Ausangate Trek 4 Days
450 usd
- Cusco – Tinqui – Upis – 7 Lakes – Pacchanta – Cusco
Ausangate Trek 4 Days
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days offers an authentic immersion into traditional Andean life. Along the trail, you’ll encounter humble communities where locals still speak Quechua — the ancient language of the Incas — and preserve ancestral ways of living. The route is dotted with herds of alpacas grazing freely across the highlands, creating postcard-perfect scenery.
If you’re looking for a genuine Peruvian trekking experience far off the beaten path, this is the perfect adventure for you.
Ausangate Trek 4 days
Summary
Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Lago Upis – Upis
06:00 a.m. – Hotel pickup in Cusco.
06:00 – 08:00 a.m. – Private transport to Tinki.
08:00 – 09:00 a.m. – Short break in Tinki and continue to the trailhead.
09:00 – 09:30 a.m. – Breakfast at the starting point.
09:30 – 12:30 p.m. – Hike from Upispampa to the campsite in Upis.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (optional) – Round-trip hike to Upis Lake.
From 4:30 p.m. onwards – Free time, dinner, and rest.
02
Upis – Paso Arapa – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha
- 06:00 a.m. – Coca tea / coffee served in your cabin.
- 06:30 – 07:30 a.m. – Breakfast.
- 07:30 – 12:00 p.m. – Hike to Arapa Pass (4,968 m / 16,305 ft).
- 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Break and lunch.
- 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Hike to the Puca Cocha campsite.
- From 4:00 p.m. onwards – Free time to explore the lake, dinner, and overnight stay.
03
Puca Cocha – Paso Apacheta – Ananta – Paso Surini – Queulla Qocha
- 05:30 a.m. – Early breakfast.
- 06:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Ascent to Puca Cocha Pass (5,051 m / 16,565 ft).
- 10:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Descent into the valley and lunch.
- 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Hike to Warmi Saya Pass and descent to Queulla Qocha.
- From 4:30 p.m. onwards – Optional visit to Rainbow Mountain at sunset, followed by dinner and camping.
04
Queulla Qocha – Montaña Arcoíris – Valle Rojo – Cusco
- 05:00 a.m. – Light breakfast.
- 05:30 – 06:15 a.m. – Hike to Rainbow Mountain.
- 06:15 – 07:00 a.m. – Free time for photos and exploration.
- 07:00 – 07:30 a.m. – Hike to the Red Valley.
- 07:30 – 09:00 a.m. – Exploration and descent to the transport station.
- 09:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Return to Cusco by private transport.
- Approximately 3:00 p.m. – Arrival at your hotel.
Itinerary
01
Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Lago Upis – Upis
Your adventure begins at 6:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll travel in a private van for two hours to the charming village of Tinki, where you can stretch your legs and admire the locals in their traditional Andean clothing. Afterward, we’ll continue for one more hour along scenic, rugged roads to the trailhead, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet our team of horsemen.
The hike begins at Upispampa, passing through picturesque villages and small streams. After approximately three hours of easy walking, we arrive at our campsite in Upis, where you’ll stay in cozy private cabins. After a delicious lunch prepared by our chef, you’ll have the option to take a short hike to the stunning Upis Lake (2 hours round trip). From the lake, enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Ausangate mountain. Relax in your cabin with a warm cup of tea while taking in the majesty of the Andes, before enjoying dinner and a magical starry night.
- Elevation gain: 330 m / 1,082 ft
- Elevation loss: 56 m / 183 ft
- Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
- Hiking time: ~3 hours
- Trailhead elevation: 4,179 m / 13,710 ft
- Campsite elevation: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
- Highest point: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
- Accommodation: Private cabins
- Difficulty: Moderate
02
Upis – Paso Arapa – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha
Start your day with a warm cup of coca tea or coffee in your cabin, followed by a nutritious breakfast. Today’s trek begins with a gradual ascent to Arapa Pass (4,968 m / 16,305 ft). Along the way, take in the breathtaking views of the Ausangate Glacier, herds of alpacas grazing freely, and several vibrant high-altitude lakes. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the local flora, fauna, and Andean culture.
With some luck, you may spot Andean condors, chinchillas, or even wild vicuñas. After crossing the pass, we descend to our campsite at Puca Cocha, surrounded by towering peaks and hanging glaciers. Take some time to explore the nearby lake, home to a variety of water birds such as Andean geese and ducks. Dinner will be served in our cozy mountain dining shelter, built with traditional Andean materials.
- Elevation gain: 490 m / 1,607 ft
- Elevation loss: 294 m / 964 ft
- Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Campsite elevation: 4,577 m / 15,016 ft
- Highest point: 4,968 m / 16,305 ft
- Accommodation: Mountain shelters
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
03
Puca Cocha – Paso Apacheta – Ananta – Paso Surini – Queulla Qocha
This challenging yet rewarding day begins with an early ascent to Puca Cocha Pass (5,051 m / 16,565 ft). Be amazed by the vibrant colors of the surrounding mountains, glacial lakes, and the majestic Ausangate Mountain. From here, we descend into the breathtaking Red Mountain Valley, where llamas graze peacefully among surreal landscapes.
