Ausangate (AUS)
moderate/strenuous trek

Trip Dossier

5 days/4 nights: Start/End Cusco, Peru.

Based in southern Peru, this adventure features a spectacular fully supported 5 day trek in the remote and stunningly beautiful Vilcanota Range.

Acclimatisation walks can be added to this trek to prepare you for the altitude. The option of taking the classic train journey to the sacred Inca site of Machu Picchu completes this demanding yet rewarding tour.

Itinerary details

Note: If circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.

Day 1

Cusco- Tinqui - Upis Early in the morning we depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about 3 hours to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, passing through several traditional villages such as Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate along the way.

In Tinqui, we will meet our pack animals and arrieros, or mule-drivers, whom will carry our equipment and backpacks. The route will lead us across a pampa of grassy meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,350 m), the highest snow peak in Southern Peru. After trekking for approximately six hours, with stops along the way for lunch and rest as well as time to take pictures, we arrive to the hot springs of Upis, our first campsite.

From here, weŽll get some marvelous views of Mount Ausangate at the end of the valley L, D

Day 2

After trekking approximately 2.5 hours, we get to our first pass, Arapa pass (4,850m).

From the pass, weŽll enjoy wonderful views, not only of Mount Ausangate, but also of many other nearby snow-capped peaks. We continue down the corridor past a number of small, multi-colored lagoons until we reach the largest of them, Lake Vinococha, where weŽll have our lunch for the day.

A short walk in the afternoon brings us to the illustrious, red-colored Lake Pucacocha, where we will set up our campsite for the night. From here, weŽll get a dramatic, close-up view of Mount Ausangate and we may even hear some chunks of ice falling into the lake from the sides of the mountain. Don’t worry though; we are not in any danger. B, L, D

Day 3

In the morning, we make a short ascent to our second pass of Apuchata, (4,900 m.) with the aquamarine Laguna Ausangate Q’ocha below. From here, we climb to the Palomani pass (5,200 m.), the highest of our journey. We can enjoy fantastic views of Ausangate and the Vilcanota range from this point.

After approximately 2 hours of walking down into a valley, we arrive to our incredibly beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya. B, L, D

Day 4

Leaving our campsite, we begin a winding ascent alongside a widening stream until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, named for the gorgeous furry animals that can be found here.

We pass through the small community of Campa, from where we can see the fabulous snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta and Tres Picos. Upon reaching the final pass at Q’omer Q’ocha, we have lunch among the wild vicuńas and picturesque lakes.

A short downhill walk brings us to the mystical, Lake Minaparayoc, where we will camp along the shore. B, L, D

Day 5

Hiking down through the valley, we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to gorgeous hot springs of Pacchanta where we can rest and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water.

Relaxed and refreshed, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui, where will have our lunch for the day and that is also where we will catch our private transport back to Cusco, enjoying the beautiful views of the rolling Andes on our way back. B, L

OPTIONAL Day 6

Today those who wish can take an optional tour to visit the famous Machu Picchu. The early morning train from Cusco will take you to this famous citadel high above the Sacred Urubamba river. Fully guided tour with plenty of time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We board the afternoon train Aguas Calientes back to Poroy and on to Cusco.


Please ask us for options and prices for this Machu Picchu add on.

Our Price Includes:

Transport to and from the trail in private vehicle, all camping and cooking equipment including mats but not sleeping bags, spacious two person tents, first-aid kit including oxygen, professional English and Spanish speaking guides trained in first-aid, mules, cook team, all meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

Not Included:

International flights, internal flights, Machu Picchu visit, personal belongings, sleeping bags and tips.