Ausangate Trek 5 Days

Exploring the Ausangate Trek 5 Days: A Journey into Peru’s Remote Beauty

If you’re craving an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, authentic Peruvian culture, and a genuine sense of solitude, the Ausangate Trek 5 Days offers just that. Priced at $660 per person, this guided trek takes you through remote mountain landscapes near Cusco, with highlights like glacier-fed lakes, colorful mountain passes, and an intimate experience away from the crowds.

What we love about this trek? First, the small group size—a maximum of 10 travelers—ensures a personalized experience with attentive guides. Second, the all-inclusive meals are more than just sustenance; they’re a chance to taste local flavors crafted by skilled cooks, often highlighted in reviews as a standout feature.

One potential consideration? The moderate physical fitness level required isn’t for everyone, especially given the high altitudes and rugged terrain. However, if you’re an active traveler with a love for nature and culture, this trek is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for those who want to connect with Peru’s wild side and enjoy a journey that’s as much about the experience as the destination.

If you’re dreaming of vistas that include towering mountains, turquoise lakes, and steaming hot springs, and don’t mind some strenuous hiking, this trek suits adventurous souls eager to escape the tourist trail and dive into authentic Andean life.

Key Points

• Small-Group Experience: Up to 10 travelers for a more personalized and flexible journey.
• All-Inclusive Meals: Four breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners featuring local cuisine.
• Remote Locations: Visit spots most travelers miss, including vibrant lakes and high passes.
• Cultural Engagement: Opportunities to learn about local traditions and witness spiritual ceremonies.
• Moderate Fitness Needed: Expect high-altitude trekking and some challenging passes.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently rated a perfect 5.0 based on 74 reviews, with glowing praise for guides, scenery, and food.

A Deep Dive into the 5-Day Ausangate Trek

Starting Point and First Day: Cusco to Upis

Your adventure kicks off early in Cusco, where a private vehicle whisks you away toward Tinke for last-minute shopping and breakfast. From there, the journey continues to Rondoca, the trek’s starting point. Here, you’ll meet your trekking team—including the cook and horse driver—setting the stage for the days ahead.

The first day’s hike is gentle, about 3 miles (4 hours), ascending from 3,800m to 4,200m. It’s designed to ease you into the altitudes while soaking in views of Apu Ausangate, a towering centerpiece of this region. The highlight? Reaching Upis village, where natural hot springs beckon. Imagine soaking in steaming waters, coca tea in hand, as you relax muscles tired from travel—a favorite feature praised in reviews like “you can take a soak in the hot springs, while enjoying coca tea, and relax your muscles until dinner.”

Day Two: Crossing the Arapa and Apacheta Passes

Day two is a true test of stamina and awe. The morning begins with hot coca tea, fueling you for a hike that includes crossing the Arapa Pass at 4,850 meters, offering sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. The descent into Puqa Q’ocha, a lush green lake, is a highlight—an ideal spot for photos and a break.

After lunch by the turquoise waters of Jatun Puqa Q’ocha, the group ascends again to the second pass at Apacheta (4,980 meters). Here, the scenery transforms into a photographer’s dream—think turquoise lakes fed by melting snow and dramatic mountain panoramas. The day ends with camping at Ausangate Qocha, at around 4,630 meters, where many reviews mention the “incredible scenery” and the “peacefulness of the remote location.”

Day Three: Highest Pass and Cultural Ceremony

This day features the highest point of the trek—the Palomani Pass (5,200 meters). It’s about a 2-hour climb, but the payoff is the spectacular views and a special moment: a ceremony for Apu Ausangate, which guides find spiritually meaningful. The guide’s cultural explanation adds depth to the experience, connecting us with the mountain’s significance.

Post-ceremony, the group descends into Uchuy Phinaya for lunch, at about 4,300 meters, before a couple of hours of hiking to the next camp. The elevation change and terrain might be challenging, but the sense of achievement and the stunning vistas make it worthwhile.

Day Four: Lagoons, Lakes, and Soaking in Pacchanta

This day emphasizes leisure and marveling at nature. With only one pass to cross, we take our time enjoying deep blue and alpine lakes—some so clear you might be tempted to jump in, as some reviews suggest. The landscape offers spectacular angles of Ausangate Mountain, and you’ll pass colorful lagoons and glaciers along the way.

