. It’s one of the most fascinating festivals in all of South America!

Our unique Ausangate 5 day trek itinerary takes you into remote, untouched wilderness. Start out in Tinke on Day 1 with a relatively easy 3h climb to reach the Upis hot springs, passing a series of traditional villages along the way. Day 2 is all about high mountain passes and alpine lakes! You’ll cross two passes and walk by stunning green and turquoise glacial lakes, including Ausangate Lake.

On Day 3 of your Ausangate tour, you’ll face your greatest challenge yet: the Palomani Pass. Coming in at 5200m, it is the highest point on this trek. Another high pass awaits on Day 4, before you arrive at Pacchanta and a chance for another dip in the hot springs there.

Day 5 on the Ausangate trek will come as a relief with an easy 3 hour hike back to the trailhead at Tinki, and onward travel in our private vehicle to Cusco.

Note: due to the high altitude, you must have at least 3 days of acclimatization at high altitude before embarking on the Ausangate trek. Read more about altitude acclimatization .

Ausangate Trek Highlights

• Marvel at majestic snow-capped peaks, glaciers and crystalline turquoise lakes
• Soak in luxurious natural hot springs along the trail
• Catch a glimpse of Andean wildlife – condors, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and many aquatic birds

>> See more photos and information about the Ausangate trail

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High quality personalized experience

Unique, off-the-beaten track routes

Experienced staff

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$20 of every trek donated to  Threads of Peru

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Important Details About the Trek

What is included.

Accommodation

• Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage!
• Camping pillows
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can rent you an inflatable mattress. See Optional Extras & Upgrades below.
• Toilet tent
• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Cook and cooking equipment, plus assistants for larger groups.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Talk to your Travel Consultant during the booking process if you have certain preferences! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. When served, salads are washed in boiled water.
• Boiled water for drinking during the hike (which you can carry in your own reusable water bottle)
• Bottled water provided during the drive on the first day
• Collection from your hotel on the morning of the trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to Tinki (the trailhead for the Ausangate trek) and return at the end of the trek

Trekking Team

• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 8
• Horses and horsemen, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 10kg (22 lbs) per person).
• Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals
• 1 emergency horse which can be ridden Ausangate trail if you are feeling ill or if you are a little slower
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Additional inclusions

• Pre-trek briefing, where we will provide duffel bags for your personal items (up to 10kg (22 lbs) per person), and discuss the route.
• Entry fee to Ausangate Mountain

What is Not Included?

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Dinner on the last night.
• Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you. Sleeping bags good to at least -15˚C are recommended.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Additional horses for your personal luggage

Optional Extras & Upgrades

We offer you the opportunity to personalize your Ausangate trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades . All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Equipment Available for Rent

• Extra horse to carry luggage exceeding the allowed 7kg (15lbs) per person
• Extra horse for you to ride, and horseman to lead it. This is in addition to the emergency horse provided for the group.
• Sleeping Bag suitable for -5˚C
• Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15˚C
• Light-weight aluminum walking stick. Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest inflatable mattress

Service Upgrades

• Single-occupancy tent supplement
• Comfort Camping Upgrade

Optional Activities

• Combine with Machu Picchu Trek Extension
• When calculating the cost of renting equipment, calculate using the length of the entire trip, not just the number of trekking days.
• Please be careful with rented equipment! You are responsible for the cost of replacement if something is damaged or broken.
• Any upgrades or trip extensions must be requested at time of booking.

What to Pack

See What to Bring for our recommended packing list for trekking in Peru.

When getting ready for your Ausangate trek, it’s important to pack the right gear. Weather in the mountains is always fickle so it’s important to be prepared for all kinds of weather: possible rain showers, sun, or even snow. Layering and flexibility are key!

The Ausangate trek 5 days itinerary is a high altitude trek, meaning it can get very cold on the trail. You are likely to warm up while hiking, but as we cross each pass on this Ausangate trekking itinerary, you will need thermals, a winter hat (toque or beanie), mitts and scarves. During the night, temperatures drop WELL below freezing (as low as -15°C / 5°F in the middle of the cold dry season!). Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes!

Since there is the chance to visit some mountain hot springs, you may also want to bring a bathing suit, flip flops and a towel!

During the Ausangate hike, we recommend convertible trekking pants made out of a quick dry fabric. Most of these hiking pants have special designs allowing a maximum range of motion. The many pockets on this style of pant can make you look a little more like an adventurer than a tourist, but can be very useful on the trail. For a cold, high-altitude hike like this one, we definitely recommend wearing thermals under your hiking pants to keep you warm.

When it comes to footwear, water-resistant trekking boots with a high top are the best hiking boots to take on the Ausangate trek. If you’re not ready to invest in specialist hiking boots, at a minimum hiking shoes will suffice.

What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots? Hiking shoes are durable, trekking shoes that are generally water resistant. They don’t have ankle support though. Hiking boots are tough footwear that last a long time due to their strong construction. They have ankle support and often are very waterproof.

For more help with what to pack, check out our blog How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru .

Ausangate Trek Map

Available Discounts

• Students : USD $30 off, in certain circumstances. Please enquire for details about eligibility.
• Youth 12-17 : 5% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 5-11 years : 15% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 0-4 years : Free. A valid passport must be presented upon booking. Children under 4 will not count towards the total number of guests in a group. Car seats, cribs and other baby needs may not be included and must be discussed in advance. For more information about travelling with infants and toddlers, please see  this blog   as well as the  Age Requirements  section of our  Booking Conditions .
• 5% off a day tour listed price when you also book a 3-day or longer trek operated by Apus Peru

Ausangate Trek Guide and Safety

Our Ausangate trek guides are all handpicked for their personality, expert knowledge of the trekking routes and communication skills. In addition to being formally licenced guides, they receive frequent training from Apus Peru such as mountain rescue as well as high altitude first aid.

This is particularly important on the Ausangate route as it is one of the trails where people have most felt the effects of altitude. You’ll be happy to have a trek guide with you who is experienced, knowledgeable and quick-thinking, able to alter routes at a moment’s notice if necessary.

Get to know our team !

Apus Peru is one of an elite group of Cusco trekking agencies that put people before profit. Safety is paramount and we have a comprehensive risk assessment policy that covers a very wide range of details, from vehicle maintenance to illness and evacuation on the trail. There are many treks, including Ausangate, that we will not operate in the wet season under any circumstances due to safety considerations.

Trekkers Wanted

Want to join an Ausangate trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!

Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!

Important Info

• Each guide has their own preferred Ausangate hiking route and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• The times cited in our 5 day Ausangate trek itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group, and the guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
• This is a totally off-the-beaten path trek , and tourist infrastructure is very limited. Instead, we’ll be making use of local facilities where possible.
• Please note: this is a true adventure and things may not go exactly according to plan! Keep an open mind and let yourself enjoy the cultural differences you may experience. There is always an opportunity to learn something!

Ready to Book?

• Does this trek sound like just what you were looking for? If you’re ready to book or just want to find out a bit more information, fill out the Inquiry Form in the top right-hand corner of this page to get the ball rolling. You’ll be connected with one of our amazing sales people who will be able to turn your dream of hiking in the Andes into a reality. For more information on the entire booking process, please see our How To Book page.
• Travel insurance is a must! World Nomads offers travel insurance for adventure activities .

5 Day Ausangate Trek Itinerary

Day 1 cusco – tinki – upis.

• Total Walking Distance: 7km
• Total Walking Time: 5 hours
• Minimum Altitude: 3800m (12,467 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4400m (14,435 ft)
• Altitude of camp: 4400m (14,435 ft)
• Approx. night temperature: -5°C

Our Ausangate trek tour begins with an early departure from Cusco. We will drive for three hours in our private transport to the small village of Tinki (3800m / 12,467 ft). Along the way, we pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages including Urcos, Ccatcca, and Ocongate.

After lunch in Tinki, the first 3 hours on the Ausangate trail are a wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, with great views of Ausangate Mountain.

Day 2 Upis – Ausangate Q’ocha

• Total Walking Distance: 11km
• Total Walking Time: 7 hours
• Minimum Altitude: 4750m (15,583 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4900m (16,076 ft)
• Altitude of Camp: 4900m (16,076 f)t
• Approx night temperature: -6˚C

After a hearty breakfast to fuel our morning’s hike, we start walking, eventually crossing the Arapa Pass (4700m / 15,419 ft). From here, we continue 3½ hours down the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q’ocha (which actually means “Red Lake” in Quechua!) until we reach the turquoise Lake Hatun Puqa Q’ocha (“Big Red Lake”).

Day 3 Ausangate Q’ocha – Soraypampa

• Total Walking Distance: 12km
• Minimum Altitude: 4641m (15,226 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5200m (17,060 ft)
• Altitude of Camp: 4641m (15,226 ft)
• Approx night temperature: -5˚C

Today, we fix our gaze upwards as our morning trek along the Ausangate trail takes us up to Palomani Pass (5200m / 17,060 ft), the highest point we’ll reach on this 5-day Ausangate trek. From the Pass, we follow the trail into the valley where we’ll rest and have lunch.

Day 4 Soraypampa – Pacchanta

• Minimum Altitude: 4360m (14,304 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 5060m (16,601 ft)
• Altitude of Camp: 4360m (14,304 ft)

We begin Day 4 of the Ausangate circuit passing through the small community of Q’ampa. From here, we will head north-west to the last pass on this hike, the Q’ampa Pass (5000m / 16,400 ft). Along the way, we will see several different colored lakes and we will have lunch in Nina Parayoc.

After lunch, we will continue hiking for several hours, arriving at the small village of Pacchanta in the afternoon. Indulge yourself as you soak in the hot springs for a couple of hours, and even enjoy a well-deserved beer!

Day 5 Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco

• Total Walking Time: 3 hours
• Minimum Altitude: 3800m (12,467 ft) / Maximum Altitude: 4360m (14,304 ft)

Our last day on the Ausangate trail, it’s time to take it easy. After a good night’s sleep and another great breakfast, it’s a 3 hour trek back to Tinki and the trailhead where our Ausangate Peru journey began.

Here, take the time to enjoy this traditional Andean village before we jump back in our private vehicle for trip home to Cusco. Time and energy permitting, we can make a stop at Checacupe on the way back to admire its 3 bridges from different time periods – Incan, Colonial and Republic.

5 Day Ausangate Trek FAQs

How difficult is the ausangate trek.

We rate the 5 day Ausangate Trek as moderate . ( See how we rate all of our treks in the Cusco region! )

Despite this being a very high altitude trek with two passes over 5000m, Ausangate does not involve the steep climbs and descents present in our most difficult treks. Given the altitude, you must be well-acclimatized before beginning.

You’ll be rewarded at the end, though, with the chance to soak in the hot springs at Pacchanta on Day 4, and even enjoy a well-deserved beer!

Day 5 of your Ausangate trekking itinerary is a gentle 3h hike back to where you began on Day 1, followed by the return journey to Cusco by car.

Remember all treks in the Cusco region are challenging for most people due to the high altitude and steep mountains.

What training do you recommend?

A young person of average fitness who works out several times a week will probably find the Ausangate trek a challenge.

Older people, or those who are not fit, should most definitely embark on a fitness training program prior to doing the Ausangate trail, in consultation with a medical and fitness professional. What this will entail depends on each person and their own abilities.

We can only advise in general terms: the fitter you are, the easier and more enjoyable the trek is going to be! And of course, you want to have fun while on holidays! You don’t want to set out to suffer.

See our Tip #3 for how to get ready for your trek.

How can I prepare for the Ausangate hike and prevent altitude sickness?

The best way to prepare yourself for the Ausangate altitude is very easy: spend time at a high-altitude place like Cusco.

Most trek agencies around Cusco say that 3 days is enough for an Ausangate tour. Generally speaking, the more time you can spend acclimatizing, the better. In an ideal world, 3-4 days at altitude would give your body an excellent chance to acclimatise and help you avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

When it comes to the Ausangate trek, though, you must spend at least 3 days acclimatizing before beginning the hike. In short, your best bet to get used to Ausangate’s altitude is time!

In addition, being kind to your body helps your body deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. This means eating healthy food, drinking plenty of water and staying away from alcohol.

Read more about Altitude and How to Acclimatize before starting your trek.

When is the best time of year to hike the Ausangate circuit?

The best time of the year to plan your Ausangate trekking trip has a lot to do with the weather. We recommend the dry winter months from May to August, when there is little rain. This is also wintertime in the Andes, and the night-time temperatures can get very low – even below freezing!

December through March is the wet season in Peru and trekking the Ausangate trail is not recommended for safety reasons. Given the high altitudes encountered while trekking Ausangate, the rain can actually turn to snow, particularly in the shoulder seasons. Trekking during these months (April, September, or October) is weather-dependent.

Read more about the best time to hike and take note of our wet season trekking policy.

What are the average hours of trekking per day?

The average daily hike on the Ausangate circuit is about 7 hours per day, with Days 1 and 5 being the shortest days of hiking. You get a real reprieve on Day 5 – well-deserved! – as there is just a short 3h hike back to the Ausangate trailhead on that day.

See the day-by-day itinerary for exact hiking times per day on our 5 day Ausangate trek.

Can I charge my devices along the route?

Yes! Our guides take solar-powered chargers with them during the Ausangate hike so that you can charge your phone or other device along the way.

What kind of food and accommodation can I expect on the Ausangate Trek?

The 5 day Ausangate hike includes 4 nights of camping. On the trail, you are treated to first-class service from our field team. We use 4 season North Face tents on our treks, all dutifully set up by our team of hardworking staff. You will be grateful for these 4-season tents while trekking Ausangate!! Temperatures frequently fall below freezing, and can even get as low as -15°C / 5°F in the middle of dry season.

Whatever the conditions, you will have some really sound protection on your side!

Go luxe! You can also choose our Comfort Camping option for a full-on luxury camping experience.

You will also be accompanied by a personal chef who prepares first class gourmet meals on the trail. Our chefs receive annual training in order to offer you some really stunning culinary creations on the trail! This is not basic trail food, but fully catered for trekking.

We have a lot of vegetarian travellers and our cooks have some great options for them to enjoy their meals. We can cater for or all other types of dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication.

Read more about What to Expect on the Trail , including more about meals and equipment.

What Ausangate trekking permits are required?

No additional permits are required to trek the Ausangate circuit. Any costs charged by the communities in the Ausangate region are included in the price of your trek.

Is it possible to customize the Ausangate tour?

As alternative trekking specialists, Apus Peru already offers a range of unique customised Ausangate treks, including the 5 day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek – for those looking to add a detour to see the impressive Rainbow Mountains of Peru – and our unique 6 Day Ausangate Hike to Sibinacocha – for those looking to really get off the beaten track and see some stunning scenery along a longer trail.

You can also customize your Ausangate trekking experience by adding on one or more of our Cusco day tours , like the Sacred Valley Tour, or opting to add a Machu Picchu Extension .

The Machu Picchu Trek Extension includes one night in a Standard Aguas Calientes hotel. For added comfort, you can also choose one of our upgrade packages which includes not only an upgraded hotel but also a luxury train service and meals at the top restaurants in Aguas Calientes.

And finally, for those interested in doing an Ausangate tour but who are short on time, we also offer 1- and 2-day Rainbow Mountain tours . For a more unique day trip, we particularly recommend Palccoyo. Our Palccoyo day hike offers beautiful views of rainbow-coloured hills, an easier hike and no crowds.

What do you carry on your Ausangate mountain trek?

All YOU need to carry with you on the Ausangate trek is a light day pack. In your day pack, you should carry things like your water bottle, some extra layers, camera, sun hat, beanie, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Water is vital on the trek. You should start the day with 2L. You will have a chance to refill at lunchtime, and again in the evening. We also provide an ample range of snacks which will fill up the average person – if you have hollow legs, you might need to bring some of your own!

The rest of your belongings – up to 10kg (22 lbs) – are carried in a duffel bag that we provide, by mules. All of the camping equipment needed on the trek is also carried by mules.

Is the 5 day Ausangate trek right for me?

