Ausangate is the true king of the Southern Andes. Standing as a massive, sacred monolith, it dominates the landscape and dictates the rhythm of life for the local communities who have made pilgrimages to its glaciers for generations. This is not a groomed tourist path; it is a raw, high-altitude arena for those who want to disconnect and test their grit.
You will spend your nights camped in the shadow of giants, tucked next to mineral-rich hot springs and alpine lakes that glow a surreal turquoise. This is high-altitude wilderness at its most potent, where Andean condors shadow your path and the silence is broken only by the wind or the distant call of geese. As you navigate the high mountain passes, you will weave through the grazing grounds of llamas and alpacas, passing through isolated Quechua villages that have remained untouched by the modern world.
We have now integrated the full Vinicunca experience into this route. After trekking through the high glacial basins, you will reach the Rainbow Mountain. Seeing these deep, oxidized sandstone layers in person is a jarring contrast to the snow-covered peaks surrounding you. It is a sharp, vibrant, and unforgettable sight. Whether you are tracking wild vicuñas through the pampas or standing on a 5,000-meter pass watching the sun hit the glaciers, this is the definitive trek for those looking to see the deepest, wildest side of Peru.
5200 m.s.n.m
Up to 8
Group or private
Adventure, self-guided
Challenging
6 days / 5 nights
We depart Cusco at 6:00 AM, leaving the city behind as we climb into the heart of the Vilcanota Range. Our drive concludes at the remote village of Tinqui, the gateway to the Ausangate circuit. Here, we meet our horsemen, organize our gear, and begin the trek. The initial hike is a steady acclimatization walk through rolling farmlands and small homesteads, where the massive, snow-dusted silhouette of Ausangate first comes into view. We reach our first camp at Upis by mid-afternoon. After settling in, the remainder of the day is dedicated to rest. The camp is located right beside volcanic hot springs, where you can soak your muscles while staring up at the jagged glacial walls that rise directly above the valley floor.
Accommodation: Camping
The high-altitude reality of the trek sets in early. We start at 5:00 AM, enjoying warm coca tea before breaking camp. Our first major challenge is the ascent to Arapa Pass. As we climb, the landscape transitions from high-altitude scrub to a stark, rocky amphitheater. We descend into the valley of Puma Cocha, a deep, cobalt-blue glacial lake that serves as our lunch spot. You will likely see local herders moving their llama and alpaca flocks across the slopes—a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for generations. In the afternoon, we press on toward Pucacocha Pass. Reaching our camp at Chillca puts you in the shadow of the mountain’s southern face, where the silence is absolute and the air is crisp. It is not uncommon to hear the distant, thunderous crack of glacial ice calving off the peaks and crashing into the basin below.
Today is a transition from the snow-covered giants to the mineral-rich landscapes of the Vinicunca range. We climb toward the Chillca Pass, where the ground begins to shift in color. We descend into the Red Valley, a surreal, arid landscape of deep iron-oxide crimsons and ochre sands. By approaching Vinicunca from this remote backside, we arrive well ahead of the heavy tourist crowds. You will have time to absorb the scale of the Rainbow Mountain in the morning light before we continue our trek toward the shores of Lake Ausangate. Our camp is tucked away near the water, a pristine spot to watch the sun set over the glacial ice.
This is the physical crucible of the trek. We tackle the Palomani Pass, the highest point of the circuit at 5,400 meters. The ascent is demanding, requiring steady pacing as we climb into the thinning air. As we crest the pass, the 360-degree views of the Vilcanota Range are overwhelming, revealing the sheer scale of the glaciers that feed the valleys below. The descent takes us through expansive, lush pampas, which are prime habitat for Andean wildlife. This is the best day to spot vicuñas, a wild and elusive relative of the llama, and Andean condors riding the thermal updrafts. We camp in the remote Pampacancha valley, a quiet, sprawling wilderness that feels a world away from civilization.
Our final high-altitude objective is Qampa Pass. While the effort is significant, the path offers a different perspective of the Ausangate massif, revealing angles and vistas that remain hidden from the other side of the range. As we descend, we pass through a chain of turquoise glacial tarns that sparkle against the gray rock. These lakes are stark, cold, and incredibly beautiful. We arrive at the Pacchanta valley in the late afternoon. The village here is famous for its natural thermal pools. After five days of strenuous trekking at altitude, soaking in the warm water while looking back at the peaks you just conquered is the definitive highlight of the expedition.
The final stretch is a celebratory walk. We traverse the gentle, rolling terrain back toward the village of Tinqui, where the trail began. It is a time for reflection on the 90+ kilometers covered and the high-altitude challenges overcome. We enjoy a final, hearty lunch with our support team in Tinqui before boarding our private transport. We arrive back in Cusco by 5:00 PM, signaling the end of the expedition.
