Discover the Magic of Ausangate Trek in the Andes Mountains
The Ausangate Trek 6 Days is an extended version of the Ausangate 5-Day Trek, exploring the spectacular Vilcanota Mountain Range in southern Cusco. This high-altitude adventure takes you into one of the most impressive regions of the Peruvian Andes, dominated by Ausangate Mountain, which rises to 6,385 m (20,948 ft) and is revered by local communities as one of the sacred Apus.
Throughout the trek, you will discover dramatic Andean landscapes featuring colorful mountains, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and natural hot springs. The route also offers opportunities to experience the region’s unique biodiversity, including medicinal plants traditionally used by local communities and wildlife such as condors, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and chinchillas. With its remote landscapes, rich Andean culture, and extraordinary natural scenery, the Ausangate Trek 6 Days is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic high-altitude trekking experience in Peru.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Packing List
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Why Choose the Ausangate Trek 6 Days in Peru?
The Extended Ausangate 6-Day Trek takes you to the most remote area in the Andes, this journey is perfect for those who want to get off-the-beaten-path away from the crowds and immerse themselves in the mountain culture and nature, including the Rainbow Mountain Tour and the Ausangate 7 Lakes Tour.
The Ausangate Trek 6 Days in Cusco, Peru is designed for hikers who want to enjoy shorter daily distances while taking in breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains. Our professional local guides will lead you through remote high-altitude landscapes, with everything included for an authentic trekking experience in Peru. Make your journey truly unforgettable by traveling with a highly experienced and knowledgeable team that has successfully guided over 5,000 hikers along the complete Ausangate circuit.
- Explore the Sacred Ausangate Mountain: Trek around Ausangate, one of the most important sacred Apus in Andean culture, reaching an impressive 6,385 m (20,948 ft).
- Discover Rainbow Mountain Before the Crowds: Visit the famous Rainbow Mountain as part of the multi-day trek and experience it in a more peaceful setting.
- Enjoy Turquoise Lakes and Glaciers: Along the way, you will pass beautiful turquoise lakes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and colorful valleys. Every day brings a different view of the high Andes.
- Experience the Andes Beyond the Tourist Routes: The six-day itinerary gives you more time to explore the remote Vilcanota Mountain Range. It is a great option if you want to experience the Andes at a slower pace and away from the busiest trails.
- See Unique Andean Wildlife: As you walk through the mountains, you may see alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, and Andean condors. The surrounding landscapes are also home to other wildlife adapted to the high-altitude environment.
- Experience Local Andean Culture: The trek also gives you the opportunity to see traditional Andean communities and learn about their connection with the mountains. For local people, Ausangate is more than a beautiful mountain, it is a sacred part of their culture.
Ausangate 6 Days Trek Highlights
Highlights: Apu Ausangate, Rural Communities, Rainbow Mountain and 7 LakesHiking distance: 68 km / 42.2 miles
Considerations: Acclimatization is essential
Season: April through November
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Tinke - Upis
Introducing Ausangate, the most Sacred Mountain in the Andes of Peru. -
Day02
Upis - Arapa Pass - Hatun Pucaqocha
Be amazed with the stunning Andean landscapes and glaciers. -
Day03
Hatun Pucaqocha - Anantapata - Sorimani Lake
Trek through herds of alpacas and Quechua communities. -
Day04
Sorimani Lake - Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Qocha
Explore the multi-color Rainbow Mountain in Cusco before the crowds. -
Day05
Ausangate Qocha - Palomani - Sorapata
Appreciate the highest glacier; Ausangate in Cusco. -
Day06
Sorapata - Qampa Pass - Pacchanta - Cusco
Hike through snowy peak and turquoise lakes.
DETAILED 6-DAY AUSANGATE ITINERARY
Cusco - Tinke - Upis
Highlight of the day: Get used to the altitude, hike gently in front of Ausangate Mountain, and be impressed with the Andes Mountain landscapes.
Campsite Elevation: 4,424meters / 14,514 feet
Accommodation: Camping (tent)
Adventure: Hiking in the high Andes Mountain
Our Representative will pick you up from your hotel located in Cusco, then, we drive for three hours in our private bus to the town of Tinke 3,800masl. / 12,464ft. here we will have a short stop to take the breakfast also you will have the option to buy some items for your trek, we will continue driving to Rodeana 4,250m / 13,943ft.
There is the beginning of our hike, also we'll meet with our team as the horse driver and his assistant, your guide will introduce all of them and learn a little about their culture and the relationship between the Ausangate Mountain. From here we will begin the hike on a path used by locals, this will take about three hours hiking with a stunning views of the Ausangate mountain, the scenery will change while we are getting close to Upis camp 4,424m / 14,478 ft.
Here you will have the option to enjoy the hot springs, which offer fantastic views of Ausangate peak at the end of the valley. We will camp here for the night.
