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.

Tips and personal expenses. Additional drinks or extra snacks. Travel or accident insurance. Dinner. Sleeping bag.

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).

4 day Ausangate Trek

Discover the best of the best of Cusco!

4 Days / 3 Nights

Home » Tours in Peru » Cusco Treks » 4 day Ausangate Trek

Altitude
4,200 m /13,779 ft

Accommodation
Camping

Group size
Small group

Departures
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

Day 01

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.

Day 02

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.

Day 03

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.

Day 04

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.
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.
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

AUSANGATE TREK 4 DAYS Price Per Person - Minimum 2 people
GROUP SERVICE Ausangate Trek 4 Days Shared Service	US$ 499.00
PRIVATE SERVICE Ausangate Trek 4 Days Private Service	US$ 949.00

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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4 day Ausangate Trek

Discover what others think and secure your experience

Fernando Javier B

11 Junio 2026

Machu Picchu's visit My trip to Machu Picchu was absolutely amazing from beginning to end! Everything was perfectly organized and exceeded my expectations. The views were simply breathtaking — seeing Machu Picchu in person is truly something unforgettable. Our guide Yeni was excellent: very knowledgeable, friendly, and made the experience even more special by sharing interesting information and giving us enough time to enjoy every moment without feeling rushed. The timing of the whole tour was great and allowed us to fully appreciate the place and take in the incredible atmosphere. Overall, an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Peru. Thank you for making this trip so memorable!

Lilet Q

11 Junio 2026

Empatía con mi familia, para tener la mejor vista de Machu Picchu La mejor experiencia, la amabilidad de la Guía, su sapiencia y su empatía con mis famia, siempre la recordaré. Me llevo las mejores fotos tambien tomadas por ella, una excelente guia la señorita Yenni.

JCHarriman

9 Junio 2026

Amazing Machu Picchu Experience My trip was last minute and unplanned, but Illa Kuntur Travel put everything together for me perfectly. They arranged hard-to-get tickets and delivered everything to me personally in Cuzco. The train ride was amazing and Machu Picchu was incredible. Especially because my tour guide Miguel was so helpful, knowledgeable, and his English was perfect.

Anthony Q

8 Junio 2026

Excelente servicio que hacen agradable nuestra visita al cusco El servicio brindado por Illa Kuntur y travel fue excelente. El trato, las coordinaciones y las consultas siempre fueron respondidas a tiempo y con una buena disposición. Si tuviéramos la oportunidad de volver, con seguridad escogeriamos nuevamente el servicio brindado por ellos.

Jordan L

8 Junio 2026

Cusco to Machu Piccho train - Illa Kuntur Travel. Great! They took very good care of me and adapted to a changing situation. They are reliable, organized and trustworthy! A strong team providing support. Good hard working people! Thanks!

Jaden S

6 Junio 2026

Phenomenal experience at Machu Picchu The experience visiting Machu Picchu was phenomenal! Me and my fiancé did the full day tour and were amazed by how well we were accommodated and how much time we had to take in the place! The admission fee was very fair priced for the experience.

Lorena M

1 Junio 2026

Excelente servicio! Sin duda no me equivoqué de elegir esta agencia, estuve una semana en Cusco con mi familia y me regreso feliz y con ganas de regresar. Son un equipo de personas profesionales en lo que hacen, puntuales, amables y sobre todo te ayudan en cualquier momento, siempre atentos. Si volvería a Cusco no dudaría en volver a contratarlos. Conozco a Ricardo hace 3 años, cuando envié a mi mamá y hermanas a conocer Cusco, una ciudad mágica y llena de historia, mi hermana tuvo dificultades en un tours (La Montaña de Colores), cayó de emergencia por el mal de altura, la llevaron a un hospital y Ricardo (trabajador de esta agencia de tours), jamás la abandonó, la acompañó, mostró empatía; para nosotros fue un gesto bonito que marcó totalmente nuestra perspectiva. En lo personal recomiendo mucho esta agencia a mis amigos y a todos en general si desean visitar Cusco y tener una experiencia inolvidable.

Emre Göllü

28 Mayo 2026

Discovery of Inca culture Since from our initial communication we received a positive attitude and professional approach from Ricardo through offering us concrete options to choose. Entire tour programme offered was well coordinated in terms of timing, attention and content despite our limited time for coordination. Even we succeeded to visit Machu Picchu as a unique experience. Quality of service and professionalism of Illa Kuntur as agency is highly recommended. Desde nuestra primera comunicación, Ricardo nos brindó una actitud positiva y un trato profesional, ofreciéndonos opciones concretas. El programa del tour estuvo perfectamente coordinado en cuanto a horarios, atención y contenido, a pesar de nuestro tiempo limitado. Incluso logramos visitar Machu Picchu, una experiencia única. Recomendamos ampliamente la calidad del servicio y la profesionalidad de Illa Kuntur como agencia.

John B

27 Mayo 2026

Great Experience in Perú Everything was great about this trip. I also look forward to another trip in the future sometime with these guys to Perú to see some different sites. The guide was very friendly and provided excellent information on the sites we visited.

Ana B

27 Mayo 2026

Amazing Very good service. Fast, professional,reliable, responsive, respectful