This is an intense 6-day journey along the base of the mighty Apu Ausangate, one of the highest peaks in the Cusco region and a deeply spiritual site in Andean culture. For centuries, thousands of pilgrims have made their way to the sacred slopes of Ausangate Mountain, a tradition that continues to this day.
Towering at 6,385 meters (21,000 feet above sea level), the snow-capped Ausangate may remain unconquered during this trek, but you’ll experience a deep connection with nature and be rewarded with breathtaking views throughout the route.
As we circle this legendary sacred mountain, we’ll camp near natural hot springs and turquoise glacial lagoons, encounter numerous bird species—such as the Andean goose and the majestic condor—and observe llamas and alpacas grazing peacefully across the highland plains.
With dramatic glacier landscapes, uninterrupted natural beauty, and serene silence, the Ausangate Trek – 6 Days is the perfect adventure for hikers seeking a genuine outdoor experience in the heart of the Andes.
Although still off the beaten path, the Ausangate Trek is one of the best options in Cusco for trekking lovers. This journey takes you along the base of the most sacred mountain in southern Cusco: Apu Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,900 ft). You’ll visit remote Andean villages, soak in natural hot springs, and capture the shimmering turquoise beauty of glacial lagoons. If you’re passionate about high-mountain trekking and seeking a challenging adventure in remote areas, this tour is perfect for you.
Apu Ausangate is the most sacred mountain deity in the Cusco region, revered for centuries with pilgrimages, offerings, and spiritual ceremonies. It stands tall at 6,372 meters (20,905 feet) and is the second-highest peak in Peru. This trek will lead you through mountain passes, awe-inspiring landscapes, traditional villages, hot springs, and stunning lagoons.
This unforgettable journey is highly recommended for mountain trekking enthusiasts looking for an intense, off-the-grid experience in the heart of nature.
We’ll pick you up from Cusco and drive to the village of Upis in private transportation to begin the Ausangate Trek. Enjoy lunch surrounded by majestic mountains, then begin hiking to your first campsite at Upis. In the afternoon, depending on the pace of the day, you may have the chance to visit Wayna Ausangate Lagoon. Return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay beside the sacred mountains.
Hike through breathtaking Andean landscapes with spectacular views of the Ausangate glacier and vibrant turquoise lagoons nestled between sacred mountains. You might even spot an Andean condor soaring overhead. Overnight at Pucacocha Camp in our comfortable private tents.
Today’s route offers dramatic landscapes that shift with the season—from lush green valleys to snow-covered trails. After lunch, you’ll visit a local family to experience their traditions and daily life in the Andes. Overnight at Huchuy Phinaya.
Trek across scenic highland pastures filled with herds of alpacas, llamas, and sheep. Tonight, you’ll sleep surrounded by mountains, with views of Wayna Ausangate nearby. A truly magical camping spot.
In the morning, discover the 7 Ausangate Lakes, known for their surreal colors and tranquil atmosphere. Later, descend to the community of Pacchanta and relax in the natural hot springs at sunset. You’ll also have a chance to interact with locals and learn more about their customs and heritage.
Start your final day with a sunrise soak in the hot springs. Then enjoy a short hike to a nearby village for one last cultural encounter before boarding our private transport back to Cusco.
Highlight of the day: Discover traditional Andean communities and the stunning Wayna Ausangate Lake.
Begin your Ausangate Trek adventure at 4:00 am, departing from Cusco through scenic Andean landscapes to the small village of Upis, where a delicious breakfast awaits, freshly prepared by our talented mountain chef.
We’ll start hiking gradually to help you acclimate and enjoy the rest of the trek at ease. As we approach the glacier’s base, you’ll witness the northeastern face of Ausangate, covered in gleaming white snow.
After three hours of hiking through native potato fields and traditional adobe homes, we’ll reach the campsite for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have the option of hiking to Wayna Ausangate Lake (2 hours round trip).
Back at camp, our porters will surprise you with a delightful tea time, including hot drinks, coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn, and snacks. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner before a well-deserved rest next to the sacred snow-capped peak.
Highlight of the day: Discover the breathtaking Andean scenery surrounding Ausangate.
Wake up with a cup of hot coca tea, coffee, or hot chocolate brought to your tent to energize you for the day ahead. After breakfast in the crisp morning air, we’ll begin our 2.5-hour ascent to Arapa Pass, with magnificent views of the Ausangate Glacier.
At the summit (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), you’ll be blown away by the stunning beauty of the Andes. Even those who don’t believe in a higher power may feel the urge to thank someone for such magnificent natural wonders.
