Ausangate Trek 5 Days is an adventurous route that offers breathtaking Andean landscapes, with spectacular mountain views, the snow-capped peaks of Ausangate, hot springs, turquoise lagoons, immense glaciers of the Ausangate mountain range, and herds of llamas, alpacas, sheep, and wild vicuñas. You might even spot chinchillas or, on rare occasions, a condor, while passing through picturesque villages and meeting Quechua people dressed in traditional attire.
This 5-day, 4-night Ausangate Trek is located at the beginning of the Andean mountain range and traverses the highest peak (Ausangate 6,385 m / 20,948 ft) in the Cusco region. The trek covers approximately 67 km / 41.6 miles and ascends to 5,400 m / 17,716 ft. Trekking along Ausangate is considered moderate to challenging, with freezing cold nights adding to the adventure.
This beautiful 5-day Ausangate Trek begins at the community of Upis and ends in the small Andean town of Pacchanta or at the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate, taking you around the Ausangate Mountain and across three high-altitude passes (two of which exceed 5,000 m / 16,404 ft).
Would you like to trek this fascinating route? We also offer an amazing package:
Ausangate Trek & Machu Picchu 7-Day or 8-Day Package.
It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this trek by spending at least two to three days in Cusco (or at an altitude of 3,000 meters / 9,842 ft) before starting.
The campsites are at high altitudes, so expect very cold nights. If you love hiking through the mountains, learning about local customs and traditions, and seeking a unique experience, the 5-Day Ausangate Trek will immerse you in Peruvian culture, traditions, and community activities. This package is perfect for you!
It is incredible to spend time in the natural wonders of this planet we call home.
We will begin this epic adventure starting from the city of Cusco (3,000 m / 9,842.52 ft) to the community of Upis in our private transport with Tunqui Expeditions. We will have breakfast and lunch in this community at different locations, explore the beautiful surrounding lakes, and spend the afternoon stargazing from our private camp in Upis.
The next day, we will hike up to Arapa Pass and walk to Yanacocha Lagoon for lunch with an incredible view. From there, we will head to Hatun Pucacocha to set up camp and recover from the day’s hike, just to start it all over again the next day.
We will then face the challenge of reaching the highest point of our trek, Palomani Pass, which stands at over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level.
Afterward, we will descend to Sorapata to camp. Next, we will hike to Jampa Pass and see three mountains: Tres Picos, Jampa, and Huamanticlla, which are part of the impressive Andean landscape, combined with the surrounding lakes.
In addition to all of this, we will have the incredible opportunity to soak in the Pacchanta hot springs with an unforgettable view of the Ausangate glacier.
Finally, we will conclude this once-in-a-lifetime experience by hiking from Pacchanta to the community of Tinke, where our private vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco city.
DAY 01: CUSCO – OCONGATE – UPIS – WAYNA AUSANGATE LAGOON
On the first day, you will meet the team and hike to the Upis campsite. Enjoy lunch surrounded by mountains. Later, we will visit Wayna Ausangate Lagoon.
DAY 02: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – YANACOCHA – HATUN PUCACOCHA
Today you will enjoy hiking along the Ausangate mountain. In the afternoon, you will explore the area near Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon before spending the night near the lagoons with our trekking team.
DAY 03: HATUN PUCACOCHA – AUSANGATE COCHA – PALOMANI PASS – HUCHUY PHINAYA – SORAPATA
This morning, hike through amazing Andean landscapes while observing mountains and snow-capped peaks depending on the season. After lunch, spend the afternoon with local families to understand their customs and traditions.
DAY 04: SORAPATA – JAMPA PASS – 7 AUSANGATE LAGOONS – PACCHANTA (HOT SPRINGS AT SUNSET)
Wake up to stunning landscapes and join the one-day hike through the 7 Ausangate Lagoons. Observe the lakes and participate in an Andean ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon and relax in the Pacchanta hot springs.
DAY 05: PACCHANTA (HOT SPRINGS AT SUNRISE) – TINKE – CUSCO
Relax in the hot springs this morning before hiking to a small community. Learn a little more about their customs and traditions before boarding our private transport back to Cusco.
Lo mejor del día: Aprecia los paisajes andinos y la cordillera de los andes
Los impresionantes paisajes andinos y las Lagunas te esperan
Nuestro viaje a través de los paisajes andinos comienza con el recojo en su hotel aproximadamente a las 5 am. Viajaremos en nuestro transporte privado de Tunqui Expeditions hasta el pueblo de Ocongate (3.500 m / 11.482 pies). En este viaje hasta Ocongate, podremos ver pintorescos pueblos y hermosas lagunas a lo largo del Valle de Vilcanota por la ventana de nuestro transporte.
Continuaremos hasta un distrito Tinke, donde podrás realizar las últimas compras antes de llegar a la comunidad de Upis (4.250 m / 13.944 ft), punto de inicio de nuestra caminata.
Cuando lleguemos a la comunidad de Upis, disfrutaremos de un rico desayuno preparado por nuestro chef de trekking de Ausangate Trek y conoceremos al equipo de porteadores y arrieros que nos acompañarán en nuestra aventura.
Nuestro primer día comienza en una caminata que mira directamente al inmenso glaciar Ausangate (6.372 m / 20.905 pies). Mientras caminamos, nos encontraremos con gente local vestida con ropas tradicionales de hermosos colores. También verás muchas manadas de llamas, alpacas y ovejas.
