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Ausangate-Trek-5-Day-4-Nights

Aventura y Trekking
4 Días 3 Noches

Locación

Cusco, Perú

Altura Máxima

4,950 m.s.n.m.

Dificultad

Moderada

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Descripción General

Ausangate Trek 5 Days – High-Altitude Adventure Hike in Peru

The Ausangate Trek 5 Days is a 75 km (46 miles) hike in the Andes including the Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate 7 Lakes, it is one of the most spectacular high-altitude adventures in Peru.

This unforgettable trek circles the sacred Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Vilcanota Mountain Range near Cusco, leading hikers through dramatic Andean landscapes filled with glaciers, turquoise lagoons, colorful valleys, and remote Quechua communities. Along the route, trekkers witness herds of alpacas and vicuñas grazing across vast highland plains while crossing breathtaking mountain passes above 5,000 meters.

The journey culminates with a visit to the world-famous Rainbow Mountain, where vibrant mineral layers create one of the most extraordinary natural sights in the Andes. For adventure travelers seeking an authentic and less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail, the Ausangate Trek 5 Days offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Why Hike the Ausangate Trek 5 Days in Peru

Without a doubt Ausangate Mountain offers some of the most wonderful scenery in the entire Cusco area. It reveals dramatic valleys and picturesque villages shaped by the forces of the nature.

Trekking at this high altitude where the air is thick and the winds are cold, it offers a rewarding challenge for any adventurous traveler. With three high passes over 5,000 m (16,400 ft) making it ideal for those seeking a true high-altitude trekking adventure in Peru.

On a clear day, the majestic Nevado Ausangate, standing at (6,384masl. / 20,944 feet) dominates the southern skyline of Cusco. As we approach this sacred peak, it becomes clear why the Incas revered it so deeply, and understands fully why the local hold this spectacular mountain in such high regard.

Highlights of the Ausangate Trek

Highlights: Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain and Lakes
Hiking distance: 75 km (46 miles)
Considerations: Acclimatization is essential
Season: April through November

Itinerario

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01

Cusco – Tinqui – Upis

Campsite Elevation:  4,400meters / 14,435 feet

Accommodation: Camping (tent)

Highlight Immerse in the stunning Andes Mountains

Ausangate Trek adventure begins departing Cusco early in the morning at 5:30 a.m. for a long three-hour ride in a private van to the small village of Tinke (3,800 masl./12 464 feet). We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages, including Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate.

After a short rest in Tinke, we will continue driving to Rodeana (4,100 m/13,451 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.

We get to Upis (4,400 m/14,435 ft) and enjoy delicious lunch 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 – Anantapata

Campsite Elevation:  4,620 m / 15,157 feet

Accommodation: Camping

Highlight: Apu Ausangate and Turquoise lakes

After a delicious breakfast, the second day of the Ausangate Trek begins heading toward first pass of our expedition. After several hours of trekking, we reach Arapa Pass (4,850 meters/15908 feet) where panoramic views reward our efforts.

From here, we descend into a serene valley, passing the emerald-green lake of Puqa Q’ocha, continuing onward we reach the turquoise lake of Hatun Poqacocha. Here surrounded by silence and towering mountains we pause for lunch and take time to absorb the raw beauty of the Andes.

In the afternoon, the trail leads us up to the next Ausangate Pass (4,990 meters or 16,371 feet) from here, feel the immense presence of Apu Ausangate that dominates the highland. For local communities, this mountain is not just a peak but a living spirit, an Andean deity believed to protect the land and its people. Standing here, it is easy to understand why Ausangate has been revered since Inca times.

At the base of the mountain, glacial lakes rest quietly fed by the eternal ice above. We continue our hike towards Anantapata (4,620 m 15,157 ft) We will camp here for the night.

 

Day 03

Anantapata – Warmisaya pass- Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Q’ocha

Campsite Elevation:  4,580 meters / 15,026feet

Accommodation: Camping

Highlight: Stunning Rainbow Mountain and South face of Ausangate

Our team will wake you up super early this day with a hot cup of Coca in order to see the sunrise once we arrive at Rainbow Mountain. After an energetic breakfast, we begin our early hike to the next pass, Warmisaya, at 5,020 m (16,469 ft).

From the top the first view of Rainbow Mountain emerge, its striped slopes glowing softly in the morning light. We then hike for two hours across the high-altitude plateau until we reach Rainbow Mountain itself 5,036 m/16,522 ft. Arriving before the crowds, the mountain reveals its natural colors in perfect stillness offering a rare and an unforgettable experience.

You have the chance to rest, breathe deeply, and fully absorb the beauty of this sacred place while capturing incredible photos. Your guide will explain the geological and the cultural meaning behind the mountain’s vibrant colors, allowing you to explore each viewpoints.

After exploring Rainbow Mountain, we return along the same trail until our last camp where a well-deserved lunch awaits. With renewed energy we continue our hike to Ausangate Qocha, 4,650 m/15,255 ft. Upon arrival, the peaceful glacial lake welcomes us for the night, where we set up camp surrounded by towering peaks and the quiet spirit of the high Andes.

 

Day 04

Ausangate Qocha – Palomani Pass- Qampa Pampa – Pachispata

Campsite Elevation: 4580 / 15,026 feet

Accommodation: Camping

Highlight: Highest Pass and Ausangate Mountain.

