The Classic Trek to the Imposing Ausangate
The Ausangate Trek is one of Cusco’s best options for nature and trekking lovers. It’s an epic journey through the foothills of the most important sacred mountain south of Cusco: The incredible Ausangate glacier that sits at 6,372 m / 20,905 ft.
On this amazing journey, you’ll visit remote Andean towns, enjoy relaxing hot springs, and photograph the turquoise glow of beautiful crystalline lagoons dotted throughout the route. If you’re passionate about hiking in the mountains, learning about local customs and traditions, and looking for an intense experience in remote areas of Peru, this package is perfect for you.
Whether you’re traveling with a partner or your family or friends, you can join us on this incredible adventure through the mountains of Peru and by the immense glacier Ausangate. This journey is perfect for those who want to get off the beaten path, away from the crowds, and immerse themselves in culture and nature.
The Ausangate glacier is the most sacred in the entire Cusco region, which receives a huge amount of respect, pilgrimages, and offerings from Andean communities. It stands majestically at 6,372 m / 20,905 ft and is Peru’s fifth-highest peak. Being in close proximity to this gigantic Apu will make you feel at peace as you soak up the energy it radiates.
This hike takes you over mountain passes, incredible mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, hot springs, and different colored lakes. You’ll learn customs and traditions from communities that maintain ancient traditions to this day.
So, what are you waiting for? This epic journey awaits in the remote mountain regions of Peru. Travel in peace with Pacha Peru Explorers, knowing that every last detail is planned for you. All you have to do is enjoy your adventure.
DAY 01: Cusco | Ocongate – Upis – Huayna Ausangate Lake
This morning, you’ll meet the team and then hike to Upis campsite. Enjoy lunch surrounded by mountains. Later, we will visit Huayna Ausangate Lake.
DAY 02: Upis | Arapa Pass – Yanacocha – Hatun Pucacocha
Enjoy hiking beside the grand Ausangate today. This afternoon, you’ll explore the area by the lagoon Hatun Pucacocha before spending the night nearby.
DAY 03: Hatun Pucacocha | Ausangatecocha – Palomani Pass – Huchuy Phinaya – Sorapata
Spend the morning hiking through astounding landscapes and observing the scenery before lunch. This afternoon, spend time with local families to understand their customs and traditions.
DAY 04: Sorapata | Jampa Pass – Pacchanta
Trek through beautiful scenery and join the trail of the 7 lakes. Observe the lakes and enjoy an Andean ceremony. Enjoy a free afternoon and relax in the hot springs.
DAY 05: Pacchanta | Tinke – Cusco
Relax in the hot springs this morning before trekking to a small community. You’ll learn some more about customs and traditions before boarding our private transport back to Cusco.
Highlight of the day: Submerging yourself in the first views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
Huayna Ausangate Lake Is Waiting for You.
Your journey through the stunning Andean landscapes begins today when we pick you up early from your accommodation at 5 a.m. We’ll travel in our vehicle to the town of Ocongate (3,500 m / 11,482 ft). On the way, we’ll be able to see picturesque villages and beautiful lagoons along the Vilcanota Valley out the window.
We’ll continue to Tinke, where you can make any last-minute purchases before reaching the community of Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), the starting point of our trek. We’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast here and meet the team of cooks and horsemen who’ll join us on our adventure.
Our first day begins on a plain looking directly at the immense Ausangate glacier (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). As we walk, we’ll meet local people adorned in beautifully colorful traditional clothes. You’ll also spot lots of herds of llamas and alpacas.
We’ll arrive at the thermal baths of Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) to enjoy our first meal prepared by our talented chef. Our camp will also be set up here, right in front of Ausangate Mountain.
In the afternoon, we’ll walk to Huayna Ausangate Lake and enjoy a stunning sunset that’ll cast its pretty light on the snows of the glaciers around us. In the evening, it’ll be time for a tasty dinner and our first night in the mountains.
Highlight of the day: Hiking through some incredible scenery and seeing pretty lakes and waterfalls.
Be Astounded by the Sheer Natural Beauty of Mother Nature.
We’ll wake up early and savor a filling breakfast in the middle of the cold, high mountains and then begin walking for about two and a half hours through a beautiful, picturesque Andean valley towards the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The spectacular Ausangate glacier will be by our side the whole way.
From the top of the pass, the beauty of the landscape multiplies, and the natural beauty of this part of the world will blow you away. You’ll be able to observe the sheer size of the mountain range and, if you’re lucky, the solemn flight of the condor – the largest flying bird in the world. Our guide will explain more about the impressive local flora and fauna as you hike this stretch to help you know more about the area you’re walking through.
Then, we will begin a descent to the beautiful crystalline Yanacocha lagoon (black lagoon); afterward, we will follow the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha to appreciate the scenery and enjoy its glistening waters against the snow-capped mountains.
Later, we will explore the surrounding lagoons and relax with a delicious mate. In the evening, a nutritious dinner will be waiting for you to finally head to your campsite to rest and regain your energy.
Highlight of the day: Hiking through immense landscapes and learning about local customs and traditions.
Immerse Yourself in Local Customs and Traditions.
