View in the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Classic Ausangate Trek

5 Days / 4 Nights
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Up to 10 People Group Size
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5,200 m / 17,060 ft Max. Altitude
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Challenging Difficulty

The Incredible Ausangate Trek

Upis-Pucacocha Lake-Phinaya - Abra Palomani-Ausangatecocha-Pacchanta
Accommodation Icon
Camps Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 10 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
5,200 m / 17,060 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Challenging Difficulty

The Classic Ausangate Trek is the ultimate trekking tour in Cusco and is renowned for its otherworldly natural scenery. The Apu Ausangate is recognized as a sacred mountain in Incan mythology. On this hike, you will come close to nature and feel the connection while you enjoy the impressive landscapes in the highlands of Peru. Learn about the local traditions and people from the Peruvian Andes who still preserve their culture by dressing in colorful clothes.

The Ausangate Mountain has created impressive valleys and picturesque villages. The Andean people tamed the cold wind and the shortage of air above 4,000 meters, which challenges any visitor.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Faqs
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

Without a doubt the Ausangate Trek 5 Days has the most wonderful scenery in the whole of the Cusco area, with many green valleys, wildlife as alpacas, lamas and vicunas, some glaciers and high alpine lakes away of the from the noises of the city. It’s also one of the most challenging treks in the region, with four high passes over 5,000 m (16,400 ft). On a clear day, the Nevado Ausangate dominates Cusco’s southern skyline. As we draw closer to this massive massif (6,380masl. / 20,930 feet) one becomes increasingly impressed and understands fully why the ancient Incas held this spectacular mountain in such high regard. During the whole Ausangate Trek circuit, we pass local villages where the people dress in their typical attire—the women in beautiful flatboard hats with trimmings—and llamas graze freely.

Highlights: Ausangate Mountain and Lakes
Hiking distance: 67km/41.6miles
Considerations: acclimatation is required
Season: April through November

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day01

    Cusco - Tinki - Upis village

    Explore the increidble landscapes in the Andes Mountains by hiking the Ausangate Trek

  • Day02

    Upis Village - Arapa Pass - Ausangate Pass - Ausangate Qocha

    Breathtaking views of crystal lakes, snowy peaks and herds of alpacas

  • Day03

    Ausangate Qocha - Palomani Pass - Qampa Pampa

    Feel the energy of Apu Ausangate the most holy mountain in Cusco

  • Day04

    Qampa Pampa - Pachispata - Pacchanta

    Discover the flora and fauna in the high-altitude, stunning views of picturesque Andean communities.

  • Day05

    Pacchanta - Pacchanta School - Cusco

    Walk through the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, beautiful spot to capture the best photos.

  Itinerary
Day 01

Cusco - Tinqui - Upis

Walking Distance:  8km / 4.9 miles
Starting Elevation: 3850 meters / 12,618 feet
Highest Elevation: 4224 meters / 13,858 feet
Campsite Elevation:  4224meters / 13,858 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping (tent)
Adventure: Absolutely, completely satisfactory

For Ausangate Trek we depart Cusco early  in the morning ( 5:30am ) for a long three hours ride in private van to the small village of Tinqui (3800 masl./ 12 464 feet). We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages, including Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate. After a short rest in Tinqui, we will continue driving to Rodeana (3,900 m/12,795 ft). There is the beginning of our hike; the first three hours on the trail are a wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, where we get to the lunch spot at Upis (4224 m/13,864 ft) with great views of Ausangate. Here you will have the option to enjoy the hot springs, which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. We will camp here for the night.

Day 02

Upis -Arapa Pass - Ausangate Pass - Ausangate Qocha

Walking Distance:  12 km / 9.2 miles
Starting Elevation:  4224 meters / 13,858 feet
Campsite Elevation:  4570 meters / 14,993 feet
Maximum Altitude:  5020 meters / 16,469 feet
Difficulty: Challenging

After the delicious breakfast, we will be heading to the first pass of our expedition. During a few hours of trekking, we will cross the Arapa pass (4,850 meters/15908 feet). From here, we continue down the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q’ocha, until we reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q’ocha, where we will take our lunch with an incredible view of the mountain.