In order to answer whether this trek is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have time to acclimatize well? This is a high altitude trek. The campsite on Day 1 is located at 4400m, so you must be well acclimatized before beginning the trek. The next two nights’ campsites are even higher. If you don’t have at least 3 days in your schedule to properly acclimatize to the altitude, you should not do the 5 day Ausangate trek.
• Am I prepared to hike a series of challenging passes? You will hike across four passes on this Ausangate trekking itinerary, two of which are over 5000m. This requires a solid level of fitness and mental preparation.
• Am I looking for solitude on the trail and a unique experience? If so, Ausangate is a good option for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking forward to meeting fellow trekkers on the trail or at campsites and make new friends, you might prefer a more popular trek such as the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail .
• Am I most interested in stunning mountain landscapes and Andean wildlife? If so, you’ve come to the right place! The Ausangate trail features some of the most stunning landscapes the Andes has to offer, including the highest peak (Ausangate Mountain) in the Cusco area. On this trail, you are also likely to spot a host of aquatic birds, alpacas, llamas, vizcachas and possibly even some wild vicuñas!
• Am I looking for a trek that includes Machu Picchu? The 5 Day Ausangate hike does not include Machu Picchu. You can add a Machu Picchu Extension to your Ausangate trekking itinerary, or consider a different trek like Salkantay or Ancascocha .
• Is visiting Incan Ruins important to me? If so, then Ausangate may not be the trek for you. If Inca ruins are your focus, a trek like Choquequirao or the Inca Trail might be more suitable.
• Am I interested in learning about contemporary Andean culture? If so, then one of our Lares treks might be a better option.

For more information about what this region has to offer and our full roster of available Ausangate treks, check out our Ausangate homepage.

How to get to Cusco, Peru?

• The 5 Day Ausangate Trek begins and ends in Cusco. Travel to/from Cusco is not included in the Ausangate trek cost.

Travel Direct…

• By Plane – Most international flights land in Lima , Peru’s capital. From here, you can take a domestic flight to Cusco. Some international flights go through other South American capitals, like Bogotá, Colombia, which also has connecting flights to Cusco.
• By Bus – You can take an overnight bus from Lima to Cusco (it takes about 20-23 hours). One of the benefits of travelling slowly up from the coast is that you are automatically acclimatising as you travel. Not to mention you get an idea of the stunning landscape and mountains as you travel! The top recommended buses are Cruz del Sur, Palomino and ExcluCiva.

…or Take the Long Way

• Via Arequipa and/or Puno – If you have the time, spend a day or two in Lima and then head to Arequipa or Puno (or both!) to gradually acclimatize to the altitude over the space of several days before you arrive in Cusco for your trek. We offer 3 and 4 day package tours to Arequipa and Puno that you can add onto to your trek.

More Resources on Trekking Ausangate Peru

If you’re still not sure if Ausangate is right for you, or want to read more about the area or other people’s trekking experiences, check out these helpful articles from our blog:

• Why You Should Trek to Ausangate Cusco – This is a great place to start if you’re thinking about doing an Ausgante hike. This article provides an overview of the region, all the Ausangate trekking options we offer, an overview of what to expect day by day and what makes Ausangate unique compared to the other Cusco trekking options. It also talks about some of the cultural significance of the area, including the annual Qoyllur Rit’i festival.
• The Spirit of Apu Ausangate – A lyrical description of life in the Ausangate region, what Ausangate mountain means for the Andean people who live nearby and their cultural traditions.
• Off the Beaten Path in Peru: Sibinacocha – This is a fun and thorough description of one pair of hikers’ experience trekking to Sibinacocha with Apus Peru. See what the experience is really like, through the eyes of fellow hikers!
• Exploring the Rainbow Mountain Hike – The Apus Peru team went exploring the Rainbow Mountain hike when it was still relatively new. We met with locals who helped us design a unique route that would help keep our trekkers off the beaten path.
• Trekking Ausangate Peru: A Visual Journey – A stunning photo essay by photographer Michael Mossop about hiking Ausangate. If you have any doubts about what it’s really like on the trail, check out this blog!

Related Tours

Bente L. (NORWAY)

Day 3 was the most spectacular for me. My body worked well 🙂 and the pass at 5200m and the scenery was outstanding. Also, the food and the cook’s presentation of the food was a highlight.

All the guides, cook, horsemen were excellent! Everyday! They made the trip fantastic! [Our guides Urbano and Marco] shared their love and knowledge of Peru and its culture, history, and people.

Everything was great! I was extremely happy for my trip because of the caring staff from your company. [The highlight of my trip was] the actual trekking with great views and delicious food.

I loved trekking with Urbano and crew. They were well organized, attentive to detail, knowledgeable and good company. Would request them on future Apus Peru trips. I loved the scenery on the trek. I’ve treked in many countries and find the Andes a particularly spiritual place.

trekkercollins from US

The five-day trek around Ausangate stands out as the best single expedition of my long life* of hiking in the Rockies, Appalachians, Alps, volcanoes of Mexico and Andes. From the beginning to the end their excellent staff was in touch with us and responsive to every need or imagined need.

Our guide who nearly always leads the Apus Ausangate treks. He therefore knows every village, villager, trail and pass. Our plan was to hike around the mountain but heavy snowfall meant that our guide had to adjust the route for our safety and that of the crew and horses. We still hiked for five days (four nights) and at every turn the scenery changed and a new experience awaited us. There were four of us and it was the first Peru trip for two of us. I peppered our guide with questions about Peru – its history, culture, languages, economy. There seemed to be no topic he was unfamiliar with. His humor and warmth were a constant presence; his concern for our welfare and that of the two horsemen and the cook reflected his thorough groundedness as a guide.

Our three meals a day were delicious, nutritious, innovative and abundant. The cook, was joyful and entertaining. Apus equipment is top of the line.

*Since I am 75 I had to have “special dispensation” to sign up for the trip. I’m told I’m the oldest Ausangate trekker they have handled. I’m planning another trek with my three grandsons as soon as they are old enough!

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Ausangate Trek: The Complete Trekker’s Guide

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes on the Ausangate Trek , a challenging yet rewarding adventure that circles the majestic Ausangate mountain, the highest peak in Cusco. This guide provides everything you need to know to conquer this incredible trek.

The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail is a more well-known hike in the area, making it more congested and scarce. Ausangate is a less traveled, off-the-beaten-path trekking option that enables you to delve into the ethereal side of an old Andean world.

The Challenge:

• Distance:  43 miles (70 kilometers)
• Duration: 2-4-6 days (depending on your pace and chosen route)
• Difficulty:  Strenuous. High altitude (reaching up to 17,000 feet) with steep sections and demanding hikes.
• Highlights:  Breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, glaciers, local villages, colorful flora and fauna, and the imposing Ausangate mountain.

Planning Your Trek:

• Best Time to Go: The dry season, from April to October, offers the most comfortable trekking conditions with minimal rain and clear skies. However, be prepared for cold nights at high altitudes.
• Permits and Entrance Fees: Permits are mandatory for the Ausangate trek. Book well in advance, especially during peak season. Entrance fees to the Ausangate region also apply.
• Training: Due to the high altitude and challenging terrain, good physical fitness is crucial. Train for endurance and uphill hiking months before your trek.

A trip to Ausangate Mountain is a journey through unspoiled nature, active history, and ages-old spirituality. This six-day climb, which is considered difficult, is only advised for experienced hikers who have previous experience hiking at high altitudes.

The Vilcanota Mountain Range, or Cordillera Vilcanota, is traversed on the trip. With a height of 20,945 feet above sea level, Ausangate is actually Peru’s fifth-tallest mountain.

You will climb and descend through the mountain range on this Peruvian hike, taking in the expansive Andean views, thermal lakes, mysterious glaciers, verdant mossy passes, and massive snow-capped summits.

You’ll see interesting species along the trip, including condors, chinchillas, and herds of vicunas.

Ausangate Trek Overview

• Total Distance: 70km/43 miles
• Duration: 2, 4 to 5 days
• Starting/Finishing Point: Tinqui (Tinki)
• Average Altitude: Over 4000m/13,123ft
• Highest Points: Arapa Pass – 4850m/16,000ft; Palomani Pass – 5165m/17,000ft

Explore the stunning Ausangate trek , a 4 to 5-day adventure starting and finishing in Tinqui (Tinki). Covering a total distance of 70km/43 miles, this trek offers breathtaking views and challenging terrain. With an average altitude of over 4000m/13,123ft, prepare to immerse yourself in the high Andean landscape.

Reach the towering heights of Arapa Pass at 4850m/16,000ft and Palomani Pass at 5165m/17,000ft, where panoramic vistas await. These high points provide unparalleled views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys below.

For more trekking options around Cusco, check out our guides on the Choquequirao trek and trekking from Salkantay to Machu Picchu. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Peruvian Andes and discover the natural wonders of this beautiful region.

Packing Essentials:

• Backpack: Choose a comfortable and well-fitting backpack (40-50 liters) to carry your essentials.
• Hiking Clothes: Pack layers for varying temperatures, including thermals, waterproof jacket and pants, fleece, comfortable hiking boots, and a hat.
• Sleeping Gear: Depending on your chosen route, you may need a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures (around 15°F) and a sleeping pad.
• Other Essentials: Sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, trekking poles (recommended), water bottle, water purification tablets (optional), basic first-aid kit, snacks, and cash (soles) for small purchases in villages.

Trekking Options:

• Guided Trek: Opting for a guided Ausangate trek is highly recommended, especially for first-timers. Guides provide expertise, navigation, camping equipment (on some tours), meals, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Independent Trek: Experienced trekkers with proper planning and permits can attempt the Ausangate trek independently. However, be aware of the challenges and potential dangers of high-altitude trekking without a guide.

Possible Routes:

There are several routes for the Ausangate trek, varying in difficulty and duration. Popular options include:

• The Classic Ausangate Trek (2-4-5 days): This route circles the Ausangate massif, offering stunning views of glaciers, lakes, and snow-capped peaks. It involves several high passes, including Arapa (15,912 ft) and Palomani (16,571 ft).
• The Rainbow Mountain Trek (3-4 days): This shorter trek incorporates Rainbow Mountain, a spectacular mountain with vibrant striations of color. It’s a good option for those seeking a shorter but scenic experience.
• The Ausangate & Salcantay Trek (6-8 days): This challenging trek combines the Ausangate circuit with the Salcantay trek or Machu Picchu Tour , offering incredible views of both majestic mountains.

Religious Importance

The mountains, known as apus, are widely adored and thought to have a spirit in Andean spirituality. In actuality, apu signifies lord in Quechua. These ferocious ghosts are said to guard the Highlands’ inhabitants.

Salkantay, Mama Simona, Pillku Urqu, Manuel Pinta, Pachatusan, Saksaywaman, Viraqochan, Pukin, and Sinqa are the other ten sacred mountains in the Cusco region.

One of the most well-known climbs in Peru is the Ausangate Trek , also known as the Apu Ausangate Road, which is thought to be the Andes’ most profound pilgrimage. This spiritual voyage usually takes place in late May or early June during the Qoyllur Rit’i festival, a Quechua event that honors the stars.

Ideal Time to Visit

The Ausangate Trek and all Peruvian trekking treks are best done between May and September. Because it is the Andes’ dry season, there will be more sunshine and clearer days to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Try focusing on the driest months of the year, July or August. Since the dry season coincides with the region’s peak travel period, Machu Picchu, and the Inca Trail are frequently more crowded.

Fortunately, the uncommon Ausangate Trek is distant enough to avoid crowds year-round, even in the height of tourist season.

The Andes experience a rainy season from October to April, with January through March being the wettest time of year. Rain can fall at this time of year, particularly around February.

Additional Considerations:

• Altitude Sickness: Acclimatization is crucial. Spend a few days in Cusco (at 11,150 ft) to adjust to the high altitude before starting the trek. Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and descend if necessary.
• Respecting Local Culture: Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly in villages and ask permission before taking photos of people.
• Leave No Trace: Practice responsible tourism by minimizing your environmental impact. Pack out all your trash and avoid disturbing the natural environment.

Ausangate Trek Hardness

The Ausangate journey is rated as difficult, with a few easy days thrown in. The walk is rated as Grade C in terms of difficulty, implying elevations between 14,800 and 16,400 ft (4500–5000 m) and 6-7 hours of hiking per day.

Many of the days contain steep parts that result in a quick ascent of altitude. This hike is manageable for anyone with a good level of fitness, however it is advised that trekkers have prior experience with multi-day hikes at high heights.

In addition to the steep parts and passes with elevations of over 16,000 feet, there is also the weather to take into account. At higher altitudes, blizzard conditions are not unusual because the weather may be highly erratic.

Trekking: Independent vs. Guided

Only 5% of hikers complete this journey on their own. It is only feasible if you are an experienced hiker who is acclimatized, equipped with the required equipment, and has a lot of backpacking, high-elevation hiking, and managing chilly, occasionally extreme weather conditions.

We advise using a guide for this hike. A guided tour significantly improves the experience due to the knowledgeable, seasoned guides, the authentic meals prepared by local cooks, and the local porters who carry and set up the gear from campground to campsite.

The Ausangate trail winds across high elevation sceneries varying from 10,334 feet to 16,800 feet above sea level. Andean uplift, glacial valleys with hanging glaciers, Permian formations, and cretaceous limestone woods characterize the landscape surrounding the mountain.

Hikers will pass through vistas dotted with glaciers, high flatlands, thermal lakes, snow-capped mountains, and lush green valleys.

Extension of the Machu Picchu Trail

The 6-day Ausangate journey does not traditionally involve a connection to Machu Picchu . However, if you have extra time, it is surely possible to add it on. Instead of finishing day 6 at Tinki, you would continue on to Laguna Armaccocha, visit a viewpoint and lake Singrenacchocha on day 7, and climb along the river to Mallma on day 8.

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Go Treks Perú , is a local operator specialized in trekking, tours, hikes to Machu Picchu, Cuzco and other destinations in Peru. We have travel packages with alternative routes to Machu Picchu.

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Peru Destinations

Top Best Places and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Peru and Cusco

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Live an unique vacation in Peru with our personalized itineraries designed exclusively through authentic tours, in harmony with the natural world. Travel to Peru and fuel your imagination on a diet of ancient treasures and wonderful landscapes. Surrounded by majestic Andean peaks, world wonder Machu Picchu and the historic city of Cusco highlight Peru’s dramatic birth from the encounter between Incas and Spaniards. Peru is one of the most diverse travel destinations on the entire planet. Full of wilderness, adventure, history, world-renowned cuisine and a colorful culture, this is a country that offers several exciting options for, literally, any type of traveler.

Custom Tours, Trips & Travel Packages in Peru

The best travel packages and tours to peru.

• Machu Picchu Tour with Rainbow Mountain Trek 5 Days
• Sacred Valley with Short Inca Trail & Rainbow Mountain Tour – 4 Days

Explore our selection of Peru tours and packages and get inspire with our journeys and find your perfect itinerary. Come to Peru to discover its mystical land with ancient citadels, magnificent natural beauty, traces of ancient civilizations, rich history, and vibrant culture, of course, Peru is a memorable destination. No matter your inclination or age, Peru Spirit Adventure has an exhilarating adventure ready to take you deep into the heart of Peru. From coastal metropolises, the lively Lima city, with its museums, galleries, and buzzing cuisine scene to the Peruvian Andes to explore Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Sacred Valley with its bustling markets overflowing with vivid textiles and handicrafts, and end up with the most revered ruins in the world like Machu Picchu or keep exploring the dramatic snow-capped peaks, the vivid colors of Rainbow Mountain in the Andes Mountains with our carefully crafted custom tour packages in Southern of Peru

Best Tours & Trips to Machu Picchu

Embark an exceptional private tours of machu picchu in peru with an expert tour guide.

• Tour to Machu Picchu with Vistadome Train 1 Day
• Machu Picchu Tour by Train – 2 Days / 1 Night
• Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 2D/1N
• Cusco City Tour, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour 3D/2N
• Sacred Valley 2 Day & Machu Picchu – 3 Days / 2 Nights
• 4D/3N Cusco City, Sacred Valley 2 Day & Machu Picchu Tour
• Sacred Valley & Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
• 2-Day Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Machu Picchu Tour

The spectacular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu – Is the world’s greatest travel destination, a New Wonder of the World, South America’s top attraction, or purely a postcard-worthy ancient site that must be seen to be believed. Whether you travel to Machu Picchu by scenic train, hike the world-famous Inca Trail or venture off the beaten path, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique experience and discover the Lost City’s secrets. Once you step foot into this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll discover its refined architecture, spiritual meaning and astronomical importance. Machu Picchu – a bucket list experience!!

Best Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu Peru

Hike the famous inca trail to machu picchu, the best trekking route in all of south america.

• Inca Trail 4 Days Trek to Machu Picchu 
• Inca Trail 5 Days Tour to Machu Picchu
• Inca Trail Short 2 Days Trek to Machu Picchu
• Salkantay Trek + Classic Inca Trail 6D/5N
• 1 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• 2 Days Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca Trail – Is one of the most iconic and famous trails in South America – perhaps the world – and a must-do, life-changing experience. This 26-mile (42km) trail to the 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu goes across the Andes mountains reaching 13,829 ft (4,215m) and it’s hiked in 4 days and 5 days. Along the route you’ll get to see some fascinating archaeological sites that can only be accessed by foot and witness a mix of ecosystems with abundance in fauna and flora where you’ll have high chances to spot gorgeous orchids, tall mountains ranging from the snow-capped Andes to the luscious cloud forest and in the middle of this region is where you’ll camp every night and live an unforgettable experience and this original Inca steps ends at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the entrance to Machu Picchu city.

