Experience this Ausangate Cusco trek with us as we take you to one of the most pristine landscapes in the country, visiting the most sacred and highest peaks of the Cusco´s region. The trek leads you to the inca mount Ausangate or Apu Ausangate; “apu” means a natural deity or Spirit of the mountain. It is considered the most sacred of the whole region. In Inka´s mythology, male energy is born exactly from the mountain and the near lagoons to fertilize Pachamama (Mother Earth).
The Ausangate mountain reaching 6,372 m.a.s.l. is the fifth-highest peak of Peru! It is situated about 100 kilometers south of the Cusco City in the Cordillera Vilcanota. It lies in the heartland of the Q'eros people, probably the only contemporary culture of the Inca´s culture that has survived until nowadays!
On the way, you can observe stunning snowy peaks, turquoise mountain lagoons, numerous hot springs, herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas (Andean cameloids) and vizcachas (a rodent specie belonging to the family of chinchillas), loads of species of birds such as the Andean Condor or the Andean Geese. We also meet native people of remote Andean communities wearing colorful traditional clothes.
This Ausangate trek in Peru is probably the most challenging hike in Cusco Peru Wikitravel! It is designated for those who have already experienced some hiking; it is not recommended to beginners. You need a sufficient dose of adrenaline as you hike up three passes above 4,500 meters above sea level (15,000 feet)! However, the trip is supported by horses for your convenience! To cope with extreme climatic conditions, we provide you with the most modern quality camping equipment and a very balanced and energetic diet.
If you like to follow a quite different trek in Cusco, then do not hesitate and join the trek! You will not regret!!!
Group Size: Min 2 and Max. 8 trekkers.
Sustainable Tourism: Inca Trail Machu is very keen and happy to promote and practice sustainable tourism by being eco-friendly and supporting local communities
Crew: A Inca Trail Machu representative in Cusco and a professional Tour Guide, a Cook, and a Muleteer for the Ausangate Trek.
Accommodation: Campsites (6 nights).
Meals: 6x breakfast, 6x lunch, 6x dinner, 6x afternoon tea (Please allow USD 20 - 40 for meals not included).
Transportation: Transportation by the private van as well as by a local bus.
Camping equipment: You can view our Ausangate Trek camping equipment
Day 01: Cusco - Ocongate - Tinki
Day 02: Tinki - Upis - Hot Springs
Day 03: Hot Springs - Pucaqocha Lagoon
Day 04: Pucaqocha Lagoon - Palomani Pass - Jampa Valley
Day 05: Jampa Valley - Pachaspata - Qomercocha Lagoon
Day 06: Qomercocha Lagoon - Pacchanta
Day 07: Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco
It is simply that words are missing, to describe so much natural wonder, far from the city, for a place where the wind whispers to you, the Apu takes care of you, the God Inti guides you and nature shows you all its attributes. That is, this walk has it all, for example: beautiful landscapes, an infinity of flora and fauna, a variety of climates, from cold to warm, from dry to rainy, and all that will be seen on the days of walking.
In addition, on the path of this walk we will visit communities that live high in the high mountains of the Peruvian Andes. It is here where the customs and traditions of the place are still intact.
Occasionally we offer the Ausangate trek in conjunction with a visit to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. If you have a little more time on your hands and want to see the magnificent ruins then this a great option for trekkers. The itinerary is almost identical to the one above until you get to the final day when things change slightly. Instead of trekking from Pajchanta to Tinki, you trek from Pajchanta to Laguna Armaccocha. We reccomend to book this tour at least 3 months in advance, since Machu Picchu tickets 2023 sold out faster.
Interesting Information
We board a private vehicle early in the morning (around 5 am) to set out in travelling to the Andean village of Tinki. First, we follow a road towards Puno passing the Wari´s culture ruins of Pikillacta and later the colonial towns of Andahuaylillas and Huaro (we may spend some time visiting them). Then, we continue to the village of Urcos (a major bus road junction) where we stop for a while to appreciate a colourful local market. Afterwards, we turn on a dusty road (that leads to Puerto Maldonado) to continue uphill until we reach some highland small villages observing shepherds and weavers there. In the afternoon, we continue towards Ocongate, a capital of the district, passing some pitoresque villages along the Watanay River and beautiful areas of cultivated fields. Finally, we get to our first campsite at Tinki (3,850 m) completing a 145 kilometre ride like that.
