Overview
Tour Overview
Embark on one of the most breathtaking treks in Peru: the Ausangate Trek 5 Days, a journey through the Andes that combines majestic snow-capped peaks, glacial lagoons, high-altitude mountain passes, and the rich culture of Quechua communities. This circuit is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for unique landscapes and an authentic experience far from the crowds.
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Total distance: Approx. 65 km
- Maximum altitude: 5,200 m (Palomani Pass)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Type: Trekking + Camping
- Start/End: Cusco city
Itinerary Ausangate Trek – 5 Days
Día 1 Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis (Hot Springs)
Early departure from Cusco by private transport to the town of Tinki (3,800 m). From there, we start a 5-hour hike to the campsite in Upis (4,400 m), with stunning views of Ausangate. Relax in natural hot springs upon arrival.
Hiking time: 5 hours | Overnight: Upis campsite
Día 2 Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha Lagoon
We ascend to Arapa Pass (4,850 m) and descend through colorful Andean valleys to the beautiful Pucacocha Lagoons, where we’ll set up camp beside the crystal-clear water.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours | Overnight: Pucacocha campsite
Día 3 Day 3: Pucacocha – Palomani Pass – Huchuy Phinaya
One of the most challenging but rewarding days. We cross the highest point of the trek, the Palomani Pass (5,200 m), with dramatic views of Ausangate. Then descend to the remote valley of Huchuy Phinaya.
Hiking time: 7–8 hours | Overnight: Huchuy Phinaya campsite
Día 4 Day 4: Huchuy Phinaya – Jampa Pass – Pacchanta (Hot Springs)
We cross the final mountain pass, Jampa Pass (5,070 m), and descend to the village of Pacchanta, where we can relax in hot springs before dinner.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours | Overnight: Pacchanta campsite
Día 5 Day 5: Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco
After breakfast, we hike for about 3 hours back to Tinki, where private transport will return us to Cusco. Arrival around 4:00 p.m.
Hiking time: 3 hours | Return to Cusco by transport
Includes
- Pre-trek briefing in Cusco
- Tourist transport: Cusco – Tinki – Cusco
- Professional mountain guide (English/Spanish)
- Muleteers and pack animals (carry camping gear + 6 kg per traveler)
- Cook and assistant
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners (vegetarian option available)
- Camping equipment: 4-season tents (2 people), sleeping mat, dining and kitchen tents
- Oxygen tank and first aid kit
- Entrance fees for the Ausangate circuit and hot springs
- 4 nights of camping
Does not include
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Tips for staff (optional)
- Extra drinks or snacks
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Emergency or riding horse (optional)
Packing list Ausangate Trek – 5 Days
Packing List
- Personal backpack (approx. 30L)
- Sleeping bag (rated to -10°C or lower)
- Thermal and mountain clothing (jacket, gloves, beanie, fleece)
- Trekking poles
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots + sandals
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Toilet paper / wet wipes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Personal medications and altitude pills
- Energy snacks (bars, nuts)
- Extra cash in soles (PEN)
Important Recommendations
-
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek for acclimatization
- Take light walks or short tours like the Sacred Valley or Cusco City Tour
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Book at least 2 weeks in advance
- This trek is not suitable for travelers with heart or respiratory conditions
Prices Ausangate Trek – 5 Days
Price per Person
- From: $390 USD (shared group, minimum 2 travelers)
- Private service: Ask for a custom quote
- Sleeping bag rental: $15 USD
- Trekking pole rental: $10 USD
- Student & group discounts available
Overview
Tour Overview
Embark on one of the most breathtaking treks in Peru: the Ausangate Trek 5 Days, a journey through the Andes that combines majestic snow-capped peaks, glacial lagoons, high-altitude mountain passes, and the rich culture of Quechua communities. This circuit is perfect for adventurous travelers looking for unique landscapes and an authentic experience far from the crowds.
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Total distance: Approx. 65 km
- Maximum altitude: 5,200 m (Palomani Pass)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Type: Trekking + Camping
- Start/End: Cusco city
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis (Hot Springs)
Early departure from Cusco by private transport to the town of Tinki (3,800 m). From there, we start a 5-hour hike to the campsite in Upis (4,400 m), with stunning views of Ausangate. Relax in natural hot springs upon arrival.
Hiking time: 5 hours | Overnight: Upis campsite
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha Lagoon
We ascend to Arapa Pass (4,850 m) and descend through colorful Andean valleys to the beautiful Pucacocha Lagoons, where we’ll set up camp beside the crystal-clear water.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours | Overnight: Pucacocha campsite
Day 3: Pucacocha – Palomani Pass – Huchuy Phinaya
One of the most challenging but rewarding days. We cross the highest point of the trek, the Palomani Pass (5,200 m), with dramatic views of Ausangate. Then descend to the remote valley of Huchuy Phinaya.
Hiking time: 7–8 hours | Overnight: Huchuy Phinaya campsite
Day 4: Huchuy Phinaya – Jampa Pass – Pacchanta (Hot Springs)
We cross the final mountain pass, Jampa Pass (5,070 m), and descend to the village of Pacchanta, where we can relax in hot springs before dinner.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours | Overnight: Pacchanta campsite
Day 5: Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco
After breakfast, we hike for about 3 hours back to Tinki, where private transport will return us to Cusco. Arrival around 4:00 p.m.
Hiking time: 3 hours | Return to Cusco by transport
Includes
- Pre-trek briefing in Cusco
- Tourist transport: Cusco – Tinki – Cusco
- Professional mountain guide (English/Spanish)
- Muleteers and pack animals (carry camping gear + 6 kg per traveler)
- Cook and assistant
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners (vegetarian option available)
- Camping equipment: 4-season tents (2 people), sleeping mat, dining and kitchen tents
- Oxygen tank and first aid kit
- Entrance fees for the Ausangate circuit and hot springs
- 4 nights of camping
Does not include
- Sleeping bag (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Tips for staff (optional)
- Extra drinks or snacks
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Emergency or riding horse (optional)
Packing List
- Personal backpack (approx. 30L)
- Sleeping bag (rated to -10°C or lower)
- Thermal and mountain clothing (jacket, gloves, beanie, fleece)
- Trekking poles
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots + sandals
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Toilet paper / wet wipes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Personal medications and altitude pills
- Energy snacks (bars, nuts)
- Extra cash in soles (PEN)
Important Recommendations
-
- Arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek for acclimatization
- Take light walks or short tours like the Sacred Valley or Cusco City Tour
- Travel insurance is highly recommended
- Book at least 2 weeks in advance
- This trek is not suitable for travelers with heart or respiratory conditions