The Greatest Hikes in Peru

Alternative Treks To Machu Picchu & Off The Beaten Path Adventure Travel in Peru

SALKANTAY TREKS

• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 Days
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Salkantay Challenge Trek 3 Days
• Salkantay Trek + Classic Inca Trail 6 Days
• Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu & Zipline 5 Days

AUSANGATE TREKS

• Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountains – 4 Days
• Ausangate 5 Day Trek + Rainbow Mountains Cusco
• Ausangate & Sibinacocha Lake 7D/6N

LARES TREKS

• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N
• Lares Trek & Short Inca Trail 5D/4N
• Lares Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu

HUCHUY QOSQO TREKS

• Huchuy Qosqo 1 Day Hike
• Huchuy Qosqo Trek 2 Days (With Machu Picchu)
• Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3D/2N

CHOQUEQUIRAO TREKS

• Choquequirao Trek 4D/3N
• Choquequirao Trek 5D/4N

ANCASCOCHA TREKS

• Ancascocha Challenge Trek 4D/3N
• Ancascocha Trek 5D/4N

INCA QUARRY TREKS

• Inca Quarry Trek 4D/3N
• Inca Quarry Trek + Short Inca Trail 5D/4N

INCA JUNGLE TOURS

• Inca Jungle 4 Days
• Inca Jungle 3 Days

DAY TRIPS IN CUSCO

Enjoy the best of the city of Cusco & surrond

• City Tour Cusco Half Day Tour – Morning or Afternoon 
• Cusco City Highlights & Surroundings Tour – 1 Day
• Maras Moray & Salt Mines Tour – Half Day
• 1-Day South Valley Tour of Cusco
• Walking Tour Cusco Half Day Tour
• Cusco Horseback riding – Half day

FULL DAY HIKES

Off The Beaten Path Cusco Day Hikes

• Full-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
• Inca Quarry Trail 1-Day Hike
• Chinchero to Urquillos One Day Trek
• Pumamarca Hike to Ollantaytambo – 1 Day
• Qeswachaka Bridge One Day Tour
• Tipon, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas Tour – 1 Day

BEST SELLER DAY TOURS IN CUSCO

Discover the Best Day Hikes in Peru

• Rainbow Mountain One Day Tour
• Horseback Ride Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Tour
• Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Tour
• Humantay Lake One Day Tour
• 1-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu
• Ausangate 7 Lakes 1-Day Hike

Peru's Best Sacred Valley Tours in Private Service

Discover the best of sacred valley with a customized tour on your terms.

• CLASSIC Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)
• ALTERNATIVE Sacred Valley Tour (Chinchero, Moray, Salt Mines & Ollantaytambo)
• EXTENDED Sacred Valley Tour (Pisac, Salt Mines, Moray & Ollantaytambo)
• SUPER Sacred Valley Tour (Chinchero, Salt Mines, Moray, Ollantaytambo & Pisac)
• FULL-DAY TOUR ( Moray, Salt Ponds of Maras & Pisac)
• SACRED VALLEY TOUR from OLLANTAYTAMBO to CUSCO

Peru’s Sacred Valley – Just one hour away from Cusco, it’s a destination full of adventure, culture, and glimpses into local Andean life; nestled in the verdant foothills of the snow-capped Andes, with a stunning landscape, dotted with little villages and ruins. Explore Pisac and Ollantaytambo to witness and wander around stunning hillside Incan ruins, visit Chinchero to experience a traditional market day in the valley. Do not miss the ancient salt pans, known as the Maras Salt Mines and the Inca experimental terraces of Moray.

Rainbow Mountain Treks & Tours

Hike to the incredible rainbow mountain or vinicunca mountain in peru.

• Rainbow Mountain Trek & Red Valley 2 Days
• Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek 3 Days
• Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountains 4 Days
• Machu Picchu Tour & Rainbow Mountain 5 Days 

Vinicunca Mountain — also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, or more simply Rainbow Mountain — was discovered four years ago when the snow covering it melted, revealing the natural beauty of the rock beneath. A visit to Rainbow Mountain is an absolute must for all those who love stunning landscapes and gorgeous scenery. This hike to Rainbow Mountain offer you one of the earth’s most amazing natural wonders in Peru.

THE AUSANGATE 7 LAKES HIKE

Full Day Tour | Starting From: $ per person

Full Day Tour

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Peru Spirit Adventure » Tours » Cusco Private Tours » THE AUSANGATE 7 LAKES HIKE

7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour, 1 Day Trip to the Wilderness of Cusco

Explore the 7 lakes ausangate trek in a 1 day hike & witness dazzling glacial lakes.

Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Hike – Embark on the Seven Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour to experience Ausangate and its incredible lakes, without the need for a multi-day hike, with a day tour to the 7 Lagunas of Ausangate on a private or semi-private tour from Cusco.

This Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike in the mountain of Peru will take you to the wilderness of Cusco to explore off-the-beaten-path rural trails and the stunning Circuit of 7 Lagoons of the Ausangate in one day, with breathtaking natural scenery and spiritual significance.

As you embark on our one-day hike to the 7 lakes of Ausangate into the Peruvian Andes, you’ll stand before the imposing Ausangate, and spot the magnificent Ausangate Glacier, one of the 5 highest snowcaps in Peru, several turquoise-colored lakes, belonging to the spectacular Vilcanota mountain range, wonderful wildlife, local Quechua people, and mesmerizing towering peaks, including herds of llamas and alpacas.

The Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Tour is truly an adventure that will take your breath away as you walk through the Andes trails, combining glaciated peaks, rushing rivers, and experience the best of Ausangate in a day by our private local guide. Besides, at the end of the seven lakes of Ausangate trek, you will have an opportunity to soak in the hot springs in Pacchanta to relax the muscles!

On our exciting 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour, we get you away from the crowds where everything seems untouched and undiscovered. Allow yourself to be captivated by the brilliant crystals of Ausangate. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with the purest of nature and gaze upon a gorgeous place in the Andes of Cusco surrounding these multi-colored lakes.

Come with the best team in a small group to see the seven lakes at the skirts of Ausangate and experience true wilderness that the Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Trip offers in the pristine beauty of the Ausangate region; also discover indigenous communities that still keep their cultures and traditions alive today. Are you ready to live this experience? We have all arranged for you, you just need your hiking shoes and the desire to have the best trip ever.

Trip Details for Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike

Service Level: Experience our comfort trip and explore the seven lakes of the Ausangate mountain in one-day tour led by Peru Spirit Adventure and discover the natural beauty and rich culture of this region.

Tour Type: Our off-the-beaten-path, one-day adventure called 7 Lakes of Ausangate day trip or Full-day Ausangate trek is available only in private or semi-private tour.

Activity (s): Hiking, Trekking, Cultural Adventure, 7 Pristine Lakes Visits, at the foot of the outstanding Ausangate Mountain, Hiking Trail, Nature and Andean Community Visit, and Visit to Local Hot Springs.

Physical Grading: The Incredible 7 Lakes of Ausangate Trek is challenging trek, as it involves high-altitude hiking and requires good physical fitness. It is recommended for experienced trekkers.

Start Time: The Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour from Cusco starts at 3:30am from your hotel in Cusco, Airbnb or anywhere in the historical center such as the Plaza de Armas, or another place, just let us know

Hiking Time: Trekking from Pacchanta community to 7 lakes, takes about 5-6 hours (in total – round trip, but depend on your speed and level of physical fitness) and we will visit the following lakes: Otorongo Macho, Otorongo hembra, Puca cocha, Alqa cocha, Ccomer cocha, Azul cocha and Pata cocha.

Tour Duration: The beautiful Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike, is a rewarding full-day trip from Cusco to enjoy a great intro to Ausangate trekking without needing to commit to an overnight experience.

Group Size: For private tours, you decide, for the semi-private tour is 2 – 6 Travelers. Minimum of 02 people is needed to depart. We take only small groups & private trips, to enhance the experience giving you the full attention of our guides and staff. You are welcome to our Private 7 Lagoons of Ausangate Full Day Hike.

Tour Price: Prices are per person in USD, based on group size. If you do not want to book a private tour, please see our small groups tour or semi-private service. Need to book in Advance: Yes, it is highly recommended to book The Incredible 7 Lagunas of Ausangate day hike tour, at least 2-3 months in advance.

Tour Season: From May through October. It is the best time of year to plan An Unforgettable One-Day Hike around Ausangate’s 7 Majestic Lakes. We don’t run this trek, between November through April because rainy season. Sustained, heavy rains can make the trail unsafe.

Tour Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles, this loop trail or the 7 lakes trek in Ausangate will take you to stunning and hard-to-reach lakes in the Ausangate region.

Customizable: Yes! Custom, add-ons are all available. You can add this “7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate Full-Day Trip” to any trek or multi-day tour.

Considerations: For our Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Tour, make sure you are fully prepared. Since this breathtaking day hike will take you at a high elevation (above 14,000ft) and you should be rested up to start this 7 LAKES AUSANGATE FULL DAY Tour. We highly recommend spending at least two to three days in Cusco or similar elevation to acclimatize.

What's it like

7 Lakes of Ausangate Trek OVERVIEW

Do you like the idea of visiting the most spectacular areas of the Peruvian Andes but want to stay away from the large crowds? Are you hoping for another adventure outside of a trip to Machu Picchu? Our Ausangate 7 lakes hike, 1 Day Trek is just what you’re looking for. Join us by yourself, as a couple, or in a group of friends or family.

Get ready to discover the Circuit of 7 Lagoons of the Ausangate with the tranquility of being away from the hordes of tourists and the chaos of the city. Trek through spectacular 7 lakes at the bottom part of Ausangate mountain and other snowcapped mountains in the company of our knowledgeable guide and witness natural attractions, including glaciers, colorful lakes, and precious wildlife. You’ll be into the Vilcanota Mountain range! This gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the place in peace and get the best views with no one else in your photos!

You’ll also walk through highlands dotted with llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, vizcachas “Andean chinchillas” with almost no tourists. Not many people get the chance to venture into this unique landscape, so make the most of your time in Cusco and join us on this epic adventure

Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike Highlights

• Embark on the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour from Cusco and soak the majestic landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, as you exploring rural paths and the stunning lakes of different colors and shades that result from the thaw of the AUSANGATE MOUNTAIN.
• Experience true wilderness with a one-day hike to the mighty 7 lakes of Ausangate and witness nature’s beauty like never before! Join us for this unique outdoor adventure today and discover new hidden gems!
• Explore one of the most beautiful parts of the Ausangate glacier route in just one day and snap a photo of the famous 7 lakes and the ice-draped peaks in the Vilcanota mountain range.
• Visit Indigenous communities, admire handicrafts such as ornaments and colorful textiles and see llamas and alpacas in a peaceful, uncrowded environment during the 7 Lakes Ausangate Hike Full Day.
• Traverse the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Trek Peru and enjoying great views of the turquoise-green lakes and snow-capped mountains, and make this hike an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Explore the seven incredible lakes of Ausangate in just one day! As you trek through towering peaks and ancient glaciers, you’ll witness some of Peru’s most incredible alpine scenery.
• Experience the best of Ausangate and the 7 lakes in a day, in small intimate groups of 2 to 8 travellers accompanied by your Peru Spirit Adventure private guide
• Enjoy a relaxing swim in the hot springs of Pacchanta with one of the most precious views of the Ausangate glacier, the highest and most sacred in the region of Cusco.
• Immerse yourself in the daily life of the most traditional communities in this area of the Andean heights, and live the experience of enfrenting the hidden wonders of the Andes.

Itinerary At a Glance

Cusco – pacchanta – tour to the 7 lakes of ausangate – cusco.

This morning, drive for three hours and 30 minutes to get to Pacchanta town through quaint villages and scenic views. Then, walk through spectacular 7 lakes, admiring the ice-draped peaks, and get up-close with the impressive Ausangate mountain (6372m) – the highest mountain in the Cusco region. Before back to Cusco, soak in the natural hot springs of

Full Itinerary of The 7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate Full-Day Trip

Pre-departure briefing: We’ll meet you at your hotel in Cusco for an orientation the night before The hike the 7 lakes of Ausangate to go over the itinerary and you can take this opportunity to ask final questions and make any final preparations. The meeting will be at 5:30 pm the evening before the trip begins. In case you can´t at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time .

Day 1 : Travel from Cusco to Pacchanta – Hiking 7 lakes – Back to Cusco

Route of the seven lakes: cusco – ocongate – tinki – pacchanta – 7 lakes hike – cusco.

To begin this incredible one-day adventure, The Ausangate 7 lakes hike , we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 3:30 am and then we’ll drive for 3.5 hrs in our comfortable private Van toward the community of Pacchanta, located at 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) above sea level.

Along the way, we will pass by quaint villages and scenic views as we drive on the Trans-Oceanic Highway connecting Peru with Brazil . Since our land trip is in the early morning, and we will ascend higher and higher, the temperature will be cold, so warm clothing is required for this hike.

Once we arrive at the community of Pacchanta , our chef will be waiting for us with the traditional music of Ausangate and with the nutritious breakfast for the expedition to the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate Mountain , we are the only local company that knows the culture, experiences and traditions of Ausangate.

Once having breakfast, we will then start the Ausangate 7 lakes day tour with the ascent toward the Vilcanota Mountain Range , from which we can see the Ausangate glacier, one of the most spectacular whose thawing feeds the beautiful lakes we’ll visit on our hike.

Continuing on, we’ll go uphill for about three and a half hours to reach the first lagoons of the Circuit of 7 Lagoons of the Ausangate , we will see a series of lagoons, located every 30 minutes to 1 hour each other. Some out of them are Azulcocha , Otorongococha , Pucacocha , Alqacocha , and Q’omercocha . Each lake has a stunning backdrop view of the different mountains located in the Vilcanota mountain range.

On this 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour , we can also appreciate the snow covered peaks that surround this area. These include the Ausangate mountain (6834 m.), Mariposa (5842 m.), Jampa (5500 m.), Pucapunta (5740 m), Caracol (5625 m.), Tinke (5300 m.) and the whole Qayangate chain of mountains.

Just close by the trek of “ 7 LAKES ,” we will have the chance to see different kinds of birds, alpacas, llamas, local people in the typical outfit, flora, fauna will make a real add-on to your day-adventure, as well as many vizcachas, vicuñas and hopefully to the Andean Condor.

After making full day tour to Ausangate 7 lakes and exploring the realm of the Andes, with your own private tour guide at your side, you will return to Pacchanta town to enjoy a laidback soak in the hot springs and provide comfort to your sore muscles.

We will end our Ausangate 7 lakes day hike in the relaxing hot springs of Ausangate Mountain. Ideal to relax the muscles of the body. After lunch, we will eventually drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel by 6:30 pm. End of our services.

What is included 7 Lakes Ausangate Full Day Tour

• Pre-departure briefing
• Professional English speaking Tour Guide
• Entrance ticket to Ausangate 7 Lakes
• Pick-up and drop-off to your hotel
• Round trip private transportation
• Breakfast and lunch cooked at the spot (with option for vegetarians)
• Walking sticks
• Oxygen tank

What Is Not Included

• Hotel before/after the tour
• Dinner and snacks, such as: soda, alcoholic drinks
• Travel Insurance (required)
• Tickets for hot spring
• Tips for our staff
• Extra Horse (If need during the hike)

Packing list for 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Trek

If you are traveling on the Ausangate 7 Lakes full-day hike, you will not need as much gear as a multi-day hiking trip. Here is a suggested packing list:

Essentials:

Make sure that you have the following items with you when hiking to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate Full Day, in Peru.

• A small to medium-sized backpack (20-30 liters) to carry all your essentials.
• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good traction
• Trekking poles
• Water around 2 liters (hot water if possible)
• Warm clothes
• Extra money in Soles to rent a horse, souvenirs, and tipping

Dress in layers, so you can easily adjust to changes in temperature.

• Moisture-wicking t-shirt
• Fleece jacket or lightweight down jacket
• Waterproof and windproof jacket or shell
• Warm hat and gloves
• Hiking socks
• Quick-drying shorts or pants

Personal Items:

• Sunscreen and lip balm.
• Sunglasses.
• First aid kit, including any necessary medications.
• Toiletries, including hand sanitizer and toilet paper.
• Camera or smartphone for photos.