Estimated trekking time: 1 hour
Trekking distance: 1 km
Max. elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Our today´s trail starts crossing the "puna" or highland meadow approaching the foothill of the impressive sacred Ausangate Mountain (or Apu Ausangate; "apu" is a natural deity in Andean mythology) offering amazing views of a rolling landscape. Below, we can view some lamas, alpacas, vicuñas and paqochas (Andean cameloids). Continuing the hike, the trail take us up passing some Andean villages where we can still see many traditional customs. Later on, we reach a small village of Upis (4,140 m), from where we can enjoy stunning views of the Apu Ausangate (6,372 m/20,906 ft)! Afterwards, we walk to nearby hot springs where we set a campsite and obviously enjoy a dip in thermal waters!!
Estimated trekking time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 16 km
Max. elevation: 4,140 (13,583 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult
After early breakfast, we ascend for two and half an hour towards the high Arapa Pass (4,850 m)! From there, we start descending to the Pucaqocha Lagoon, also called Hatun Pucaqocha (4,605 m) enjoying splendid views of the western iced-fall of Ausangate. Then, we set a campsite on the shores of the lagoon where we have a chance to watch many Andean bird species.
Estimated trekking time: 5 hours
Trekking distance: 16 km
Max. elevation: 4,850 m (15,912 ft)
Min. elevation: 4,140 (13,583 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult
After breakfast, we first ascend to the Alcatani Pass (4,650 m) to later descend to the glacier lagoon of Ausangate qocha. Afterwards, we climb up again, this time to reach the highest point of the entire Ausangate Trek which is the Palomani Pass (5,050 m)!! There, we can enjoy magnific views of the south-eastern ridge of the Apu Ausangate! Finally, we climb down to the Jampa Valley (4,600 m) admiring Andean dwellers wearing typical cloths of this region as well as plenty of sheep, lamas, alpacas and paqochas before we get to a place of our today´s camping laying within the valley.
Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 20 km
Max. elevation: 5,050 m (16,568 ft)
Min. elevation: 4,600 m (15,092 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging
Today, we circle northwest along the Ticllacocha Lagoon and over the last pass - Jampa (4,650 m). From there, we continue hiking to the Pacchaspata Pampa where we set up a campsite on the shores of the splendid turquoise lagoon of Q'omercocha (4,580 m).
Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Max. elevation: 4,650 m (15,256 ft)
Min. elevation: 4,580 m (15,026 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult
After having breakfast, we start descending towards the small village of Pacchanta (4,300 m) observing spectacular highland sceneries on the way. When we reach Pachanta, we continue to its hot springs to enjoy a dip. From there, we have an opportunity to view the powerful Ausangate mountains. We camp oveernight.
Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 15 km
Max. elevation: 4,580 m (15,026 ft)
Min. elevation: 4,300 m (14,108 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate
Just a short hike awaits us today to take us back to Tinki (3,850 m) where we board our vehicle bringing us back to Cusco. You get to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Estimated trekking time: 4 hours
Trekking distance: 8 km
Max. elevation: 4,300 m (14,108 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Meal budget: Please allow USD 20-25 for meals not included.
Solo Traveler: Please note that if you have booked the "Solo Traveler" option for this trek, you receive your own single tent for all nights.
Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price.
Ausangate is the second-highest mountain in Cusco (and the fifth-largest in Peru). Its top reaches 6,385 meters above sea level. It is approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco. It belongs to the Cordillera del Vilcanota, characteristic geography of colorful mountains and pure-water lagoons. Perhaps the most famous attraction of the place is Vinicunca, the mountain of 7 colors.
The waters of the snowy Ausangate feed the lagoons that are distributed around it. From each of the lagoons of this tourist circuit, part of the immense snow can be seen. For the Incas, Ausangate was sacred. It was a divine being that ruled the life and death of people. Many of these beliefs are still preserved today. The people of Cusco bow humbly before each mountain, just as their Inca ancestors did.
