The Ausangate Trek 5 Days is one of the most stunning and authentic trekking experiences in Peru. This unforgettable journey circles the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,900 ft), the highest peak in the Cusco region and one of the most revered in Andean mythology. Known as the guardian of the highlands, Ausangate offers breathtaking views, colorful landscapes, and a deep connection with the ancestral spirit of the Andes.
The adventure begins in the peaceful Andean community of Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), surrounded by herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely. As you start your Ausangate Trekking experience, you’ll pass through pristine valleys, turquoise glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks that reflect perfectly on the water. Along the way, you’ll see traditional shepherds in their colorful clothing and witness the timeless beauty of Andean life.
Each day of this Ausangate Adventure brings something new — from relaxing in natural hot springs at Upis to camping beside the crystal-clear waters of lakes like Hatun Pucacocha and Comercocha. You’ll walk across impressive mountain passes surrounded by glaciers, enjoy panoramic views of the Andean range, and feel the pure energy of Ausangate Peru. The peaceful silence, the sound of the wind, and the majestic presence of the mountains create an atmosphere unlike any other place on earth.
Our professional local guides will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing stories, legends, and insights into the spiritual importance of this sacred mountain. You’ll enjoy freshly prepared meals made by our experienced mountain chef, designed to give you energy and comfort during your days in the highlands. Nights are a highlight — camping under a sky full of stars, far away from the city lights, surrounded only by the stillness of the Andes.
The Ausangate Trek Peru is perfect for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience that combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It’s not just a hike — it’s a journey through living culture, where every step brings you closer to understanding the heart of the Andes. This trek allows you to connect deeply with nature, experience the Andean lifestyle, and admire some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in South America.
Join us for this unforgettable Ausangate Trek 5 Days and experience the essence of trekking in the Andes. Explore remote valleys, feel the magic of Ausangate, and connect with the natural and spiritual energy of Peru. This is more than a trek — it’s a lifetime experience that will leave you inspired forever.
Your adventure begins bright and early when we pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. for a scenic drive through the Vilcanota Valley, surrounded by Andean peaks and charming rural villages. Along the way, we’ll pass through Ocongate (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), the gateway to the mighty Ausangate region.
We’ll continue to the small community of Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), the starting point of our trek. Here we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by our team and meet our expert cooks and horsemen who will accompany us throughout this incredible journey.
Our hike begins across wide valleys framed by the snow-covered Ausangate Glacier. Along the way, you’ll encounter herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely, and locals wearing beautifully woven traditional clothing that reflects the vibrant culture of the Andes.
We’ll arrive at the Upis Hot Springs area (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), where our first camp awaits, right in front of the towering Ausangate. After lunch, you can relax in the warm thermal pools and later take a short walk to Upis Cocha Lake, where the evening light paints the glaciers in shades of gold and pink.
At night, enjoy a delicious dinner and rest under a starry Andean sky.
After breakfast with spectacular mountain views, we begin our ascent toward the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The path leads us through pristine valleys surrounded by snow-capped peaks, with Ausangate Glacier keeping us company all the way.
At the top of the pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the high Andes — endless horizons of snow, rock, and sky. If we’re lucky, we might witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, symbol of freedom and power in the Inca world.
Our descent takes us to the shimmering Yanacocha Lagoon, and then onward to the turquoise waters of Hatun Pucacocha Lake (4,500 m / 14,763 ft), one of the most photogenic spots of the entire trek.
In the afternoon, relax by the lakeshore, enjoy a warm herbal tea, and absorb the tranquility of this magical setting before sharing a hearty dinner under the glow of the Milky Way.
After breakfast, we continue our ascent to one of the most spectacular sections of the Ausangate Classic Trek. The path winds upward to the Ausangate Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), from where you’ll witness the immense glaciers and valleys stretching across the Vilcanota Range.
We’ll descend briefly to Ausangate Cocha Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and ice walls — a perfect place for lunch with unforgettable views.
Afterward, we’ll continue to climb gently until reaching the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft) — the highest point of the trek. The views here are absolutely extraordinary; the Andes unfold in every direction, revealing their raw power and majesty.
Descending again, we’ll pass through the small community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), where you can observe the traditional lifestyle of Andean families who live in perfect harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth).
We continue toward Jampa Camp (4,700 m / 15,419 ft), where our tents will be ready and a warm dinner will be waiting.
Our fourth day of the Ausangate Trek 5 Days begins full of energy as we start a gradual ascent toward Jampa Pass (5,050 m / 16,568 ft) — the highest point of the day. From the top, we’ll enjoy an outstanding panoramic view of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and vast valleys that seem to stretch endlessly across the Andes.
As we descend, the trail leads us into a hidden valley filled with the famous Seven Lakes of Ausangate, a breathtaking group of turquoise, jade, and deep-blue lagoons fed by the melting glaciers of Mount Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,900 ft). This area is a true paradise for photography lovers, offering magnificent reflections of the mountains and a sense of absolute tranquility.