Price of the Ausangate 7 Lakes Day Tour

Our fantastic 1 day hike to Ausangate 7 lagoons in Cusco is organized in small groups, minimum 02 and a maximum of 08 persons. The itinerary is described and based on shared services. Prices are per person in USD.

• From US$ 185.00 per person

If you want to book a private trek, that would be upon request. We can customize this private trek just for you and your party, and you can leave any day that is suited for you! We provide you personalized service with the best local tour guide!

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Why Peru Spirit Adventures!

Peru Spirit Adventure is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco, Peru, in the Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire! Peru Spirit Adventure was founded by a Peruvian with over many years of guiding experience, and is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.

We are an agency with a great spirit of adventure and passionate about travel, dedicated to offer the best tourist services, to take you to discover the vast riches, natural and archaeological of each corner of the country.

We provide high quality service as well as focusing on having small groups to enhance the travel experience and customize any tour or trek to suit your travel, fitness, budget, and time preferences. This is what makes us stand out from other tour operators.

We create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE. Our guides in Peru are hand selected by the owners of Peru Spirit Adventure. All guides for our tours and treks are native to Peru and speak fluent English to ensure excellent communication and a positive experience overall.

We pride ourselves on providing 5 star service before, during, and after your trip. Peru Spirit Adventure is dedicated to excellent customer service and adventure experiences. We have been awarded from Trip Advisor the Certificate of Excellence for the last three years. Please check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on,  TRIPADVISOR  for yourself!

We are direct operators of all the tours and treks we offer, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours to Peruvian Andes. Please email us to customize your trip in Peru.

Our tours & treks are operated in private service with a mínimum of 2 people to confirm the departure – Max 8 / Average 4 guests, ensuring a small group feel and specialized attention.

We are a responsible and sustainable tour operator – Our mission is to provide exceptional tours, treks, and adventure trips. During our trips, we make every effort to minimize negative impacts and maximize the benefits to the local people and natural environments we visit. We pay fair, livable wages, ensuring we hire and maintain the absolute best guides and support staff. We are proud of our team without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clie

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ausangate 7 lakes day hike.

Tour to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate is a new amazing day trip from Cusco, a full-day excursion, full of adventure, landscape, “Apu” mountains, with visits the stunning lakes of different colors like green, turquoise, blue, and reddish, apart from those attractions you will know about Andean flora and fauna such as Alpacas, Vizcachas and Cóndors.

The highlights of this tour are the seven lakes located on the slopes of the Vilcanota Mountain range, which receive the following names: Otorongo Macho, Otorongo Hembra, Puca cocha, Alqa cocha, Ccomer cocha, Azul cocha and Pata cocha.

At Pacchanta community there is an awesome natural hot spring with medicinal properties, if you like you can also relax in these natural hot waters.

What is the best time of year to do a 7 lakes of ausangate day trip?

The best time of the year to do a 7 lakes of ausangate day trip is during the dry season, from May to September to maximize the number of clear days to take beautiful pictures with amazing landscapes.

This is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes, Try to hike particularly in June or July, or August, the driest months of the year. These months are actually winter in the Andes so it can feel quite cold, but it usually means there is little to no rain. Clear sunny days and dry trail conditions are perfect for hiking!

The dry season means the high season in Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Inca Trail. Luckily, the 7 lakes of Ausangate are a unique place where there are no crowds year round – even in peak season.

December through March is the rainy season in the Andes and hiking to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate is not recommended. Sustained, heavy rains can make the trail unsafe. Rain quite often means snow at higher elevations, too, which is not only unpleasant to hike through, but could dramatically affect your views the striped mountains!

Trekking during the shoulder season (April, September, October) is weather-dependent. We are willing to book a 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour during this time, but if conditions are poor we reserve the right to cancel or modify your trip.

How difficult is the 7 Lakes of Ausangate day hike tour?

This may just be a day trip to Seven Lakes of Ausangate Mountain, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, we rate this trek as moderate to challenging. There are two factors that affect the difficulty of this day hike: the altitude and the steep uphill climb.

Your 7 Lakes of Ausangate Full Day Tour starts at an altitude of 4200m (13,780 ft). That’s already very high up and you must be well acclimatized before beginning the hike. From there, you will hike about 5-6 hours (in total – round trip, but depend on your speed and level of physical fitness). The highest point of the trek is at 4800m (15,748 ft). That’s enough to take your breath away – literally!

On the trek of “7 LAKES,” you will notice that the difficulty increases as you go along. At first, the hike is quite simple, there’s not a whole lot of elevation to deal with. Yet as time goes by, you will notice that the Ausangate 7 Lakes hike becomes more and more difficult. It’s definitely a medium-difficulty hike in general, but it’s an uncommon one for people that are not really accustomed with the region and more challenging hikes.

Of course, others will find the return trip down even harder! Steep inclines can be very hard on the knees. Make sure you are prepared for the strain on your lungs and your knees for this trek, and that you know your body can handle it. We recommend walking sticks!

How long is the Ausangate 7 lakes hike?

Exact walking times depend on the relative fitness and speed of everyone in your group. On average, The 7 Lagunas of Ausangate Hike, take about 5-6 hours (in total)

Do I need a special permit to hike to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?

You do not need to purchase any additional permits to do this day trip. The local community around Ausangate Mountain charges an entrance fee to access the mountain, but this fee is included in the cost of your trek.

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Your personal travel advisor will build a tailored itinerary.

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Experience all tours in private, unless otherwise indicated.

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Knowledgeable, professional and passionate staff and guides.

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Peru Spirit Adventure

100% direct local tour operator.

Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We will respond to all email inquiries within 24 hours. We are also reachable by chat and phone and look forward to connecting.

Our main email:  [email protected] / [email protected] Address:  Urb. Picchu Alto J – 5, Cusco – Peru​ Mobile:  +51 957 326 998 | +51 965 730 786 WhatsApp:  +51 957 326 998

Please give at least two alternative start dates in order of preference. Write none if there are no other dates available for you View Payments Details

Sacred Valley Private Tours & Tailor Made with Local Experts

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Thank you so much for reaching out to us. Please complete the contact form below to tell us more about your dates, interests, the number of travelers, pick-up and drop-off places etc. We will do our best to help you organize your trip. You can be assured you will hear from us within 24 hours. Our Sacred Valley tour is available only in Private Service that offer you  the flexibility to design your own trip exactly how you like it, as well as the duration of the visit in each case, not being subject to a larger group itinerary and timings.

Terms & Conditions

Thank you for booking and/or traveling on a Peru Spirit Adventure tour with Peru Spirit Adventure. We are 100% local Cusqueñan company and legally recognized by Peruvian law. These Terms and Conditions apply to any travel products and/or services purchased from Peru Spirit Adventure. A contract is entered into once PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE receives your booking form and deposit, and we accept and confirm the booking. Please note that travel arrangements are not confirmed until stated so in writing by PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE. All Peru Spirit Adventure based treks and tours are operated by Peru Spirit Adventure.

BOOKING & PAYMENT

To reserve any of our tours and treks services, the customer must submit his or her personal information and a deposit. The personal information we require is the following: Full name (as appears on passport), Date of Birth, Nationality, Gender, and Passport number.

• A picture of their passport photo page. A camera phone picture or similar is acceptable.

Once the customer confirms their reservation, we will send an email within 24 hours with a confirmation of their tour or trek and the deposit amount and also, details of the services included and not included in the service price. Once we send this information to the customer, if we do not receive any response from the customer it will be assumed by the company that the customer has accepted all terms and conditions. We provide a full pre-tour briefing at your hotel in Cusco. This gives the customer the chance to ask any questions they may have about the tour or trek itinerary. — ABOUT THE BRIEFING:  The night before your tour or trek, there will be a pre-tour talk (briefing) at your hotel in Cusco at either 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm. (exact time will be confirmed by email). Once you receive your briefing time, if we do not hear back we will assume it is confirmed by you. Please take this into consideration when booking your travel plans to Cusco, ensuring you arrive in time for the briefing. If your tour or trek begins on a Monday then the briefing will be scheduled for the Saturday before.

• Please note that it is difficult to change the briefing time and date at short notice. Therefore, if we receive a request for a briefing change less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled briefing, we most likely will not be able to change the briefing time or date. We will, however, do everything we can to change to try and accommodate the schedule change.

We use PayPal for sending deposits, that way you can use your credit card. There is a 6% fee for deposits using PayPal (for the international transfer). We also use Western Union for sending deposits, Deposits through Western Union have variable fees. The deposit amount depends on the type of itinerary you will book, as follows;

• For all trek and multi-day tours,  we require a deposit of $250 USD per person — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
• For the Rainbow Mountain tours & hikes  we require a deposit of $100 USD per person — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
• For the Humantay Lake Day Trip,  we require a deposit of $100 USD per person — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
• For the Sacred Valley Tours & Trips,  we require a deposit of $100 USD (for the group) — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
• For the Cusco Half Day Tours,  we require a deposit of $50 USD (for the group) — Deposits for tours and treks are non-refundable and non-transferable to another individual. There are no exceptions.
• For large groups, we accept wire transfer for deposits and final balances due. If you would like more information about the wire transfer option, please email us at  [email protected]

FINAL PAYMENTS:  We accept cash and PayPal for final payments. A client may not depart for the tour or trek until payment in full is received, either in cash or by PayPal.

• Cash payments  are due the day before tour or trek departure and can be paid at the pre-tour or trek briefing. We accept US dollars and Peruvian soles for cash payments. If you will pay in US dollars.  Take note.  The Peruvian banks are extremely strict about the “quality” of dollars they will accept. Therefore, we have to request that your bills are what they call “unbroken”. Broken bills will not be accepted. Broken means — any tear (even as small as 3 mm) or excessive wrinkling
• PayPal payments  are due one week before the tour or trek departure.  a)  There is an 8% fee on balance due payments using PayPal.  b)  If the balance via PayPal is not paid by 3 days prior to trek departure, the PayPal fee will be 10%. Our PayPal email is: [email protected]
• All banking fees will be covered by the client

CANCELLATION POLICY FOR TOURS & TREKS:

Notification

• Notification of cancellation must always be made in writing by the person that made the booking and paid the deposit to  [email protected] .
• Your deposit for the tours and treks are 100% non-refundable. If you need to cancel for any reason, as you approach your tour start date, there may be additional cost due. There are no exceptions due to the fact, that  PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE  expends a great deal of expense purchasing permits, entrance tickets, and making deposits for reservations or services, most of which are non-changeable, non-transferable, and non-refundable by government regulation. We also do not accept medical notes of any kind, as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.

CANCELLATION FEES

• Cancellations made 30 days in advance have no charge (with the exception of the non-refundable deposit) with the following exception:
• Inca Trail treks
• In the case of cancellation, the customer will not receive a refund of their deposit
• If the customer cancels between 30 and 10 days before their trek, they must pay 50% of the total trip cost.
• If the customer cancels between 10 and 3 days before their trek, they must pay 80% of the total cost.
• If the customer cancels 2 days or less before their trek, they must pay 100% of the total cost.
• In the exceptional case that a customer decides to leave once they have started the trek, no refund will be given. The customer must also pay any additional expenses they incur such as food, lodging, and transportation. On the last day, the customer will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
• If after the tour has started a client cannot participate in the trek or tour (due to sickness, physical problems, etc.) no refund will be given. The customer must also pay any additional costs they incur for transportation, lodging, and food. On the last day, the tourist will be able to rejoin the group and participate in the Machu Picchu tour.
• In the case of natural disaster that prevents a service being completed, the customer will receive a 50% refund.
• In the case of a natural disaster that requires a change in the trek route, but the trek is still completed, there will be no refund.
• In the very unlikely circumstance that your service is not completed due to a fault of Peru Spirit Adventure, you will receive a full refund (including your deposit).

INCA TRAIL TOURS

• PERMITS:  Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Peru Spirit Adventure (or any agency).
• In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Peru Spirit Adventure will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
• Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.

CHANGES MADE BY CLIENT

• Please note that for the Inca Trail, permits are not-changeable, not-transferable, and not-refundable. Dates can never be changed by government policy.

With the exception of the Inca Trail treks, we are generally able to change a trek date.

• To change the date of your non-Inca Trail trek, there is a fee of US $75 per person if the change occurs more than 30 days prior to trek departure.
• If the change occurs 21 to 30 days prior to trek departure, the fee is US $100 per person.
• If the change occurs 10 to 20 days before trek departure, the fee is US $150 per person.
• Changes less than 10 days prior to trek departure will have varying fees, which can be discussed at the time the change is being made.
• Changes made must be to another group trek for a minimum of 2 individuals. If a single traveler needs to change dates, and there is not an existing option for that date, the change will not be possible.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

• We highly recommend travel insurance for all of our customers.
• Coverage should include baggage loss, accident, emergency air rescue and trip cancellation. Trip cancellation insurance should reimburse you for non-recoverable air or land expenses should you cancel your trip due to personal or family illness, as well as covering any medical or emergency evacuation expenses if you become ill during your trip.
• In the case of illness or injury on one of our treks or tours, we are trained to provide emergency first aid and arrange transportation to a proper medical facility. However, we are not responsible for the cost of those transportation services or the cost of medical care.

ABOUT YOUR PASSPORT IN MACHU PICCHU, HUAYNA PICCHU AND ON THE INCA TRAIL:

• Once you book your tour, we send your information immediately to “Machu Picchu Park” in order for permits to be issued as soon as possible.
• You will need to bring your actual passport for all services. A photocopy will not be accepted.
• If your passport number changes between reserving your spot and the start of your trek, you will need to bring your old as well as your new passport to the start of the Trek.
• If any of the information on your passport does not match the information we were previously provided, you won’t be able to start the trek.
• If you arrive in Cusco and did not advise us that you have a new passport number, and that your information has changed, Peru Spirit Adventure will not be held responsible. In this situation it will be the responsibility of the customer to pay the extra expense of returning to Cusco or Machu Picchu (transportation, food and other expenses).

TRAVEL IN PERU:   Peru Spirit Adventure  operates in regions, where standards of accommodation can vary. Transportation and other services might not be like those you would normally have back home. However, we strive with all due care and skill, to provide the best service for our clients. Traveling in Peru requires flexibility, patience, broad-mindedness, good humor and an understanding that changes may be made without notice due to circumstances or occurrences beyond our control. For example: a strike, protest, landslide, bad weather, etc. ( Force Majeure ). By booking any of our tours & treks, you agree to allow  Peru Spirit Adventure  to make necessary changes without liability.

FORCE MAJEURE

Force Majeure is any event that PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE cannot with all due care foresee, control or avoid. This covers events such as war or threat of war, riot, civil strike, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, disease, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, fire or all similar events beyond our control. In this case, PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE will not accept liability and reserves the right to change, postpone or even cancel trips. (This is a last option, of course!)

By booking any of our adventure trips (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Lares, Salkantay, Ausangate, Choquequirao, Rainbow Mountain trek and more) you assume the risks associated with personal accidents, medical emergencies, air travel problems etc. For these treks, PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE Agency accepts no responsibility.

FULL TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR ADVENTURE TOURS & TREKS

• You must advise Peru Spirit Adventure of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
• You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
• All balances need to be paid in either cash or PayPal (see “ FINAL PAYMENTS ” section above).
• In order to receive a student discount, you must send your valid University ID to Peru Spirit Adventure at the time of booking. ID must have your name, photo and valid expiration date. Any card without an expiration date will not be accepted. You will then be required to bring your student card with you on the trek – they will not allow you to pass through the checkpoint without this original card.
• You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
• Cancellations: Your deposit is 100% non-refundable. If you need to cancel for any reason, as you approach your tour start date, there may be additional cost due. There are absolutely no exceptions (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us (see  “CANCELLATION FEES”  section above).
• PERMITS: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE (or any agency).
• All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
• If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter airlifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment.
• PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Peru Spirit Adventure cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
• PERU SPIRIT ADVENTURE does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.

VERY IMPORTANT:

• We strongly suggest spending time at high altitude (above 3000 meters / 9842 feet)- in Cusco or another high altitude area for a minimum of 2- 4 days before undertaking your trip. This is in order to minimize the possible effects of altitude sickness. By drinking plenty of fluids, adding sugar to your drinks, eating food high in carbohydrates, avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and drinking coca tea (ancient traditional leaf) will help your body acclimatize.
• We recommend you arrive in Cusco 48 hours or more before trek departure because occasionally we need to leave earlier than scheduled in case of strikes or other events out of our control (see ‘Force Majeure’ section below)

RIGHT TO USE PICTURES

You accept and grant to Peru Spirit Adventure – Tour Operator the right to use your images, photos, and videos that show or describe during your participation in any tour, trekking or adventure, in any advertising of any type, without payment of any additional consideration.

