



Ausangate Trek Peru – 6D/5N
The Ausangate Trek is a six-day hike around the base of the enormous Mount Ausangate. It is the highest and most sacred mountain in southern Peru and for centuries has been central to the religious beliefs of the Andean people who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes.
The mountain’s snow-capped peak is 21,000 feet, or 6,385 meters, and although we will not climb up that far, we will get up-close and personal with the nature and the spectacular views that the region offers.
While hiking completely around this mystical mountain, we will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean geese and the almighty Andean Condor. We walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages.
With spectacular glacial vistas, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.
Eco Andes Trekking is highly recommended by TripAdvisor and Trustpilot. Join hundreds of happy trekkers who have experienced the adventure of a lifetime!
ITINERARY
Pre-trek briefing (required): We provide a full pre-trek briefing at our office in Cusco. This gives you the chance to ask questions about the Ausangate trek itinerary. Briefings are scheduled for the day before your trek starts.
Please take this into consideration when booking your travel plans to Cusco, to ensure you arrive in time for the briefing.
Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui
We set off early from Cusco travelling by private bus to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages en route and take time to stop en route to take some photos.
On arrival we meet our horseman and arrange our packs for the walk. We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains.
We will walk for around 3 hours and then its time for a lunch stop. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours approximately to reach Upis. There, we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.
- Meals: Lunch/Dinner
- Lowest Elevation: 3800 m/12,467 ft
- Highest Elevation: 4400 m/11,155 ft
- Distance to walk: 12 km/7.5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
Day 2: Upis – PucaQocha
Upis – Puca Qocha After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the high pass of Arapa (4850mts).
From this vantage point we can see the contrast in landscapes – dry desert-like hills reach the glaciers of Mt. Ausangate, while below the valley is a bright green. If we are lucky we might even see a condor in the skies! We will enjoy the breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and PucaQocha.
This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pukacocha, Hatun Pukacocha, and Qomerqocha). Our second campsite is close to a glacier.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Lowest Elevation: 4400 m/11,155 ft
- Highest Elevation: 4850 m/15,915 ft
- Distance to walk: 12 km/7.5 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Day 3: Puca Qocha – Huchuy Pinaya
Early morning after breakfast we will begin our ascent of approximately 2-3 hours over our second mountain pass, Abra de Apuchata (4,900mts).
From here we descend for around an hour and a half towards our campsite at Ausangate Qocha where a delicious lunch to enjoy the incredible scenery.
After our lunch we have our second ascent for two hours to our third mountain pass of Palomani (5,100mts), we descend into the small community of Huchuy Pinaya where we spend the night.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Lowest Elevation: 4600 m/15,092 ft
- Highest Elevation: 5200 m/17,060 ft
- Distance to walk: 13 km/8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Day 4: Huchuy Pinaya – Jampa
oday we ascend to the highest point on our trek – Jampa (5,150 mts). The silence of this remote wilderness is inspiring! From here we have an excellent view of Mount Tampa.
After the pass we descend for two hours through an area of llamas, alpacas and vicunas to reach Pampacancha (4,050 mts). From here we follow an uphill trail of approximately three hours that leads us to our campsite in Jampa (4,300 mts).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Camping facilities
- Maximum altitude: 5157 m/16,919 ft
- Walking distance: 11 km approx/6.8 miles
- Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Day 5: Jampa – Pacchanta
After our walking and acclimatization on Day 4 – we are ready for another adventure! We take breakfast early and then begin our hike of approximately 1 hour to reach the glacier base and then to the top of the mountain! After enjoying the spectacular views of the Vilcanota range we descend back down to take a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon we descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon before arriving at Pacchanta after an approximated 5-hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We camp and spend the night here.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
- Lowest Elevation: 4250 m/13,943 ft
- Highest Elevation: 4500 m/ 14,764 ft
- Distance to walk: 13 km/ 8 miles
- Approximate walking time: 6-7 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6: Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco
In the morning we leave Pacchanta and start to walk back to the village of Tinqui – our trek takes approximately two hours. Once in Tinqui, we board our transportation that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we estimate to arrive after nightfall.
- Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
- Lowest Elevation: 3800 m/12, 467 ft
- Highest Elevation: 4250 m/ 13,943 ft
- Distance to walk: 7 km/ 4.35 miles
- Approximate walking time: 3 hours
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
INCLUDED WITH OUR AUSANGATE TREK:
- Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)
- Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek
- Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Tinqui
- Four person tent for each 2 persons
- Mattress
- Kitchen tent
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Toilet tent
- Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)
- Emergency horse in case we need it
- Five breakfasts, six lunches, and five dinners
- Daily hot water for washing.
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.
- Hot springs in Upis admission fee is included
NOT included with our Ausangate trek:
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Day 1 breakfast and last day dinner
- Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)
What to bring to the Ausangate trek:
- Original passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Down sleeping bag (can be rented from us)
- Clothes (trekking boots, warm fleece jacket, a few T-shirts, socks, sun hat, warm underwear, light long pants, gloves, rain jacket)
- Toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes, personal towel)
- Sunscreen- SPF 35+ recommended
- Head lamp, batteries*
- Sunglasses
- Camera with spare batteries*
- Binoculars
- Book to read (you will have some spare time at every camp)
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (recommended especially for the steep descents, can be rented from us)
- Bug repellent
PRICES & ADD-ONS
Group: USD $750 per person
Private: USD $800 per person
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is two people; one person may book a group trek if Eco Andes Trekking is able to join that person with additional groups.
Discounts
- Under 18 years Discount: USD $20
- Under 7 years Discount: USD $35
Rentals
- Hiking Poles – USD $25 (pair)
- Sleeping Bag – USD $30 per person
- Private Tent – USD $40
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $750
Private: $800
DURATION:
6 Days / 5 Night
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Hiking Poles – USD $25 (pair)
- Sleeping Bag – USD $30 per person
- Private Tent – USD $40
OVERVIEW
- Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui
- Day 2: Upis – PucaQocha
- Day 3: Puca Qocha – Huchuy Pinaya
- Day 4: Huchuy Pinaya – Jampa
- Day 5: Jampa – Pacchanta
- Day 6: Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco
- Maximum Altitude: 5200 meters/17,060 ft
- Hike Total Distance: 80 km/50 miles
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Difficult
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back
We understand planning a big trip like ours at EAT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.
That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.
Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.
We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local
We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.
We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service
Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.
We’re Committed to Our Team
Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.
We Look Out for Our Community
A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.
We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style
We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.
We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru
Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.
Our Reputation is Built on Trust
Year after year, Eco Andes Trekking has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.
We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly
Peru’s landscapes are magnificent. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we’ll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.