Upis -Arapa Pass - Jatun Pucacocha
Highlight of the day: Walk around Ausangate Mountain, enjoy the stunning lakes and feel the energy of the highest peak in Cusco region.
Campsite Elevation: 4570 meters / 14,993 feet
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Feel the energy of Ausangate mountain
After the delicious breakfast when the sun rise the peak of Ausangate "Apu", we begin our hike ascending gradually to the first pass. While you are hiking, you will observe how impressive the views are in each corner, at the same time, you will see some chinchillas running in different directions. After a few hours of hiking, we will cross the Arapa Pass at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet).
Here, you will have a well-deserved rest with fantastic views, it is a perfect place to enjoy your snacks. Then, we start descending down to the valley, passing beside different lakes, where you will have the time to explore and get the best photos, of course your guide will show you the best angles. Also, we will reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha, where we will take our lunch with an incredible view of the mountain. After we will spend the night here.Jatun Pucaqocha - Pucca Pass - Anantapata - Warmisaya pass- Surimani Lake
Highlight of the day: Enjoy a magical moment in front of Ausangate Mountain and be amazed with the stunning lakes.
Campsite Elevation: 4800 meters / 15,748feet
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely
On Day 3 of the Ausangate Trek, you’ll wake up early, surrounded by the crisp mountain air and the stillness of the high-altitude landscape. After a nourishing breakfast, you'll set off for one of the toughest yet most rewarding sections of the trek. The first part of the day involves a steady ascent toward Paso Ausangate, a high mountain pass sitting at nearly 4,980 meters (16,338 feet).
As you climb, the terrain gradually changes, with the rugged slopes of red and brown earth leading you higher into the glacial zone. The higher you go, the more the world opens up, revealing expansive views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Then, you will walk down to Anantapata, where you will enjoy your lunch.
In the afternoon, the hike continues towards the next pass Wamisaya 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). From here, you will be able to see the Rainbow Mountain at the distance and its spectacular colors. After resting, you will hike down to the camp set up next to the lake.
Surimani Lake - Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Qocha
Highlight of the day: Explore the iconic Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley early in the morning before the crowds, perfect to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes
Highlight of the day: Hike through herds of alpacas and llamas, be amazed with the south face of Ausangate Mountain getting close to the glacier
Campsite Elevation: 4,580 / 14,763 feet
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely
In order to catch the sunrise once we reach the Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors. Our staff will wake you up extra early this morning with a hot Coca tea. After an active breakfast, we'll head up to the Rainbow Mountain 5,036m/16,522ft. Before the crowds arrive, we hike for an hour and half hours towards the incredible Rainbow Mountain where you will be astounded by the natural colors and its iconic location.
You can unwind and enjoy the moment while taking incredible pictures while it is empty. Your guide will explain the colors to you as you explore each site of the amazing mountain. After you have explored each site, we will return the same way until our next campsite for lunch, where we may recharge our energy and rest for a little before continuing our journey to Ausangate Qocha 4,500m/14,763ft.Ausangate Qocha - Palomani Pass - Sorapata
Highlight of the day: Trek through stunning towering mountains, the trails goes between the best section of the Cordillera Vilcanota, observe chinchillas, vicuñas and some condors.
Campsite Elevation: 4,520 / 14,829 feet
Adventure: Absolutely
We take the path down into the valley after leaving the pass. An attractive lagoon and the glacier may be seen on your left as you descend. Then we hike to where we would have lunch. This spot also is our next camp.
Sorapata - Qampa Pass - Ausangate 7 Lakes - Pacchanta - Cusco
Highlight of the day: Explore the Seven Lakes of Ausangate and be amazed with the colors of the Lake
Adventure: Absolutely
Following our itinerary, we get our breakfast, after we continue our hike to the final pass, Qampa 5,020 m (16,469 ft), with our energy restored. We may take in the sights of Puca Punta and the snow-capped Tres Picos during the morning hike. We will walk through the wide, lush Qampapampa valley and up the Rio Q'ampa; once we cross the pass, it will only take us an hour to descend to our lunch spot beside the 7 Lakes.
After lunch, we will explore those incredible lakes and hike to Pacchanta; along the path we will see some herds of alpacas and llamas. From here, we hike down to Pacchanta, explore this traditional Andean village, and enjoy the relaxing hot springs before taking the bus back to Cusco arriving around 19.00.
Itinerary notes - Ausangate trek (Ausangate Circuit) - 6 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 and it 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 in the nights. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Hire/or carry sleeping bags for temperatures less than freezing (minus 15 celsius or more). This region has limited tourist infrastructure and this tour makes use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go 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.
WHAT WE INCLUDED IN AUSANGATE TREK 6 DAYS?
At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded from our tours. 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.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
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. 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 include 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 include a personal duffle bag for your 6-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.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the Ausangate trek needs a proper sleeping bag, which has to be for -15°C or 5°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.