We then ascend the second pass of Ausangate (5,020 metres/ 16,469 feet) with stunning views of the Apu Ausangate, here you can feel the energy of this Andean deity and understand why is very important for the communities of this area, you also will appreciate the lakes located at the bottom of the Apu. These lakes are fed by the melting snow of Ausangate. Afterwards, we continue hiking down to Ausangate Qocha (4,570 m/14,993 ft). We will camp here for the second night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely

Day 03

Ausangate Qocha - Palomani pass - Sorapata

Walking Distance: 13km / 8.1 miles
Starting Elevation: 4570 meters / 14,993feet
Campsite Elevation:  4,560 meters / 14,960 feet
Maximum Altitude:  5200 meters / 17,060feet
Difficulty: Challenging

After our breakfast, we begin hiking up to the highest pass in this Ausangate trek. After a previous hike of a couple hours, we’ll reach the Palomani (5,200 m/16,060 ft). This is the pass where you’ll be as close as possible to the Ausangate Mountain, and here your tour guide will do some ceremony to say thanks to Mother Earth (Pachamama) for these extraordinary adventures. From the pass, we follow the trail into the valley. While you are descending, you can appreciate a nice lagoon and the glacier on your left.

Then we’re going to hike towards our lunch spot. After a little rest and with the energy recharged, we continue our hike to the last pass, Qampa 5080m (16,660 ft). During the afternoon hike, we can enjoy the views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Qampa valley; once we reach the pass, we only have an hour going down to our next campsite, Pachaspata, at 4580 m (14,698 ft).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely

 

Day 04

Sorapata - Qampa Pass - Pachispata - Pachanta

Walking Distance: 16km / 9,8 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,560 meters / 14,960 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4,200 meters / 13,779 feet
Maximum Altitude:  5000 meters / 16,404 feet
Difficulty: Challenging

Today our team will wake us up with tea, and once you open your tent, you will see the most fascinating view of some snow peaking in front of us. After an Andean breakfast, we begin the hike ascending to the last pass of this tour. The hike will take about 2 hours to reach Qampa Pass over 5,030 meters (16,502 ft), then the path is more easy just going down until the lunch spot.

From here, we will explore the famous Seven Lakes Tour, where we will visit different lakes, and your tour guide will explain how important each of them is for the local people. The last section of the tour will take about 3 hours to reach Pacchanta Village, a picturesque village where you can interact with some locals and children. You will also have the option to join the thermal baths with a spectacular view and relax your muscles.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely

Day 05

Pacchanta - Cusco

Walking Distance:  3km/ 1.8miles
Starting Elevation:  4,200 meters / 13,779 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Adventure: Absolutely

The last day of this trip, we wake up about 7 a.m. and enjoy breakfast. Then, we will have a local tradition to say good-bye to our team. Their family will show us how they weave the alpaca whool and make some Andean clothes with their own hands. Then, we will try a typical local food and begin our hike for an hour. After we are done with it, we will board our bus and go back to Cusco. We will arrive about 3 or 4 p.m., and we will drop you off at the same place that we picked you up the first day.

Itinerary notes – Ausangate trek (Ausangate Circuit) – 5 days
The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group, and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route, which might not correspond exactly to the route described here.

The Ausangate region is very high, plus you are close to a snow-covered massif. Temperatures are cold and can fall well below freezing in the nights. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Hire or carry sleeping bags for temperatures less than freezing (minus 15 degrees Celsius or more). This region has limited tourist infrastructure, and this tour makes use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan.

This is all part of the adventure, and visitors to Peru are encouraged to have an open mind and be open to the differences in the way things are done in another culture.

  Inclusions

At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in the Ausangate Trek. 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 5 days Ausangate trek.

WE INCLUDE

Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide

  • Pre-departure briefing

    Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Ausangate trek departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the trek. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will be carried by the horses while you are hiking

  • Professional Adventure Guide

    All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service, our tour guide have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through to their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Andes.

  • Accommodations

    At Machu Picchu by Locals we include accommodations 4 nights along the Ausangate trek, with a suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of the life time. Our tents are Mountain gear or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only for 2 people to ensure you comfort and enough place for your luggage. The same way we include Inflatable mattress for your comfort. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal along this tour.

Transportations

  • Private Transport

    We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the Ausangate Trek, the bus returning from Ausangate to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.

  • Horses

    We include horses to transport all the duffle bags and equipment during this tour also will be a horse man. At Machu Picchu by Locals we know safety is first is for that we include a emergency horse in case someone feels tired or get altitude sickness.

Equipment

  • Personal Duffle bag

    We included a personal duffle bag for your 5 days Ausangate trek. You will get this duffle bag at Machu Picchu by Locals office during your pre-departure briefing the night before of your trek. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon you arrive to the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag and mattress but the maximum allowable weight is 7kg/17lb. The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.