Important Note: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, heavy snowfall, or trail access, which are beyond our control. Our priority is always your safety and enjoyment; we will do our absolute best to adhere to the planned route while making necessary adjustments to ensure a successful trek.
Base Price: US$757 per person Our treks depart any day of the week, provided there is a minimum of two participants.
Personal porter included To ensure your comfort, we include an extra porter to carry up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal gear. We will provide you with a professional duffel bag at your pre-trek briefing for you to pack your belongings.
We want you to have the best possible experience on the trail, so we include the following extras at no additional cost:
Please read the following information carefully; it will help with your questions about our services and the Ausangate Trek. If you have any other questions, please contect our team.
Yes, this is a challenging high-altitude expedition. Most of the route is conducted above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). Excellent physical condition and prior acclimatization are essential. We recommend spending at least three full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to adjust to the altitude before starting.
It is normal to feel the effects of high altitude. We recommend staying hydrated, drinking coca tea, and pacing yourself. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry supplemental oxygen for emergencies. If a hiker is unable to continue, we will coordinate support and, if necessary, assist with transport to a lower altitude. Travel insurance is mandatory.
We prioritize your comfort with spacious, 4-season mountain tents and thick, insulated sleeping mats. Every campsite features a private, sanitary toilet tent with a camping seat. Additionally, our staff provides warm water bowls each morning to help you refresh.
Our professional trekking chefs prepare fresh, nutritious meals at every camp. You can expect hearty three-course lunches and dinners, including soups, Andean grains like quinoa, fresh vegetables, and protein. We easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets if you notify us at the time of booking..
We provide a duffel bag at your pre-trek briefing for your 7 kg (15 lbs) gear allowance. Your remaining luggage can be stored safely at your hotel in Cusco or at our office during the trek.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is standard practice in the Peruvian tourism industry. If you feel your guide, cook, and horsemen provided excellent service, a tip is a meaningful way to show your appreciation. You are free to tip according to your budget and your experience of the service.
Yes. As a 100% locally-owned Cusco company, we are committed to responsible tourism. We pay fair wages, ensure our staff is fully insured, and follow strict Leave No Trace principles, including carrying out all waste, using biodegradable products, and respecting local Andean culture.
There is no electricity along the trail. We recommend bringing a portable power bank for your camera and phone.
Click the “Book Now” button to begin. We require a deposit to secure your space and finalize logistics. Please have your passport details ready, as they are required for all trek arrangements.
The maximum group size is 8 people. Usually our groups are between 2-6 people. INCA TRAIL HIKE PERU specializes in SMALL, PRIVATE groups and provides a personalized service.
Please contact our office as soon as possible if your plans change. While some permits are non-refundable, we will always do our best to assist you with alternative dates based on availability.
The evening before your departure, we provide a duffel bag for your heavy gear. Your allowance is 7 kg (15 lbs). Our support team will carry this for you throughout the day. Because the team treks ahead to prepare camp, you will not have access to this bag until the end of each day. You will need to carry a daypack (30–40 liters) for your immediate essentials, including your rain jacket, camera, sunscreen, water, and snacks.
his is a challenging high-altitude expedition. The majority of the route is conducted above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). You must be in good physical condition and have experience with long-distance hiking. We recommend building your stamina with daily walks in the months prior to your arrival. Most importantly, proper acclimatization is essential: we recommend spending at least three days in Cusco (3,350 m) before your start date to allow your body to adjust to the elevation.
We prioritize your comfort and hygiene. We provide a private, portable camping toilet tent equipped with a sanitary seat for your exclusive use. This facility is set up at a discreet, convenient distance from our campsite, ensuring a clean, private, and accessible experience throughout the night, a significant upgrade over public facilities found on other trails.
Your safety is our absolute priority. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid and carry supplemental oxygen for altitude-related respiratory issues. In the event that you cannot continue, we will assist you to the nearest town for transportation. Please note that travel insurance is mandatory, as any emergency evacuation costs, such as helicopter transport, are the responsibility of the traveler. No refunds are available for early departures.
Absolutely. Included in your package is the final return transfer. On the last day, we will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco. If you have confirmed accommodations in the Sacred Valley (such as in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba), we are happy to arrange your drop-off there as well.
For a 6-day expedition at altitudes reaching 5,400 meters, your packing strategy should prioritize warmth, weight, and adaptability.
Clothing: The Layering System
Essential Gear
Sun & Personal Protection (The High-Altitude Essentials)
Miscellaneous
Pro-Tip: We will provide your 7kg duffel bag for the horsemen, but keep your heaviest items like your rain gear and extra layers, accessible in your daypack just in case of sudden weather shifts.
Cusco
Cusco
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