AUSANGATE TREK 6 DAYS PACKING LIST
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 Items
- 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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AUSANGATE TREK 6 DAYS
The Ausangate 6-day trek is the extended hike of the classic tour. You will hike a short distance and have more time to enjoy the most incredible landscapes in this remote area of the Andes. Explore Rainbow Mountain before the crowds of the day tour arrive.
The best months are May to November, during the dry season in the Andes. Days are sunny with clear mountain views, while nights can be very cold.
Accommodation is usually in mountain tents with high-quality camping equipment. Some operators may offer basic lodges or huts in local communities.
Ausangate Trek 6 days goes along the same route but with short hikes during the days, while the 5-day trek the hiking days are longer
The Ausangate Trek has different challenging parts where these will reach 5,000 meters. The path goes gradually ascending in the switchback trail. However, on day 4, you will reach the Palomani Pass, which is at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) and is considered the highest point along the Ausangate 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.
Altitude sickness is a very common problem in Cusco, and especially during this trek, we recommend taking a few days in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude. Our guides and trekking team are well prepared to attend to any issue with the altitude; they will always carry an oxygen tank that can be applied in case someone needs it; they will also have a first aid kit with them; and there will be a horse that can be used in case someone needs to go back to the lowest area to recover.
Well, both treks are pretty. What makes the Ausangate trek different from the Salkantay trek, the first one will take you to the most remote area in the Andes, surrounded by huge towering snow mountains where nature has created stunning landscapes that combine lakes, glaciers, green valleys, colored mountains, herds of alpacas, and wonderful local traditions. while Salkantay has so many crowded routes that go to Machu Picchu.
Ausangate Mountain is the highest mountain in Cusco region, at 6,384 meters (20,940 feet) above sea level, and it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Yes, Ausangate Mountain is considered a deity that protects and creates life in the Andes due to the local traditions and energy that can be felt when you are at the bottom. Since the Inca time, people have venerated this mountain, offering different products to appreciate its life creation. Many tourists go there to worship and make some offerings.
The best time to explore this natural wonder is from May to November, as this is the dry season in Cusco. You will have a higher probability of seeing more landscapes, beautiful turquoise lakes, some wildlife, and more snow-capped mountains. The other months of the year are more rainy and wet, so you will have less chance to see the snow-capped mountain peak.
The 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 November are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for the 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.
AUSANGATE TREK 6 DAYS PRICE
From: USD 680.00 per person
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6 Days / 5 Nights
AUSANGATE TREK
What's it like
Ausangate Trek 6 Days Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT AUSANGATE TREK OPERATOR?
At Vidal Expeditions we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others during the Ausangate Trek.
SMALL GROUPS
Our Ausangate Treks groups are capped at 10 people. Because some experience are too powerful to share with crowds. Move at a meaningful peace, soak in the landscapes that stretch beyond imagination, connect with indigenous Andean culture, and feel the raw energy of the mountains beneath your feet.
DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE
Your adventure starts the moment you step outside your hotel, and ends right where it began. Pick up and drop off included. We handle all the logistics so you can focus entirely on enjoying your journey, not the details. exactly the way it should be.
AUSANGATE & CAMPING FEES INCLUDED
The Ausangate Trek winds through remote indigenous Andean communities, each with their own entry fees. (Entrance and Camping fees included).We cover them all upofront, built into the cost of your excursion. So you arrive with nothing to pay and nothing to worry about.
PORTABLE TOILET
The Ausangate wilderness is breathtaking beacuse it's been cared for. We bring our own private portable toilets, set up at every campsite and meal stop. Keeping the trail clean, the ecosystems intact, and your experience as comfortable as the mountains allow.
EXPERT GUIDES & LOCAL TEAM
Our guides aren't just experts, they're locals. Born and raised in the Andes, they carry deep knowledge of the mountains, the wildlife, and the traditions that have shaped this land for generations. Every guide is WFR-certified, so you're in experienced hands every step of the way.
BEST CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Rest easy knowing your gear is built for the mountains. Our four-season tents are shared by no more than two people of the same gender, giving you genuine privacy and comfort at altitude. Every piece of equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after each excursion, so everything you touch is fresh from the start.
Before you Go: What to Know About Ausangate Trek Tours
Here is the essential information that you need to consider for Ausangate 6 Day Trek. Extended Andean Trek.
The Ausangate 6 Days Trek, is the extended version of the classic Ausangate trek and offers short hikes along the days. The trek goes through diverse tourist destinations such as the Rainbow Mountain, Ausangate 7 Lakes and Red Valley.
- High Altitude Trek: Ausangate Trek 6 Days is considered one of the highest treks in Peru, as it reaches to 5,200 meters at the highest point.
- Physical Demand: The trek involves steep ascents and descents over challenging terrain, so hikers should expect some physical strain.
- Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness in Ausangate Trek affects more hikers. It's important to acclimatize properly in Cusco before starting the trek to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
- Weather: Ausangate Trek weather is typically cold and windy, even on sunny days temperatures remain chilly and drop rapidly throughout the day.Average temperature: day: 13º to 18º celcious, night: 8º to -6º celcious
- Camping Area: There are specific camping sites on this trek; however, according to the group, weather conditions, or other factors, it can be modified.
- Bathrooms: Facilities on the Ausangate Trek are mostly basic; however, Vidal Expeditions brings portable toilets, which can be set up at each meal and campsite.
- Ausangate Trek Experience: The Ausangate Trek offers an unforgettable adventure through Peru’s majestic Andes. Hike rugged terrain, cross high-altitude passes, and witness stunning glaciers, vibrant lakes, and traditional Andean villages.
The Ausangate Trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, adventure, and serenity, making it a must-do for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
- Stunning Scenery
- Challenging Adventure
- Cultural Immersion
- Rainbow Mountain
- Spiritual Connection
- Less Crowded Route
All information meetings for Ausangate Trek are held at our office or in your hotel at 5:00 p.m., the night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate in previous days of the tour. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Vidal Expeditions provides complimentary hotel pickup for all Ausangate Hike participants staying within Cusco city center. Our team will collect you directly from your accommodation, ensuring a stress-free start to your adventure.
- Hotels: Direct pickup from your hotel lobby
- Airbnb/Private Rentals: Please provide your WhatsApp number and exact address during booking
- Pickup Time: Confirmed during your pre-departure briefing (typically 5:00 AM)
- Pickup Area: Cusco city center and nearby districts (Plaza de Armas, San Blas, Wanchaq, Santiago)
Our Ausangate Trek group tours bring together travelers of diverse ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. By joining a group trek, you accept that participants may have different pacing styles, some faster, others slower. Each trekker is free to walk at their own comfortable pace along the route, and our experienced guides support all participants throughout the journey.
While the group may suggest route modifications, your guide has final authority on itinerary changes after consulting all participants. These decisions are based on safety, weather conditions, trail circumstances, and ensuring the best experience for everyone.
The Ausangate Trek 6 Days is considered challenging to difficult, primarily due to extreme altitude, remote location and cold weather.
- High Altitude: Starts at 4,200m, highest peak 5,200m, high
- Long Daily Hikes: Average hike 6 - 7 hours per day
- Rugged Terrain: The trail cross rocky terrain, paths, scree, glacial rivers, and snow patches. Uneven footing and slippery surfaces require good balance and sturdy footwear.
- Remote Location: The trek is in a less-traveled part of the Andes, far from villages and medical facilities. Limited infrastructure means you rely on porters, guides, and chefs.
- Total Elevation Gain: 3,500 – 4,000 m (11,500 – 13,100 ft) over the 6 days
Planning your Ausangate 6 Day Trek adventure? Follow these expert recommendations from our experienced guides to ensure you have the best possible experience on your 6-day trek in the Andes.
- Acclimatize: Before heading to Ausangate, take 2 to 3 days to acclimate the altitude. Considering hiking Ausangate at the end of your Peru trip.
- Layer Your Clothing: Pack for extreme temperature swings. Bring thermal base layers, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, warm gloves, and hat.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink 3 – 4 liters of water daily. Altitude and exertion dehydrate you faster than you realize. Water alone isn't enough; bring electrolyte powder or tablets to prevent muscle cramping.
- Walk Slowly (Pole Pole): Maintain a steady, slow pace. The goal is to finish, not to race. Let your body adjust to the altitude.
- Use Packing List: Make use of our packing list for trekkers to make sure you have everything you need without going over the weight limit.
- Train Before You Go: Build cardiovascular endurance with hiking, running, or stair climbing. Start training 2-3 months before your trip.
- Choose a Reputable Tour Operator: Select an experienced company with good reviews, proper safety equipment, and knowledgeable guides. This trek is too remote for solo attempts.
- Contact Vidal Expeditions: A few weeks get in contact with Vidal Expeditions to make sure everything is ready for your adventure to Ausangate.
You only need a small daypack (20-30L) for the 6-day trek. We will provide you with a duffel bag for your extra items (extra clothes, sleeping bag, etc.) that will transported by our horses. Your extra luggage can be safely stored for FREE at:
- Hotel: Your Cusco hotel (most hotels offer free storage for guests) even if you are not staying at the same hotel after the trip.
- Vidal Expeditions Office: Our Vidal Expeditions office (free for all clients).
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What Our Clients Say
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Vidal Expeditions has received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Trustpilot about our authentic experience and top-notch service along the Ausangate Trek in Peru. Rated 5/5 based on 74 reviews. Thank you for trusting and choosing the best local tour operator in Cusco.