The snowy Ausangate is located about 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco in the district of Ocongate, province of Quispicanquis, department of Cusco, it is also part of the Vilcanota mountain range.
There are only two seasons at this latitude, one dry and one wet with lots of rain (and high-altitude snow) that last roughly from November to March. We normally only operate from April to October when there is a good chance of great weather. Occasional showers can occur at any time of the year.
The temperatures at Nevado Ausangate in Cusco vary very little during the day, but there can be considerable changes between day and night. The temperature in the dry season (our winter) often falls below freezing at night. Although, it can be quite warm and pleasant during the day. The nights are very long and cold at this latitude.
Flora and fauna agriculture is intensive and focuses on the production of a wide variety of tubers, including goose and potatoes. Many llamas can be seen throughout the circuit, offering a unique touch to the local landscape.
With an elevation of 6,384 meters, the Ausangate is located about 100 kilometers southeast of the City of Cusco, in the Cusco region, Canchis province, Pitumarca district, and in the Quispicanchi province, Ocongate district.
Most of the Ausangate trek is at an elevation above 4,000m; it crosses three passes above 5,000m, the highest of which is 5,200m. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly. At this elevation of Ausangate, temperatures can reach lows of -15 ° C and lower at night.
The set of lagoons that make up this tourist attraction are fed by the thaw of the immense Ausangate snow-capped mountain, the highest in Cusco (whose summit reaches 6,384 meters above sea level). The local peoples decided to take advantage of the natural beauty of the place to create a circuit of 7 lagoons that are: the Pucacocha lagoon, the Patacocha lagoon, the Alqacocha lagoon, the Qomercocha lagoon, the orco otorongo lagoon, the Chinese otorongo lagoon and the blue cocha lagoon.
The circuit of the 7 lagoons is located approximately 100 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco. It belongs to the province of Quispicanchis, in the town of Pacchanta. The town is 4,200 meters above sea level. At the top, the snowy Ausangate stands out, which provides water to the lagoons.
The best way to go is through an all-inclusive tour to the 7 lagoons of Cusco. If you decide to go on your own, you must take a public transport to the town of Tinke (just 9 kilometers from the Ocongate district). Once there, you must take a ‘collective taxi’ to the town of Pacchanta. The 2-hour walk begins there, touring the ‘Circuit’.
The circuit of the 7 lagoons, and the Vilcanota mountain range, is home to several species of wild and domesticated animals. It should be noted, first of all, the presence of camelids such as the llama and the alpaca (both domestic animals) as well as the vicuña, a wild species with extremely valuable fur. They usually graze in the immense expanses of icchu, or wild straw from the Andes. It should be noted the existence of other species such as the vizcacha (a rabbit-like rodent) and even the Andean condor.
The town of Pacchanta offers one of the most famous thermal baths in Cusco. These receive the hot waters of the snowy Ausangate itself. It has only two water wells with temperatures that vary from 40ºC. The wonder of the place are the views towards the snowy Ausangate. The price of the entrance ticket is only 5 Peruvian soles (2 dollars, approximately). It has dressing rooms, sale of snacks, drinks and bathrooms.
Additionals
The Ausangate trek is one of the highest altitude treks in Peru and obviously comes with certain altitude sickness risks. Altitude acclimatization is the key factor in ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable trek. We suggest that you take a while to read our detailed guidance article on altitude sickness and acclimatisation.
Acclimatization is necessary in Cusco, two days before starting the tour. For a good acclimatization it is necessary to rest as much as possible, eat little, drink plenty of fluids; especially the mate de coca that has known healing and digestive properties. An adequate acclimatization prevents it from affecting the "soroche" or altitude sickness, which could cause numerous discomforts to health.
During Ausangate Trek, we will find the following altitudes:
The full circuit consists in doing a loop around Ausangate. With honesty, the best scenery is at the back side of Ausangate.
You can do the trek as short or long as you want which means you can do a 4 day or up to 6 days. I think at least 5 days is better as you will have more time to enjoy the scenery.
Unlike the Inca Trail Book 2023, hikers does not need a permit to do the Ausangate trek. We will start the trek with two people. It is likely that you will see others maybe a couple of other groups doing this trek only but not so many people like in Salkantay Trek 2023 or Inca Trail.