The most challenging day! We set out toward the most challenging and meaningful point of the Ausangate Trek, the highest mountain pass of the journey.

The trail climbs steadily for several hours until we reach Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the trek and the place where we come closest to the immense Ausangate Mountain. Standing here, surrounded by ice and sky, the power of the Andes is undeniable.

Your guide will lead a traditional Andean ceremony, offering gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for safe passage and the extraordinary experiences shared on this sacred land.

From the pass, we begin our descent into a wide glacial valley. As we walk downhill, a beautiful lagoon and towering glacier appear to our left, silent witnesses to the passage of time. Following the trail deeper into the valley, we continue on to our lunch spot, where we rest, refuel, and take in the surrounding scenery.

In the afternoon, with renewed energy, we climb toward the final pass of the trek, Qampa Pass (5,020 m / 16,480 ft). Along the way, sweeping views open up toward the snowcapped peaks of Tres Picos and Puca Punta, creating a dramatic Andean backdrop for our hike.

Crossing the pass, we descend through the broad green valley of Sorapata and follow the Q’ampa River downstream. After about an hour of gentle hiking, we arrive at our final campsite in Pachispata (4,580 m / 14,698 ft). As evening settles over the valley, the vast silence of the high Andes marks the completion of another unforgettable day on the Ausangate Trail.

 

Day 05

Pachispata – Pacchanta – Cusco

Drive Time: 4 hours

Highlight: Ausangate 7 Lakes and Hot springs of Pacchanta.

On the last day of this Ausangate Trek, we wake up about 6 a.m., enjoy breakfast, and then begin our hike.

It’s a 3-hour trek between turquoise lakes and picturesque villages on the way to Pacchanta, where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village and enjoy the relaxing hot spring before taking our private van back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.00.

Personalice este itinerario agregando días adicionales a cualquier ubicación. Comuníquese con uno de nuestros asesores de viajes expertos para obtener asesoramiento.

Información Importante

WE INCLUDE

Vidal Expeditions Team Provide

  • Pre-departure briefingOnce 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 about 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 GuideAll our tour guides have a great reputation for customer service. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Andes.
  • Entrance Fees to Ausangate parkOnce we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we will purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek. They will be for a specific date and will be in your name.
  • AccommodationsAt Vidal Expeditions, we include accommodations for four nights along the Ausangate Trek 5 Days. with suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of a lifetime. Our tents are Mountain Gear or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, which will be shared only with 2 people to ensure your comfort and enough space for your luggage. The same way we include inflatable mattresses for your comfort. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal on this tour.

Transportations

  • Private TransportWe included all the transportation during your tour. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, and the bus returning from Ausangate to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.
  • HorsesWe include horses to transport all the duffle bags and equipment during this tour, and there will also be a horseman. At Vidal Expeditions, we know safety comes first, so we include an emergency horse in case someone feels tired or gets altitude sickness.

Equipment

  • Personal Duffle bagWe included a personal duffle bag for your 5-day Ausangate trek. You will get this duffle bag at Vidal Expeditions office during your pre-departure briefing the night before your trek. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon when you arrive at the campsite. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag, and mattress, but the maximum allowable weight is 7 kg (17 lb). The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
  • Toilet TentsDuring our trek to Ausangate, we bring our own portable toilet tent because we know how important it is to protect our environment, and we are trained to leave no traces along the route.
  • Medical First Aid KitAll tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.

Meals

  • MealsAt Vidal Expeditions, 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 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. 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 you’ve ever had with local and organic ingredients.
  • WaterVidal Expeditions will provide you with 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 bagEvery trekker along the Ausangate Trek 5 Days needs a proper sleeping bag, which has to be for -10°C or 14°F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.
    • Walking SticksHiking with trekking poles has its benefits. They protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially in remote areas where there are many ups and downs. Trekking poles also help you during the ascent with 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 hotels offer breakfast during your stay. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near Ocongate where you will be able to purchase breakfast.
    • Travel Insurance

We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.

    • Tips for our team

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

Essential Items to Pack

  • 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 mat (if you bring or rent one). From our perspective, 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:

A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger, try to make it as light as possible. Water: We supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning’s 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.

Mapa de Recorrido

Ruta

Itinerary at a Glance

    • Day 01

      Cusco – Tinki – Upis village

Immerse in the Andes mountain hike with stunning views of Ausangate Mountain and herds of alpacas.

  • Day 02

    Upis Village – Arapa Pass – Ausangate Pass – Anantapata

    Reconnect with the energy of the mountains by hiking in a remote area, and what a way to stand in front of Apu Ausangate, the most powerful mountain in Cusco.

  • Day 03

    Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass – Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Qocha

    Walk across dramatic landscape, reach the panoramic Warmisaya Pass. Discover the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain and camp near to Ausangate glacier.

  • Day 04

    Ausangate Qocha – Palomani Pass – Qampa Pampa – Pachispata

    Reach the highest pass on the trek, Palomani Pass 5,200 m., learn the local culture and tradition by exploring some local communities.

  • Day 05

    Pachispata – Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco

    End your trek by exploring the outstanding Seven Lakes and soaking in the medicinal thermal baths of Pacchanta.

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