Discover the ultimate 7-day Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu, a breathtaking high-altitude trekking tour in Peru that blends stunning Andean landscapes with one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. This adventure tour in the Andes takes you through remote routes near the Ausangate Mountain, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and the colorful Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), before ending with a guided exploration of the majestic Machu Picchu.
Ausangate Trek To Machu Picchu 7 Days – High-Altitude Adventure in the Peruvian Andes
Experience one of the most spectacular adventures in the Peruvian Andes with the 7-day Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu. This incredible journey combines the raw beauty of high-altitude landscapes with the wonder of Machu Picchu, guiding you through remote trails, turquoise glacial lakes, and the vibrant Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
Throughout this 7-day trek, you’ll follow ancient Inca paths surrounded by snow-capped peaks, cross mountain passes over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), and connect with traditional Andean communities. The experience culminates with a guided visit to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Ideal for adventure travelers and trekking enthusiasts, the Ausangate Trek is a powerful alternative to busier trails, offering a deeper connection with nature, culture, and the spiritual energy of the Andes. With the support of our expert team at Tunqui Expeditions, every detail is carefully organized to ensure a safe, meaningful, and unforgettable journey.
Embark on the 7-day Ausangate Trek, an unforgettable Peru trekking tour through snow-capped peaks, turquoise lagoons, colorful mountains, and traditional Andean villages. This Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular high-altitude Peru treks, offering breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural experiences.
Hike through stunning landscapes and see the sacred Ausangate mountain. Overnight at Hatun Pucacocha near a crystal-clear lake.
Ascend Puca Pass, explore lakes, and reach Rainbow Mountain at sunset for unforgettable views.
Early morning visit to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley to enjoy the landscapes without crowds. Continue hiking to Ausangate Cocha.
Hike through Andean mountains, visit local families, and learn about their traditions.
Explore 7 Ausangate Lagoons, enjoy an Andean ceremony, and relax in Pacchanta hot springs.
Discover the Sacred Valley, visit local sites, and take the train to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.
Conquer the legendary Machu Picchu trek with an expert guide, then return to Cusco by train and private transport.
This trek is perfect for Peru adventure tour 7 days, cultural explorers, and nature lovers. Enjoy Andean mountains hike, discover local traditions, and immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful regions of Peru.
Highlight: Hike through the majestic Andean landscapes of Ausangate.
Your 7-day Ausangate Trek begins early in Cusco with private transportation from Tunqui Expeditions to Upis community. After a nutritious breakfast prepared by our expert chef, you’ll start hiking through breathtaking Andes trekking Peru scenery, spotting llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
A three-hour hike brings you to Upis for lunch, then continue ascending to Arapa Pass (4,800 m) for panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. Descend toward Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon, setting up camp at the base of the sacred Ausangate mountain. Enjoy a cozy tea session, snacks, and a delicious dinner before resting.
Highlight: Stunning sacred lakes and Rainbow Mountain trek at sunset.
Wake up to a hearty breakfast and prepare for an incredible day of high-altitude Peru trek. Hike two hours to Puca Pass (4,870 m) and descend to Anantapata for lunch. Continue ascending to Warmisaya Pass, with breathtaking views of Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain.
Arrive at Surinecocha Lagoon campsite in the late afternoon. Take a short walk to witness Rainbow Mountain at sunset, capturing the moment before the crowds arrive. Evening tea and dinner are prepared by our team.
Highlight: Sunrise at the magical Rainbow Mountain.
Begin the day early with breakfast and a gentle uphill hike to Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m). Be the first to witness the sunrise, followed by a visit to Red Valley (5,050 m) for awe-inspiring landscapes.
Descend to Anantapata for lunch, then continue to Ausangate Cocha camp through green valleys dotted with llamas and alpacas. Enjoy dinner and rest at your comfortable campsite.
Highlight: Vast Andean landscapes and cultural immersion.
Start with coca tea and breakfast, then ascend for 2.5 hours to Palomani Pass (5,200 m), the highest point of the trek. Descend to the small Andean village of Huchuy Phinaya for lunch, learning about local traditions and customs.
