Ausangate Trek 7 Days Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Training Day

We will Pick you up from your Cusco hotel at 4:30 am and embark on a 3-hour drive to the enchanting community of Tinki, arriving around 8:00 am. After indulging in a delectable breakfast, we shall commence your Ausangate Trek with a 4-hour uphill hike to our lunch spot at the base of the majestic Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region towering at 20,926 ft.

Following lunch, we will trek downhill for two more hours, arriving at the picturesque community of UPIS, situated at an elevation of 14,458 ft. Tonight, we shall camp near the invigorating medicinal hot springs. Take a moment to unwind and relish the soothing warmth of the waters amidst the crisp mountain air in the afternoon.

Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 m
Elevation: 14,458 ft
Hiking time Approx: 6h
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, Hot Drinks, dinner
Accommodation: Camping

Following an early breakfast, we embark on the second day of our hike.
The trail offers a close-up view of the majestic Ausangate Glacier Peak, presenting breathtaking vistas of the mountain, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Keep an eye out for llamas, alpacas, and wild vicuñas - the untamed predecessors of alpacas - and possibly catch a glimpse of a rare condor soaring high above.

The trek entails a challenging 3-hour ascent to the initial pass at 4800m/15,748ft, rewarding you with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Capture some stunning moments with your camera before descending gradually for 11⁄2 hours towards our picturesque lunch spot.

Post a satisfying meal, we continue hiking for another 21⁄2 hours until we reach our campsite at Puca Ccocha (Red Lake). Nestled at the base of the Ausangate peak and beside the tranquil lake, this campsite stands out as one of the most enchanting spots along our journey.

Approximate walking distance: 12km/7.5 miles (7-8 hours)
Campsite elevation: 4300m/14,100ft
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch, and camp.

Begin your day early with a steaming cup of coca tea, setting the stage for an exquisite trek through the Andes.

Behold the breathtaking vistas of towering peaks and lush valleys. Our morning adventure leads us to the Puca Pass, a challenging ascent reaching an altitude of 5050m/16,568ft.

En route, feast your eyes on the splendor of turquoise lakes and the majestic Ausangate glacier. At the summit, the grandeur of Ausangate Mountain unfolds before you, offering a glimpse into the tranquil Chillca Valley where alpacas graze peacefully.
Admire the vibrant hues of the Rainbow Mountain range from this vantage point. Following a picturesque lunch break at Anantapata (4400m/14,435ft), surrounded by verdant hills and snow-capped peaks, we embark on a gentle uphill trek to the Warmisaya (Pitumarca) pass at 5050m/16,568ft.

Revel in the panoramic views before descending to Yanacocha lake for camp setup. As twilight descends, embark on a serene sunset hike to the Rainbow Mountain Pass, witnessing the sun's golden descent over the Rainbow Valley. Conclude the day with a leisurely return to camp at Yanacocha for a delightful evening of tea, snacks, and a sumptuous dinner.

Approximate walking distance: 17.7 km/11 miles (about - 8 hours)
Campsite elevation: 4400m/14,435ft
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch, and campite.

Embark on an early morning adventure to the captivating Rainbow Mountains, also known as Vinicunca or Montañas de Colores.

Witness the stunning Rainbow Valley at sunrise after a brisk 1-hour hike, savoring the view in solitude before the crowds arrive. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you to prime photo spots to capture the vibrant colors and unique mineral composition that define these extraordinary peaks.

This South American gem stands as one of Peru's most breathtaking natural wonders, with only a handful of similar marvels worldwide. Following the sunrise spectacle, trek downhill for about 3.5 hours to Quesouno for a satisfying lunch break.

Energized and refreshed, continue your journey with a 2-hour uphill hike to Ausangatecocha along the Ausangate Trail. Traverse picturesque landscapes, encounter llamas, alpacas, and snow-capped peaks, culminating in a serene night's camp by the mesmerizing dark blue/green lake, gazing upon the majestic Ausangate Mountain.

Approximate walking distance: 16 km /9.95 miles (about 6.5 hours)
Campsite elevation: 4300m/14,108ft
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch, and camping

Following breakfast, we embark on a challenging ascent lasting 2-3 hours across glacial moraine to reach the majestic Palomani Pass at 5,350m/17,552ft.

At this vantage point, the Cordillera Vilcanota's peaks unfold in a breathtaking panorama. Subsequently, we descend for 2 hours along a steep trail into the picturesque Huchuy Finaya Valley, where we pause for a scenic lunch amidst the mountainous backdrop.

The lunch spot offers a splendid view of “Las Dos Gemelas” or the twin mountains. After lunch, we trek for another 2 hours to our campsite. This leg includes a 45-minute steep climb, followed by a gradually ascending trail. En route, you'll encounter babbling streams, a serene waterfall, chinchillas, llamas, alpacas, and the awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains, known as the Three Peaks. Our campsite for the night is nestled at Comercocha at 4400m/14,435ft.

Approximate walking distance: 16 km/ 9.9 mi (7-8 hour hike)
Campsite elevation: 4400m/14,435ft
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch, and campsite

After enjoying some hot coca tea and a hearty breakfast, we embark on a 1-hour hike along a diverse trail through the captivating Pampacancha Valley at 4,300 m/14,107 ft. Here, vast open spaces and herds of llamas and alpacas greet us.

Moving beyond the valley, we ascend towards the pinnacle of our trek, the Qampa Pass at 5,400 m/17,716 ft, a 2-hour climb offering breathtaking vistas of The Three Peaks, the Pacchanta Valley, and the chance encounters with vicuñas, deer, and with luck, the majestic condor.

Descending gradually through the Pacchanta Valley, we meander amidst the Ausangate Mountain and the Twin Mountains for 3 hours until we reach our campsite at Pacchanta (4200m/13,780ft).

En route, we traverse glacial moraines, serene lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The campsite rests close to the Pacchanta hot springs, inviting you to relax in its rejuvenating waters while marveling at the majestic Ausangate Mountain.
We offer the optional Hoh Spring experience (entrance fee: 10-20 soles). Some tourists prefer relaxation in their tents over jumping into the spring.

Approximate walking distance: 15 km/ 9.3 mi (6-hour hike)
Campsite Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch, and campsite.

Following a satisfying breakfast, we embark on a scenic hiking adventure along a broad dirt trail resembling a village road, spanning 3-4 hours until we arrive at the quaint town of Tinqui (3600m/11,811ft).

En route, you'll encounter numerous residents, farms, and adorable farm animals, with cheerful children rushing over to greet you. While it's advisable to refrain from giving them sweets due to limited access to dental care, feel free to share other items like fruits, pencils, and more.

In Tinqui, we indulge in a delightful lunch before setting off on our private transport back to your Cusco hotel, reaching there by around 5 pm. The scenic 2.5-hour drive offers splendid vistas of the Andes, passing through charming traditional villages along the way.

Approximate walking distance: 9 km/5.6 mi (3-4 hour hike, 2.5 hour drive)
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and snacks on the trail, boiled water at breakfast, lunch.