Ausangate Trek – 4D/3N
The 4-day Ausangate adventure, encompassing the Seven Lakes, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), and Red Valley, is a challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience in the heart of the Andes. This trek offers a compact version of the traditional Ausangate circuit and is ideal for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness, majestic glaciers, and stunning geology of this region, including three of its most iconic natural attractions.
Ausangate Trek – 4D/3N
4 Days / 3 Nights
LOCATION:
Cusco
AVAILABILITY:
Every day
PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVEL:
Challenging
MAX. ALTITUDE:
5,210 m.a.s.l.
Trip Details
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Pacchanta – Pacchaspata
- We begin by picking you up from your hotel to travel along the Interoceanic Highway towards Tinki (3 hours), where we will make a brief stop before continuing for another 40 minutes to Pacchanta, meeting point with our cook and muleteer.
- In Pacchanta, you’ll have one last chance to pack your things before starting the hike.
- We’ll ascend gently through Andean landscapes until, after 2 hours, we reach Azulqocha Lagoon, known for its turquoise waters and the breathtaking view of the Ausangate mountain.
- Here we’ll enjoy lunch.
- After that, we’ll continue for another hour to Pacchaspata (4,620 m), where our first campsite is located.
- The team will set up the tents, and you can rest.
- To end the day, our chef will prepare a pleasant «happy hour» for the group.
Day 2: Pacchaspata – Phinaya – Palomani Pass – Ausangate Qocha
- The day begins with a hot coca tea and an energetic breakfast before starting the ascent to the Qampa Pass, at 5,000 m.
- Next, we’ll descend to Uchuy Phinaya, an Andean community where you can see llamas and alpacas—perfect for taking photos.
- We’ll have lunch near a stream.
- In the afternoon, we’ll hike for 3 hours to Palomani Pass (5,210 m), with views of Chocolate Lagoon and Andean wildlife.
- At the summit, the guide will perform a brief ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
- Finally, we will descend for about an hour and a half to the camp at Ausangate Qocha, overlooking the south face of the mountain, where we spend the second night.
Day 3: Ausangate Qocha – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Surinicocha
- We begin with a gentle climb towards Anantapata, passing local families and landscapes dotted with llamas and alpacas.
- After about 3 hours, we’ll reach the lunch spot overlooking the Alccatauri Valley.
- Then we continue the climb to Warmisaya Pass (5,100 m), from where you can see Rainbow Mountain again.
- Finally, we descend for 1 hour to Surinicocha, where our camp is located, and we will enjoy tea and time to rest before dinner.
Day 4: Surinicocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
- Very early, after an energizing breakfast, we’ll begin our hike to Rainbow Mountain.
- In about 2 hours, we’ll reach the viewpoint (5,036 m), where you can appreciate its colors and take photos before the arrival of more visitors.
- Then we will continue towards the impressive Red Valley, a unique landscape that seems otherworldly.
- Finally, we will descend to the lunch spot, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
Included
- Pre-trek information session.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Ausangate entrance fees.
- Camping accommodation (tents and sleeping mats).
- Private transport Cusco – trailhead – Cusco.
- Pack horses and an emergency horse.
- Personal duffel bag.
- Portable toilet tent.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- Full meals during the trek.
- Filtered and boiled water.
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (available for rent).
- Rainbow Mountain entrance fee.
- Red Valley entrance fee.
- Trekking poles (available for rent).
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for the team.
What To Bring
- Original passport (and valid student card if you booked as a student).
- Small daypack (20–30 L) and a water bottle or hydration bladder (2–3 L).
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots and comfortable sandals for camp.
- Layers: 2–3 breathable T-shirts, hiking pants, thermal underwear, fleece and a warm down jacket.
- Waterproof jacket and pants or a rain poncho.
- Wool hat, sun hat, gloves and warm socks.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent.
- Personal first-aid kit, toiletries, small towel and toilet paper.
- Swimsuit if the route includes hot springs.
- Energy snacks and cash (soles) for tips and extras.
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available for rent).
Prices
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Ausangate Trek – 4D/3N
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