The Ausangate Trek 5 Days is a captivating and challenging hike that takes you through the heart of the Peruvian Andes. It offers unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and remote Andean villages. Located in the Vilcanota mountain range, Ausangate is 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 5-day Classic Ausangate 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. It is an amazing option for those who are looking for a challenging high-altitude hike with several high passes to cross. You will be rewarded by quiet, uncrowded landscapes, spectacular glacial lakes, stunning snow-capped peaks, and bunches of alpaca and llama herds.
Itinerary
For our Ausangate Trek 5 Days, we depart Cusco early in the morning by bus. As we travel toward the highland village of Tinki (3,800m. / 12,467ft.). The journey takes us past small farms and through remote communities where we may encounter local families.
Upon arrival, we take a short break to organize and pack your belongings into a duffel bag before starting our hike toward the village of Upis. We will pass little farms and meet local families. After a little stopping while we pack 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 proudly share their their traditional textile crafts, inspired by the nature and ancient Andean symbolism. We will spend the night at the Upis campsite with an option to relax in nearby natural hot springs.
Start the morning with a warm cup of tea and a breathtaking view of Apu Ausangate. After enjoying breakfast, the trail leads uphill to the first pass called Arapa (4,800m/15,748f.). Once there, you will be amazed by the stunning views around you. From there, the path descends gradually for a few hours toward the serene lake of Puca Qocha, where we stop for lunch along its peaceful shore.
The journey then continues with another ascent, this time towards the impressive Ausangate Pass (5,020m/16,469f). From this high vantage point, stunning panoramic views of the majestic Apu Ausangate unfold, along with the sight of glistening glacial lakes resting at its base.
As we make our way down through a vibrant valley filled with striking natural colors and remote scenery. The trail eventually leads to our campsite in Anantapata (4,520m / 14,790ft), where we’ll rest for the evening.
We begin the day with an early wake-up to reach the highest pass in the Ausangate circuit; Palomani pass 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. After the breakfast, we leave the campsite, ascending for two hours to reach Palomani, it is swichback trail and offers some of the breathtaking landscapes. You will see Ausangate Qocha lake from above and the extence green valley. In the distance the red mountains and the Ausangate glacier.
We finally made it, we reach the highest point during the Classic Ausangate trek. This is the nearest site to the Apu Ausangate, your guide will explain you the Andean religion, make a offer to different mountains around. After a rest, we start descending towars Sorapata camp, along the way you will appreciate different lakes, and more snow peaks. If you have good fitness level we can approach to the brown lake.
Our team will prepare the lunch and set up the tent in Sorapata 4,590 meters (15,059 ft), here you will deserve a plenty relax after your lunch.
Today’s highlight is walking through the huge snow peaks. You’ll wake up with a great view of mountains and herds of alpacas. Enjoy a delicious mountain breakfast with this spectacular view. After, we hike for 2 hours to reach our last pass, Jampa 5,030 meters (16,502 ft) above sea level. The path goes gradually ascending through pictureque Quechua communities, you’ll walk through herds of alpacas and probably you will see some Vicuñas.
While you are hiking, the scenery turns more dramatical, more snow peaks, turquoise lakes and green valleys show up. While you ascend the views are more incredible, however the cold wind also is very strong at this altitude. Once you reached the Jampa pass, from here you will observe at the distance more peak and even Salakantay mountain in a clear day.
We continue our hike down to the Seven Lakes, it takes around an hour walking down, while you approach the viewpoint, the views of the lagoons emerges for your eyes. Take a time to enjoy the view, you will aslo see again Ausangate Mountain. We make our way to explore each of the Seven Lakes, while you guide explain you the importance of each them. Our team will set up a lunch spot around the lakes where you can recharge the enery for the final walk in the afternoon.
Finally, we hike down to Pacchanta 4,200 meters (13,779 ft) for 2 more hours, there you will have the option to join the hot springs. This is natural thermal baths which has different propities that benifice the body and th skin. We spend the last night here.
This will be our final day in the Ausangate area. Wake-up time will be around 6:00 – 6:30 a.m. You will enjoy breakfast, followed by a local cultural show.
Our team will then prepare Pachamanca, a traditional dish from the Andes Mountains. Your guide will explain the preparation process and its cultural significance. There may also be a traditional dance performance to conclude the experience.
We then board aour bus to back to Cusco, our service ends at the door of your hotel.
Inclusions
We are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days. 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.
Packing List
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.
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
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.
Before You Go
Spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude.
The trek is demanding. Regular cardio training, hiking, or endurance exercise before your trip will greatly improve your experience.
Weather changes quickly in the Andes. Bring thermal layers, a warm down jacket, gloves, and a hat for cold nights and early mornings.
Choose a sleeping bag rated for –10°C to –15°C (14°F to 5°F) to stay warm at high-altitude camps.
Drink plenty of water throughout the trek. Hydration helps prevent altitude-related discomfort.
At high altitude, UV radiation is strong. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Trekking poles help reduce strain on your knees, especially during long ascents and steep descents.
Eat all provided meals and walk at a steady, comfortable pace. There is no rush—slow and consistent steps are best at altitude.
Select an operator that supports local communities, treats staff ethically, and follows sustainable trekking practices.
Facilities are limited, temperatures can be extreme, and conditions can be basic—but the remote beauty and cultural experience make it unforgettable.
On the 5-Day Ausangate trek tour, don’t forget water! Drinking plenty of water will help you 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.
Prices
To book any tour/trek through with Ausangate Tours, we do require a 50% deposit per person. PayPal does charge us a fee of 6% which we ask the client to cover. This taxes is just for deposits, the remaining, you will pay in cash(briefing day) without taxes.
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