The Incredible Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate Trek is renowned for its otherworldly natural scenery. It’s considered by many to be one of the world’s best high-altitude treks. recognized as sacred in Incan mythology. On this hike, you will come close to nature and feel the connection while you enjoy the impressive views of Nevado Ausangate and its surroundings. Local traditions and people from the Peruvian Andes who still preserve their culture by dressing in colorful clothes.
The Ausangate Mountain has created impressive valleys and picturesque villages. The Andean people tamed the cold wind and the shortage of air above 4,000 meters, which challenges any visitor.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
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Highlights: Ausangate Mountain and Lakes
Hiking distance: 67km/41.6miles
Considerations: acclimatation is required
Season: April through November
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Tinki - Upis village
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Day02
Upis Village - Arapa Pass - Ausangate Pass - Anantapata
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Day03
Anantapata - Warmisaya Pass - Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Qocha
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Day04
Ausangate Qocha - Palomani Pass - Qampa Pampa - Pachispata
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Day05
Pachispata - Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco
Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
Walking Distance: 8km / 4.9 miles
Starting Elevation: 3850 meters / 12,618 feet
Highest Elevation: 4224 meters / 13,858 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4224meters / 13,858 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping (tent)
Adventure: Absolutely, completely satisfactory
We depart Cusco early in the morning (at 5:30 a.m.) for a long three-hour ride in a private van to the small village of Tinqui (3800 masl./12 464 feet). As Tinqui is located on the new Interoceanic Highway, we can now arrive here much more quickly than in previous years. We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages, including Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate. After a short rest in Tinqui, we will continue driving to Rodeana (3,900 m/12,795 ft). There is the beginning of our hike; the first three hours on the trail are a wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, where we get to the lunch spot at Upis (4224 m/13,864 ft) with great views of Ausangate. Here you will have the option to enjoy the hot springs, which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. We will camp here for the night.
Upis -Arapa Pass -Ausangate Pass - Anantapata
Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.2 miles
Starting Elevation: 4224 meters / 13,858 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4570 meters / 14,993 feet
Maximum Altitude: 5020 meters / 16,469 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely
After the delicious breakfast, we will be heading to the first pass of our expedition. During a few hours of trekking, we will cross the Arapa Pass (4,850 meters/15908 feet). From here, we continue down the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha, until we reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha, where we will take our lunch with an incredible view of the mountain. We then ascend the second pass of Ausangate (5,020 meters or 16,469 feet) with stunning views of the Apu Ausangate. Here you can feel the energy of this Andean deity and understand why it is very important for the communities of this area. You will also appreciate the lakes located at the bottom of the Apu. These lakes are fed by the melting snow of Ausangate. Afterwards, we continue hiking down to Anantapata (4,570 m/14,993 ft). We will camp here for the second night.
Anantapata - Warmisaya pass- Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Q’ocha
Walking Distance: 18km / 11.1 miles
Starting Elevation: 4570 meters / 14,993feet
Campsite Elevation: 4400 meters / 14,435feet
Maximum Altitude: 5100 meters / 16,732feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely
Our team will wake you up super early this day with a hot cup of Coca in order to see the sunrise once we arrive at Rainbow Mountain. After an energetic breakfast, we are heading up to the next pass, Warmisaya, at 5,020 m (16,469 ft). From here, we will appreciate the peak of Rainbow Mountain, then hike for a few hours to reach the incredible Rainbow Mountain at 5100 m/16,732 ft. Before the crowd arrives, you will be amazed by the natural colors of this iconic place. You can relax and enjoy the moment, capturing incredible photos while the place is empty. Your guide will explain the colors to you, and you'll explore each site of the incredible mountain. After you have explored each site, we will return the same way until our last campsite to have lunch, where we can recharge our energy and rest for a little, then we continue our hike to Ausangate Qocha, 4,400 m/14435 ft. Here is our next campsite.
Ausangate Qocha - Palomani Pass- Qampa Pampa - Pachispata
Walking Distance: 16km / 9,8 miles
Starting Elevation: 4400 meters / 14,435 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4480 / 14,698 feet
Maximum Altitude: 5200 meters / 17,060 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely
After our breakfast, we begin hiking up to the highest pass in this trek. After a previous hike of a couple hours, we'll reach the Palomani (5,200 m/16,060 ft). This is the pass where you'll be as close as possible to Ausangate Mountain, and here your tour guide will do some ceremony to say thanks to Mother Earth (Pachamama) for these extraordinary adventures. From the pass, we follow the trail into the valley. While you are descending, you can appreciate a nice lagoon and the glacier on your left. Then we're going to hike towards our lunch spot. After a little rest and with the energy recharged, we continue our hike to the last pass, Qampa, at 5080m (16,660 ft). During the afternoon hike, we can enjoy the views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q'ampa valley; once we reach the pass, we only have an hour to go down to our next campsite, Pachaspata, at 4580 m (14,698 ft).
Pachispata - Pacchanta - Cusco
Walking Distance: 8km/ 4.8miles
Starting Elevation: 4480 meters / 14,698 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Adventure: Absolutely
The last day of this trip, we wake up about 6 a.m., enjoy breakfast, and then begin our hike. It's a 3-hour trek between turquoise lakes and picturesque villages on the way to Pacchanta, where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village and enjoy the relaxing hot spring before taking our private van back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.00.
