The Ausangate Trek has been firmly on my hit list for ages. This is the perfect trip for anyone with a limited amount of time but a serious craving for an epic, high-altitude adventure. I’m desperate to see the snow-capped, magnificent Ausangate Mountain, which is the fifth-highest peak in Peru and an absolutely iconic landmark. This trek is my ticket to experiencing its dramatic landscapes and the impossibly vibrant 7 Ausangate Lakes in one compact, unforgettable journey. I can’t wait to spend a night in a cozy cabin and cap it all off with a well-deserved soak in some natural hot springs, all while surrounded by this surreal topography.
We’ll kick things off at 6:00 a.m. with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco (11,155 feet / 3,400 meters). From there, we’ll take a private van for a two-hour drive to Tinki (12,467 feet / 3,800 meters), a small town where you can experience genuine local life. Your guide will share some fascinating insights into the remote lifestyle of the villagers, who still wear traditional clothing. After that, we’ll continue for about an hour along a dusty road to Upispampa (13,710 feet / 4,179 meters), where we’ll have a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the hike.
The three-hour trek to our campsite takes you through remote villages and across scenic streams. When we arrive in Upis (14,540 feet / 4,432 meters), we’ll settle into our cozy cabins and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Upis Lake for a two-hour round trip or simply relax in the soothing hot springs. Afterward, we’ll gather for dinner and get to enjoy a stunning starry sky—it’s a moment I’m sure you’ll never forget.
I can’t wait to wake up to a warm cup of coca tea or coffee delivered right to my cabin. After a delicious breakfast, we’ll set out on a 20-minute uphill walk to a viewpoint that offers spectacular, all-out views of Ausangate. The trek continues with a mix of uphill and downhill trails until we reach the breathtaking 7 Lakes of Ausangate (15,750 feet / 4,800 meters). We’ll spend about an hour there, taking in the stunning views of the snow-capped mountain from a whole new angle.
Afterward, we’ll descend to the Pacchanta (14,107 feet / 4,300 meters) hot springs, where we can relax in the warm waters with Ausangate looming just above us. After a well-deserved lunch, we’ll bid farewell to our horseman and chef before taking a private transfer back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 5:00 p.m.
A highly qualified professional with extensive experience in the art of guiding will lead your tour. They have years of dedication to nature walks, have medical certifications and an overflowing passion for leading people on unforgettable adventures.
We understand how essential a delicious hot meal is to revitalize and comfort your body after a challenging hike. Therefore, on each expedition with Ausangate Peru, you will find chefs with extensive experience in preparing meals during the hikes.
All our hiking trips offer a varied selection of delicious meals, rich in carbohydrates, proteins and essential fats. We have carefully selected foods that adapt perfectly to the natural environment.
Our experienced muleteers and their faithful horses are responsible for all our equipment and will always be available in the safe and comfortable camps, ready to receive us.
When walking the Ausangate walk, following certain guidelines will help keep you safe. Choosing the right time to visit is important to avoid heavy rain and landslides. Adjust to the altitude before starting your hike and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness. Buying travel insurance will help you in case something goes wrong. Read the trekking tips below for more details on safety and other useful information to help you plan your trip.
Excessive rain from December to February can erode the trail and even create landslides. Not only is it unpleasant to walk in these conditions, but it can also be dangerous. If you are hiking during the rainy season, listen for updates from Peruvian authorities on hiking conditions.
Spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before embarking on the trek. You will enjoy the hike more once your body has had time to acclimatize. If you feel like you have symptoms of altitude sickness, take a break and don’t overexert yourself.
When traveling independently, keep an itinerary of your trip at home with family and friends. There is no telephone reception on the Ausangate Trek, making it impossible to communicate in an emergency. Informing others of your plans will allow them to seek help if they have not heard from you.
Most locals in these remote Andean towns do not speak English. Knowing at least a few basic phrases or having a dictionary on hand can help you communicate if necessary.
If you are trekking through a reputable travel agency, your trekking company will be able to provide you with water. If you are hiking on your own, be sure to use water purification tablets before drinking water from natural sources. Staying hydrated is especially important to prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.
As with any outdoor adventure activity, the Ausangate hike can be unpredictable. Cancellations may occur due to weather, landslides, etc. There is also a risk of injury or illness. For peace of mind, invest in a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers you throughout your trip.
Lima is the nation’s bustling capital and travel hub, where all but a few international flights land. From there, you must connect to a domestic flight to Cusco. There are many flights per day and the trip only takes about 1 hour. Several airlines fly this route, including some low-cost options. However, the most reliable option is LATAM.
Cusco is the base for the most popular hikes in the region. From here, organize the Ausangate trek with a reputable travel agency, who will take care of all the logistical details. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the trailhead. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
You will need to arrange accommodation in Cusco before and after your hike. There is a wide variety of hotels available, ranging from cozy family inns to luxurious 5-star resorts. While there are options to fit all budgets, it may be worth splurging on your hotel. After such an adventurous hike, reaching a comfortable place for a well-deserved rest will surely be worth it.
If you want to visit the Vinicunca colorful mountain, be sure to plan ahead. When organizing your trek with a travel agency, inform them in advance. Not all trekking companies include it in their itinerary by default. The dry season is the best time to see the vivid colors of the mountain as shown in the photos. During the rainy season, it can often be covered in snow, leaving travelers disappointed. Unlike the rest of the Ausangate hike, the Vinicunca colorful mountain is very popular with tourists, so be prepared for large crowds.
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
5 (12 reviews)
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