Thanks again for choosing us and we look forward to seeing you in Cusco!

Peru Spirit Adventure Team!

Who is  Peru Spirit Adventure ? We are a small tour operator company owned by a local  Peruvian experts  with more than 10 years of experience as a guide.  Our office is based in Cusc o, a city in the Peruvian Andes and is located near the central square, Plaza del Armas. Our team is made up of  knowledgeable  and  passionate  tour guides from  Cusco  and  Andes  with many years of experience  Read more

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Explore Ausangate Trek with Us!

Ausangate Trekking Peru

We are a 100% Peruvian tourism agency, located in the heart of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Ausangate Trekking Perú is a responsible and sustainable tourism operating company for walks and tours based in the city of Cusco , Perú . The programs we offer are unique because we previously explored new tourism alternatives, we also cover many programs in the region of Cusco and at the national level revaluing the three natural regions of Peru; Coast, Sierra and Selva propitious scenarios for unique and memorable trips. Our sole objective is to offer our clients a Professional Service , safe and above all sustainable, always thinking of maintaining the balance between man and nature. We are constantly working on developing and improving our trips and their environmental impact on the residents of the communities we will visit.

AUSANGATE TREK PERU

Ausangate Trekking Peru  is an excellent and quiet/remote trekking circuit offering stunning features such as spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas, alpacas, wild vicuñas, picturesque villages, and traditionally dressed Quechua people who still preserve their culture, traditions and history. We have designed special itineraries that allows you to explore more that one highlights, Ausangate trek,  Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu.  This is a moderate to challenging trek, not technical, with several high passes and often freezing cold nights. It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this hike, spending at least two or three days in Cusco (or equivalent altitude) before starting.

Ausangate Trek Peru are moderate too strenuous with high altitude passes and remote wilderness camping and hiking. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore a true off the beaten path area of Cusco.

When you hike around Apu Ausangate, you will feel the energy of the mountains , meet yourself and understand how big and amazing is this world, each corner will amazed you with its spectacular views that you can find only on this site of the Andes.

Have a look below our different excursions to this remote Andean area and discover the real Andean culture.

Be ready for an incredible adventure  in a remote area less explored!

Seven Lagunas Ausangate Full Day Hike

7 lagoons of Ausangate, a super promising full day excursion, full of adventure, scenery, mountains, turquoise, blue, green and even reddish lagoons; you can also see some of the Andean flora and fauna (Alpacas, Vizcachas and Condors). The highlights of this tour are the 7 lagoons located in the foothills of the Vilcanota mountain range, which are called: Otorongo Macho, Otorongo hembra, Puca cocha, Alqa cocha, Ccomer cocha, Azul cocha and Pata cocha.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Ausangate Trekking Peru, local company, committed to the process of continuous improvement, aimed at achieving customer satisfaction to more than 100%.

BEST PRICES

Con Ausangate Trekking, obtienes opciones y experiencias a precios cómodos y exigibles.

PERSONALIZED SERVICES

We offer personalized and quality service with small groups of no more than 16 people.

5,000+ CLIENTS

+ More than 5000 thousand customers guarantee the quality of service .

SUPER FAST RESERVATION

Book with simple steps, no longer than 2 minutes.

SECURE PAYMENTS

Book your tour only with 50%, without extra charges for reservations or credit cards

Ausangate 7 Lakes Full Day

Ausangate trek 5 days, ausangate circuit 6 days, ausangate trek sibinacocha lake 7 days, huchuy qosqo trek 3 days, cachicata trek 4 days.

• Choquequirao Trek 4 Days

Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days

• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Salkantay Trek 5 Days

• Rainbow Mountain Peru Full Day

Rainbow Mountain Trek 2 Days

7 Days 6 Nights Cusco Challenging Up to 12

6 Days 5 Nights Cusco Challenging up to 12

5 Days 4 Nights Cusco Challenging up to 12

WELCOME TO AUSANGATE TREK

Four key factors set us apart from other adventure and hiking companies.

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Inca Trail Treks Packages

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Ausangate Trek

Rainbow Mountain

Salkantay Trek

Ancascocha Trek

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Inca Jungle Trail

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Moostone Trek

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Machu Picchu Tours

Cusco Day Tours

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Sandoval Lake Tour 4D

Tambopata Tour 3D

Tambopata Tour 4D

Ausangate trek.

EXPLORE AUSANGATE TREK

• Observe incredible wildlife and various species along with local fauna.

Ausangate is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region and is also an important cultural centre for the Andean communities. Every year huge pilgrimages are made to the mountain. This has been going on for centuries.The peak of the mountain is 6,385 masl, but we won’t go quite that high. On this hike you’ll come close to nature and feel the connection while you observe the impressive views that surround you. You’ll get to observe some fascinating bird species and other wildlife along the way as well as spectacular landscapes.

Unlike other hikes, this is more about nature and its beauty rather than Inca ruins. This is a quieter trek in the Cusco region and you can enjoy peace and tranquility. It’s perfect for those who love outdoor trekking adventures.

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain To Machu Picchu Packages

There are various tours heading to the Ausangate Mountain. Some can be combined with a visit to Rainbow Mountain or other sites. You can read more about your options here.

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain To Machu Picchu Hike 8 Days

Ausangate Trek To Machu Picchu 7 Days

Machu Picchu And Ausangate Trek 6 Days All inclusive

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek + Short Inca Trail 5 Days

Ausangate And Rainbow Mountain To Machu Picchu 4 Days

Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain All inclusive 4 Days

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek + Short Inca Trail 4 Days

Ausangate & Rainbow Mountain Trek To Machu Picchu 3 Days

Ausangate to rainbow mountain trek packages.

Ausangate trek is one of the most beautiful circuits to explore with impressive views and landscapes.

Ausangate And Sibinacocha Lake Trek 7 Days

Ausangate & Rainbow mountain trek 6 Days

Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain 5 Days

Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days

Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain 4 days

Ausangate 7 Lakes To Rainbow Mountain Trek 4 Days

Rainbow Mountain To Ausangate 7 Lakes Hike 4 Days

Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain 3 Days

Ausangate Trek To Rainbow Mountain 2 Days

Rainbow Mountain & Ausangate 7 lakes trek 2 Days

Rainbow Mountain and Quelccaya Glacier Trek 2 Days

Horseback Riding to Upis Lake and 7 Lakes of Ausangate 1 Day

Why travel with us, tour guides.

All of our horsemen are from Upis, which is the starting point of our trek. We make sure to employ responsible people that are serious about what they do. This way, they do an excellent job at transporting everyone’s items along the trail with mules and are in charge of getting your gear safely to each campsite where it will be waiting for you. Our horsemen are very content with us receiving a good salary and benefits at the end of each season. Peru Hike provides all the mountain gear and uniforms to the horsemen. These guys can be of great help in an emergency because they know the area and trail like the back of their hand.

Peru Hike relies on an extensive network of highly trained guides and expert ambassadors as a premise to guarantee excellence in our services. We are fully conscious that an excellent guide is key to making your trip a memorable experience, which is why we are extremely demanding when recruiting and regularly training our guides.

In all of our trekking trips, the chef ensures high-quality meals on time, an adequate diet both in its quality and quantity. The secret lies in the careful selection of our team of chefs, whose top-quality restaurant background, creativity and passion for their jobs provide an unequalled touch to all of our meals. We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip.

We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip. We provide general guidelines, guest information on dietary restrictions and preferences and, most especially, the tools for a constant updating of our cooks’ knowledge in both Peruvian and International cuisine through specialization courses and training.

Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our spacious Eureka tent. All our tents are built to be four man tents, but you will only have to share with one other trekker. This leaves a lot of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffels. They are an A-frame design, with entrances on both sides of the tent. They also include a vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks. We are proud to be the only company to use these tents.

Ausangate Trek Travel Guide

Before You Go, What You Should Know

Is the Ausangate Trek Worth It?

Here are the top highlights that you’ll enjoy on the excursion:

• Feel the spirituality high in the mountains and understand the importance of the Ausangate Mountain to the local communities.
• Take in some of the best views you’ll ever see.
• Take part in a real mountain adventure and overcome the challenge.
• Form your own connection with the Andean mountains and recharge your energy.

Very High Altitude

One of the things that makes this trek more challenging is the altitude. You’ll reach Condor Pass at 5,400 masl, so you need to make sure you’ve prepared for the high elevation in advance. You can do this by arriving in Cusco a few days before to acclimate. Failing to take this into consideration could leave you feeling sick on the trek or even unable to go.

Wonderful Views

There’s no doubt that on this trek through the Andean mountains you’ll see some incredible sights. Expect to see lakes, snowy mountain peaks, and rolling hills. Don’t forget your camera to capture it all.

Changing Weather

The weather in the mountains can change a lot. In the days you’ll feel the sun beating on your face. Make sure you use a lot of protection from it as you’re much closer to it up here. In the nights it will get chilly, so make sure you have the right clothing. It may also rain, so a lightweight poncho is a must in your backpack.

Basic Amenities

Being away from the city means you’ll be going back to basics. You’ll be camping along the route, so won’t have proper bathrooms or showers. In some spots you’ll find places to buy water and maybe some simple snacks, but it’s best to take enough with you from the start.

To Feel Tired

Even though this trek isn’t the most difficult in the region, you’ll be walking long distances at high altitude. The days can feel long, so know that you’ll feel tired along the way.

AUSANGATE FACTS

Now for a few facts about this adventurous trek.

• The average altitude along the trek is 4,000 masl.
• This route doesn’t attract many tourists, so it’s very quiet.
• The temperature at night can go as low as -15°C.
• You won’t see many vehicles as most of the route is far away from any roads.
• You don’t need a specific permit to go on this trek, so there’s always availability.
• The mountain, Apu Ausangate, is seen as the owner of all the Cusco region.

AUSANGATE TREK DIFFICULTY

The Ausangate trek is considered vigorous, with some moderate days. The trek is rated Grade moderately challenging in difficulty, which involves altitudes between 14,800 and 16,400 ft (4,500-5,000 m) and 6-7 hours of walking per day. Many of the days have steep sections that cause a rapid increase in altitude in a short time. Anyone with a good level of fitness can manage this trek, but it is recommended that hikers have experience of multi-day treks at high altitudes.

Another factor to consider, besides the steep sections and lift passes over 16,000 feet, is the weather. The weather can be quite unpredictable, and blizzard conditions at the higher altitudes are not uncommon. It is important to take into account low temperatures and tolerance to cold and snow.

AUSANGATE GEOGRAPHY

The Ausangate mountain is located in the southeastern region of Peru, in the Cusco region. It is part of the Vilcanota mountain range and is surrounded by several other peaks, including Mariposa, Colquecruz, Pucapunta, and Jatunmontepuncu.

The region surrounding Ausangate is known for its rugged and remote landscape, with deep valleys, high altitude plateaus, and glacial lakes. The mountain itself is covered in glaciers and snow, and several rivers originate from its slopes, including the Vilcanota, Apurimac, and Paucartambo rivers.

The Ausangate trek takes hikers through this spectacular landscape, passing by alpine lakes, high altitude grasslands, and traditional Quechua-speaking communities. The area is also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and Andean condors.

Due to its high altitude and remote location, the Ausangate region experiences variable weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow, as well as bright sunshine and clear skies. The best time to visit the region is during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

In general, the Ausangate walk is carried out normally all year round, but keep in mind that in the months of October to April we will have rainy, snowy or sunny days.

WHERE IS AUSANGATE?

Ausangate is a mountain located in the Andes range of Peru. It is situated in the Cusco region, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco. The mountain is part of the Vilcanota mountain range and has a peak elevation of 6,384 meters (20,945 feet). The Ausangate region is known for its rugged and remote landscape, glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and indigenous communities that have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. The Ausangate trek is a popular trekking route that takes hikers through this spectacular region, providing stunning views of the Andes Mountains and a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the Quechua-speaking communities that call the area home.

DISTANCE OF THE AUSANGATE TREK

The distance of the Ausangate trek can vary depending on the specific route taken and the starting point. Generally, the trek is around 70-75 kilometers (43-46 miles) long and takes 5 to 8 days to complete. The trek usually starts in Upis and ends in the small town of Pacchanta or Tinqui, which is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of the city of Cusco.

Please note that the Ausangate circuit starting in Upis and ending in the small village of Pacchanta or Tinki, 5 to 8 days has a distance of 70-75 kilometers (43-46 miles), and the treks starting in Upis and ending in the rainbow mountain, 3 to 4 days have an approximate distance of 35 km (21 miles).

The trek takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including high-altitude grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and glacial lakes. The route includes steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and variable weather conditions.

While the distance may not be as long as other popular trekking routes, such as the Inca Trail, the Ausangate trek is still a challenging trek due to its high altitude and rugged terrain. Hikers should be prepared for the physical demands of the trek and acclimatize properly before starting the journey.

HISTORY OF AUSANGATE

The Ausangate mountain is considered a sacred site by the Andean people and has been revered for thousands of years. The Quechua-speaking communities that live in the region have passed down stories and legends about the mountain from generation to generation.

During the Inca Empire, the Ausangate mountain was also considered a sacred site and was incorporated into the empire’s extensive network of roads and trails. The Inca people used the area for religious ceremonies, and it was believed to be a place of spiritual renewal.

After the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, the region became more isolated and the indigenous communities were able to maintain their traditional way of life. Today, the Ausangate trek is a popular hiking route that passes through these communities, providing a glimpse into their culture and way of life.

In recent years, the Ausangate region has become increasingly popular among tourists seeking an alternative trekking route to Machu Picchu. However, efforts have been made to protect the environment and the traditional communities that live in the area, including the implementation of responsible tourism practices and the promotion of sustainable tourism initiatives.

WHY TAKE THE AUSANGATE TREK ROUTE

There are several reasons why you might consider taking the Ausangate trek route:

Very Stunning Scenery

The Ausangate trek takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in Peru, including high-altitude grasslands, snow-capped peaks, and glacial lakes. The region is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, and you’ll have the opportunity to see vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas in their natural habitat.

Cultural Experience

The Ausangate region is home to several indigenous Quechua-speaking communities that have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. The trek provides an opportunity to learn about their culture, traditions, and daily life. You can also see firsthand how they create beautiful textiles using natural dyes and weaving techniques that have been passed down for generations.

Remote and Off-the-Beaten-Path

Unlike the more popular Inca Trail trek, the Ausangate trek is a less-traveled route, which means you’ll have more opportunities to experience the beauty and serenity of the Andes Mountains without the crowds.

Physical Challenge

The Ausangate trek is a challenging trek that reaches elevations above 5200 meters (17060 feet). It includes steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and variable weather conditions. If you’re looking for a physical challenge, the Ausangate trek is a great option.

Sustainable Tourism

The Ausangate region has made efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices, which means that your visit can have a positive impact on the local communities and environment. By taking the Ausangate trek, you can support responsible tourism initiatives and help preserve this spectacular region for future generations.

What to expect on Ausangate Trek?

The Ausangate trek is a challenging and rewarding hiking experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the Peruvian Andes. Here’s what you can expect:

Scenic beauty

The Ausangate trek is known for its stunning landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, hot springs, and colorful mountains.

High altitude

The trek reaches elevations of over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), so it’s important to be prepared for the effects of altitude. You may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue, so it’s important to take it slow and stay hydrated.

Cultural experiences

The Ausangate region is home to several indigenous communities, including the Quechua people, who have a rich culture and traditions. You may have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their customs, and witness traditional ceremonies.

Wildlife spotting

The Ausangate region is home to several species of wildlife, including vicuñas, alpacas, Andean condors, and sometimes even pumas.

The Ausangate trek is a multi-day hike, so you’ll spend your nights camping under the stars in some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the Andes.

Physical Moderate and Challenging

The Ausangate trek is considered moderate and challenging with steep hills and flat, sloping paths, with passes from 4,600 m to 5,200 m.

Overall, the Ausangate trek is an incredible hiking experience that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and physical challenge.

cultural and spiritual to consider in ausangate trek

Are there any cultural or spiritual considerations to keep in mind when hiking ausangate.

Yes, there are several cultural and spiritual considerations to keep in mind when hiking Ausangate in Peru. The Ausangate mountain is considered a sacred place by the local people, and it has a deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Respect the local culture

The Ausangate region is home to several indigenous communities, including the Quechua people. It’s important to be respectful of their culture and traditions while hiking in the area. Take the time to learn about their customs and beliefs, and try to incorporate them into your experience.

Be mindful of the environment

The Ausangate region is known for its stunning natural beauty, and it’s important to preserve it for future generations. Take care not to litter or damage the environment, and follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Follow local customs

There are several local customs and traditions that you should follow while hiking in the Ausangate region. For example, it’s customary to ask for permission before entering someone’s land, and to greet people with a smile and a friendly greeting.