Finish the day hiking to Sorapata camp, where dinner and rest await. This day combines challenging Andean mountains hike with deep cultural experiences.
Highlight: Explore stunning lagoons and celebrate Pachamama.
Hike to Jampa Pass (5,070 m) and marvel at snow-capped peaks including Wayna Ausangate. Continue through the 7 Ausangate Lagoons, stopping for an optional ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Nature).
Relax in Pacchanta hot springs in the afternoon, followed by dinner at camp. This day highlights glacial lakes trek Peru and breathtaking scenery.
Highlight: Discover the Sacred Valley, Inca sites, and traditional crafts.
After breakfast, take private transport to the Sacred Valley. Visit Taray Viewpoint and the Urco archaeological site, learning about ancient water worship practices. Continue to Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes.
Next, explore Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo, discovering Inca architecture and canals. Take the train to Aguas Calientes and check into a hotel, enjoying dinner and rest before your final adventure at Machu Picchu trek. This day blends light hiking with rich cultural experiences.
Highlight: Explore Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wake up early and take the bus to Machu Picchu, arriving before the crowds to enjoy sunrise over the citadel. A guided tour reveals the history, culture, and mysteries of the Incas. Optional hikes include Huayna Picchu (2 hours) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours), providing panoramic views of this legendary site.
After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the train to Ollantaytambo. Private transport brings you back to Cusco. Celebrate completing the 7-day Ausangate Trek through Rainbow Mountains, Ausangate Lagoons, and Machu Picchu—an adventure of a lifetime combining nature, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 1)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
All equipment is carried by our team of porters.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Tunqui Expeditions use the best tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g. Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Ware tents).
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
Cargo Mules
On days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Our muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items, and they’ll hand them to you when you get to each camp.
Porters Team Tunqui (Inca Trail)
Our Porters Team will carry all camping equipment and supplies needed for the trek. Additionally, we’ll include the personal service of a porter responsible for carrying your duffle bag and personal items.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. The climb to the famous Ausangate Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t too strenuous or steep since it’s at the beginning of the trek. However, it requires stamina and some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
Plastic-Free Ausangate Trek
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Ausangate Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Ausangate trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are a few recommended activities near Cusco to enjoy before your adventure:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Ausangate Trek & Machu Picchu 7 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 850 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 650.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
Enhance your trip with any of the following add-on experiences:
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
The PeruRail Vistadome Train Service offers a unique and different way to travel to Machu Picchu. Each one of its cars features panoramic windows, enabling you to feel part of the surroundings. The Vistadome approaches you to the amazing landscapes and nature on-route, creating a real connection.
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to [email protected].
Embark on the 7-day Ausangate Trek, an unforgettable Peru trekking tour through snow-capped peaks, turquoise lagoons, colorful mountains, and traditional Andean villages. This Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular high-altitude Peru treks, offering breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural experiences.
Hike through stunning landscapes and see the sacred Ausangate mountain. Overnight at Hatun Pucacocha near a crystal-clear lake.
Ascend Puca Pass, explore lakes, and reach Rainbow Mountain at sunset for unforgettable views.
Early morning visit to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley to enjoy the landscapes without crowds. Continue hiking to Ausangate Cocha.
Hike through Andean mountains, visit local families, and learn about their traditions.
Explore 7 Ausangate Lagoons, enjoy an Andean ceremony, and relax in Pacchanta hot springs.
Discover the Sacred Valley, visit local sites, and take the train to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.
Conquer the legendary Machu Picchu trek with an expert guide, then return to Cusco by train and private transport.
This trek is perfect for Peru adventure tour 7 days, cultural explorers, and nature lovers. Enjoy Andean mountains hike, discover local traditions, and immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful regions of Peru.
Highlight: Hike through the majestic Andean landscapes of Ausangate.
