Ausangate Trek 4D/3N
Ausangate Trek 4 Days: Glaciers, Lakes and Alpacas around Apu Ausangate
The Ausangate trek 4 days route circles the sacred Ausangate peak on a high-mountain expedition. Along the way you cross passes over 5,000 meters, glaciers and colorful lakes, and then you finish at the hot springs and the fascinating 7 Lakes of Ausangate.
Cusco's highest and wildest trek
Summary
Trip overview
The Ausangate Trek is one of the most impressive high-mountain circuits in the Peruvian Andes. This route circles Apu Ausangate, the highest mountain in the Cusco region and one of the most revered by Andean communities.
During the Ausangate trek 4 days itinerary, you hike through puna and glacier landscapes, cross mountain passes above 5,000 meters and camp beside turquoise lakes. Meanwhile, herds of alpacas and llamas roam freely around you.
Finally, the route ends in the area of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate and the Pacchanta hot springs. It is a remote and demanding expedition, so we recommend it for hikers with previous high-altitude experience. If you prefer shorter stages, the 5-day version spreads the route over more days; also, Rainbow Mountain is a good acclimatization hike beforehand.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco, Tinki and Upis
Transfer to the mountain range, then a hike to the Upis hot springs.
We pick you up early at your hotel and drive south of Cusco to the village of Tinki (3,800 m a.s.l.), where we meet our horseman and the horses. Then we start hiking across the puna with Ausangate always in sight until we reach Upis (4,400 m a.s.l.), where we camp near its natural hot springs.
Day 2
Arapa pass and Pucacocha lakes
First high-mountain pass, then lakes at the foot of the glacier.
We climb to the Arapa pass (4,850 m a.s.l.), from where you can see colorful mountains and the Ausangate glacier. Then we descend toward the Pucacocha lakes. Later, we continue to the Ausangatecocha campsite (4,650 m a.s.l.), on the shore of a turquoise lake at the foot of the glacier.
Day 3
Palomani pass and Huchuy Finaya
The highest point of the circuit.
We begin the climb to the Palomani pass (5,165 m a.s.l.), the highest point of the route, with spectacular views of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. Then we descend through a puna valley, surrounded by alpacas and vicuñas, until we reach the Huchuy Finaya campsite (4,700 m a.s.l.).
Day 4
7 Lakes, Pacchanta and return to Cusco
Colorful lakes and hot springs before the return to Cusco.
We cross the last mountain pass and then descend toward the area of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, with waters of different colors at the foot of the mountain. Finally, we reach Pacchanta, where you can relax in its hot springs before returning by transportation to Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Pre-trek briefing
- Hotel pickup and transportation Cusco - Tinki - Cusco
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Cook, horseman and pack horses for the equipment
- Emergency horse throughout the route
- Double high-mountain tents, sleeping mats and dining tent
- Meals during the trek as per itinerary
- Entrance fees and community fees along the route
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
- Sleeping bag for extreme temperatures (available for rent)
- Trekking poles (available for rent)
- Entrance to the hot springs
- Tips for guides, cook and horseman
- Travel insurance with evacuation coverage
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- 30 to 40 liter daypack
- Sleeping bag rated to -10 °C
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Thermal clothing, down jacket, beanie and gloves
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking poles
- UV-protection sunglasses and sunscreen
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Original passport
Weather
The route runs above 4,000 meters. Days are usually sunny, but nights are very cold and temperatures can drop several degrees below zero. Also, it can snow even in the dry season.
Best season
We recommend doing this trek between April and November, during the dry season, because in the rainy months the mountain passes can be covered in snow.
Acclimatization
At least three days of acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley are essential, especially with previous high-altitude hikes such as Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain.
Recommendations
It is a remote route, far from medical centers. Therefore, we recommend previous high-altitude trekking experience and travel insurance with evacuation coverage.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Campsites
Three nights at campsites with double high-mountain tents, in remote settings beside lakes and glaciers.
Transportation
Private round-trip transportation between Cusco and the Tinki area.
Meals
Hot, energizing meals prepared by our cook throughout the trek.
Support team
Guide, cook, horseman and pack horses, as well as an emergency horse.
Safety
First aid kit and emergency oxygen, including high-mountain safety protocols.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate trek 4 days route is one of the most demanding treks in Cusco because of the altitude: almost the entire route is above 4,300 meters and the highest pass is over 5,100 meters.
Do I need previous experience?
Previous high-altitude hiking experience is recommended. No climbing technique is required; however, very good physical condition and proper acclimatization are.
How many days of acclimatization do I need?
We recommend at least three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before the trek, especially with a previous high-altitude hike.
What are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate?
They are a group of glacial lakes of different colors located at the foot of the mountain, near the community of Pacchanta.
What is the difference with the 5-day version?
The 5-day version spreads the route over shorter stages, including an extra night near Pacchanta and more time to enjoy the 7 Lakes.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate it as a private service or, alternatively, combine it with Rainbow Mountain on a longer expedition.
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