Llegaremos a los baños termales de Upis (4.400 m / 14.436 pies) para disfrutar de nuestro primer almuerzo en medio de las montañas preparado por nuestro talentoso chef. Nuestro campamento también se instalará aquí, justo enfrente de la Montaña De Ausangate.
Por la tarde, realizaremos una caminata hasta el lago Wayna Ausangate y disfrutaremos de un impresionante atardecer que iluminará con su hermosa luz las nieves de los glaciares que nos rodean.
Después de la visita por la tarde tendremos sorpresa por nuestros porteadores que habran alistado en la mesa para nuestro hora de té de snacks, bebidas calientes, café, chocolate, palomitas de maíz, bocadillos y etc. para calmar su hambre. Más tarde, disfrutará de una deliciosa cena antes de una merecida noche de descanso.
Highlight of the day: Walk through stunning landscapes and cascading lakes.
Be amazed by the incredible natural wonders of Mother Nature.
We will wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast amidst the tall and chilly mountains before starting our hike. For approximately two and a half hours, we will walk through a beautiful and picturesque Andean valley toward Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The spectacular Ausangate Glacier will be beside us throughout the journey.
From the top of the pass, the beauty of the landscape multiplies, and the natural splendor of this part of the world will leave you speechless. You will witness the vastness of the mountain range and, if you’re lucky, spot the majestic flight of the Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world.
Our guide will explain more about the impressive local flora and fauna as we traverse this section, enriching your understanding of the area you are exploring.
We will then begin our descent toward the beautiful crystal-clear Yanacocha Lagoon (Black Lagoon). Afterward, we will follow the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha, where we can admire the scenery and enjoy the shimmering waters beneath the snow-capped peaks.
Later, we will explore the surrounding lagoons and relax with a delicious coca tea. In the evening, a nutritious dinner will be waiting for us before settling into our camp for a restful night to recharge for the next day.
Highlight of the day: Walk through vast landscapes and learn about local customs and traditions.
Immerse yourself in local customs and traditions.
As with every morning on this third day, you will receive a fantastic coca tea in your tent to start the day, followed by a delicious breakfast prepared by our expert chef.
Today’s hike begins with a two-and-a-half-hour ascent to Ausangate Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). From this vantage point, the vastness of the sacred mountains will surely exceed all your expectations for the day.
We will continue with a one-hour descent to Ausangate Cocha Lagoon. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy your lunch amidst the immense Andean landscape.
What a way to spend your lunch hour!
After lunch, we will begin a two-hour uphill hike to reach Palomani Pass (5.200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the entire trek. After a short break and taking in the breathtaking views, we will descend for one hour until we arrive at the small Andean community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).
We hold great respect and admiration for the people of Huchuy Phinaya, who preserve ancestral traditions to this day. Learn from them and their admirable lifestyle, living in complete harmony with Mother Nature (Pachamama) and respecting the land they call home.
Today will be the most challenging day, but the reward is a true connection with the Andes and Mother Earth. Later, we will enjoy a gentle two-hour hike to Sorapata, where our camp will be set up and ready to welcome you.
After a delicious dinner, we will enjoy a peaceful night’s rest, far from the noise and hustle of the city.
Day 04 Sorapata | Jampa Pass – 7 Ausangate Lagoons – Pacchanta (Hot Springs)
Highlight of the day: Explore the stunning lagoons and give a small thank you to Mother Nature.
Express your gratitude to Mother Nature for this epic journey.
After our second-to-last breakfast, we will begin our two-and-a-half-hour uphill hike towards Jampa Pass at 5,070 meters (16,634 ft). From this spot, you will have breathtaking views of majestic snow-capped sacred mountains.
Don’t forget to have your camera ready!
Next, we will follow a gentle downhill trail for approximately three hours until we reach our lunch spot at the Pacchanta camp. Along the way, we will also join part of the famous 7 Ausangate Lagoons Trek.
Beside one of the beautiful and mystical lagoons in the area (Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, or China Otorongo), we will have the option to hold a small ceremony or offer thanks to Pachamama (Mother Nature) and the surrounding mountains, especially to the sacred Ausangate Mountain that has watched over and cared for us throughout the trek.
After our lunch in Pacchanta, we will have the afternoon free and take the opportunity to soothe our tired bodies in the healing hot springs of Pacchanta.
We will finish the day by satisfying our appetite and recharging our energy with another delicious dinner. Tonight, there will be a special surprise from our talented mountain chef.
Highlight of the day: Relax in the hot springs and discover the traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Bid farewell to this Ausangate Trek with a gentle final walk.
Your epic adventure comes to an end today, but not before an optional visit to the hot springs and enjoying a fantastic day with a very gentle hike.
After our last breakfast, we will begin a three-hour hike to the community of Tinke (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). Along the way, we will visit the home of an Andean family to learn about their ancestral traditions that have been preserved for generations in the mountains.
Once in Tinke, we will have lunch and bid farewell to our trekking support team. At the end of this route, our private transport from Tunqui Expeditions will be waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco.
Upon arrival in Cusco, your transport and guide will drop you off at the door of your hotel at approximately 6:00 pm.