Your 7-day Ausangate Trek begins early in Cusco with private transportation from Tunqui Expeditions to Upis community. After a nutritious breakfast prepared by our expert chef, you’ll start hiking through breathtaking Andes trekking Peru scenery, spotting llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
A three-hour hike brings you to Upis for lunch, then continue ascending to Arapa Pass (4,800 m) for panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. Descend toward Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon, setting up camp at the base of the sacred Ausangate mountain. Enjoy a cozy tea session, snacks, and a delicious dinner before resting.
Highlight: Stunning sacred lakes and Rainbow Mountain trek at sunset.
Wake up to a hearty breakfast and prepare for an incredible day of high-altitude Peru trek. Hike two hours to Puca Pass (4,870 m) and descend to Anantapata for lunch. Continue ascending to Warmisaya Pass, with breathtaking views of Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain.
Arrive at Surinecocha Lagoon campsite in the late afternoon. Take a short walk to witness Rainbow Mountain at sunset, capturing the moment before the crowds arrive. Evening tea and dinner are prepared by our team.
Highlight: Sunrise at the magical Rainbow Mountain.
Begin the day early with breakfast and a gentle uphill hike to Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m). Be the first to witness the sunrise, followed by a visit to Red Valley (5,050 m) for awe-inspiring landscapes.
Descend to Anantapata for lunch, then continue to Ausangate Cocha camp through green valleys dotted with llamas and alpacas. Enjoy dinner and rest at your comfortable campsite.
Highlight: Vast Andean landscapes and cultural immersion.
Start with coca tea and breakfast, then ascend for 2.5 hours to Palomani Pass (5,200 m), the highest point of the trek. Descend to the small Andean village of Huchuy Phinaya for lunch, learning about local traditions and customs.
Finish the day hiking to Sorapata camp, where dinner and rest await. This day combines challenging Andean mountains hike with deep cultural experiences.
Highlight: Explore stunning lagoons and celebrate Pachamama.
Hike to Jampa Pass (5,070 m) and marvel at snow-capped peaks including Wayna Ausangate. Continue through the 7 Ausangate Lagoons, stopping for an optional ceremony to honor Pachamama (Mother Nature).
Relax in Pacchanta hot springs in the afternoon, followed by dinner at camp. This day highlights glacial lakes trek Peru and breathtaking scenery.
Highlight: Discover the Sacred Valley, Inca sites, and traditional crafts.
After breakfast, take private transport to the Sacred Valley. Visit Taray Viewpoint and the Urco archaeological site, learning about ancient water worship practices. Continue to Urubamba for a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes.
Next, explore Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo, discovering Inca architecture and canals. Take the train to Aguas Calientes and check into a hotel, enjoying dinner and rest before your final adventure at Machu Picchu trek. This day blends light hiking with rich cultural experiences.
Highlight: Explore Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wake up early and take the bus to Machu Picchu, arriving before the crowds to enjoy sunrise over the citadel. A guided tour reveals the history, culture, and mysteries of the Incas. Optional hikes include Huayna Picchu (2 hours) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3 hours), providing panoramic views of this legendary site.
After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then take the train to Ollantaytambo. Private transport brings you back to Cusco. Celebrate completing the 7-day Ausangate Trek through Rainbow Mountains, Ausangate Lagoons, and Machu Picchu—an adventure of a lifetime combining nature, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
At Tunqui Expeditions we specify the included and non-included services for all the itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please check the details to make sure you do not miss anything. Some items may be different for certain programmes, so please read carefully before booking with us.
WHAT IS INCLUIDED?
Permits & Tickets
The Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket offers the most complete tour of the citadel and is the most popular. For this reason we recommend that you book well in advance to ensure your entry. (Circuit 1)
High Quality Service & Safety
You’ll meet your guide and group at our office for a pre trek briefing. There you’ll receive your duffle bags, which will be carried by our horses. The meeting is at 17:00 the evening before the trek.
Our official guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploration and pride in sharing our culture and history. On every experience they will keep you safe and comfortable, so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
All equipment is carried by our team of porters.
On the trek you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
All Tunqui Expeditions guides have received specialised first aid training. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit for basic emergencies (altitude sickness, traveller’s diarrhoea, cuts, abrasions, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and get you to a clinic for treatment.
