Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate Trek offers a rugged, five-day journey through the heart of the Peruvian Andes, starting from Cusco and taking you deep into remote mountain landscapes. For $680 per person, this shared adventure is designed for those with strong physical fitness, willing to climb at high altitudes and camp under the stars. Led by local guides, you’ll traverse snow-capped peaks, see the famous Rainbow Mountains, and camp beside pristine glacial lakes. The tour includes transportation, meals, and camping equipment, making it a comprehensive package for serious trekkers.

What we really appreciate about this trek is how it combines spectacular scenery with the challenge of multi-day camping. The guides are knowledgeable and the small group size keeps the experience intimate, allowing for genuine connections and personalized attention. Plus, the focus on authentic mountain life, with llamas and alpacas grazing in highland valleys, enriches the journey.

However, it’s important to note that sleeping bags and walking poles are not provided, and the trek involves hiking at elevations reaching over 5,000 meters. This means it’s not suited for casual hikers or those unprepared for strenuous activity and cold nights. If you’re looking for a less demanding trip, or prefer luxury accommodations, this may not be the right fit.

This adventure suits travelers eager for authentic Andean landscapes, willing to endure some physical exertion, and comfortable camping in remote areas. If you love challenging hikes, stunning mountain vistas, and enjoying local mountain culture, this trek offers a rewarding experience.

• Challenging high-altitude trekking: Expect to hike at elevations up to 5,130 meters, so good fitness and acclimatization are essential.
• Stunning scenery: From snow-capped peaks to the colorful Rainbow Mountains and turquoise lakes, visuals are a major highlight.
• Authentic camping experience: Sleep in tents along the route, enjoying the silence and starry skies of the Andes.
• Expert local guides: Guides are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing insights about the landscape and local culture.
• All-inclusive setup: Meals, transport, and camping gear are provided, reducing logistical worries.
• Limited comfort: No sleeping bags or poles are included, and the trek requires a strong physical effort.

Starting from Cusco: Early Morning Adventure

Your journey begins with a 4:30 AM pickup from your Cusco hotel, a time that might make you question your love for adventure, but it’s necessary to beat the crowds and the high-altitude heat that builds later in the day. The drive to Upis takes about three and a half hours, passing through scenic towns and highland landscapes. En route, there are a few stops for photos—these moments are brief but give a taste of the dramatic scenery ahead.

Once in Upis, you’ll meet your local muleteers and horses. This is crucial because the mules carry much of your camping gear, allowing you to focus on the hike itself. After breakfast, you’ll start your trek, gradually ascending into a valley filled with llamas and alpacas, with Ausangate mountain towering in the background. The first day’s hike is approximately seven hours, making this one of the longer stretches. You’ll reach your first campsite at Pamparapa, perched at 4,600 meters.

What we love here is the spectacular highland scenery—the views of llamas grazing, the dramatic valleys, and the distant snow-capped peaks. The journey is not just about reaching a point but about experiencing the landscape in all its rugged beauty.

Day 2: Reaching the Ausangate Summit

The second day starts early, with a particularly rewarding highlight—an early morning sunrise atop Ausangate. If you’re fortunate, the guide might wake you with a cup of coca tea, a traditional Peruvian remedy for altitude sickness. After breakfast, the ascent begins with a climb to the Arapa Pass at 4,800 meters. The views are unforgettable: jagged mountains, deep valleys, and the vast cloudless sky.

Descending toward lakes such as Yanaqocha and Pukaqocha offers a change of scenery, with tranquil waters reflecting the mountain shades. Lunch is taken amidst the mountains, offering another chance to soak in the spectacular surroundings. The afternoon includes a switchback trail climbing to the next pass at 5,000 meters. This day continues the pattern of high-altitude hiking and offers ample opportunities to marvel at the raw power of nature.

The guides are knowledgeable, often sharing stories about the local flora, fauna, and mountain legends. The physical challenge is significant, but the stunning vistas help keep motivation high.

Day 3: The Rainbow Mountains

This is the most famous day of the trek, and the reason many choose this route—the Rainbow Mountains. After an early breakfast, you’ll climb for about an hour and a half to reach the pass at 5,000 meters. From here, you’ll witness the vivid bands of color that give the mountains their iconic look, contrasted sharply against the snow-capped peaks.

Walking downhill on a steep trail, you’ll arrive at the Rainbow Mountains, where you can take dozens of photos or simply stand in awe of this natural wonder. The trek continues with a descent and then another ascent to the Rainbow Mountain itself, about an hour and a half of hiking. It’s a strenuous day, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.

