4 day Ausangate Trek
Discover the best of the best of Cusco!
4,200 m /13,779 ft
Camping
Small group
Daily departures
TRAVEL DESCRIPTION
Ausangate rises majestically in the Vilcanota mountain range, south of Cusco, known for its snow-capped peaks and stunning turquoise lakes. Standing at 6,372 meters above sea level, it is the fifth-highest mountain in Peru and has been revered since pre-Inca times as a sacred apu. Can you imagine walking along its ancient sacred trails?
During the Ausangate 4-day tour with Illa Kuntur Travel, available from May to September, you will have the chance to experience all of this and more. Along the route, you’ll explore age-old Andean paths and meet local herding communities who continue to preserve their ancestral traditions. You’ll learn about their unique weaving techniques and witness the vibrant crops that thrive high in the Andes.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity. Take on the Ausangate Trek and enjoy an adventure you’ll never forget.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
Cusco – Tinqui – Upis – Ausangate Lagoon
Departure from Cusco at 6:00 am toward Tinqui and then Upis, the starting point of the trek. Hike to the camp with the option to visit Ausangate Lagoon and enjoy the nearby hot springs. Overnight stay with views of the Ausangate glacier.
Upis – Arapa Pass – Puca Cocha
Early breakfast followed by the hike toward Arapa Pass (4,968 m / 16,300 ft) with views of Mount Ausangate and local alpaca and llama herds. Descent to Puca Cocha camp, located among striking mountains and hanging glaciers.
Puca Cocha – Puca Cocha Pass – Warmi Saya – Kayrawiri
The most challenging day of the trek. Ascend to Puca Cocha Pass (5,051 m / 16,570 ft) for spectacular views of Ausangate and the Ananta Valley. Continue to Warmi Saya Pass and then hike to Kayrawiri, where the last night is spent.
Kayrawiri – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Ttio – Cusco
Early departure at 4:45 am to be among the first to reach Rainbow Mountain. Time for photos, followed by a short descent to Red Valley. Private transportation to Ttio for lunch and return to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 pm.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day1: Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
- Our tour begins with pickup from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. We will travel for about 2.5 hours in a private minivan. Along the way, you will be able to admire the Mapacho River which connects to the Urubamba River beautiful valleys, and colorful towns such as Urcos, Ocongate, and Tinki, until we reach Upispama, the starting point of our hike. From there, we will begin our walk toward our first campsite with cabins, located near the Upis hot springs.
- After lunch, you will have the option to take an additional hike to Ausangate Lake. This optional walk takes approximately 2 hours round trip. You may also choose to visit the hot springs. At night, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the constellations in front of the majestic Ausangate glacier.
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Meals: Included
Day 2: Upis - Puca Cocha
- We will start the day at 6:00 a.m. with a cup of coca tea or hot coffee served in your cabin, followed by a nutritious breakfast prepared by our chef to give you the energy needed for the day.
- We will begin the hike toward the Arapa Pass (4,968 m / 16,300 ft). Along the ascent, you will observe the daily life of local Andean families dedicated to herding alpacas and llamas. Throughout the route, the impressive presence of the Ausangate Glacier will accompany us. With a bit of luck, we may spot condors, chinchillas, or vicuñas in their natural habitat.
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After crossing the pass, we will descend toward the Puca Cocha campsite (4,100 m / 13,451 ft), a beautiful area surrounded by mountains and hanging glaciers. Our stone-built shelters and dining area, designed with a straw roof to minimize environmental impact, offer unique views of the lagoons and potential avalanches from Ausangate.
The tents are set up inside the shelters, providing extra warmth during the night.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch
- Accommodation: Lodge-style campsite
Day 3: Puca Cocha-Kayrawiri
- This will be the most challenging day of the 4-day Ausangate Trek. After breakfast, we will begin the ascent toward the Puca Cocha Pass (5,051 m / 16,572 ft), surrounded by towering mountains and breathtaking views of the Ausangate Glacier. From the top, you can admire the striking reddish slopes of Ausangate and the vibrant colors of the Ananta Valley, as well as the possibility of spotting wildlife such as vizcachas and vicuñas in their natural habitat.
