THE AUSANGATE TREK


5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS


This 5-day-long hike goes around the snowy mountain of Ausangate which is the highest point in the región (6384 masl). During this walk we can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain and also the views of the lakes and icy valleys. Along the trek the group will meet and visit different Highland communities who maily work with raising Andean camels. We can also enjoy the hot springs located in the Upis and Pacchanta camp sites. This hike is especally recommended for those who love nature and trekking.


Day 1 Cusco – Tinqui – Upis (11km)

Early in the morning our private transportation will pick up the hikers at the different hotels and after a 3-hour ride we will arrive to the Tinqui community (3800 masl). From here we start our hike towards the first campsite located in the Upis peasant community

ruina pumamarkaThe path will slightly ascend and we will cross a high ecological area of large pastures where animals are raised. We can also see the local farmers doing their daily works which is maily the raising of animals. At the end of the day the group will arrive to the Upis community (4400 masl) where we can enjoy a bath in the hot springs.


Day 2 Upis – Ausangate Cocha (13.5 km)

On the second day of the hike we must reach our first pass, the pass of Arapa (4700 masl). The first part of the walk will go slightly uphill towards the pass and during the walk we can see the steep northern face of the Ausangate mountain and at the bottom a massive rock sediment. During the walk we can watch herds of vicunas and reaching the Arapa pass we can see the narrow icy valley of Lauramarca . Then we descend towards the Hatun Pucucoha community (4550 masl) where there are spectacular views of the icy lakes of the same name. From here the trek goes slightly uphill again and take us to the second pass named Lejle Loma or Falso Palomani (4850 masl). Finally we descend to our second camp site located beside the Ausangate Cocha Lake (4650 masl).


Day 3 Ausangate Cocha – Hampa (10.50 km)

We leave the camp early morning to reach ruina pumamarka the highest point of our trek, the pass of Palomani (5100 masl). The path taking us to the pass will be steep but short and meanwhile we are climbing upwards we can enjoy the beautiful views of the Ausangate Cocha Lake. When we arrive to the pass there is a spectacular view of the whole Vilcanota mountain range. After this we will descend towards the Huchuy Phinaya peasant community (4450 masl) and finally a steep but short path will take us to the highland prairies of the Hampa community (4600 masl) where we spend the night.


Day 4 Huchuy Phinaya (4450 msnm)

On this day we need to reach the Hampa pass (5100 masl). Our hike will start by crossing the Wanu Wanu prairies and then start climbing steeply until we reach the pass. From here we can enjoy the magnificent views of the snowy Hampa, Tres Picos, Huayruro, and Comercocha mountains. Leaving the pass behind we will descend to the village of Pacchanta (4300 masl) where we spend the night and enjoy a nice bath in the hot springs. ruina pumamarka


Day 5 Tinqui – Cusco (10.30 km)

Early in the morning we leave the Pacchanta community and walk towards Tinqui (3800 masl). This day the walk will be slightly descending and we will walk through the Pinchimuro gorge, following the stream of the same name. We finish our trek in the Tinqui community where our private transportation will wait for us and take the group back to the city of Cusco.


What is included?


  • Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the starting point of the trek.

  • Pick-up from the final point of the trek and return to your hotel

  • Accommodation in tents for 2 people – individual tents can be organized upon request.

  • Roll-up mattresses

  • Dining tent, bathroom tent, tables, chairs, kitchen, cutleries

  • English speaking guide specialized in first aid & CPR .

  • Support staff consisting of cook and carriers for handling the animals

  • Food during the trek consisting of five meals a day: breakfast, snacks, lunch, hot drinks and dinner. In case of special diets, allergies or vegetarian diets, these can be prepared to order without any extra cost

  • Boiled and filtered water throughout the trek, you can fill your bottles after every meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • First aid kit including oxygen bottle.

  • Mules to transport equipment and food

  • A horse for emergencies

¿What is not included?


  • Tips for the personnel.

  • Any other activity or unexpected event must be paid by the guest himself. In case of medical emergency the guest needs to cover the costs of medical transportation from the mountain to the hospital. Our company is well-prepared to deal with such events in a fast and professional way.

  • Sleeping Bag

What to take?


  • Trekking boots and rain poncho (or waterproof jacket)

  • Sufficient clothing for the entire trip (warm clothes)

  • Sandals for walking around in the camp

  • Sleeping bag

  • Torch/flash light

  • Camera, batteries & charger for batteries

  • Cap/ hat

  • Sun block, Insect repellent, anti-bacterial gel

  • Water bottle

  • Towel and swim-wear (toilet paper)

  • Walking canes/sticks

  • Extra money is recommendable in Soles (local currency) as there are no facilities to change dollars during the trek