It is challenging, with very high passes up to around 5,200 m and rugged terrain. Good fitness and acclimatization are essential.
A five-day high-altitude trek around the sacred Ausangate peak and its colorful lakes. From $475 per person.
Trek around the sacred Ausangate (6,384 m) on this remote 5-day high-altitude adventure with INKANET ADVENTURE, through glaciers, colorful lagoons and windswept passes.
Cross passes up to 5,200 m past turquoise and crimson lakes, spot vicuñas and alpacas, visit traditional highland communities and soak in natural hot springs in pristine Andean wilderness.
Trek beneath Ausangate (6,384 m), Cusco's sacred apu, through glaciers, high passes and windswept valleys.
Marvel at vivid red, green and turquoise lagoons such as Pucacocha and Hatun Pucacocha.
On the combined route, reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and its mineral-striped colors.
Spot llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and elusive mountain chinchillas in pristine high-altitude habitat.
Relax in natural thermal pools at Upis or Pacchanta after long days on the trail.
Visit traditional highland villages and share in living Andean culture far from the crowds.
Horses, a chef, a dining tent and a portable restroom keep this remote trek comfortable.
Certified bilingual guides and emergency oxygen ensure a safe, immersive wilderness experience.
Your complete day-by-day itinerary for the Ausangate Trek 5 Days, with distances, altitudes, meals and what to expect each day.
A private transfer through Urcos, Catca and Ausangate villages reaches Tinki, where muleteers and horses join you. You trek past herds of llamas and alpacas to camp at Upis (4,100 m) amid traditional Andean life.
You cross the Arapa Pass (4,900 m) beside turquoise Queullacocha, skirt the flanks of mighty Ausangate, then climb the Pucapunta Pass (5,000 m) before descending to camp by Ausangate Cocha lake (4,650 m).
The trek's high point, the Palomino Pass (5,200 m), offers 360° views of the Vilcanota range, then you descend through the farming region of Finaya to camp in the community of Hampa (4,300 m).
A final pass past Querococha lagoon, with chances to spot mountain chinchillas, descends to Pacchanta (4,200 m), where natural hot springs (38–42°C) reward your legs beneath Ausangate.
You follow the historic trail down through pastures and terraces of potatoes and quinoa to Tinki, where a private vehicle returns you to Cusco through the Sacred Valley.
Exactly what is covered in your Ausangate Trek 5 Days tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Ausangate Trek 5 Days day the most rewarding possible.
Spend a day or two in Cusco (3,400 m) before this high-altitude trek. Hydrate well, eat light, drink coca tea and avoid alcohol. Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit throughout.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $475 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $451 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $428 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express. All transactions SSL-encrypted via Izipay.
Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Ausangate Trek 5 Days guides
