5-Day Ausangate Trek
Step into the world of the high Andes
The Ausangate trek is ideal if you love big mountain scenery. Dominating the Cusco valley, Ausangate stands at 6384m/ 20,945ft. You will cross 5200m/ 17060ft passes, camp beside turquoise lakes, and wake each day to the first rays of sun falling on the glacier above.
This remote region is home to colourfully dressed alpaca and llama herders, who eek a living from this harsh but stunning region.
If you are well acclimatised, and like your treks to be tough and wild, then the Ausangate trek is a perfect choice.
Contact us to find out more. This trip is available on a private basis only.
When is the best time to do the Ausangate Trek?
We suggest you hike around Ausangate between May and November. December to April is the rainy season in Peru, so the passes can be blocked by snow.
June to August can be very cold at night, but in return, you get beautiful clear skies. September to November is less cold at night.
How hard is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is tough. It is much tougher than the Inca Trail. This is because of the high altitude. You both camp higher and trek higher than the Inca Trail. In fact, you stay above 4000m for the whole trek. The highest pass is 5200m/17060ft and the highest camp is 4585m/ 15,038ft
Highlights
- Trek through stunning high mountain landscapes
- Wake to unforgettable views
- Visit remote, traditional mountain communities
You leave Cusco early to drive 3 hours to the trailhead at Tinqui (3,800m/12,500ft). Here you meet your muleteers and begin your Ausangate Trek. Today is a gentle start. You walk gently uphill past open puna and highland meadows.
You may see vizcachas, condors or Andean foxes on the way to camp at Upis (4,400m/14,1435ft).
Here you can soak in the hot springs of this superbly located campsite beneath the Ausangate glaciers.
Distance hiked: 10km/6.2 miles
Ascent: 600m/ 1968ft
Maximum altitude: 4400m/14,432ft
Sleeping altitude: 4400m/14,432ft
Included: lunch, dinner, camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
You ascend straight out of the camp to the Arapa pass (4,800m/15,750ft). The colourful moon-like rock formations form a stark contrast to the white snows of Ausangate. You descend in the afternoon past the spectacular Uchuy Pucacocha (little red lake) and its waterfalls before camping beside the waters of Jatun Pucacocha (big red lake).
Distance hiked: 10km/6.2 miles
Ascent: 600m/ 1968ft
Maximum altitude: 4,800m/15,750ft
Sleeping altitude: 4585m/ 15,038ft
Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
You climb two passes today. But do not worry, the ascents are steady.
First is the Apuchata pass (4,900m/16,076ft) from where you descend to the beautiful azure lake of Ausangatecocha. Then you ascend Palomani pass (5,200m/17,060ft) on the far side of Ausangate. You pass through the traditional base camp used for mountain ascents before finishing with a descent to the campsite on the meadow below amidst the glacial moraines (4,510m/14,796ft).
Distance hiked: 10km/6.2 miles
Ascent: 600m/1968ft
Maximum altitude: 4,800m/15,750ft
Sleeping altitude: 4510m/ 14,793ft
Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
This morning you follow the broad green valley to the small lake of Ticllacocha. More vizcachas and hopefully some rare vicuñas should accompany you on your journey. The last big pass now lies above. The Campa pass (5050m/16,560ft) is the most impressive of all, with glaciers, scree and snow providing a real big mountain expedition feel.
A long descent brings you to the final camp beside the hot-springs at Pachanta (4360m/14,300ft) ideally placed to soak tired muscles in the warm waters.
Distance hiked: 11km/6.8 miles
Ascent: 540m/1771ft
Maximum altitude: 5050m/16,564ft
Sleeping altitude: 4360m/ 14,300ft
Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
A short hike and you reach the trailhead at Tinqui (4237m/13,900ft) where the bus will be waiting. After lunch, you wave goodbye to the mules and begin the drive back to Cusco for a well deserved hot shower and cold beer.
Distance hiked 15km/9.3km
Ascent: none
Maximum altitude: 4360m/ 14,300ftt
Sleeping altitude: n/a
Included: breakfast, lunch, camping equipment (except sleeping bag)
In order to fully enjoy your trip it is very important that you choose the right trip for you and fully understand what it involves.
There are risks inherent in travelling in Peru, as indeed there are in most of the activities that we provide. Many of the activities we offer also involve a significant level of effort on your part. After all, it is called Adventure Travel for a reason.
It is really important that you read both the trip notes above and the Risk and Safety Section on our website, to enable you to choose the best trip for you. Once you have read them both, please make sure you ask if there is anything you do not understand. We classify the Ausangate Trek as:
- Trek ‘Advanced’… This trek is mostly aimed at experienced trekkers – But if you are ‘fit’ (What does that mean? In this case – that you do regular exercise – walk/cycle/jog/squash/ etc) and have an ‘adventurous’ disposition, then you might consider this too! As an experienced trekker, you will know that this type of trip will involve some sweating and breathing hard! It will involve steep up and down. There may be sections of rough trail that falling off is not an option! The days are likely to be long, remote and even arduous at times. Make sure you are comfortable with this description (and the remainder of the trip notes), if at all unsure, then drop us an email asking for more clarification. We want you to book the perfect trip for you!