Consider a shamanic ceremony

If you’re interested in the spiritual aspects of the Ausangate region, you may want to consider participating in a shamanic ceremony. These ceremonies are conducted by local shamans and are designed to connect participants with the spiritual energy of the mountain.

Dress appropriately

The weather in the Ausangate region can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the conditions. Be sure to bring warm clothing, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Additionally, it’s important to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture.

Overall, the Ausangate region is a beautiful and spiritually rich place, and with a little bit of preparation and respect, you can have an incredible hiking experience while honoring the local culture and traditions.

AUSANGATE TIPS

• Spend time in Cusco before the trek. Going on small hikes around the city and the Sacred Valley will help you prepare for the high altitude.
• If you’re worried about the altitude, talk to a doctor back home about the possibility of a prescription for some pills to help you cope. You can also consume coca tea once in Cusco to help.
• Starting an exercise and stretching regime weeks before you come will help greatly. Include long hikes over weekends to aid your body in building muscle and stamina.
• Don’t drink alcohol in Cusco before your trek. This can make the effects of the altitude far worse and make you very ill.
• To stay hydrated at the altitude and in the strong sunlight you need to drink water frequently along the route.
• Go at your own pace on the trek. Your guide will always be with you and there’s no need to rush. Again, this can make you feel sick if you overexert yourself.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Finally, when you’ve got your trek booked, take a look at these recommendations to make sure you’ve got all you need.

Use a Packing List

Make use of our packing lists for treks to make sure you have everything you need without going over the weight limit. It can be tough to know exactly what you need when leaving town for a few days.

Get Travel Insurance

This is a must as most tour operators won’t allow you on their tours without one. You’ll also find that if you fall ill or have an accident and aren’t insured, the healthcare in Peru is expensive.

Plan Your Trip Beforehand

The further ahead you plan the better prepared you’ll be. This also gives the tour operator or agency you choose to travel with the chance to make sure they have a guide free for your trip. Hoping to book upon arrival in Cusco could mean you miss out as there isn’t anyone available.

Consider Weather Conditions

Some people like to hike in the warm sun, and others in colder climates. From May to October is the dry season in Cusco. The sun is warm in the day but the nights get very cold. If you decide to come between November and April, you’ll be trekking during the rainy season. This can make the trail a little slippery and the general climate is a little warmer.

Pack Snacks

You’ll be well-fed on the trip, but packing extra snacks means you can get a quick boost of energy whenever you need it on the trail. Think of high calorie energy snacks like chocolate, nutrs, and dried fruits.

Circuit Related to Ausangate Trek

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Ausangate Trek: The Complete Trekker’s Guide

Home / Peru Travel Guide / Ausangate Trek: The Complete Trekker’s Guide

The Ausangate Trek is a challenging high altitude trek through 70 km of the Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range and features some of Peru’s most extraordinary scenery.

Ausangate Mountain is considered by the Quechua people to be one of the most holy mountains in all of the Andes. As a result, the 6-Day Ausangate Trek, while being a visually stunning adventure, is something of a spiritual pilgrimage. The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail  is a more popular hike of the region, and for that reason more crowded and limited in availability. Ausangate is an off-the-beaten track hiking alternative with minimal foot traffic that allows you to carve into the mystical side of an ancient Andean world.

Ausangate Trek Guide

A voyage to Ausangate mountain is one of natural beauty, living history and ancient spirituality. Considered challenging, this 6 day trek is recommended for seasoned hikers only, who have experience hiking at high elevations. The route takes you through the  Cordillera Vilcanota , or the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Ausangate is actually the 5th tallest mountain in Peru, standing at 20,945 feet above sea level.

Through this Peru trek, you’ll ascend and descend through the mountain range, finding sweeping Andean vistas, thermal lakes, mystical glaciers, green mossy passes and enormous snowy mountains. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of interesting wildlife, like condors, chinchillas and groups of vicunas. You’ll also come across hidden Andean villages richly embedded in centuries-old traditions. The highest point of the trek is 16,800 feet above sea level and the highest campsite elevation is at 15,255 feet.

Spiritual Significance 

In Andean spirituality, the mountains, called apus, are highly revered and believed to have a spirit. In fact, in Quechua  apu  means  lord . These powerful spirits are believed to protect the local people in the highlands. Ausangate Mountain stands with 11 other sacred apus of the Cusco area, namely Salkantay, Mama Simona, Pillku Urqu, Manuel Pinta, Wanakawri, Pachatusan, Pikchu, Saksaywaman, Viraqochan, Pukin and Sinqa.

The road of the Apu Ausangate, or Ausangate Trek, is believed to be the most profound pilgrimage in the Andes and is one of the most renowned hikes in Peru. Traditionally, this spiritual journey is made during the  Qoyllur Rit’i  festival, a Quechua holiday that celebrates the stars in late May or early June (coinciding with the full moon). Specifically, it celebrates the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the night sky, marking the beginning of harvest season. The Ten Nations, or brotherhoods, of the surrounding areas all gather for the occasion.

Best Time to Go 

The best time to do the Ausangate trek, and all Peru hiking tours, is between May and September. This is the dry season in the Andes, making for sunnier weather and clearer days to take in the beautiful scenery. Try particularly for July or August, the driest months of the year. The dry season is also the high season for the area, so  Cusco , Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail tend to be more densely populated. Fortunately, the remote Ausangate Trek is a unique choice, making it clear of crowds year round – even during peak season.

The rainy season in the Andes is between October and April, with the rainiest months being January-March. During this time, especially in February, rain can be torrential, which may cause closures on the trail. It is best to stick to the dry season or the shoulder season (mixed weather) of April and October.

Ausangate Trek Difficulty

The Ausangate trek is considered strenuous, with a few moderate days sprinkled in. The trek is classified as Grade C in difficulty, which implies altitudes between 14,800 to 16,400 ft (4500-5000 m) and 6-7 hours of hiking per day. Many of the days have steep sections that cause rapid altitude gain in a short time. Anyone with a good level of fitness can manage this hike, but it is recommended that trekkers have experience with multi-day hikes at high elevations.

Another factor to consider, aside from the steep sections and 16,000 ft+ elevation passes, is the weather. The weather can be quite unpredictable, and blizzard conditions at the higher altitudes are not uncommon. It is important to factor the low temperatures and your tolerance to cold and snow when determining your suitability for this trail.

Guided vs. Independent Trekking

Only about 5 percent of hikers do this trek independently. It is only possible if you are a seasoned hiker who is acclimatized with the necessary gear and ample experience backpacking, hiking high elevations, and managing low temperatures/sometimes extreme weather conditions.

We recommend doing this trek with a guide. Between the experienced guides with rich regional knowledge, the traditional meals by local chefs, and the gear being carried and set up from campsite to campsite by local porters, a guided trip notably enhances the experience. Also, you’ll have more time and energy to focus more vividly on the adventure while also supporting the local economy and trek crew welfare.

Check out our Ausangate Trek tour for more information about inclusions for guided tours.

Climate & Weather 

In the Vilcanota Range, there is a dry season and a wet season. The dry season is between May and September, and is considered the best time to hike in the Andes. Keep in mind, however, that the dry season, containing Peru’s winter months, is also the colder time of year. The coldest months are May through July. Expect the days to be cool, no warmer than 40 degrees F, and the nights to drop to freezing temperatures as low as 10 degrees F.

The rainy season is between October and April. While the rainy season is warmer, it can still be cool at night. In fact, there can be heavy snow as well given the elevation. The rain and snow can cause muddy conditions on the trail and even partial closures. It is especially inclimate between January-March, with February bringing the most precipitation. The shoulder months of October and April bring more moderate weather with mixed rainy and dry days.

The Ausangate hike traces through high elevation landscapes ranging between 10,334 ft to as high as 16,800 ft above sea level. The land surrounding the mountain features Andean uplift, glacial valleys with hanging glaciers, Permian formations and cretaceous limestone forests. The trail takes hikers through landscapes bursting with glaciers, snow capped mountains, thermal lakes, high flatlands and lush green valleys. 

Machu Picchu Extension 

Traditionally, the 6 day Ausangate trek does not include connection to Machu Picchu. However, if you have extra time to spare, it can certainly be added on. Instead of ending day 6 at Tinki, you would continue on to Laguna Armaccocha, reach a viewpoint and lake Singrenacchocha on day 7, hike alongside the river to Mallma on day 8, and finally board a train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu on day 9.

Rainbow Mountain Side Excursion

Another compelling aspect of the Ausangate trek is that you can conveniently arrange to do Rainbow Mountain as a side excursion. Rainbow Mountain, or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a very popular destination. Here you can see these iconic mountains with rich mineralization bringing red, orange and yellow hues across a seemingly endless mountain expanse. It’s truly a sight to behold.

This part of the trek would bring you to a soaring 17,060 feet above sea level. This portion also tends to be, by far, the busiest part of an otherwise remote journey. It is important to keep in mind the crowds and higher elevation (higher than any other point on the classic Ausangate) to decide if you’d like to add this portion to your Ausantage hike. Talk to a travel advisor for more information.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a health effect that can arise at high elevations. Minor symptoms include headache, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and dizziness. More progressed cases can result in vomiting, shortness of breath and high altitude cerebral edema, which is associated with lethargy, nausea and disorientation.

Altitude sickness occurs in 20 percent of people at 8,000 feet and 40 percent of people at 10,000 feet. For a hike like the ausangate trek, it is highly likely that you will experience some form of altitude sickness, as elevations reach as high as 16,800 ft. For this reason, it is important to acclimate properly, take your time on the trail and take measures to combat symptoms.

Measures to combat  acute mountain sickness  include acclimatizing in the Andes for 48-72 hours, eating a light and high calorie diet, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and alcohol, easing into the hike and taking breaks whenever necessary. You may also contact your healthcare provider for a recommendation for anti-altitude sickness medication as well. Another local remedy is chewing coca leaves, drinking coca tea or consuming coca candies – a traditional treatment for fighting AMS among the people of the Andes.

Ausangate Trek Packing List 

It’s best to pack lightly for Ausangate hiking. Generally hikers leave the bulk of their belongings safely in storage at their  Cusco hotel , and bring only their hiking pack for the trek. This list ensures that you have everything you need for a guided trek without overburdening yourself.

• Long sleeve hiking shirt
• Hiking pants
• Thermal shirt for sleeping
• Long thermal pants for sleeping
• Wool socks (2 pairs)
• Socks for sleeping
• Underwear (2-3 pairs)
• Sports bra (for women)
• Hiking boots with ankle support
• Flip-flops/comfortable shoes for camp

Weather gear

• Lip balm with SPF
• Rain & wind proof jacket
• Rain cover for the backpack

Hiking gear

• Backpack, 50-70L
• Hiking poles (optional but recommended)
• Water bottle
• Water filter
• Purifying tablets
• Zip-lock bags (for money, maps etc.)

Electronics

• Dry shampoo
• Hand sanitizer
• Small towel

Tipping is not mandatory on a guided Ausangate Trek, but it is highly recommended. You will be amazed by the amount of work and dedication that the guides, chefs, porters and other crew bring to your experience. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the incredible experience. A good rule of thumb is  30-50 soles ($8-$15) per hiker per day.  All the hikers on the team can pool their tips and then hand to the trekking team, who will distribute among themselves.

Daily Itinerary Breakdown

Below is a daily itinerary and highlight breakdown of the classic 6 Day Ausangate trek.

Day 1 : Cusco to Tinki

Day 1 itinerary includes the archeological site of Tipon with its impressive water fountains, irrigation systems, and other marvels of pre-Columbian engineering. It then continues on to the ancient settlement of Pikillaqta, which was originally settled by the Wari culture. Later, you’ll continue on to the beautiful lake of Huacarpay and the town of Andahuaylillas with its famously decorated church, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. Eventually your journey through this ancient landscape ends at the town of Tinki. Approximately 2-3 hours of hiking time.

Day 2 : Tinki to Upis

Start by making your way to the camp of Upis. On the way, you’ll pass by the beautiful ecological landscape of Quinsapucyu and the mountain Huarmisaya. After lunch time, hikers have an opportunity to hike mystical thermal lakes and marvel at the uniqueness of its surrounding glaciers. Approximately 6-7 hours of hiking time.

Day 3 : Upis to Ausangatecocha

Day 3 is the most challenging day of the trek. You’ll start on an increasingly steep trail that leads you up to a high mountain pass at Arapa where you will be rewarded with outstanding views of the entire mountain chain. After Arapa pass, you approach a series of beautiful Andean lakes. In the afternoon you’ll make another climb to the Ausangate pass before descending towards your campsite for the night at Ausangatecocha. Approximately 9 hours of hiking time.

Day 4 : Ausangatecocha to Hatunpampa

Today, you begin your approach to the highest point of the trek, the pass at Abra Palomani. At this point you will be at a breathtaking 16,800 feet above sea level, enjoying unique views of the vast mountain chain that runs below you. From here you descend to the settlement of Huchuy Phinaya and continue on a gentler gradient through high flat land until reaching your campsite in the shadow of snow-capped Hatunpampa mountain. Approximately 9 hours of hiking time.

Day 5 : Hatunpampa to Pacchanta

Starting out for another challenging day, your trail rises immediately towards the second high pass of Abra Janca, dominated by the peak of Colquecruz. From here it’s a gentle descent towards your lunch spot before you reach the town of Pacchanta where you’ll be rewarded with a dip in the town’s mineral rich thermal baths – a perfect chance to relax after a long, demanding day of hiking. Approximately 8 hours of hiking time.

Day 6 : Pacchanta to Cusco

Following the trail from Pacchanta, you eventually return to the town of Tinki, from where you began your adventure. You will celebrate the end of your epic Peru adventure trek with a pachamanca, a unique and ancient style of Andean cooking. Approximately 5 hours of hiking time.

See our Ausangate Trek page, where you can find more in depth information about the daily itinerary, inclusions for the trek, and high and low elevations of trail and campsites. You can also find a form to contact a travel advisor to perfectly tailor your ultimate Peru trekking adventure.

The Ausangate mountain trek, traversing one of the biggest mountains in all of Peru, is like a dream from start to finish. Between the high altitude naturescapes, the spiritual flourishes and the amazing local guides, it’s an adventure like no other. If you want to take to one of the lesser known trails of the mystical Andes, reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to include it in your upcoming Peru travel package.

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Ausangate Adventure  is the #1 tour operator based in Cusco, specialists on different excursions to Ausangate mountain, Rainbow Mountain , Quelccaya and Machu Picchu, we provide different tours than other companies do.  Our team are 100% professional with large experience on these routes. We focus on each guest individually and create  a lifetime experiences during your journey in Peru. Whether you seek ancient history, untouched nature, vibrant culture or a unique combination of all Peru has to offer.

who take you along the world-famous Apu Ausangate .

Ausangate Trek Adventures

Day 1: Cusco to Qomerqocha Lagoon. Very early we leave the city of Cusco in a private transport and head by the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado road towards Pacchanta (4100m / 13448ft). On the way we pass through Urcos, where we can see a beautiful lagoon with the same name, continue to Cattca, a far

US$ 700 .00

Ausangate Trek PAT Service Day 1: Cusco to Upis Very early in the morning we leave Cusco city in a private transport, and drive along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado road towards Tinki (3 800 m.a.s.l./ 12464ft). On the way we pass Urcos, where we can observe a beautiful lagoon with the same name.

US$ 600 .00

Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 Days DAY 01: CUSCO – TINQUI VILLAGE – UPIS HOT SPRINGS We leave Cusco early in the morning traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive Vilcanota mountain range and pass through several traditional Andean village

US$ 500 .00

Rainbow Mountain Trek

• Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain Peru Full Day Tour Our staff will come to pick you up at 4:30 am to your respective hotel, we will board our private transportation and then head to the town of CUSIPATA, during the trip we will pass through different villages and enjoy the incredible views of the Peruvian Andes, th

Pick up from the hotel will be from 4:30 to 5:00 a.m. Once together with the whole group we will head south of Cusco, our first stop will be in Cusipata, in this place we will have breakfast. Then we will continue our trip until we arrive to Abra Huallata Cunka in the community of […]

Rainbow Mountain Peru and Red Valley Trek Your tour guide will come to pick you up at 5:00 am to your respective hotel, we will board our private van and  go to the town Cusipata during the trip we will go through different villages and enjoy the incredible views of the Peruvian Andes, the trip [&h

Machu Picchu Tours

• Machu Picchu

DAY 1: CUSCO – POROY – MACHU PICCHU – POROY – CUSCO We will pick you up at your hotel 30 minutes before the scheduled departure from Cusco, we will take you to the train station located in the town of Poroy (30 minutes by car) where we will board our train and then we [&helli

US$ 300 .00

Tours Machu Picchu Full Day Itinerary: Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Full Day tour. DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTA – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTA – CUSCO We will pick you up at your hotel at 4am. Cusco. We will take you to the train statio

In this Adventure over the Andes we will appreciate the following attractions: Sacred Valley: Privileged place for its abundant water and fertile lands, considered as the most important food pantry in the Cusco region since the time of the Incas. Moray Salineras: Excursion that combines the cultural

US$ 350 .00

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7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate Full-Day Trip 1 Day Trip

Experience the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Peru, including Pariacaca, Otorongo, and the Pucacocha in The Cordillera Negra! This is an excellent option for a shorter trip when traveling to Cusco. If you are a trekker with limited time, this full-day experience is the best for you.