Just like every other morning, you’ll get a fantastic boost of energy to start the day, thanks to a delicious breakfast. Today’s hike begins ascending for two and a half hours to the Ausangate Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). From there, the immensity of the mountains will definitely surpass all your expectations.
We’ll continue the route downhill for an hour to the Ausangatecocha lagoon. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy your lunch in the middle of an immense landscape – not a bad way to spend your lunch break!
Later, we’ll ascend for around two hours until we reach the Palomani pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the entire route. After a short rest and enjoying some more astounding views, we’ll walk for another hour and a half until we reach the small community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).
We have a lot of respect and consideration for the people of Huchuy Phinaya, who maintain ancient traditions to this day. Learn from them and their admirable lifestyle in complete connection with Mother Nature (Pachamama) and how they respect and live in harmony with her.
Today was the most challenging day, but it was worth it for a real connection with the Andes and Mother Earth. We’ll have a gentle ascend of 2 hours to Sorapata, where our camp will be ready and waiting for your arrival. After a delicious dinner, a peaceful night’s rest awaits.
Highlight of the day: Exploring the stunning lakes and performing a small ceremony for Mother Earth.
Pay Homage to Mother Earth and Explore Gorgeous Lakes.
After another revitalizing breakfast, we’ll begin our uphill walk over two and a half hours toward Jampa Pass at 5,070 meters (16,634 feet). From there, you’ll have breathtaking views of majestic snow-capped mountains. Don’t forget to keep your camera ready! We’ll then gradually descend for approximately three hours until we reach our lunch spot at the Pacchanta campsite. Along the way, we’ll also join the trail of the famous Seven Lakes tour.
Next to one of the beautiful and mystical lakes of the place (Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo, or China Otorongo), we’ll have the option to perform a small ceremony on gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the surrounding mountains, especially the great Ausangate glacier who’s watched us the entire route.
After our lunch, we’ll have the afternoon free and get the opportunity to revitalize and heal our tired bodies in the medicinal hot springs of Pacchanta.
We’ll finish the day by satisfying our taste buds and hungry bodies with another delicious dinner. You’ll be astounded by the delicacies our talented chef conjures up in the mountains.
Highlight of the day: Relaxing in the hot springs and learning traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Bid Farewell to Ausangate With One Last Relaxing Day on the Trail.
The final day is here, and your epic adventure comes to a close today – but not before an optional last visit to the hot springs and a fantastic day on the trail.
After our last breakfast, we’ll start a three-hour walk to the community of Tinke (3,800 m / 12,467ft). On the way, we’ll visit an Andean family’s home to learn about their ancient traditions that have been kept alive for generations in the middle of the mountains.
Once in Tinke, we’ll have lunch and say goodbye to the trekking support team. At the end of this stretch, our transportation will be waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco. Enjoy looking out the window at the mountains and lagoons during this final drive. We’ll drop you off at the door of your accommodation around 6:00 p.m.
At Pacha Peru Explorers, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Entrance for the Ausangate Trek
Entrance to Pacchanta Thermal Baths
Pre-departure Briefing
You’ll meet your trekking guide in your hotel for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our horses will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Tour Guide
Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We choose them for their experience, responsibility, unbridled passion for exploring, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Private Camping Equipment
All equipment will be carried by our horses.
One Duffle Bag
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Pacha Peru Explorers guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
4 Nights Accommodation in Campsites
Pacha Peru Explorers uses the best camping tents to ensure your safety and comfort.
4 Breakfast, 5 Lunchs and 4 Dinners
Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Water on the Trail
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your hike, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters)
Wake up Tea
Every morning at the campsite, you’ll be woken up with a cup of hot coca tea. Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you with popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite!
Snacks on the Trail Daily
Before starting your trekking, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
Transport
Cargo Mules
cargo mules will carry all the camping equipment and your baggage allowance (7 kg / 15.4 lb). Muleteers will be responsible for your duffle bag and personal items.
All our travelers need a sleeping bag to camp. Inflatable mattresses and walking sticks (with rubber tips) are optional but highly recommended. If you do not have them, don’t worry, you can rent them with Pacha Peru Explorers.
Day 1: Breakfast
Day 5: Dinner
Personal Hiking Clothes and Gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Tipping is the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do. Typically, group participants collect their tips to hand out to the horsemen and chefs together.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
The Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days is a beautiful and challenging trek in the Cusco region of Peru, and it is important to be prepared with the right gear. Here is a recommended packing list:
Note: Please be aware that the weather in the Andes can change quickly, so it is important to bring appropriate layers and gear to stay comfortable and safe.
“The Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days ” can leave any day of the week, from January through December.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 650.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 300.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 350.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal, credit cards charge a 6% fee for the use of their secure payment gateway. This tax is just for online and card payments. You can also pay the remaining balance in cash (the briefing day) without charges.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the Price won’t increase, whatever the circunstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Pacha Peru Explorers in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
All information meetings and briefings are held in your hotel at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Pacha Peru Explorers office.
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 6% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks as forms of payment for the balance.
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will carry them, and the horsemen will hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Please note:
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Thank you for your interest in having and adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Pacha Peru Explorers. 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. the Pacha Peru Explorers Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availlability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 950 705034 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
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