We then descend to Yanacocha (“black lagoon”), a crystal-clear glacial lake, and continue for another hour to reach Hatun Pucacocha, where we’ll enjoy lunch surrounded by incredible views.
At our Hatun Pucacocha camp, take time to explore the surrounding lagoons and enjoy another relaxing tea time with snacks and hot drinks. A nourishing dinner awaits, followed by a peaceful night under the stars.
Highlight of the day: Hike through grand landscapes and learn about Andean traditions.
After breakfast, we’ll begin a 2–3 hour ascent to Apuchata Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft). After enjoying the views, we’ll descend for an hour to Ausangate Cocha, where we’ll stop for lunch and soak in the magical scenery.
We then begin a challenging 2-hour climb to Palomani Pass (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), the highest point of the trek, before descending to the village of Huchuy Phinaya, where our campsite will be set up.
Enjoy a well-earned dinner and a restful night in our cozy private tents.
Highlight of the day: Experience Andean wildlife and witness epic panoramic views.
After breakfast, we hike uphill for 2.5 hours to Huano Pampa viewpoint, where you’ll admire the snow-covered peaks of Wayna Ausangate.
Then, enjoy a gentle 2-hour trek to Surapata (4,050 m / 13,287 ft) for lunch. Along the way, observe herds of llamas, alpacas, and sheep grazing in the open highlands.
After lunch, we tackle a 2-hour ascent to Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft) and its surrounding glacier, followed by a 2-hour descent to our camp in Jampa (4,300 m / 14,107 ft).
A hearty dinner and a peaceful night await—be sure to bundle up, as the mountain nights can get quite cold!
Highlight of the day: Explore the 7 Ausangate Lakes and offer gratitude to Mother Nature.
After breakfast, we’ll descend to the 7 Ausangate Lakes viewpoint, a place of surreal beauty surrounded by sacred peaks. Don’t forget your camera!
Enjoy a gentle 3-hour hike to Pacchanta, where we’ll have lunch. Along the way, we may perform a ceremonial offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) near one of the mystical lakes (Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, or China Otorongo), thanking the spirits of the Andes and Ausangate for protecting us.
In the afternoon, enjoy the healing hot springs of Pacchanta and finish the day with a delicious dinner and a surprise from our mountain chef.
Highlight of the day: Rest in thermal waters and connect with Andean traditions.
Today marks the end of your epic journey. Enjoy a sunrise soak in the hot springs, followed by a final gentle hike to Tinke (3,800 m / 12,467 ft).
Along the way, visit a local family’s home to learn about ancestral Andean traditions passed down for generations.
In Tinke, we’ll enjoy a farewell lunch and say goodbye to our trekking team. Our private transport will then return you to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 pm.
You’ll meet your tour guide and group at our office the evening before departure at 5:00 pm for a full briefing. During this session, you’ll receive your duffel bag, which will be carried by our muleteers or porters. The bag must not exceed 7 kg (15.4 lb) and should include your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress if you’re bringing or renting one.
An official bilingual (English-Spanish) tour guide, graduate of the Tourism program at the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco. We select our guides for their professionalism, passion for nature, deep cultural knowledge, and ability to ensure your safety and enjoyment. All of them are locals who take pride in sharing their heritage with you.
All Tunqui Expeditions guides are certified in first aid, with mandatory refreshers every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit and emergency oxygen. In the rare case of a serious emergency, we will evacuate you promptly to the nearest clinic.
All equipment is carried by our porters and pack animals.
We provide comfortable inflatable mattresses for a better night’s rest.Extra Items Included
We believe that attention to the little things sets us apart:
Our staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist you before your trek.
All of our guides carry a fully charged satellite phone during the trek. This allows us to contact doctors, hospitals, or even family members from anywhere. These phones are also available to guests for non-emergency use (additional fees may apply).
From the first lunch to the last breakfast, we provide boiled, filtered, and cooled water. Please bring a 2-liter reusable bottle or camelback, which you can refill at each meal.
Each morning, we’ll wake you with a hot cup of coca tea, brought directly to your tent.
Each afternoon before dinner, enjoy popcorn, cookies, hot drinks, chocolate, tea, and coffee to relax after a day of hiking.
Your guide will provide a reusable snack bag filled with fruits, cookies, chocolates, and candies. It will be replenished each morning.
To reduce plastic waste, each guest receives a cloth snack bag as part of our sustainability initiative.
A small towel and soap are provided before each meal so you can wash your hands.
Our mules will carry all camping equipment and your 7 kg duffel bag. The muleteers will be responsible for your gear each day.
All taxes and trekking permit fees are included in the tour price. No hidden costs.