  • Medical First Aid Kit

    All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.

Meals

  • Meals

    At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 4 breakfast, 5 lunch and 4 dinner. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients.

  • Water

    Machu Picchu by Locals will provide you water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled and cooled by our Chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.

WE NOT INCLUDED

    • Sleeping bag

      Every trekker along the Ausangate trek needs a proper sleeping bag which has to be for -10°C / 14° F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or you don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.

    • Walking Sticks

      Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits, protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially on the remote area which are many up and downhill, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increased stability, if you don’t have a pair of trekking poles you can rent them from our office.

    • First Breakfast

      We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotel offers breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Ocongate where you will be available to purchase a breakfast.

    • Entrance fee to Ausangate Park

The entrance fee to Ausangate Park is not included in our trek, you should pay it at the beginning of the trek S/20 soles per person

    • Hot Springs Tickets

If you decide to join the hot spring the tickets is S/ 5.00 soles

    • Tips for our team

Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Ausangate, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.

  Recommendations

CLASSIC AUSANGATE TREK 5 DAYS PACKLING LIST

At Machu Picchu by Locals 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? Important

  • Passport
  • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
  • Trekking poles

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.

    • 3-4 wicking t-shirts
    • 3-4 hiking pants
    • 3-4 sets of undergarments.
    • 1 Fleece
    • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
    • 1 Rain jacket and pants
    • 1 sun hat
    • 1 wool hat
    • Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
    • Small towel
    • Headlamp: essential
    • Waterproof gloves
    • Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
    • Walking boots
    • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

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 DAYPACKS:

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.

  • Sun hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (iPhone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Earplugs
  • Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Small towel
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
  Faqs

PREPARING FOR YOUR AUSANGATE TREK 5 DAYS

BOOKING SYSTEM

At Machu Picchu by Locals, we try to make the best of us to booking system works as easy as possible for you, once you decided to do this trek, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required detail which are important to book your tickets, we need a previous deposit of 50% per person. Once as soon as you paid it, we immediately book a spot for this tour once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation form that all the booking process has set up satisfactorily.

IS MACHU PICCHU by LOCALS TEAM CONTACTING US BEFORE FLYING TO PERU?

Yes, our work policy is to be in contact with our customers as long as necessary to inform them of all the details and changes that could occur after have confirmed the reservation, please you ask to check constantly your e-mail, also if you have some issue let us know to solve as soon as possible.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?

Cusco is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow especially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, we will send you a notify for the pick up if is not possible the access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop off also a night before your tour you will meet with your tour guide who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Machu Picchu by Locals sales team.

ALONG THE AUSANGATE TREK IS THERE ELECTRICITY?

Not, because this trek is located in remote place where there is not electricity some local village located along the trek has solar panels your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone, we recommend to bring your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains.

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE AUSANGATE TREK?

This Ausangate Trek is particularly challenging specially for people who does not has experience hiking on the mountains, we recommend to training with some exercises a few times per week to don’t have problem, also is recommendable to spend some days in Cusco to acclimatize to the altitude because part of the segment along this trek are located over 4000m/13123ft

WHAT HAPPEN IF I GOT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

No worry, our guide and team are professional and they know how to solve any issue during your trek, your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these, also will be there an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recovery. Our team always has radio and they are trained for any emergency happen during our tours.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS FOR AUSANGATE TREK?

Definitely, it is always recommendable to wear a light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing down so many steps created by the Incas, crossing some rivers especially the day 2 some of them are slippery, now uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps from twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?

Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE DURING THE AUSANGATE TREK 5 DAYS?

In case you have extra luggage which you not need to bring to the trail all the hotels in Cusco has storage where you can leave your luggage completely free, if you will change your hotel after the trek we have available our storage in Machu Picchu by Locals office, get more info with from our office team.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER

The weather in Cusco regions and part of the Andes is unpredictable even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months – a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in some part of the trail.

  Pricing

From: USD 420.00 per person

USD 390.00: from 4 people to more

 

 Additional Items

* Additional single tent: $30USD
*Sleeping bag -15°C / 5°F for the entire trip: $25USD

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu by Locals will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

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5 Days / 4 Nights
Classic Ausangate Trek


Price from $ 390 USD Per Person

Group Size Up to 10 People

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Map of Classic Ausangate Trek



WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?


At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.

  • Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion

  • Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.

  • Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.

  • Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.

  • Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.

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