We believe that attention to detail is what sets us apart from other local companies. You’ll receive a cover to protect your rucksack on the road and a rain poncho.
We have a telephone service available 24 hours a day for easy communication with Tunqui Expeditions prior to your trek.
Your comfort is our first priority. Although our guides are prepared for emergencies in the mountains, calling a doctor, hospital or friend can make you feel more secure. For this reason, every Tunqui Expeditions guide carries a satellite phone to call anywhere in the world from anywhere on the mountain.
Accommodation
Tunqui Expeditions use the best tents to ensure your safety and comfort (e.g. Eureka Timberline or Mountain Hard Ware tents).
You will spend the last night of the trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, including luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double, twin and triple rooms.
Meals
Our chef prepares the most amazing dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost), so please let us know on your booking form if you have any special allergies or restrictions and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
We’ll provide you with boiled, filtered and chilled water throughout the trek, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. You will need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 litres).
Every morning at the campsite you’ll be woken with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you are warm from the inside out before you start your day.
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of trekking, you don’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up and enjoy a bite to eat!
Before you start your trek, your guide will provide you with a cloth bag containing local fruit, biscuits, chocolate, caramels, etc. We’ll refill it every morning so you can enjoy your snacks on the trail.
We’ll provide you with a cloth bag for your snacks – perfect for storing wrappers and keeping the environment clean. Feel free to use it throughout the walk!
Transportation
Cargo Mules
On days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Our muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items, and they’ll hand them to you when you get to each camp.
Porters Team Tunqui (Inca Trail)
Our Porters Team will carry all camping equipment and supplies needed for the trek. Additionally, we’ll include the personal service of a porter responsible for carrying your duffle bag and personal items.
Extras
We believe that it is the attention to detail that sets us apart from other tour operators. As we wrote above, each walker receives
Taxes and Fees
All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in our price. There are no hidden charges.
The Tunqui Difference
The following list is less tangible, but equally important and part of everything we do and include at Tunqui Expeditions.
He started in the industry as a porter and understands your needs better than anyone. We are committed and promise a better life for every member of Team Tunqui.
This includes better wages that they can live on so they don’t have to beg for tips to make ends meet. This is our job. We provide them with all the equipment they need, including warm down jackets, proper walking boots, rucksacks, hats, headlamps, sleeping bags and mats, and tents for them to sleep in.
We also help their families by supporting their village schools, bringing doctors and dentists to the families and planting trees in their valleys. We are committed to our social projects and the more than 300 porters on our team appreciate this.
While our porters trek to Machu Picchu dozens of times a year, they never enter our famous citadel. We make four trips a year to take our team inside and spend two days touring the important ruins, allowing them to touch and see the history of their ancestors.
Although the numbers are not yet equal, we look forward to the day when we have 50/50 men and women working in the mountains as part of the Tunqui Expeditions team.
We use local products that are biodegradable and organic wherever possible.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
You can hire one from us if you don’t have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy-shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
Walking sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can hire a set from us if you’d like.
You can climb the famous mountain that you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45 minute climb and the descent can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this after your guided tour of Machu Picchu. Permission must be obtained at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Bear in mind that there may be changes to protect your safety, especially due to weather conditions.
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket, which we can arrange for you if we have time in advance.
Tipping is the norm on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire team well, a little extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they put in. Typically, group members collect their tips to share with the drivers and cooks.
Landslides, bad weather, changes in itinerary due to safety concerns, illness, pandemics, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and worry free as possible. In this section you’ll find the answers to all your questions about travelling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions you may have about our services.
Is it for me?
The Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu is an excellent alternative to the Inca Trail trek and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers who can handle higher altitudes and longer distances. The climb to the famous Ausangate Pass (4,630 m / 15,190 ft) isn’t too strenuous or steep since it’s at the beginning of the trek. However, it requires stamina and some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek.
Plastic-Free Ausangate Trek
Join us on this journey toward a plastic-free ultimate Ausangate Trek, where the beauty of the landscape is matched only by our commitment to environmental stewardship. Together we will pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible adventure through the heart of history.