We’ll continue hiking through open landscapes, passing herds of alpacas and llamas until we reach the peaceful Andean community of Pacchanta (4,100 m / 13,450 ft), well-known for its natural hot springs. Here, you can relax your tired muscles in the warm waters while admiring the majestic Ausangate peak in the distance — a perfect way to end an incredible day in the Andes.
In the evening, our trekking team will prepare a delicious dinner made with fresh local ingredients. We’ll spend the night camping in Pacchanta, surrounded by mountains, under a brilliant sky filled with stars — the ideal setting for your final night on the trail.
We’ll start our final morning of the Ausangate Trek with a warm cup of coffee while the first light of dawn paints the snow-covered peaks in golden tones. After a relaxed breakfast, we begin our downhill hike toward the community of Tinki (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), following a scenic trail through the Andes.
Along the way, we’ll pass through beautiful traditional villages, where local Andean families continue to live in harmony with nature, tending their fields and raising alpacas and llamas as they have for centuries. It’s a peaceful and inspiring walk that lets you experience authentic Andean life up close.
Once we arrive in Tinki, our private vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. During the drive, we’ll once again enjoy the incredible views of the Vilcanota Valley and the picturesque landscapes of Ocongate.
We’ll arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon (around 4:30–5:00 p.m.), filled with unforgettable memories, breathtaking photos, and the deep satisfaction of having completed the legendary Ausangate Trek in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as easy as possible. In this section, you will find speedy answers to all those questions you had about Ausangate trek 5 Days in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.Has another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line, and we will get back to you asap!
All information meetings are held in your hotel at 6:00 p.m., one night before the tour begins. If you cannot attend, you must coordinate another time at the (Peru Hike) offices. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes and there you will be given a small duffel bag, in which you’ll put all the belongings you intend to bring on the trek that won’t be in your day pack.
ou’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. The porters will take them on the way and will deliver them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 66 cm / 2 ft. Long x 36 cm / 1 ft. Wide.
A maximum of 5 kg is allowed for each duffel bag that includes the weight of your sleeping bag, mat, clothes and other personal items.
The trek has to be paid for in full by at least 7.30 pm two days before departure. For example, if your tour departs on a Wednesday, then you must come to our office before 7.30 pm on Monday.
It would be much appreciated if you pay the trek balance in cash US dollars or local currency. You can withdraw some money from several ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in US dollars or local Peruvian Soles). You can pay by credit card or PAYPAL online, but you will have to pay an 6% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. We do not accept bank checks or payment of the balance by traveler’s checks.
Of course! During the travel, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you are not going to need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags, put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (In the unlikely case of theft many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing all the items). Best put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Peru Hike Company can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historic Center of Cusco. The pickup time will be coordinated with your guide in the briefing. The pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic. Cusco is a very old city, therefore, it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Group tours are made up of different types of people. Physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route. It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, it will be the guide who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if said modifications can be made.
Strikes and demonstrations are usually frequent in Peru and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your excursion as planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these circumstances, tours may also be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, all situations will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority and our decisions will be made to protect it.
You’re responsible for your objects during the tour. Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our trucks, tents, or restaurants.
Secure your trekking adventure by paying just 20% now, and complete the remaining 80% in Cusco 1 or 2 days before your hike begins. With a small deposit your spot is guaranteed, making the process simple, safe, and stress-free so you can fully focus on enjoying the trek of a lifetime.
Book fast and easy on our website and keep track of your reservation with our most advanced booking system, be updated on our discounts every week.
The Ausangate Trek 5 Days with Franklin Navarro was simply unforgettable. The landscapes were out of this world — turquoise lakes, glaciers, and herds of alpacas walking freely. Every day brought something new and breathtaking. The team was so caring, and the food was surprisingly delicious for being in the middle of the Andes! I truly felt connected with nature and the Andean spirit.
The Ausangate Trekking 5 Days was absolutely epic! The scenery is beyond words — remote, pure, and majestic. The highest pass was challenging, but Franklin made sure we were all fine. The food and equipment were excellent, and the team made us feel safe all the time. It’s not just a hike; it’s a spiritual journey through Ausangate Peru.
I’ve hiked in the Alps and the Dolomites, but Ausangate Peru completely blew my mind. The landscapes were like a dream — golden valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and the mighty Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,900 ft) watching over us. Franklin and his crew took care of every detail, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. This trek deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list.
I still can’t believe the colors I saw during the Ausangate 5 Days Trek. Turquoise lakes, snow peaks, red hills — it felt like walking through a painting. Franklin and his team were fantastic; they set up comfortable camps and always checked on everyone. The last day at Rainbow Mountain was stunning! This trek in Ausangate Peru deserves more recognition — it’s pure magic.
I’ve done many hikes in Europe, but nothing compares to Ausangate Peru. The Ausangate Trekking experience was pure magic — from the first sunrise at Upis to the final views of Rainbow Mountain. Franklin was an outstanding guide, full of stories and respect for the local communities. This trek changed the way I see the mountains. Absolutely recommend it!