Although intangible, the following values are a vital part of what we include in every experience:
Our porters are the backbone of every trek. Silvio Tunqui, the founder of Tunqui Expeditions, started as a porter himself and understands their needs firsthand. We provide fair wages, so they don’t rely solely on tips. We also supply:
We also support their families with school supplies, healthcare visits, and tree planting initiatives in their home communities.
We organize 4 annual treks for our porters and their families to visit Machu Picchu—many for the first time. These trips allow them to experience the beauty and history of their ancestors firsthand.
Since 2022, our team has proudly included female guides, porters, and cooks. We believe in equality and celebrate the diverse contributions of everyone on our team.
We go the extra mile to protect the planet. We leave no trace, use biodegradable products, and even assign an extra porter to help clean up trash left by other groups.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we want your trip to Peru and the Ausangate Trek to be as memorable and worry-free as possible. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions our travelers have.
Please read this section carefully—it will help you better understand our services and prepare for your adventure.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
It’s very important to be well-acclimated to the altitude before taking on this high-altitude trek. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before the trek begins to properly acclimate and minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
If you’ve already been in other high-altitude areas of Peru, we still suggest spending at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recover from travel, and enjoy the city before starting your trek.
Here are some great pre-trek activities near Cusco:
All pre-trek briefings take place at 5:00 pm the day before your departure, either at our main office in Cusco or at your hotel. The meeting lasts about 30–45 minutes.
If you cannot attend, please contact us by email, phone, or stop by our office to arrange another time.
If you have an outstanding balance, it must be paid at least 2 days before your trek. Otherwise, your reservation will not be confirmed.
We kindly ask that you pay the remaining balance in cash, either in USD or Peruvian soles, at our Cusco office. ATMs along Avenida El Sol provide both currencies.
You may also pay by credit/debit card or PayPal, either online or in person. Please note that a 5% service fee applies to electronic payments (PayPal or Niubiz gateway).
Unfortunately, we do not accept personal checks or traveler’s checks.
You will receive your duffel bag during the pre-trek briefing. It will be carried by our muleteers throughout the route and returned to you at each campsite.
Duffel bag dimensions:
60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in)
Weight limit:
7 kg / 15.4 lb, including your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, and personal items.
Absolutely! You can store your main luggage at our office (arranged during the briefing or by email), or leave it at your hotel. Most hotels in Cusco offer free luggage storage.
For safety, do not leave valuables in your stored luggage—use the hotel safe and ask for a detailed receipt (required by insurance companies in case of theft). We also recommend sealing valuables like credit cards in a signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
We offer pick-up from your hotel, as long as it’s located within Cusco’s Historic Center.
Your guide will confirm the pick-up time during the briefing. Please note that due to traffic and road conditions, pick-up times may vary by 30 to 45 minutes.
Cusco is a colonial city with narrow cobbled streets and steep alleys, so we strongly recommend choosing accommodation with easy vehicle access.
Our group tours include travelers of different ages and fitness levels. By joining a group trek, you agree to go at your own pace and understand that others may hike faster or slower than you.
If the group wishes to adjust the itinerary, the final decision is up to the guide, who will consult the group and determine if modifications are feasible and safe.
Strikes and protests can occasionally occur in Peru and may impact transportation and tours. Roads may be blocked or train lines interrupted.
We always strive to follow the original plan, even if it means leaving earlier than scheduled. In some cases, tours may be canceled for safety reasons. Our operations team will keep you informed of any changes.
Your safety is our top priority and we’ll make all necessary decisions with that in mind.
Please keep track of your belongings throughout the trek. You are fully responsible for your personal items in our transportation, tents, or restaurants.
Before leaving any location, be sure to check your space and collect all your items.
We’ve compiled this essential list to help you pack smartly and comfortably for your adventure. Please note that porters will carry up to 7 kg (15.4 lb) of your personal items—including your sleeping bag and inflatable mattress (these two items weigh approx. 3.5 kg).
The Ausangate Trek – 6 Days departs any day of the week, from January to December. This itinerary runs year-round without interruptions.
Guaranteed departure with only 2 participants
Note: PayPal charges a 5% service fee for online payments. This fee applies only to the deposit. The remaining balance can be paid in cash (USD or PEN) during the pre-trek briefing in Cusco, with no additional fees.
Enhance your Peruvian adventure with one of these popular tours:
You can rent the following items for your trek:
Once your reservation is confirmed, your price will not change, regardless of circumstances. Please ensure you’ve read all tour information before booking.
Available for travelers 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, please send a clear photo or scanned copy of the passport at the time of booking. The passport must be valid and not expire during your travel dates.
Send your document to: info@tunquiexpeditions.com