How many days do I need to acclimatise in Cusco before the Ausangate trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimatised to the altitude before embarking on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the start of the trek to help you acclimatise and avoid any problems with altitude sickness during the trek.
You may have been in another area of Peru at high altitude before arriving in Cusco. If this is the case, we still recommend that you spend a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from the journey and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before starting the trek.
Here are a few recommended activities near Cusco to enjoy before your adventure:
Briefing or information meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held at our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) at 17:00 the night before the tour starts. These meetings last between 30 and 45 minutes. If you can’t make it, you will need to arrange another time by email, phone or in person at the Tunqui Expeditions office.
Trek balance payment (in Cusco)
If you have an outstanding balance, you must pay it 2 days before your trek. Otherwise your reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, we would appreciate it if you could pay the balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw money from several ATM’s along the Avenida Sol, which offer both US Dollars and Peruvian Soles.
Alternatively, you can pay by credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 5% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank drafts or traveller’s cheques as payment for the balance.
Duffle bag or canvas bag
You’ll be given a duffel bag or canvas bag during your briefing. Our team of porters will carry it with you throughout the trek and hand it to you at each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 6 kg / 13.2 lb is allowed for each duffel, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes and other personal items.
Can I store my luggage in your office?
Of course you can! During the trip your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can arrange this with us on the day of the briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment you don’t need on the trek can be safely stored at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service. Don’t leave anything of value with your luggage; put it in the hotel safe and get a detailed receipt (in the unlikely event of theft, many insurance companies require a copy of the receipt detailing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards in a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Collecting guests
Please note:
Returning to Cusco from Machu Picchu
Returning from Machu Picchu requires some logistics, but don’t worry. It is all included in your tour!
Note: Your tour includes a one way bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a return bus ticket, you’ll have to pay an additional US$ 12.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, therefore physical conditions and ages may vary. By agreeing to join a group tour, you accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, everyone will be able to move at their own pace.
There may be occasions when a group wishes to make changes to the tour, but it is up to the guide to decide, in consultation with all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru and may interrupt some of our tours. Roads may be blocked and railway lines may be occupied. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if this means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Tours may be cancelled in these circumstances. In the event of a change or cancellation, our Operations Department will liaise with you. Your safety is our number one priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost items
Please be careful where you leave your belongings and remember to take everything with you when you leave your transport, accommodation or restaurant. You are responsible for your belongings while you’re on the tour.
BASICS
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
The porters will carry up to 7kg of your personal belongings. This should include your sleeping bag and air mattress (if you are bring/renting one). In our case these two items weigh 3.5kg.
RECOMMENDED
“Ausangate Trek & Machu Picchu 7 Days” is available any day of the week, from March to January. We do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and route maintenance. In addition, during this month, our Tunqui Expeditions team – guides, cooks, porters and muleteers – receive training and plan the year to ensure that you, our travelers, enjoy the trekking experience with us to the fullest.
Cost
Group Price: US$ 850 per person.
Required Pre-payment : US$ 200.00 per person.
Balance (Cusco): US$ 650.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after briefing).
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with just 2 people.
Please note that PayPal charges a 5% fee, which we ask the client to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This tax is only for online deposits so you will pay the rest in cash (on the day of the briefing in Cusco) without charge.
Extensions and Offers
Enhance your trip with any of the following add-on experiences:
Additional Equipment
There are additional items that you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Add-ons and Upgrades
Complementary services and upgrades that you can include in this trip:
The PeruRail Vistadome Train Service offers a unique and different way to travel to Machu Picchu. Each one of its cars features panoramic windows, enabling you to feel part of the surroundings. The Vistadome approaches you to the amazing landscapes and nature on-route, creating a real connection.
Price guarantee
Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. So, before you book, please make sure you have read all our important information about the tour.
Student Discount
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years of age or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of your passport at the time of booking. It must be current and not expire within the dates of travel. Please send it to [email protected].
