The Ausangate Trek is considered one of the most impressive and remote treks in Peru. This majestic nature reserve is full of natural beauty, with crystal clear lakes, vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, vizcachas and condors. Get up close to the 20,921-foot Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region. On the last day of this incredible Sacred Expeditions Peru, you will arrive atmountain seven colors , one of the most extraordinary natural wonders of
Peru.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AUSANGATE TREK
- Book with confidence and flexibility.
- Get off the beaten track and explore remote mountains.
- Visit the spectacular glaciers and alpine lakes.
- Bathe in the natural hot springs of Upis
- Visit the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley
- Support our social projects while traveling with us
Price per person
To reserve the Ausangate Trek, you must make an initial payment of 50 USD per person, the remaining balance can be paid online, in installments or in Cusco with any credit card without
any reservation fee
Summary day by day of the Ausangate Trek
Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Hot springs.– Pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 5:00 am and drive to the town of Tinki (3776m/12388ft), where the Ausangate Trek begins. After breakfast, hike for 6 hours to the campsite near Upis hot springs (4408m/14458ft).
Day 2: The Town of Upis – Lake Pucacocha.- After breakfast, 8-hour hike to Lake Pucacocha (4,561m/14,963ft), located at the base of Mount Ausangate. During the day you will go through two mountain passes and some incredible views.
Day 3: Pucaccocha – Vicuña Pass – Yanacocha.- Wake up with a cup of coffee, enjoy the views of the lake and then start the 8 hour hike to camp; during the day you will pass the Alpaca Pass (5,100m/16,732ft) and Yanacocha Lake (4644m/15236ft).
Day 4: Lake Yanacocha – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco.- The most crucial day of the trek, you will visit two beautiful sets: The Rainbow Mountain (5009 m / 16433 ft) and the Red Valley, in the afternoon to Cusco. Return to your hotel around 6:00 pm
DAY 1: CUSCO – TINKI – UPIS – HOT SPRINGS
We will pick you up from your hotel between 5 and 6 am (depending on your location) and drive to the community of Tinki, arriving around 8:00 am. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will begin your Ausangate Trek with a 4- hour uphill trek to our lunch spot at the base of Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region at 20,926 feet. After lunch, we will continue for an additional two hours. downhill to the community of UPIS – located at 14458 feet. Tonight we will camp near the medicinal hot springs to take your time to relax and enjoy the warm waters in the cold weather of the mountains in the afternoon.
- Distance: 13km / 8m
- Elevation: 14,458 feet
- walking time: 6 a.m.
- Foods: Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner.
- Accommodation: Camp
DAY 2: UPIS – PUCACOCHA
We will wake you up with a cup of hot coffee or coca tea and leave you to enjoy the stunning sunrise in this secluded spot. Today is a relatively easy day with gradual ups and downs, so you can relax and enjoy your surroundings. As we
walk, we’ll pass a plethora of flora and fauna, including vizcachas (a small rabbit-like rodent), birds, llamas, and alpacas. Our camp is located on the shores of a beautiful lake called Pucacocha. This campground is charming with
amazing views of the lake and amazing sunsets. If you’re lucky enough to camp on a clear night, this is the perfect spot for stargazing!
- Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Elevation: 4,300m / 14,100ft
- walking time: 8 hours.
- Foods: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
- Accommodation: Camp
DAY 3: PUCACCOCHA – CHILLCA – VICUÑA -YANACCOCHA
We will wake you up early with a cup of hot coca coffee/tea. Today will be the most challenging but possibly the most beautiful day of the Ausangate Trek. We’ll start with a 3-hour uphill hike to the Alpaca Pass (16,732 feet), enjoying stunning views of the highlands, crystal clear blue lakes, and Andean mountains along the way. From the top, we will descend to the Chillca Valley, where a delicious lunch will be waiting for you. Chillca is a beautiful and traditional village, with thatched houses and locals in typical costumes. From Chillca, we will walk uphill for two hours to the Vicuña Pass, at 17,388 feet. Once at the top, you can take some time to rest and enjoy its majestic surroundings while making your tour. The guide performs an ancient ritual of offering to this sacred mountain. Then we will continue for another 2 hours to Lake Yanacocha, where we will spend the second night camping next to the beautiful lake. Tonight you will have a second chance to look at the stars.
- Distance: 15km / 9.3m
- Elevation: 4,400m / 14,435ft
- walking time: 9 hours.
- Foods: Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner.
- Accommodation: Camp
DAY 4: YANACCOCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – CUSCO
The last day of the Ausangate Trek begins with a 3-hour ascent to Vinicunca Mountain (16,466 ft/5,020 m). Along the way, we will observe llamas and alpacas, traditional houses and breathtaking landscapes of Ausangate Mountain (6398m / 20991ft). Mountain seven colors (or Vinicunca) is located in the Southern Region of Cusco. This spectacular place will impress even the most demanding hikers. The high altitude allows for some of the most incredible views of the region, and here you feel completely detached from modern civilization. The colorful mountain is considered one of the most beautiful day hikes in the world. Upon reaching the top and taking some time to explore and enjoy this extraordinary place, we will begin to descend again. We will take a break for lunch before taking our private bus back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6 pm.
- highest elevation: 5,020m / 16,466ft.
- Distance: 7 miles uphill (6 km) / 2 miles downhill (3 km).
- Approximate duration: 3 hours ascent / 2 hours descent
- Difficulty level: Challenging
Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling
- Covid-19 measures to keep you safe while traveling.
- Temperature checks for all travelers are mandatory.
- Face masks required for travelers and staff in public areas.
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff at all times.
- High-traffic locations and equipment are regularly sanitized between uses.
- Maximum 12 people per group to reduce crowds during this pandemic.
- The capacity of transport and tourist sites will be reduced to 50%.
- Printed material such as maps or vouchers will be avoided.
- 100% online payments with no booking fees at all.
- Flexible reservations during the COVID – 19 pandemic.
Why book with Sacred Expeditions Perú
- Sacerd Expeditions Peru is a 100% Peruvian Local Tour Operator based in Cusco.
- Personal porter included up to 7 kilos of your personal staff
- Panoramic trains included in the last one (Visatdome or 360°)
- Small group tours for personalized service, maximum 8 people during this pandemic, 16 people during normal hours
- Fair treatment of porters with adequate salaries, we include men and women
- You help us support social projects in Cusco, we provide computers with internet to local children.
- Portable toilets and hot showers are available on all of our tours.
- No booking fees! no credit card fee