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After a well-deserved rest, we will continue with a gentle descent before climbing toward the second pass of the day, Warmi Saya (4,500 m / 14,763 ft). From this viewpoint, you can see part of the famous Rainbow Mountain in the distance, although we will visit it the following day. We will then descend along a small lagoon and continue hiking until we reach our campsite, which features a cozy mountain shelter with stunning views of the Andean landscape.
- Meals: Lunch
- Accommodation: Cabin-style campsite
Day 4: Kayrawiri - Montaña Arco Iris - Valle Rojo - Cusco
- This day begins very early, at 4:45 a.m., so we can reach Rainbow Mountain before the main crowds arrive. Thanks to the strategic location of our campsite just 45 minutes from the main viewpoint we’ll be able to enjoy the sunrise in a peaceful setting. We will bring hot coffee and warm clothing, as the mornings in this area tend to be quite cold.
After capturing the best photos, we will descend toward the Red Valley, a downhill walk of approximately 30 minutes. Then we’ll head to the bus station to board our private transportation to Ttio, where we will enjoy lunch.
Finally, we will return to Cusco, with arrival at your hotel estimated between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Meals: Lunch
INCLUDES – NOT INCLUDED – DETAILS
Included
- Pre-tour briefing one day before the departure.
- Transportation Cusco – Tinki – Cusco.
- Bilingual guide.
- Cook and muleteer.
- Pack horses (camping equipment, food, and 5 kg of personal belongings per passenger).
- 04 Breakfasts, 04 Lunches, 04 Dinners.
- Riding horse for support (upon passenger request).
- Tents and sleeping mats.
- First aid kit.
No Included
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Additional drinks or extra snacks.
- Travel or accident insurance.
- Dinner.
- Sleeping bag.
What to Bring
- Original passport.
- A windbreaker jacket is recommended (it is always windy in the mountains).
- Comfortable hiking pants.
- Rain poncho.
- Sunscreen.
- Hat or cap.
- Trekking shoes.
- Water and snacks.
- Extra cash for last-minute purchases (there are small shops at the entrance).
Recommendations for your trip
Health Recommendations
- The Ausangate trek takes place between 4,200 and over 5,000 m (13,780–16,400 ft), so it is essential to arrive in Cusco at least 1–2 days beforehand for proper acclimatization. If you have a history of heart conditions, respiratory issues, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant, please inform the agency before booking.
- Walk at a pace that feels comfortable for you. High altitude can cause fatigue, so it’s important to take breaks whenever needed.
- Stay well hydrated throughout the trek to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and any personal medication you regularly use.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals the day before the tour, as they can affect your physical performance at high elevation.
- The weather along the route is cold and unpredictable: freezing mornings, strong winds at higher points, and intense sun during the day. Layered clothing, gloves, a scarf, and a waterproof jacket are highly recommended.
- Respect the Andean ecosystem, including the lagoons, glaciers, and the local communities living in the Ausangate region.
Rules and Recommendations for the Ausangate Trek
- Always follow the guide’s instructions throughout the trek to ensure your safety.
- Do not litter. Carry a small personal bag for your waste and dispose of it properly at the end of the hike.
- Trekking poles are optional, but if you use them, please ensure they have rubber tips to avoid damaging the terrain.
- Respect natural areas, sacred mountains, and community-managed zones.
- Do not leave the marked trail or approach cliff edges or unstable areas, especially near lagoons and high mountain passes.
Ausangate trek price
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AUSANGATE TREK 4 DAYS Price Per Person - Minimum 2 people |
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GROUP SERVICE
From 2 people
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US$ 650.00 |
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PRIVATE SERVICE
From 2 people
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REQUEST QUOTE |
Special Rates
- 1 person: Personalized quote
- Groups of 3+ people: Group discount
- Minors: Special discount
Important: According to availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned.
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