See unique landscapes and snowy peaks, visit 7 different lakes, soak in some relaxing hot springs, and enjoy delicious meals on a single Cusco day trip.

Tour Type: Hiking, adventure, lakes Good For: A rewarding full-day trip from Cusco Temperature: Cold with varying temps throughout the day Difficulty: Challenging Considerations: Enjoy a great intro to Ausangate trekking without needing to commit to an overnight experience.

7 Lakes Trek Details

Travel info, day 1: cusco – pacchanta – lakes – cusco.

This is a full day hike in the Ausangate Peru region. Our journey will start at 4 am. We will pick you up from your hotel and take a 3-hour drive towards Pacchanta. This place is located at 4200 meters above sea level and passes by the Tinke village. This means that temperatures will be lower than  Cusco  itself. Once in Pacchanta your trekking chef will cook a hot breakfast for you. All safety protocols will be met in order to guarantee everybody’s health. After breakfast and a small break, we will start our hike towards the lakes in the Ausangate region.

The hike will be about 5 hours and will take you along the path where we will see the different lakes like Azulcocha,  Otorongo ,  Pucacocha , Alqacocha y Q’omercocha. That’s not the only highlight; we will also view the snow covered peaks that surround this area. These include Ausangate (6834 m.), Mariposa or Butterfly (5842 m.), Jampa (5500 m.), Pucapunta ( 5740 m), Caracol or Snail mountain (5625 m.), Tinke (5300 m.) and the whole Qayangate chain of mountains.

This area is located in the Andean region which means that weather is changeable. Expect everything from cold temperatures to hot sun impact. For this reason, we advise you to bring a hat or cap and to use a good sunblock to avoid any sunburn and headaches.

Along the path we will have the chance to see the local flora and fauna. From different kinds of birds to vicuñas and llamas. The views are breathtaking, and you will have the chance to visit all of the different lakes as you return along the same pathway. The return will be easier and faster hiking towards Pacchanta again. Once you get to the trailhead your trekking chef will have a hot lunch ready for you to recover your energy. Pacchanta has a number of hot springs that you will be able to use to relax and provide comfort to your sore muscles. This water is naturally hot and will be the perfect ending after a great hike. You can enjoy this before having your lunch and then recover yourself while having a great meal cooked just for you. Once lunch is finished take our transportation back to Cusco and towards your hotel for you to take some well-deserved rest.

Meals included:  Breakfast and lunch Max Elevation:  4.850 meters / 15912 feet Min Elevation:  4.300 meters / 14107 feet Approx. distance:  15 km

• For this experience we include:
• Private transportation
• Professional guide
• Trekking chef
• Breakfast and lunch cooked at the spot
• Walking sticks
• Rain poncho
• Pick-up and drop-off to your hotel

Not included

• Hired horse

$160 per person

As mentioned above. We will pass the 4000 meters high elevation (13000 feet). This means that we will be in the high Andean region of Ausangate Peru. Weather at this elevation is quite changeable and known for its cold temperatures, low humidity and lesser oxygen levels (Something easily covered by properly acclimating before the hike). Temperatures during the early morning and night can go from -10ºC to -5ºC (14ºF to 23ºF) making this a very cold portion of the hike. During the day and with the sun up, these temperatures will increase to 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF).

What to bring?

Now that we know about the itinerary and also about the weather we can let you know about what to pack for this experience. Trekking gear will be mandatory here. A good pair of trekking shoes will make your hiking easier and more comfortable as well. We advise this to avoid any kind of injury. To compliment the trekking shoes, you need to bring comfortable pants and also layers for the upper part of your body. A fleece jacket always helps but having a base layer is necessary for the early morning portion of the trek. Once you will start hiking you will need to use a hat or a cap and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Remember, we are at a really high elevation which means that sun-rays are stronger combined with the lack of humidity. This can create sunburns and also dehydration so wearing hat is important. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen as well.

If you plan to use the hot springs you will need your bathing suit.

We will provide you water after breakfast for we advise you to bring at least 2 liters of water so we can refill it for you after breakfast and before you start the hike.

This is a full day trek involving 15 Km distance. Due to the weather and elevation we can consider this trek medium difficulty. More than the trek itself the increase of elevations is the most challenging part of this experience. You may also hire a horse for the trekking part if you wish.

7 Lakes Trek in Ausangate Full-Day Trip

Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.

The Alpaca Difference

Alpaca Expeditions is a 100% peruvian, indigenous owned company. Started by Raul Ccolque, a former porter and tour guide, Alpaca Expeditions separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.

Camping Equipment

Personal Porters of 7 kg Included

Private Toilet Tents

Safety on the Trail Satellite Phones

The Best Trekking Food in Peru!

Meet the ae trekking team.

Everyone on the Alpaca Team is from Cusco region, living the traditions and history they share with you while on one of our tours. Our guides are all graduates of university studying tourism, history and english. Our chefs are trained every February by a professional cooking team learning new meals, adding varieties of entrees for all types of eating. And all our porters are from HUARQUI, HUACAHUASI, PATACANCHA, QUISWARANI, CANCHACANCHA, QUEYUPAY, UMACHURCO and CCACCACCOLLO villages, very often working this job on top of maining their farms back at home. Most of our team has been with us for years, as we have the most loyal, hard working, happy employees in Cusco. We know how lucky we are to have the best team trekking and you will immediately fall in love with all the men and women who call Alpaca Expeditions their home.

AE súper porters

Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our...

Equality Matters

Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Wo...

Travelling and trekking along the mountains is one of the best activities in the World. Co...

Trekking along the mountain on your way to conquer Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime ex...

What do we do for our porters?

Alpaca Expeditions would not be where we are today without these hardworking men and women. We could not imagine a harder job and our team does it smiling. We do our best to thank them for their hard work and loyalty by doing as much as we can to make their lives and their families lives better. All our porters receive all their equipment for free from warm winter hats to proper hiking boots. They sleep in proper tents and are given warm sleeping bags for night. They enjoy the same food we serve our clients and all leftovers are donated to their families. We visit their villages with doctors and dentists, donate school supplies and sports equipment. And our favorite time of the year is when we bring a group of porters and their families to Machu Picchu to visit the ruins for the first time.

Our Porters represent the Peruvian people, both men, and women who are at the heart of our company. It is not possible to ...

Alpaca Expeditions aims to promote gender equality and empower women, hiring first Peru Women as Porters opening the door ...

Free Medical Assistance to Porters

In 2019, we hired our first Alpaca Expeditions Medical Doctor to help tend to our guides, drivers, chefs…

Our Porter’s bus

We treat our porters with the same dignity and respect as we do our clients. Just as our clients enjoy our…

Our Porter’s House

As we mentioned above, our Porters like many Peruvian people come from distant villages to work our treks…

Tents and Sleeping bags

Again, this is something unique that Alpaca Expeditions provides, and sad others are not doing. We supply…

Proper Equipment for our Porters

Every porter of ours receives proper equipment. That includes moisture-wicking long/short sleeve shirts…

Nutritious Meals for our Porters

A general comment from trekkers on an Alpaca Expeditions tour is that we serve too much food. Well…

Videos of our Porters

Extra information

Alpaca Expeditions is always ready to make your trip safe and as easy as possible for you. Because these trips are a bit more complicated than your typical tour, we have put together some notes on logistics, storage, and even recommendations on where to stay in Cusco. And of course our team is ready to answer any other question, as we promise to be your partner from the moment you first contact us to our last goodbye in Cusco.

Sustainable Tourism

Leave your bags with us

Trek Packing List

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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions

Iso (international organization for standardization).

In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.

World Travel Awards

Alpaca Expeditions is internationally recognized as a leading tourism company in Peru. As proof, we have been awarded the World Travel Award for Peru´s Best Tour Operator 2021 for the second time.

TRIPADVISOR RECOGNITIONS

Our goal at Alpaca Expeditions is to create the best experience for all of our clients. We create journeys that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Journeys you can be proud of and can share with everybody around you.

As Featured In

Hotel to Hotel service

Regarding the transportation provided by Alpaca Expeditions, we are committed to delivering a quality service. We strive to ensure that passengers feel supported throughout their journey. To achieve this, we coordinate closely with our guides and representatives to ensure timely pick-up at the start of their tours. Additionally, we have representatives responsible for escorting our passengers to their hotels at the conclusion of any tour.

Our drivers are not only trained in customer service but also come properly uniformed, and many are fluent in English.

Typically, all transportation types are included in each of our services. For instance, if you have booked a trekking tour, we will pick you up early, typically between 4 AM and 5 AM. When visiting Cusco, it's important to note that traffic here is generally moderate. However, there are peak traffic times, such as between 7 AM and 8 AM, which coincide with school hours, and in the evening between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Therefore, if you have a flight during these times, it's crucial to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance. The drivers of Alpaca Expeditions ensure their vehicles are prepared with all necessities before each service. They are acutely aware that delays can lead to missed trains, flights, or other connections. Consequently, they are always more than punctual, arriving at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time for any service, understanding the responsibility they carry in executing these tasks.

Personal Porter of 7KG

Remember that Alpaca Expeditions offers an extra 7 kg allowance for your personal belongings on any of our tours. We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag without any additional fee. You will not have access to your duffel bag until you reach your evening campsite. The bag should not exceed 7 kg, which includes 4 kg for clothes and 3 kg for your sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

Each Alpaca Expeditions porter is paid directly after each trek, allowing them to return home more quickly. They receive better wages than our competitors, health insurance, and all their equipment free of charge, including hiking boots, pants, jerseys, fleeces, jackets, hats, flashlights, sleeping bags, and high-quality food. We ensure each of our porters has a comfortable bed in a pleasant room to sleep in before and after each trek. We also visit the communities they live in, providing toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and other necessary supplies to their families, along with books for their children.

This is just the beginning for us, and we are always looking for ways to do more. While the government allows each porter to carry up to 25 kg, we limit this to 20 kg to prioritize their health and safety. Each porter carries up to 15 kg of company equipment and 5 kg of personal items. This is why it is crucial to keep your personal duffel bag weight under our 7 kg limit. You might see other companies allowing their porters to carry more than the allotted weight, but at Alpaca Expeditions, we strictly adhere to these limits to ensure our porters' well-being.

Clases de Cocina

Alpaca Expeditions offers its passengers the chance to experience local cooking. We aim to immerse trekkers in Inca life by walking them through the original Inca paths and teaching them about Inca culture. Food is a significant part of Inca life, making it a special element in any tour or trek with Alpaca Expeditions.

In 2022, Alpaca Expeditions introduced a cooking class as part of each of our treks, conducted by our amazing trekking chefs and interpreted by our guides.

We will transform your dining tent into a makeshift kitchen, providing all the necessary supplies to prepare a Peruvian specialty. Your chef will guide you step by step through the process of making a traditional Peruvian meal, such as Lomo Saltado, and share some essential mountain cooking tips.

Peru is recognized as a top culinary destination, largely thanks to the popularity of our renowned beef dish, Lomo Saltado. This is most often the meal you will learn to cook, but there is also the opportunity to learn how to prepare other dishes like traditional Peruvian ceviche or even our signature drink, the pisco sour.

Cooking Class on the Inca Trail: These classes are voluntary and designed to be a fun, educational experience. Our clients consistently marvel at the amazing ability of our chefs to create culinary magic on a mountaintop. As you learn to prepare and cook Peruvian specialties, you will also see firsthand how such elaborate meals can be created on a small campsite stove.

Enjoy a cooking class in the mountains and be sure to take plenty of photos, just in case your friends won't believe your incredible experience.

Satellite Phones

The best way to hike in the mountains of Peru is to completely disconnect from technology, especially the internet and cell phones. The most impressive and exciting aspect is the opportunity to experience the true and wonderful nature that we often miss when we are at home, watching TV or absorbed in our cell phones during our leisure time. The feeling of being disconnected from work and the daily routine left at home is incredible.

However, this remoteness means limited access to emergency resources. That's why Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones for every trek.

We are prepared to assist you in case of any emergency, particularly health-related issues. For this reason, Alpaca Expeditions has invested in satellite phones, as they are one of the most crucial tools for any operator trekking in remote areas where telephone or television signals are absent. This means that every guide on our treks will be equipped with a fully charged satellite phone as well as radios. While these are primarily for emergencies, we allow our clients to use them at any time.

We ask that you cover the cost, which is $2.50 per minute. This fee can be paid in cash at our office or via PayPal once you have completed the trek.

Being just a phone call away from any doctor, hospital, or friend helps everyone feel assured of their safety. Radios, which all our guides carry, have limited reach, so Alpaca Expeditions includes satellite phones to ensure that we can connect no matter where we are on the mountain.

Portable private toilet

We understand that our clients will need restroom facilities at various times and locations during their journey. Along the Inca Trail, there are restrooms available, particularly those belonging to the communities near the trail. Alpaca Expeditions provides portable toilets to enhance this service, which will be set up at each meal site or campsite.

As with any mountain trip where we are exposed to nature, it is possible to use natural areas as restrooms. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the waste we generate, such as toilet paper or wet wipes used for cleaning. These should be carried with us and not discarded on the ground or left along the trail. Remember, the Inca Trail is a protected area overseen by a government institution. In places where garbage bins are unavailable, particularly at our camps, we provide special plastic bags for waste. Our porter team will be responsible for carrying out our waste.

Please be aware that although there are designated bathrooms for men and women, in practice, both genders often use the same facilities. Functionally, there is no significant difference between men's and women's bathrooms. Therefore, it is common for people of all genders to use whichever bathroom is available.

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2-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain, Peru – A Complete Hiking Guide

In this blog post we’ll tell you everything you need to know about hiking the 2-day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain.

This particular trek brings you up close to Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region. It also takes you to the popular Rainbow Mountain that’s mostly visited as part of a day trip from Cusco.

If you enjoy trekking and would love to escape the crowds you get on the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, then this hike is for you! In this guide we’ll answer every question you may have about altitude, level of difficulty, accommodation, food options and what to wear and pack for an unforgettable adventure in the Andes.

If you’d like to see our adventures, then check out the Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain hiking video on our  YouTube Channel. For more Peru videos check out our Peru Playlist .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

About Ausangate Mountain

The Ausangate trek is named after the Ausangate Mountain located around 100 km (62 mi) southeast of the city of Cusco. It is part of the Vilcanota mountain range and at 6,384 m (20,944 ft) it’s the highest mountain in the Cusco region and the fifth highest mountain in Peru. Apparently, you can even see it from the Sacsayhuaman Inca site in Cusco.

Ausangate is also one of the sacred mountains of the Andes, also known as ‘apus’. The area around Ausangate consists of vast plains, glaciers and turquoise lakes like Sibinacocha and is inhabited by llama and alpaca herding communities.

According to Inca legends, Ausangate and Salkantay were brothers living in Cusco. They ventured out to save Cusco after a dry season. Apparently Salkantay went north where he found the Amazon Jungle whereas Ausangate went south and found the typical food of the highlands.

Every year, a week before the Corpus Christi feast, a festival takes place near Ausangate called Qoyllur Rit’i or ‘Snow Star’. During this festival thousands of people make a pilgrimage to the temple of Sinakara. Since 2004 this pilgrimage has been named an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Summitting Ausangate normally takes 5 days, which makes it one of the most challenging trekking routes in the Peruvian Andes. The first expedition to scale the mountain was in 1950. A few years after the first attempt, a German expedition managed to scale the southern slope. The northern face had never been climbed until May 2023, when Yudai Suzuki and Kei Narita from Japan made the very first ascent. They named the route ‘Japones Directo’.

About Rainbow Mountain

Possibly the second most popular  day trip from Cusco , after  Machu Picchu , is the Rainbow Mountain . The mountain is also known as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, and Montaña de Colores.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain wasn’t even visible until about 2015. This is because it was covered in a thick layer of snow and ice. Then, due to climate change, the snow melted and revealed the colourful mountain beneath.

