The Ausangate Trek is a captivating and challenging hike that takes you through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, offering unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and remote Andean villages. Located near the sacred Mount Ausangate, one of the highest peaks in the region at 6,384 meters (20,945 feet), this trek is a true adventure for nature lovers and experienced trekkers alike.
The trek offers a unique opportunity to explore a lesser-visited part of Peru, away from the crowds of other popular hikes like the Inca Trail. Along the route, you’ll encounter diverse ecosystems, from high-altitude plateaus to lush valleys, and the chance to experience traditional Andean culture. With stunning views of the iconic Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) in the distance, the Ausangate Trek is an unforgettable journey that combines challenging terrain, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, making it one of Peru’s premier trekking destinations.
The Ausangate trek 5 days with Rainbow Mountain is an amazing option for those who are looking for a challenging high-altitude hike with several high passes to cross. It is not for the faint hearted, and a good level of fitness is required. You will be rewarded by quiet, uncrowded trails, spectacular glacial lakes, stunning snow-capped peaks and the unusual red scree landscapes of the Rainbow Mountains of Vinicunca.
5 Day Ausangate Trek
DAY 1, Cusco – Tinki – Upis
For the Ausangate Tek 5-Day we will leave Cusco early in the morning by bus. On our way to the upper of Tinqui (3,800m/12,467ft), we will pass little farms and meet local families. After a little stopping while we packing your belongings in duffel bags, we start walking towards the community of Upis (4,360m/14,304ft).
Along the way, we will meet local families who will show us some examples of their textile work, created to honor the nature and Andean symbols. We spend the night in Upis camping site, also the possibility to enjoy hot springs.
Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
Minimum altitude: 3,900 masl / 12,795 fasl
Maximum altitude: 4,360 masl / 14,304fasl
Hiking time: 3 – 4hours
DAY 2, Upis – Arapa Pass – Puca Qaccha – Anantapata
Wake up with a hot tea and incredible view of Apu Ausangate, after breakfast, we will ascend towards the first pass called Arapa (4,800m/15,748f). Thereafter, we will descend for a few hours towards Puca Qocha and have a lunch at the border of the lake. Our route continues ascending towards the Extreme Ausangate pass (5,020m/16,469f).
From this view point you will appreciate the fantastic view of the Apu Ausangate, also you will be available to see the summit of this mountain, at the bottom of it there will be some lakes which offers incredible views.
Then we continue our hike descending through the valley with some picturesque landscapes, finally after 2 hours hike, we reach the campsite in Anantapata. 4,520m /14,790ft
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.2 miles
Minimum altitude: 5,020 masl / 16,469 fasl
Maximum altitude: 4,360 masl / 14,304fasl
Hiking time: 8 – 9 hours
DAY 3, Anantapata – Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Qocha
Today we wake up early according to explore the famous Rainbow Mountain before the crowds arrive, after the breakfast, we leave the campsite ascending the Warmi Saya pass 5,050m / 16,568ft from there you will appreciate the fantastic colors of the Rainbow Mountain and part of the red valley, afterwards we descend and hike through the marvelous path to the colorful mountain for about 2 hours and once we reached, we enjoy the majestic views of it.
We will be early morning at the Rainbow mountain and avoid the crowds, you will have plenty time to explore this iconic Rainbow mountain, your guide will explain why the reasons of its colorful layers of rock sediment: turquoise, orange, brown, and red and have time to capture the best photos.
After have done with it, we take the same way back to lunch spot to enjoy the delicious food, then we continue our hike to Ausangate Qocha where we will spend the night.
Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.2miles
Minimum altitude: 4,360 masl / 14,304 fasl
Maximum altitude: 5,020masl / 16,469fasl
Hiking time: 9 – 10 hours
DAY 4, Ausangate Qocha – Palomani Pass – Jampa pampa
This day we’ll reach the highest mountain pass (5,200/ 17,060ft.) with its panoramic, spectacular views of Ausangate snow-covered.
Wake up and have a breakfast and begin the hike ascending by a switchback trail with incredible view while you turn back to see the lake and a red valley, after climb it and reach the summit, your guide will do an offer for the Apu Ausangate with some local natural products, also you will say thanks for this incredible adventure.
Then we descend for a couple hours and reach the land spot near to the house of local families, you will have time to share some moments with locals, afterwards we continue our hike to the next campsite.
Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Minimum altitude: 4,570 masl / 14,993 fasl
Maximum altitude: 5,200 masl / 17,060fasl
Hiking time: 7– 8 hours
DAY 5, Jampa Pampa – Jampa pass – Pacchanta – Cusco
The highlight of this day is definitely the spectacular ascend to the Campa pass (5,050m/16,568ft). Moreover, we will pass several lovely lakes of different colors on the way to Pacchanta (4350m/14270ft). Here, we will enjoy the hot springs and will have a typical lunch. After being relaxing at the hot spring, in the afternoon we will board our bus to back to Cusco.
Hiking distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Minimum altitude: 4,570 masl / 14,993 fasl
Maximum altitude: 5,050 masl / 16,568fasl
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
We are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Ausangate Trek 5-Day . We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.
In our company we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack for your Ausangate Trek?
Important
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3 kg.
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 DAY BACKPACK:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible.
Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won’t have time to filter water until your first lunch.
TOILETRIES:
On the Ausangate trek tour, don’t forget water! Drinking lots of water will help with the elevation. We advise bringing at least 2 liters per person on the hike with you. Also, you will have chance to buy water at the beginning of the trek.
We skip the crowds! Everybody else goes Ausangate trek tour at the same time. That means they’re all want to take the best camping spots on this route. Since we leave from Cusco at 05:00 am. You will get to the view point and the camp site before the crowd, and enjoy this fantastic landscape.
Our guide always brings oxygen tank which are important as you get over 4620 meters/15,255feet above sea level! Not all travel agencies offer this, so this is definitely something to look out for when choosing the best Ausangate tour operator.
The best time to visit the Ausangate is going to be in the from April to October before the rainy season begins
This hike is very demanding. And the constantly changing weather conditions, combined with high altitude, can be a challenge for experienced hikers. But if done right it’s manageable even for those who don’t hike much.
Make sure that you have been a few days in Cusco to acclimatize to the elevation before you set off on your hike to Ausangate Tour. This is by far the best insurance for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Go to sleep early and try to avoid drinking or partying the night before, because We will pick you up at 05:00 am and the physically challenging trek will be much more bearable without a hangover.
If you have altitude sickness symptoms, descend as quickly as you can. It’s nothing to mess around with.
Try to go all the way to the viewpoint. You get a 360° view not just the Ausangate trek but of the nearby glacier and a gorgeous valley in the other direction. We think most people didn’t realize what they were missing by not going all the way up.
In case you are going to Machu Picchu the day before your trip to the Ausangate, tell your travel company to book your return train ticket early.
Higher elevation also means colder, nearly freezing temperatures, so be prepared. Whether you decide to take a one-day tour, make sure to wear very warm clothes. Also bring coca leaves to fight off altitude sickness and carry the minimum gear possible to ease the hike.
To book any tour/trek through with Ausangate Tours, we do require a 50% deposit per person. PayPal does charge us a fee of 8% which we ask the client to cover. This taxes is just for deposits, the remaining, you will pay in cash(briefing day) without taxes.
Please complete the form below to request a reservation. One of our Trip Coordinators will contact you, often within two business hours, to confirm availability of the trip and/or provide you with other options. Once availability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 951 359 694 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
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