Experience this Ausangate trek Peru with us as we take you to one of the most pristine landscapes in the country, visiting the most sacred and highest peaks of the Cusco region. The trek leads you to Mount Ausangate or Apu Ausangate; APU means a natural deity or Spirit of the mountain. It is considered the most sacred of the whole region. In the Inkas mythology, male energy is born exactly from the mountain and the near lagoons to fertilize Pachamama (the Mother Earth).
Mount Ausangate reaching 6,372 m.a.s.l. is the fifth highest peak of Peru! It is situated about 100 kilometers south of Cusco City in the Cordillera Vilcanota. It lies in the heartland of the Q'eros people, probably the only contemporary culture of the Inca´s culture that has survived until nowadays!!
On the way, you can observe stunning snowy peaks, turquoise mountain lagoons, numerous hot springs, herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas (Andean cameloids) and vizcachas (a rodent specie belonging to the family of chinchillas), loads of species of birds such as the Andean Condor or the Andean Geese. We also meet native people of remote Andean communities wearing colorful traditional clothes.
This Ausangate trek Peru is probably the most challenging hike in Cusco! It is designated for those who have already experienced some hiking; it is not recommended to beginners. You need a sufficient dose of adrenaline as you hike up three passes above 4,500 meters above sea level (15,000 feet)! However, the trip is supported by horses for your convenience! To cope with extreme climatic conditions, we provide you with the most modern quality camping equipment and a very balanced and energetic diet.
If you like to follow a quite different trek in Cusco, then do not hesitate and join the trek! You will not pity!!
Day 01: Cusco - Ocongate - Tinki
Day 02: Tinki - Upis - Hot Springs
Day 03: Hot Springs - Pucaqocha Lagoon
Day 04: Pucaqocha Lagoon - Palomani Pass - Jampa Valley
Day 05: Jampa Valley - Pachaspata - Qomercocha Lagoon
Day 06: Qomercocha Lagoon - Pacchanta
Day 07: Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco
Crew: Salkantay Trek Machu in Cusco and a professional Tour Guide, a Cook and a Muleteer for the Ausangate Trek.
Accommodation: Campsites (6 nights).
Meals: 6x breakfast, 6x lunch, 6x dinner, 6x afternoon tea (Please allow USD 20 - 40 for meals not included).
Transportation: Transportation by private van as well as by a local bus.
Camping equipment: You can view our Ausangate Trek camping equipment.
We board a private vehicle early in the morning (around 5 am) to set out in travelling to the Andean village of Tinki. First, we follow a road towards Puno passing the Wari´s culture ruins of Pikillaqta and later the colonial towns of Andahuaylillas and Huaro (we may spend some time visiting them). Then, we continue to the village of Urcos (a major bus road junction) where we stop for a while to appreciate a colourful local market. Afterwards, we turn on a dusty road (that leads to Puerto Maldonado) to continue uphill until we reach some highland small villages observing shepherds and weavers there. In the afternoon, we continue towards Ocongate, a capital of the district, passing some pitoresque villages along the Huatanay River and beautiful areas of cultivated fields. Finally, we get to our first campsite at Tinki (3,850 m) completing a 145 kilometre ride like that.
Estimated trekking time: 1 hour
Trekking distance: 1 km
Max. elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Our today´s trail starts crossing the "puna" or highland meadow approaching the foothill of the impressive sacred Ausangate Mountain (or Apu Ausangate; "apu" is a natural deity in Andean mythology) offering amazing views of a rolling landscape. Below, we can view some lamas, alpacas, vicuñas and paqochas (Andean cameloids). Continuing the hike, the trail take us up passing some Andean villages where we can still see many traditional customs. Later on, we reach a small village of Upis (4,140 m), from where we can enjoy stunning views of the Apu Ausangate (6,372 m/20,906 ft)! Afterwards, we walk to nearby hot springs where we set a campsite and obviously enjoy a dip in thermal waters!!
Estimated trekking time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 16 km
Max. elevation: 4,140 (13,583 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult
After early breakfast, we ascend for two and half an hour towards the high Arapa Pass (4,850 m)! From there, we start descending to the Pucaqocha Lagoon, also called Hatun Pucaqocha (4,605 m) enjoying splendid views of the western iced-fall of Ausangate. Then, we set a campsite on the shores of the lagoon where we have a chance to watch many Andean bird species.
Estimated trekking time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 16 km
Max. elevation: 4,850 m (15,912 ft)
Min. elevation: 4,140 (13,583 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult
After breakfast, we first ascend to the Alcatani Pass (4,650 m) to later descend to the glacier lagoon of Ausangateqocha. Afterwards, we climb up again, this time to reach the highest point of the entire Ausangate Trek which is the Palomani Pass (5,050 m)!! There, we can enjoy magnific views of the south-eastern ridge of the Apu Ausangate! Finally, we climb down to the Jampa Valley (4,600 m) admiring Andean dwellers wearing typical cloths of this region as well as plenty of sheep, lamas, alpacas and paqochas before we get to a place of our today´s camping laying within the valley.
Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 20 km
Max. elevation: 5,050 m (16,568 ft)
Min. elevation: 4,600 m (15,092 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging
Today, we circle northwest along the Ticllacocha Lagoon and over the last pass - Jampa (4,650 m). From there, we continue hiking to the Pacchaspata Pampa where we set up a campsite on the shores of the splendid turquoise lagoon of Q'omercocha (4,580 m).
Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Max. elevation: 4,650 m (15,256 ft)
Min. elevation: 4,580 m (15,026 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult
After having breakfast, we start descending towards the small village of Pacchanta (4,300 m) observing spectacular highland sceneries on the way. When we reach Pachanta, we continue to its hot springs to enjoy a dip. From there, we have an opportunity to view the powerful Apu Ausangate. We camp oveernight.
Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Max. elevation: 4,580 m (15,026 ft)
Min. elevation: 4,300 m (14,108 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate
Just a short hike awaits us today to take us back to Tinki (3,850 m) where we board our vehicle bringing us back to Cusco. You get to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Estimated trekking time: 4 hours
Trekking distance: 8 km
Max. elevation: 4,300 m (14,108 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Meal budget: Please allow USD 20-25 for meals not included.
Single room: Please note that if you have booked the "Single room" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is included in the “Things to do” list of a lot of people, although what most people don’t know is that there are various Inca Trails Trips to Machu Picchu to pick from in the Cusco region. The difference lies in what kind of an experience you want, hiking alternative treks and how challenging you like your treks.
Usually you will need to book in very advanced the Inca Trail, and in case it is fully booked, we recommend other best alternatives:
We recommend that you bring a backpack with extra spaces and pockets. This should not weigh more than 45 litres.
You will be provided with a duffel bag that will be carried by our horses. Horses are regulated to 7 kg per hiker and will not be permitted carry more. If you belongings are heavier than 7 kg you must pay USD 130 extra for the extra horses.
Duffle bags - Upon your return to Cusco, please leave the duffle bag at reception
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, layered by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required between first to six campsites, warm coats can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. Getting only cold at night. Check our “What we recommend that you bring” list for further information.