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Ausangate 5 Days

Discover Ausangate on a 5-day trek from Cusco

Summary

Embark on a breathtaking 5-day trek around the sacred Ausangate mountain, one of the most stunning and spiritual journeys in the Peruvian Andes. Traverse through vibrant valleys painted with natural colors, cross high mountain passes surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and marvel at the beauty of turquoise glacial lakes. Along the route, you’ll encounter remote Andean communities that preserve their ancestral traditions, offering a genuine glimpse into the local way of life. This adventure is the perfect blend of challenge, culture, and natural wonder — a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those seeking to connect deeply with the spirit of the Andes.

Itinerary

Ausangate Trek 5 Days - Day 1

Information

Day 1 – Cusco – Ocongate – Upis: Early pickup from your hotel at 5:30 am. Transfer to Ocongate and then to the town of Tinki. Stop at Estadio for breakfast before starting a hike of approximately 3 hours. Arrival at Upis campsite, where we’ll enjoy lunch and have free time in the afternoon to explore the area.

Campsite: Upis – includes lunch and dinner. Located at 4,100 m.a.s.l., at the foot of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain (6,384 m.a.s.l.).

Day Summary

  • Start time: 5:30 am (Hotel pickup)
  • Route: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinki – Estadio – Start of the hike – Upis
  • Hiking duration: 3 hours
  • Meals: Lunch and dinner at the campsite
  • Maximum altitude: 4,100 m.a.s.l. (Upis)
  • Type of tour: Trekking – Adventure – Nature
Ausangate Trek 5 Days - Day 2

Information

Day 2 – Upis – Ausangate Lagoon: Breakfast at Upis, starting the day with coca tea at 5:30 am. We begin the hike towards the Arapa Pass, which takes approximately 2 and a half hours, enjoying panoramic views of the mountain range. Then we descend to Pukaccocha in about 2 and a half hours, where we’ll have lunch. The trek continues for another 2 hours to reach the Vicuña Pass before arriving at the Ausangate Lagoon campsite, where we’ll have dinner and rest.

Campsite: Ausangate Lagoon – includes dinner. This campsite is surrounded majestic mountains, perfect for admiring the high Andean landscape.

Day Summary

  • Start time: 5:30 am (Breakfast at Upis with coca tea)
  • Route: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pukaccocha – Vicuña Pass – Ausangate Lagoon
  • Hiking duration: Approx. 7 hours (divided into sections)
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch en route, dinner at campsite
  • Maximum altitude: Arapa Pass (approx. 4,600 m.a.s.l.)
  • Type of tour: Trekking – Adventure – Nature
Ausangate Trek 5 Days - Day 3

Information

Day 3 – Ausangate Lagoon – Machu Wuasi Camp: Breakfast at the Ausangate Lagoon campsite, starting the morning with coca tea. The hike begins towards the Palomani Pass, taking approximately 2 hours while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery. Then we descend to Machu Wuasi in about 1.5 hours, where we’ll stop for lunch. The trek continues for another 3.5 hours to reach our final campsite of the day, where dinner will be served and we’ll rest surrounded by nature.

Campsite: Machu Wuasi Camp – includes dinner. Located in a beautiful natural setting with breathtaking views of the mountain range.

Day Summary

  • Start time: Breakfast at Ausangate Lagoon with coca tea
  • Route: Ausangate Lagoon – Palomani Pass – Machu Wuasi – Final campsite
  • Hiking duration: Approx. 7 hours (divided into sections)
  • Meals: Breakfast at campsite, lunch in Machu Wuasi, dinner at campsite
  • Maximum altitude: Palomani Pass (approx. 4,700 m.a.s.l.)
  • Type of tour: Trekking – Adventure – Nature
Ausangate Trek 5 Days - Day 4

Information

Day 4 – Ccampa Camp – Pacchanta: Breakfast at Ccampa Camp, starting the morning with a cup of coca tea. We begin our hike toward the Ccampa Pass, which takes about 2.5 hours, followed by a 1.5-hour descent to Ninaparar, where we’ll enjoy lunch. The trek continues for another 3 hours through the stunning “7 Lakes” area until we reach Pacchanta Camp, where dinner and a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs await us.

Campsite: Pacchanta Camp – includes dinner and access to natural hot springs. A perfect spot to unwind after a long day of hiking and take in the beautiful Andean scenery.

Day Summary

  • Start time: Breakfast at Ccampa with coca tea
  • Route: Ccampa Camp – Ccampa Pass – Ninaparar – 7 Lakes – Pacchanta
  • Hiking duration: Approx. 7 hours (divided into sections)
  • Meals: Breakfast at camp, lunch in Ninaparar, dinner in Pacchanta
  • Maximum altitude: Ccampa Pass (approx. 4,900 m.a.s.l.)
  • Type of tour: Trekking – Adventure – Nature – Hot Springs
Ausangate Trek 5 Days - Day 5

Information

Day 5 – Pacchanta – Cusco: Breakfast at Pacchanta Camp, starting the morning with coca tea. After saying farewell to our porters and cook, we take our transport back to Cusco, marking the end of our unforgettable 5-day Ausangate Trek adventure.

Campsite: Pacchanta – breakfast included before departure. End of the trekking experience.

