Without a doubt, the 5 days Ausangate Trek is one of the best experiences you can have on your trip to Peru. Set high up in the Andes, this less trodden path offers a fantastic view of the sacred peak “Apu”. It is the highest peak in the region at 6,372 metres. It dominates the southern skyline of Cusco. Infact, it can be seen on a clear day pretty much from most part of the city.
A true hidden gem in he Cusco region. This trek offers entrancing views right from the start till the end. You will be walking through turquoise lakes and glaciers. It takes you to some untouched wilderness. You will also be visiting many hot springs and different colored lakes.
Moreover, a part of the trek takes you through highland Andean farms. You will have the opportunity to witness the life of Andean people. The local people have preserved their age old traditions and customs.
Ausangate 5 days Trek is truly a lifetime experience. It makes you feel so close to the nature than you have ever felt before.
It is not the easiest trek though. With most of the mountain passes ranging from 4700 metres to 5200 metres. Although, every effort that you put will be rewarded. This is one of the prettiest 5 day hikes in Cusco
As the trek involves many high passes. We highly recommend you to spend at-least 3 days in Cusco, acclimatising to avoid altitude sickness. While you are acclimatising you may choose to learn about Cusco on our Cusco City Tour or Visit the Sacred Valley of Incas.
As Ausangate Mountain is a part of Andes, it is prone to two seasons, Rainy season and Dry Season. It normally rains in Peruvian highlands from December to March. During monsoon, it gets slippery and the chances of landslide exists. It is best to hike from April to November, which is the dry season.
At Treks in Cusco, we are passionate about high altitude treks and mountaineering. We work with an experienced team of local guides and crew who love what they do. On all high altitude treks, we carry oxygen cans to help our trekkers recover quickly if they have altitude sickness. We are making unforgettable experiences since 2005.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
We will pick you up from you hotel. Then we will drive for three hours to a village called Tinki in our private transport. It is an Andean village at 3800 metres. Tinki is the gateway to Ausangate.
At Tinki, we will stop for lunch. Also, here we will be meeting our muleteers. So while you are relishing a local meal for lunch, we will organise your things. All set! After lunch, we will start a gradual hike up the hill. The first three hours of the trek is a wonderful introduction to the beautiful view of the Vilcaanota Mountain Range.
We will be continuing the trek for two more hours to the Upis hot springs. It is at 4400 metres. It offers breath taking view of “Apu” and the valley below. Here we will camp for the night.
You will be waking up to a nice view of the snow capped peaks. We will setup your breakfast. After breakfast, we will be hiking to our first mountain pass of the trek, Arapa Pass (4,850 metres). From here you will get a beautiful view of the valley.
After a short break, we will hike down to the valley. This will take about three and a half hours. On the way, we will be crossing a green coloured lake named, Puqa Q’ocha . We will continue till we will reach the stunning turquoise coloured lagoon, Hatun Puqa Q’ocha. Here we will stop for lunch.
After lunch, we will climb to the second pass of the trek. Apacheta pass at 4900 metres. This offers a breathtaking view of the turquoise waters of Ausangate Q’ocha. It is a lake that flows on the foot hills of the the Mountain. The melting glaciers of the mountain feeds the lake. Here we will be camping for the night.
After a hearty breakfast, we will start the day with a full energy. We will be hiking up to Palomani Pass, the highest point of this 5 Days Ausangate Trek. Palomani pass is at 5200 metres. From here, we will descend to te valley. Here we will stop for lunch.
After lunch, we will relax for some time with a sight of “Tres Picos” or three peaks. Then we will continue the trek through Pampa Jutunpata, a green valley. We will be trekking to Rio Q’ampa valley and onwards to Sorayapampa. We will be camping at Sorayapampa.
After breakfast, we will start the trek by hiking through an Andean community of Q’ampa. We will be trekking to the last pass of the 5 Days Ausangate Trek, Q’ampa Pass at 5000 metres. The place is home to different lagoons. Each has different coloured water. We will stop for lunch at our lunch spot on the banks of Nina Parayoc.
After lunch, we will continue hiking for few hours. On this segment of the trek we will be crossing many settings. You will get to see some Andean camelids (Llamas and Alpacas), along the way. We will then reach Pacchanta, a small village. It is home to natural hot springs. Take a dip in and rejuvenate yourself.
We will be camping near the village for the night. There are also basic hostel rooms here, so if you wish to have a more comfort stay do let us know.
Last day in Ausangate Peru. After a sound sleep, we will meet for breakfast. It will be then a three hours hike back to Tinki. The place where we started this trek.
We will meet our private vehicle here for our dive back to Cusco. After three hours of driving, at around 0300 in the evening we will be reaching the city of Cusco.
The company guide a day before explained me very well about the tour, was very attentive gave me his number to call if I had any questions or setbacks, the service was excellent.