The subduction of the Nazca and South American plates which created the Andes mountains also produced volcanism and varied mineralogy. Over time the sedimentary deposits and environmental conditions formed a series of colourful layers such as red, orange, turquoise, blue and green.

Booking the Ausangate to Rainbow Mountain Trek

Below are a few important facts you should read before booking the Ausangate Trek as not all of them include Rainbow Mountain in their itineraries.

Different Ausangate Trek Packages

There isn’t just one version of the trek you can book. The 2-day trek is the shortest one, but you can opt for an even longer version if you wish.

The Classic Ausangate Trek (5 Days)

During the Classic 5 days 4 nights Ausangate Trek, you’ll be trekking for over 55 km (34 mi). The trek will take you over at least 4 different mountain passes, past colourful lakes, incredible views and small Andean communities. The highest point along this trek is 5,200 m (17,060 ft) and you’ll be hiking close to 5,000 m (16,400 ft) most days, so this trek isn’t for beginners. It also doesn’t go to Rainbow Mountain.

Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain (4 Days)

This 4-day trek will take you to Rainbow Mountain. You’ll have to hike for about 38 km (24 mi) and will reach Rainbow Mountain on your last day. The highest elevation will be around 5,100 m (16,732 ft) at Rainbow Mountain. Depending on the tour you book, you can also take a short hike in the Red Valley.

Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain (3 Days)

This is a slightly shorter version of the 4-day trek. You’ll be hiking around 34 km (21 mi) which isn’t much shorter than you’d be hiking on the 4-day version itself. You’ll get to Rainbow Mountain on your last day which is also going to be the highest elevation you’ll reach along the entire trek.

Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain (2 Days)

This is the shortest version of the Ausangate Trek that would also take you to Rainbow Mountain. You’ll only be walking for around 18 km (11 mi) over the course of the two days. We’ll describe this exact trek in more detail below.

Ausangate and Sibinacocha Trek (7 Days)

Trekking enthusiasts can also embark on a 7 day long adventure around the Ausangate Mountain and Sibinacocha Lake. The max altitude along this trek will be around 5,400 m (17,716 ft) so it’s not for the faint hearted. Note that this trek doesn’t include Rainbow Mountain.

Do You Need a Guided Trek or Can You Hike the Ausangate Trek Independently?

You can hike the Ausangate Trek without a guide. However, we only recommend doing this if you’re an experienced hiker and have completed many treks independently before.

Depending on which route you’re completing this trek is generally pretty remote. There are some lodges available, so it’s worth checking if you can book these for the night. We definitely saw one on our 2-day trek not far from where we camped.

If you’re planning on doing a longer trek, then you should have your own camping gear and food with you. Carrying that load at such high altitudes isn’t easy, so you have to be sure that you’re fit and capable enough.

Lastly, if you’re hiking without a guide, you’ll likely have to pay entry fees to the park or even a small fee to camp or walk along the trails. It’s good to know a few words in Spanish or Quechua and have offline Google Translate on your phone because you won’t have much signal out there.

The lack of signal is also why it’s important to let others know about your itinerary and if you can, don’t hike alone.

Best Time to Hike the Ausangate Trek

The best time to hike around Ausangate is between the months of April to October. Peru has two main seasons, dry and rainy. The rainy season is normally from November to April and the dry season is from May to October.

As you would expect, during the rainy season the trail can be pretty muddy and just not that enjoyable to camp and hike on. Mudslides are also common, which could make the trail dangerous or impassable in places. For this reason, we recommend avoiding the wet season especially from November to mid-March.

Between April and October you’ll have a higher chance of a sunny and enjoyable trek. However, the dry season has its challenges too.

The nights can become very cold so you’ll need to prepare with warm layers. It’s hard enough to sleep at such high altitude without being freezing all night. This also means that the ground can very well be frozen in the morning or even covered with snow.

Generally speaking, you’ll be hiking in high altitudes, and close to the mountain, therefore the weather can still be unpredictable.

How Much Does the Ausangate Trek Cost?

Depending on the company you’re doing it with, the average cost of the 2-day Ausangate Trek is around $200-$250 USD per person.

If you opt for a longer trek, the price will automatically increase. The above price range is also more likely to include one night camping. If you go with a company that offers a lodge stay, then expect the price to be higher.

Normally the price won’t include sleeping bags, walking poles or tips for your guide, horseman and cook. Make sure to calculate this extra cost into the final price when booking.

We suggest reading a bit more about the company and how they treat their staff. If a tour is too cheap they probably don’t pay their staff fairly, and you might want to opt for a more expensive one or tip the staff well. They deserve much better compensation than what they get for their hard work.

Do you Need Special Travel Insurance to Hike the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have travel insurance before any trip you make abroad. Now, most travel insurance won’t automatically include cover for all the activities you’re planning on doing during your travels.

For example, if you’re visiting Peru, and planning on hiking in high altitudes, then you should have cover for high altitude trekking in your insurance policy. Make sure to shop around to find the most suitable one. You just never know what could happen and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Best Ausangate Trek Tour Companies

There are quite a few companies you can choose from. We read good reviews about the following companies:

• Salkantay Trekking,
• Alpaca Expeditions,
• Ausangate Trekking, and
• Conde Travel.

These are just a few of many. For reference, we went with Peru Hike and had a great experience. As always, we recommend reading about what’s included in the tour, any additional costs and a bit more about the company’s background before booking.

Accommodation Options Along the Ausangate Trek

Most versions of the Ausangate Trek will include camping. Tents are normally included in the tour cost, but you’ll have to rent additional items such as sleeping bags.

Top Tip – If you know that you’ll be completing a few treks in Peru , then you can pack your own sleeping bag to save on renting one each time you sign up for a new trek.

Some treks might include a lodge stay, such as at Anantapata Lodge. If you don’t want to camp, then make sure to find a company that offers a lodge or cabin stay. Just note that these will generally be more expensive.

Food and Water Options Along the Ausangate Trek

Depending on the company you book with, food is normally included in the price. You’ll be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner on your hike. Some companies won’t include breakfast on the first day of your hike or dinner on your last day.

Normally the cooks will cater for a variety of diets, so you won’t have any issues if your vegetarian or vegan. We don’t have any personal experience with allergies, so it’s worth reaching out to companies to see how they can accommodate you.

The cooks are basically magicians, and can somehow create the most flavourful dishes out in the middle of nowhere.

In terms of drinking water, cooks will normally boil the amount of water each hiker from the group will need between meals. We didn’t have any issues drinking this water, but we had a water purifier bottle for extra security.

What to Wear and Pack for the 2-Day Ausangate Trek

Let’s talk about what to pack for the Ausangate Trek. Ideally, you’ll want to carry  a daypack  that fits everything you’ll need for one night.

Clothing Items

In terms of a hiking outfit, we recommend  packing   for   cold temperatures.  You’ll definitely need long trousers, fleece, hat and gloves on this hike. The temperatures will change a lot during the day so definitely wear layers. Make sure to also pack waterproofs like a  rain jacket .

In terms of footwear, it’s important to wear  hiking boots or shoes  that have good grip and support. You can pack some  flip-flops or slides  that you can change into after your hike when you’re around the campsite.

Obviously, make sure to pack  everything you need for a night such as pyjamas, and a few basic toiletries.

Electronics

In terms of  electronics , don’t forget to pack your  phone  and  camera  gear. If you’re camping you won’t be able to charge your devices, so we recommend taking a  portable charger .

Bring a  torch or headlamp!  They will be essential when moving around the campsite after dark and in the morning when you’ll start the hike at the crack of dawn.

Accessories and Other Items

In terms of  accessories  for the hike, we recommend taking a reusable water bottle, sun-cream, a hat or cap and sunglasses for protection. Lastly, but most importantly,  have enough cash  on you to pay for anything extra such as tips for the guides.

We suggest having a  basic first-aid kit  with you containing some painkillers, altitude tablets, band-aids and any prescribed medications.

Make sure to have  your ID card or passport with you  in a waterproof case.

All in all, try to pack as lightly as you can because, unlike with the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek , in most cases the horseman will only carry your camping gear and food. So, you’ll have to carry all personal belongings on your own.

Can You Visit Rainbow Mountain Without Trekking?

Yes, you can. If trekking isn’t your ideal way to reach Rainbow Mountain, then you can just opt for an organised day tour leaving from Cusco. Rainbow Mountain is probably the second most popular day trip from Cusco after Machu Picchu , so there are plenty of companies you can choose from to take you there.

We put together a detailed guide on everything you need to know about your visit to Rainbow Mountain. Make sure to read it to arrive prepared.

2-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain Itinerary

Day 1: quesiuno – pucacocha pass – anantapata or surina qocha camp.

You’ll have a very early alarm and a 4AM pick up from your hotel or the closest main square in Cusco. Depending on the group size, a minivan or a small car will drive you to Quesiuno about 3 hours away from Cusco.

Here you’ll have a quick breakfast with some beautiful views of Ausangate in the distance. Then you’ll start your trek up to the first pass. This first section is pretty gradual, perfect to warm up and get slowly acclimatised to the high altitude.

After a while, the trail will get steeper and steeper before passing the first lake called Laguna Ausangatecocha. You’ll soon reach the top of the first pass along the trek called Abra Apuchata (~4,900 m / 16,077 ft). A short distance from this pass, you’ll reach the second one, called Pucacocha Pass, from where you’ll get some jaw-dropping views of Ausangate Mountain and the lagoons in front of it.

After admiring the incredible views, you’ll slowly make your way to Anantapata. Along the way you’ll likely walk past some curious or skittish llamas and alpacas. Make sure to also say ‘hi’ to the shepherds too. At Anantapata you’ll normally have lunch before carrying on for another 3 hours to your campsite at Surina Qocha. We actually decided to camp at Anantapata and set off earlier to Rainbow Mountain the next morning. It was an amazing camping spot, and we recommend spending the night here if you can.

Day 2: Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surina Qocha – Rainbow Mountain

If you end up spending the night at Anantapata, then you’ll have an early wake-up call (4AM) the next morning. This is necessary if you’d like to beat the first tour groups arriving to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

After a quick breakfast, you’ll make your way up to Warmisaya Pass (Minasniyuc Pass) located at 4,955 m (16,257 ft). From the top of the pass you’ll be able to get your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain in the distance.

You’ll make your way down the side of the mountain and past Surineqocha Lagoon where you could’ve camped the night before. We personally think that the campsite at Anantapata has a much better view.

After passing the lagoon, you’ll have a gradual 45 minute long uphill hike to reach Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint. The 360-degree views from here will be mind-blowing and seeing Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley will make you feel like you’ve trekked to another planet.

Once you’ve taken hundreds of photos, you’ll have the chance to do a short hike within the Red Valley. Unfortunately, it was closed at the time of our visit. After your hike, you’ll slowly make your way back to the road you were dropped off on the day before. There you’ll have lunch and will get in a transport back to Cusco.

Information About the 2-Day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain

1. length of the 2-day ausangate trek.

This 2-day Ausangate Trek is a 24 km / 14 mi long trek. It is a relatively short one and spread across two days, so you won’t be hiking for too long each day.

The first day will be the longest especially if you have to hike all the way to Surina Qocha camp. You’ll hike around 2 to 3 hours to reach the first few passes and then another hour and a half to reach your lunch spot at Anantapata.

If you spend the night at Surina Qocha camp, then you’ll have another nearly 3-hour long trek ahead of you the following day. Don’t forget though that if you spend the night at Anantapata, you’ll add an additional 3-hour’s of hiking onto your final day. We were personally much happier about hiking an extra couple of hours in the morning after resting a bit the night before.

On the final day then, you’ll either have a nearly 4 hour hike to Rainbow Mountain or just under an hour. Then from the viewpoint, you’ll be hiking in the Red Valley for a few hours before making your way back to your pick up location about 2 hours away.

2. Level of Difficulty

This 2-day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain is a moderate to challenging hike, and it’s definitely not for a first-time hiker either. We’ll detail below all the challenges you can face on this route, so make sure to be realistic about your abilities and don’t underestimate this trek.

Elevation and Altitude:

Altitude and elevation are probably the main challenges you’ll face during your 2-day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain. Quesiuno, where you start your hike, is located at 4,370 m (14,350 ft) above sea level. This is already pretty high, especially if you compare that to the highest point along the Inca Trail which is only 4,215 m (13,829 ft). The Salkantay Pass along the Salkantay Trek is not much higher than your starting point at 4,630 m (15,190 ft).

Most passes along this trek will be around 5,000 m / 16,400 ft. This means that you can get altitude sickness if you’re not acclimatised properly before attempting this hike. You’ll also have to sleep at this height too which can be pretty hard and you might feel less rested the next morning.

There are many symptoms of altitude sickness, including dehydration, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, heavy breathing, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. It’s good to remember that  anyone can develop altitude sickness  and its symptoms can be less or more severe depending on the person.

For this reason we highly recommend spending a few nights in Cusco first and perhaps completing the Inca Trail or S alkantay Trek before this one to see how you’re coping with the altitude.

Temperatures and Weather Conditions:

If the altitude wasn’t enough to deal with, you’ll also have to be mindful of the temperatures too when trekking. The sun can be pretty intense, especially in the dry season. There are no trees to offer shade, so it’s important to wear a hat, sunglasses and sun-cream.

During the dry season the temperatures can drop during the night, so you’ll have to prepare for that if you’re camping. Believe us, the combination of freezing temperatures and high altitude doesn’t guarantee a good night’s sleep!

If you visit in the shoulder or rainy season, you’ll also have to be ready for potential rain. Whilst a little rain is just a bit of an inconvenience, a lot of it can make the trail quite dangerous. For this reason, make sure to time your visit outside the rainy season. Nobody enjoys trekking in the pouring rain with low visibility.

Other Posts You May Like:

• Vin icunca or Palccoyo? – Which Rainbow Mountain to Visit in Peru
• 10 Best Day Trips from Cusco
• All You Need to Know Before Hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
• Hiking in the Sacred Valley Without a Guide or Tour (Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray and Pisac)
• The Ultimate 3 Week Peru Itinerary – How to Plan a Trip to Peru

Final Thoughts on the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain

We absolutely loved our 2-day Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain. Whilst we found the trek a bit challenging due to the high altitude, it was a really great way to push our bodies and see what they can do. Since we didn’t camp along the Salkantay Trek, it was also fun to spend a night in a tent under the star-lit sky. Of course, sleeping at 5,000 m wasn’t easy, but we still woke up with plenty of energy and adrenaline for another day of trekking.

We actually ended up having a private trek, which allowed us to bond with our guide and cook more than we could’ve done in a larger group.

It was also a fantastic and less crowded way to reach Rainbow Mountain. Getting to the viewpoint before everyone else made the entire trek even more special.

Have you ever hiked the Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain? If so, which length of trek did you pick and what was your experience? If not, would you complete this trek to visit Rainbow Mountain or would you just opt for a day trip there? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

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Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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The pics and video are all amazing. What an awesome trip you did. I really enjoyed watching the video – it gives you a totally different aspect on the hike. The drone shots were excellent. Thanks for sharing!

I did Salkantay, Inca, and Rainbow Mountain but missed Ausangate while I was in Peru for a summer a few years back. Loved the area. One of the prettiest places I’ve been.

Sounds like such a great adventure! The area is absolutely gorgeous!

This looks like a solid adventure I’m into! Very detailed post and loved reading it!

The views on this hike looks like a dream! Amazing photos!

2 days, wow! I did this for a full day and I was extremely tired! I was actually surprised that many people can take that high altitude. Some people in my group did not even make it halfway and went back because of altitude sickness. I did not even know you can do a 2-day hike. What physical preparations did you do before the hike?

Thanks Trisha and well done for doing the one-day hike! The 2-day one was probably the most challenging hikes we did so far, but it was worth the effort! I think being in high altitude for about 3 months helped a lot, plus we did many multi-day treks before this one, such as the Salkantay Trek. Those definitely helped to get used to the environment. You can get pretty sick if you don’t acclimatise properly, and unfortunately everyone reacts to altitude differently.

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Ausangate Trek

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Vidal Expeditions is a locally owned and operated tour company in Cusco. At Vidal expeditions, we focus on providing treks and adventure tours to Machu Picchu. We specialize in providing tours on the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Inka Jungle Trek, Choquequirao, Lares trek, Ausangate Trek, and various Climbing Expeditions. Our owner and team members are passionate about our culture, traditions, and the beautiful landscapes in Cusco as well as Peru. We do our best to give our customers a glimpse of what this region has to offer. Every tour and customer is unique, and we take time to understand your needs so that we can ensure you a trip of a lifetime.

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