Many reviewers note how much they appreciated the delicious packed lunch amidst such breathtaking views. One said, “We savored the unique vistas of the Rainbow Mountains after a challenging hike,” highlighting the rewarding nature of this part of the trip.

Day 4: Glacier Lagoons and the Highest Pass

This day takes you deeper into the colored hills and glaciers surrounding Ausangate, with the trail reaching the Palomani Pass at 5,130 meters, the highest point of the trek. From the summit, you’ll get panoramic views of the massive mountain and colorful hills stretching into the distance.

Descending into a valley, you’ll enjoy a nourishing lunch before climbing again to reach the next camp at 4,750 meters. This day is physically demanding but offers some of the most scenic contrasts—glacier lakes, colored hills, and towering mountains.

One reviewer mentioned, “The mountains are beautiful and definitely worth the trip,” emphasizing how each day’s scenery surpasses the last.

Final Day: High Pass and Hot Springs

On the last day, after a hearty breakfast and a two-and-a-half-hour hike, you’ll reach the Jhampapampa pass at 5,030 meters. From here, you can see glacier peaks and an expansive view of the surrounding landscape. The descent to the final lunch spot is scenic, and then you’ll walk for about two hours to Pacchanta, where optional hot springs await—perfect for soothing tired muscles.

After saying goodbye to the muleteers, the group is driven back to Cusco, completing the circuit in approximately three and a half hours. The trek totals around 7-8 hours of walking daily, with distances of about 6.83 miles (11 km).

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour provides all transportation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), camping equipment, and the services of an English-speaking guide. The small group size (up to nine travelers) fosters a more personal experience, and the inclusion of a first aid kit adds a layer of safety.

However, not included are hot spring entry fees (about 20 soles), hotel stays before or after the trek, and sleeping bags and walking poles—which are essential for comfort and safety at high altitude. Many reviewers recommend bringing your own sleeping bag, especially since this is a multi-day camping trek.

The Authenticity and Experience

One reviewer noted, “The mountains are beautiful and definitely worth the trip,” while also suggesting that adding more fresh vegetables or fruits would enhance the overall experience. This hints at the rugged, utilitarian nature of the included meals, which focus on sustaining travelers during strenuous activity.

Guides are praised for their local knowledge and friendliness, making the challenging days more manageable. The small group size fosters camaraderie, and many trekkers appreciate the chance to connect with fellow adventurers amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Peru.

The Practical Side: Price and Value

At $680 per person, this trek isn’t cheap but considering meals, transportation, camping gear, and guided support, it offers fair value for such an immersive experience. The remote locations, authentic camping, and guided expertise make it a worthwhile investment for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Who Should Consider This Trek?

This tour suits travelers who are physically fit and accustomed to high-altitude hiking. If you’re looking for a luxurious or relaxed experience, or if camping in remote mountain areas doesn’t appeal to you, this might not be the best fit. However, if you crave adventure, breathtaking vistas, and a chance to test your endurance, this trek delivers.

The Ausangate Trek is a challenging but rewarding way to explore some of Peru’s most striking mountain scenery. The combination of stunning vistas, authentic camping, and local guides makes it a valuable experience for those prepared for its physical demands. You’ll get close-up views of glaciers, visit the iconic Rainbow Mountains, and enjoy the tranquility of remote highland lakes—all while sharing the journey with a small, friendly group.

While it’s not without its hardships—no luxury hotels, minimal creature comforts, and strenuous hikes—the sense of achievement and the scenery make the effort worthwhile. It’s best suited for outdoor lovers who want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure and are comfortable with camping and high-altitude trekking.

If you’re looking to push your limits, learn about mountain landscapes, and see Peru’s extraordinary natural beauty without crowds, this trek is worth considering.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
Yes, sleeping bags are not provided, so bringing a warm, suitable sleeping bag for cold nights is recommended.

Is this trek suitable for beginners?
No, this is best for travelers with a strong physical fitness level due to the high altitudes and strenuous daily hikes.

Are walking poles included?
No, walking poles are not included. If you use them, make sure they have intact rubber bottoms.

What about hot springs?
Hot springs are optional and available at the final stop in Pacchanta for about 20 soles.

How many days does the trek last?
The trek lasts five days, with four nights camping along the route.

What does the tour include?
It includes all transport, meals, camping equipment, and a guide. However, it does not include hotels before or after the trek, hot spring entry fees, or personal gear like sleeping bags.

The Ausangate Trek offers a memorable, authentic adventure for those ready to embrace the high Andes and all their rugged beauty. It’s a rewarding challenge, perfect for travelers seeking a genuine connection with nature and local culture—just be prepared for the effort involved.