Day Summary

  • Start time: Breakfast in Pacchanta with coca tea
  • Route: Pacchanta Camp – Return transport to Cusco
  • Hiking duration: Light walk to the transport
  • Meals: Breakfast at camp
  • Type of tour: Trekking – Transfer – Final Adventure

Inclusions

Includes

  • Informative briefing before the trek.
  • Hotel pickup in Cusco.
  • Tourist transportation Cusco – Tinki (stadium) (trek start) – Cusco.
  • Horses and muleteers to transport camp equipment and 7 kg of personal belongings per passenger.
  • 7 kg trekking backpack.
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English).
  • 4 nights of camping along the route (double tents).
  • Camping equipment: tents, sleeping mats, table, chairs, field kitchen.
  • Specialized cook and full meals during the trek (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners).
  • Daily snacks and tea time (coca tea, coffee, or herbal infusions).
  • Entrance to the Ausangate route and Red Valley.
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
  • Trekking pole.
  • Water.
  • Daily snacks.

Does Not Include

  • Last dinner and lunch (day 5).
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented in Cusco).
  • Entrance to Pacchanta hot springs (optional).
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended).
  • Tips for staff (guides, cooks, muleteers, drivers).
  • Personal expenses and extras not mentioned in the itinerary.

Price - per Person

Sacsayhuamán Qurikancha

Ausangate 5 Days

Price $720.00

Recommendations for the Ausangate Trek 5 Days

To make the most of your experience on the Ausangate 5D/4N trek, we recommend bringing the following items:

What to Bring

For your Ausangate 5D/4N trek, remember to bring the following:

What to Bring

  • Valid passport or ID (recommended to carry throughout the trek).
  • Trekking backpack of 20–30 liters for your personal belongings (remember that the mule service includes 7 kg per passenger).
  • Sleeping bag (not included; available for rent in Cusco).
  • Light clothing for the hike and thermal layers for cold nights at high altitude.
  • Rain jacket or waterproof poncho (weather changes quickly in the Andes).
  • Durable and comfortable trekking shoes suitable for irregular terrain.
  • Light sandals to rest at the campsites.
  • Trekking pole (included in the tour, but you may bring your own if you prefer).
  • Headlamp with extra batteries.
  • Warm hat, gloves, and UV-protection sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
  • Reusable water bottle or canteen (1–2 liters; remember that water is provided during the trek except for the first 4 hours).
  • Energy snacks (nuts, granola bars, chocolate) to complement the included meals.
  • Personal hygiene items and a small fast-drying towel.
  • Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
  • Personal medication and altitude sickness pills if needed.
  • Camera or phone with a charged battery (a power bank is highly recommended).
  • Comfortable clothing for sleeping and for the campsites.
  • Extra cash in soles for optional expenses, snacks, or tips.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ausangate Trek (5 Days)

It is a high-altitude trek through the Vilcanota mountain range that, over 5 days, crosses breathtaking landscapes of the Ausangate snow-capped peak (6,384 m), colorful lagoons, glaciers, Andean communities, and natural hot springs. It is a challenging and authentic adventure for trekking enthusiasts.

The trek lasts 5 days and 4 nights, with daily hikes of 6 to 8 hours, crossing high mountain passes that exceed 5,000 meters above sea level.

It is considered challenging due to the altitude and mountain passes. Good physical condition and prior acclimatization in Cusco are highly recommended before starting the trek.

It includes transportation from Cusco, all meals, camping equipment, horses for carrying luggage, a professional bilingual guide, entry fees for the route, and visits to colorful lagoons, glaciers, and the Pacchanta hot springs.

It is not mandatory, but having experience with long hikes at high altitudes is recommended. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers with good endurance and a love for mountain landscapes.

The best season is from April to October (dry season). During the rainy season (November to March), the trails are more difficult, and the weather is less stable.

We recommend bringing thermal clothing, a waterproof jacket, trekking boots, poles, a light backpack, headlamp, sunscreen, hat, gloves, energy snacks, and a reusable water bottle (minimum 2L).

Yes, it is possible to rent horses on certain sections of the route for an additional cost, either to carry luggage or to assist with the steepest ascents.

Yes, a professional bilingual guide accompanies travelers throughout the trek, providing cultural and natural information while ensuring safety along the route.

Yes, as long as it is done with an authorized agency. Guides are trained in first aid, and the trek includes an emergency kit and support horses available along the route.

PAYMENT METHODS

The agency requires a 50% deposit of the total cost of the contracted services. This deposit can be made through any of the authorized payment methods. The remaining balance must be paid 1 day before your tour.

OPTION A: BANK TRANSFER (INTERBANK)

Bank transfer to our company account.

Account Holder: VICUÑA EXPEDITIONS S.R.L.

INTERBANK – Business Accounts:

OPTION B: WESTERN UNION / MONEYGRAM

OPTION C: BCP (BANK TRANSFER)

Account Holder: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA

OPTION D: IZIPAY (PAYMENT LINK)

We accept all types of credit and debit cards via payment link. + 5% commission applies to the total amount.

Holder: VICUÑA EXPEDITIONS S.R.L.

  • Soles Account: 420-3005150123
  • CCI Soles: 00342000300515012374
  • USD Account: 420-3005951869
  • CCI USD: 00342000300595186973
  • SWIFT: BINPPEPL
  • Recipient: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA
  • DNI: 25318323
  • City: Cusco – Perú
  • Holder: JULIAN PEREZ CONCHA
  • Account: 28592748012025
  • CCI: 00228519274801202555

All cards accepted via payment link. + 5% commission.

Travel associations and certifications

Contacto

Find us

Calle Nueva Baja 585, Primer Piso Oficina 1,
Cusco, Cusco, Perú

📞 +51 968 163 793

✉ sales@vicunaexpeditions.com

Contacto
Mapa

Tour Information – Ausangate 5 Days

Maximum Altitude: 5,200 m.a.s.l.

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Group Size: Minimum 2 people

Physical Level: Moderate to Challenging

Travel Style: Adventure / Trekking / Nature

Accommodation Type: Camping

Mapa