After lunch, we continue toward the second pass of the day, Warmi Saya Pass (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), which offers a distant view of the iconic Rainbow Mountain. From the pass, we descend to our campsite at Queulla Qocha. If weather conditions allow, we’ll visit Rainbow Mountain at sunset for an unforgettable experience.
- Elevation gain: 723 m / 2,372 ft
- Elevation loss: 468 m / 1,535 ft
- Hiking distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
- Hiking time: 7–8 hours
- Campsite elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft
- Highest point: 5,051 m / 16,565 ft
- Accommodation: Tent camping
- Difficulty: Difficult
04
Queulla Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Today marks the highlight of your trek! After an early breakfast, we’ll hike for about 45 minutes to reach the iconic Rainbow Mountain (5,040 m / 16,535 ft), where you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.
From there, we continue to the lesser-known but equally stunning Red Valley, a 30-minute walk from Rainbow Mountain. After exploring this incredible area, we begin our descent to the bus station, where our private van will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Along the way, we’ll say farewell to our horsemen and chef, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close. You’ll arrive in Cusco around 3:00 p.m., filled with lasting memories.
- Elevation gain: 194 m / 636 ft
- Elevation loss: 435 m / 1,427 ft
- Hiking distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Hiking time: ~2 hours
- Starting elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft
- Highest point: 5,040 m / 16,535 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Included
🛌 Accommodation
Instead of sleeping in small tents, we provide 2-person and 4-person tents to ensure greater comfort.
🍽️ Meals
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (3x Breakfast, 4x Lunch, 3x Dinner).
Professional chef and kitchen staff.
Dining tent and kitchen tent where your chef prepares fresh meals.
Meals can be adapted to dietary needs, such as vegetarian or vegan. If you have specific preferences, please inform us in advance.
A hot cup of coca tea is served every morning.
At campsites, boiled drinking water will be provided (please bring your own reusable water bottle).
🚗 Transportation
Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point of the trek.
Private return transportation to your hotel in Cusco (on Day 4).
🧭 Local Guides & Team
Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide, plus an assistant guide for groups of more than 12 people.
Horses and horsemen to carry camping gear, food, and kitchen supplies.
All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of experience and are certified. They carry a first aid kit and an extra oxygen bottle for emergencies.
We provide duffel bags during the briefing for personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
Sleeping bag included.
🎟️ Entrance Fees & Briefing
Pre-departure briefing: You’ll meet your guide at our office to review all the details of your trek. The briefing takes place between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in our Cusco office the day before your departure.
Entrance fee to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is included.
No Included
Trekking poles (additional $10.00 per person).
Personal expenses.
Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 4 are not included.
Tips for our staff.
What to Pack
- Passport
- Backpack
- Jacket
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Water
- Insect repellent
- Cash
- Hat
- Rain poncho
Ausangate Trek 4 days Price
$450 USD
Preguntas Frecuentes
How many days does the Ausangate Trek last?
The traditional Ausangate Trek lasts 5 days and 4 nights, although there are shorter versions (4 days) or combinations that include Rainbow Mountain or Sibinacocha Lake. It all depends on the itinerary you choose and your availability.
What is the difficulty level of the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is considered challenging. It requires good physical condition, as you’ll be hiking at altitudes over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), on demanding terrain and in cold weather conditions. It’s not a technical trek, but physical preparation and proper acclimatization are essential.
What is the maximum altitude on the Ausangate Trek?
The highest point is Palomani Pass, which reaches 5,200 meters (17,060 ft) above sea level — the highest accessible trekking pass in the region. Most campsites are located above 4,000 meters (13,120 ft).
When is the best time to do the Ausangate Trek?
The best season is from April to October, during the dry season. This is when there’s less rain, clearer skies, and the best views of the snow-capped peaks. From November to March, it’s the rainy season, and weather conditions can be more unstable.
Do I need a permit to do the Ausangate Trek?
No official permit is required like on the Inca Trail. However, you do need to pay a small entrance fee to the local communities that maintain the trail. If you’re going with a tour agency, this fee is usually included in the tour price.
Is it necessary to hire a guide or agency?
Although it’s possible to trek independently, it’s not recommended for those without high-altitude hiking experience. The trail is remote, the weather can change rapidly, and there is limited signage. Going with a tour includes a professional guide, meals, porters, camping gear, and safety support.
Where do you sleep during the trek?
Nights are spent at rustic campsites set up by the trekking team, usually in cold-resistant tents. Some tours offer the option of domes or basic cabins at certain points, but camping is the most common accommodation.
Is it very cold on the Ausangate Trek?
Yes. Nighttime temperatures can drop to -5°C (23°F) or lower, especially at higher camps. It’s essential to bring a high-altitude sleeping bag and thermal clothing suitable for the Andean climate.
Is there cell service or internet during the trek?
For most of the trek, there is no cell signal or internet access. The Ausangate Trek is a fully disconnected experience, ideal for reconnecting with nature. Be sure to inform your loved ones before starting your journey.
Can I combine the Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain?
Yes. Many itineraries include a visit to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) either at the end or beginning of the trek, depending on the route design. It’s a great way to finish the journey with an iconic view.
Ausangate Trek 4 days
Book now with a small deposit and finish later.
Trip Details
- Tour Type: Group
- Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights
- Activity: Hike
- Group Size: 6 - 12
- Difficulty: Medium
- Languages: Spanish, English
- Distance Trip: 50 km