Itinerary notes - Ausangate trek (Ausangate Circuit) - 5 days
The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group, and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route, which might not correspond exactly to the route described here. The Ausangate region is very high, plus you are close to a snow-covered massif. Temperatures are cold and can fall well below freezing at night. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Hire or carry sleeping bags for temperatures less than freezing (minus 15 degrees Celsius or more). This region has limited tourist infrastructure, and this tour makes use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things may change or not go according to plan. This is all part of the adventure, and visitors to Peru are encouraged to have an open mind and be open to the differences in the way things are done in another culture.
At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded in the Ausangate Tour. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.
WE INCLUDE
Vidal Expeditions Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Ausangate trek departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details about the trek. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will be carried by the horses while you are hiking.
Professional Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation for customer service. They have graduated with a tourism career from the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, and they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Andes.
Entrance Fees to Ausangate park
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we will purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek. They will be for a specific date and will be in your name.
Accommodations
At Vidal Expeditions, we include accommodations for four nights along the Ausangate trek. with suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of a lifetime. Our tents are Mountain Gear or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only with 2 people to ensure your comfort and enough space for your luggage. The same way we include inflatable mattresses for your comfort. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal on this tour.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportation during your tour. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, and the bus returning from Ausangate to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.
Horses
We include horses to transport all the duffle bags and equipment during this tour, and there will also be a horseman. At Vidal Expeditions, we know safety comes first, so we include an emergency horse in case someone feels tired or gets altitude sickness.
Equipment
Personal Duffle bag
We included a personal duffle bag for your 5-day Ausangate trek. You will get this duffle bag at Vidal Expeditions office during your pre-departure briefing the night before your trek. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon when you arrive at the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag, and mattress, but the maximum allowable weight is 7 kg (17 lb). The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
Toilet Tents
During our trek to Ausangate, we bring our own portable toilet tent because we know how important it is to protect our environment, and we are trained to leave no traces along the route.
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Vidal Expeditions, we know food is such an important part of any vacation, and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. We include 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.
Water
Vidal Expeditions will provide you with water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled, and cooled by our chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle, or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the Ausangate trek needs a proper sleeping bag, which has to be for -20°C or 2°F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.
Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits. They protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially in remote areas where there are many ups and downs. Trekking poles also help you during the ascent with increased stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office.
First Breakfast
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotels offer breakfast during your stay. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near Ocongate where you will be able to purchase breakfast.
Travel Insurance
Tips for our team
We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Ausangate, and although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team's hard work.
At Vidal Expeditions, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack? Important- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- Trekking poles
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air mat (if you bring or rent one). From our perspective, these two items weigh 3 kg.
- 3-4 wicking t-shirts
- 3-4 hiking pants
- 3-4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
- Small towel
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to make it as light as possible. Water: We supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning's water only, as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
BOOKING SYSTEM
At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do this trek, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details that are important to book your tickets. We need a previous deposit of 50% per person. As soon as you pay it, we immediately book a spot for this tour. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and a confirmation form that all the booking processes have been satisfactorily set up.
IS VIDAL EXPEDITIONS TEAM CONTACTING US BEFORE FLYING TO PERU?Yes, our work policy is to be in contact with our customers as long as necessary to inform them of all the details and changes that could occur after they have confirmed the reservation. Please check your email constantly, and if you have any issues, let us know so we can solve them as soon as possible.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?Cusco is a big enough city to find different categories of hotels, from 2 stars to 5 stars. There are also Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow, especially near the main square, and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs. We will send you a notification for the pick-up if it is not possible to access them with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop you off. Also, a night before your tour, you will meet with your tour guide, who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Vidal Expeditions sales team.
ALONG THE TREK IS THERE ELECTRICITY ALONG THE TREK?Not because this trek is located in a remote place where there is no electricity. Some local villages located along the trek have solar panels, and your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone. We recommend that you bring your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains.
HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK?This trek is particularly challenging, especially for people who do not have experience hiking in the mountains. We recommend training with some exercises a few times per week to avoid problems, and it is also recommended to spend some days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude because part of the segments along this trek are located over 4000 m/13123 ft.
WHAT HAPPEN IF I GOT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?No worries, our guide and team are professional, and they know how to solve any issue during your trek. Your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these, and there will also be an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recover. Our team always has a radio, and they are trained for any emergencies that happen during our tours.
DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS?Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas and crossing some rivers, especially on day 2, some of them are slippery, now uneven, and at varying heights. The extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.
SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if it is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portions of the trek. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well.
WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?In case you have extra luggage that you do not need to bring to the trail, all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free. If you change hotels after the trek, we have storage available in the Vidal Expeditions office. Get more information from our office team.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHERThe weather in Cusco and parts of the Andes is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (for yoga or hiking) are encouraged to protect against the mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in some parts of the trail.
From: USD 550.00 per person
USD 520.00: from 4 people to more
*Sleeping bag -15°C / 5°F for the entire trip: $25USD
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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5 days 4 Nights
Ausangate Trek
What's it like
Ausangate Trek 5 Days / 4 Nights Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Vidal Expeditions we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a 3 stars hotel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
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Bus to Machu Picchu: To enjoy Machu Picchu, we provide a round trip ticket on the bus from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the archaeological site.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Trekking team: At Vidal Expeditions we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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