Ausangate Trek 5D/4N
Ausangate Trek 5 Days: The Complete Circuit and the 7 Lakes
The Ausangate trek 5 days route completes the circuit around Apu Ausangate, so you have more time to adapt to the altitude. Along the way you camp beside glacial lakes and, finally, enjoy the 7 Lakes and the Pacchanta hot springs.
Five days at the foot of a sacred mountain
Summary
Trip overview
The Ausangate trek 5 days itinerary lets you complete the circuit around Apu Ausangate at a more balanced pace, which is especially valuable on a route that runs almost entirely above 4,300 meters.
You cross the Arapa and Palomani passes, the latter at over 5,100 meters. Then you camp beside glacial lakes and walk through valleys inhabited by alpaca herders who keep their ancestral traditions alive.
Finally, the last section includes a night near Pacchanta, its hot springs and a morning dedicated to exploring the 7 Lakes of Ausangate before returning to Cusco. If you have one day less, the 4-day version follows the same circuit; also, a previous hike to Humantay Lake is excellent acclimatization.
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 to Tinki (3,800 m a.s.l.), where we meet our horseman and the horses. Then we hike across the puna with views of Ausangate until we reach Upis (4,400 m a.s.l.), where we camp next to its natural hot springs.
Day 2
Arapa pass and Ausangatecocha
First high-mountain pass, then lakes at the foot of the glacier.
We climb to the Arapa pass (4,850 m a.s.l.) and then descend toward the Pucacocha lakes, surrounded by colorful mountains. Later, we camp at Ausangatecocha (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 climb to the Palomani pass (5,165 m a.s.l.), the highest point of the route, with close views of the Ausangate glacier. Then we descend through puna valleys, among alpacas and vicuñas, until we reach the Huchuy Finaya campsite (4,700 m a.s.l.).
Day 4
Campa pass and Pacchanta
Last mountain pass, then the Pacchanta hot springs.
We cross the Campa pass, with views of glaciers and lakes, and then descend toward the community of Pacchanta. Later, in the afternoon, you can relax in the Pacchanta hot springs before spending the last night at camp.
Day 5
7 Lakes of Ausangate and return to Cusco
Morning at the colorful lakes before the return to Cusco.
We spend the morning exploring the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, a group of glacial lakes of different colors at the foot of the mountain. After lunch, we return to Tinki and, finally, travel 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
Almost the entire route runs above 4,300 meters. Days are usually sunny, while nights are very cold, with sub-zero temperatures. Also, it can snow even in the dry season.
Best season
We recommend doing the trek between April and November, because in the rainy season the mountain passes can be covered in snow.
Acclimatization
At least three days of acclimatization in Cusco or the Sacred Valley are required, especially with a previous high-altitude hike such as Humantay Lake.
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
Four nights at campsites with double high-mountain tents, beside lakes, glaciers and hot springs.
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
What is the difference with the 4-day version?
The Ausangate trek 5 days route has shorter stages, an extra night near Pacchanta and a full morning to explore the 7 Lakes of Ausangate.
How difficult is the trek?
It is very demanding because of the altitude, although the 5-day version spreads the effort better and, therefore, makes it easier to adapt to the altitude.
Do I need previous experience?
Previous high-altitude hiking experience is recommended, but no climbing technique is required.
Is there an emergency horse?
Yes. The program includes an emergency horse throughout the route, so it is available for any need.
Where can I leave my main luggage?
You can leave it at your hotel in Cusco, since during the trek the horses carry the camping equipment.
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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