The trek culminates at Pacchanta Hot Springs, perfect for a relaxing soak after days of hiking. The views of Ausangate from here are “simply unforgettable,” according to those who’ve experienced it. The hot springs, combined with the mountain scenery, create a perfect ending to a physically demanding but visually rewarding day.

Day Five: Cultural Closure and Return to Cusco

The final morning involves a local cultural experience. A nearby family hosts a ceremony where they prepare traditional foods, demonstrating weaving techniques and sharing stories of their way of life. Many reviews highlight these authentic cultural interactions as a highlight, making the trek more than just a journey through mountains.

Finally, a bus takes you back to Cusco, roughly 3 hours away, carrying memories of stunning landscapes and cultural insights. This day is a gentle wind-down after days of adventure.

The Logistics and What It Means for You

The price of $660 covers most essentials: camping equipment, meals, horses for gear, and expert guidance. Not included are the entrance fee (20 soles) and a sleeping bag, which you should prepare for ahead of time. The small group size of just 10 travelers ensures a more intimate experience, with guides who are praised for their knowledge, humor, and cultural insights.

The tour departs early at 5 a.m., a necessary start to maximize daylight and avoid afternoon weather issues. The moderate fitness requirement means you should be comfortable with high-altitude hiking—many reviews note that while the trek is challenging, it’s very manageable for active travelers.

Transportation and Comfort

Private transportation gets you to the trailhead comfortably, and horses carry most of the gear, reducing the load on hikers. Camp accommodations are basic but functional, with top-notch camping gear provided, as many reviewers appreciated. The meals are consistently described as delicious, often exceeding expectations for mountain camping.

Weather and Altitude

Expect high elevations—up to 5,200 meters—and potentially cold nights. The trek is scheduled during good weather seasons, but weather can change quickly, so packing warm clothing and rain gear is wise. Many travelers mention the importance of moderate physical fitness due to the altitude and terrain, so train accordingly.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, with many mentioning how guides like Chino, Urbano, and Guillermo go beyond just navigation—they share cultural stories, perform spiritual ceremonies, and make the experience memorable.

The food draws high praise, with many noting that meals are hearty and delicious, making the days of hiking more bearable. This focus on local cuisine adds an authentic touch that many appreciate, turning the trek into a culinary adventure as well as a natural one.

Scenery is another standout feature. From glacier-topped peaks to turquoise lakes and colorful lagoons, the landscape offers endless photo opportunities. Several reviewers mention how solitude—rare on popular routes—made the experience feel more authentic and special.

Who Should Consider This Trek?

This tour is ideal for adventurers who are comfortable at high altitudes and enjoy challenging hikes. It suits travelers eager to explore Peru’s less-visited natural beauty and willing to endure some physical exertion. If you’re a culture enthusiast, the ceremonies and local interactions make this more than just a scenic trek.

Those looking for comfort and luxury might find the camping setup a bit basic, but for most, the authenticity and scenery outweigh the simplicity. It’s perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowds, experience true wilderness, and come away with stories, photos, and a sense of achievement.

FAQs

How physically demanding is the trek?
While the trek is manageable for those with moderate fitness, it involves high-altitude hiking at up to 5,200 meters with some steep passes and rugged terrain. Be prepared for long days and elevation changes.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers camping equipment, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), horses for gear, and guidance. It does not include the entrance fee of 20 soles or a sleeping bag.

How many people are in the group?
The tour hosts a maximum of 10 travelers, which allows for a more personalized experience with attentive guides.

What should I bring?
Bring sturdy hiking gear, warm clothing for high altitudes, rain protection, and a sleeping bag if you prefer your own. The tour provides most camping gear.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
It’s best suited for active adults or teenagers comfortable with strenuous, high-altitude hiking. Children with good fitness levels might also enjoy it.

When is the best time to do this trek?
While not explicitly stated, mountain treks like this are safest and most scenic during dry seasons—generally from May to September.

What makes this trek different from others in Peru?
It’s notably less crowded and includes cultural ceremonies and visits to off-the-beaten-path lakes and passes—an authentic adventure away from the typical tourist routes.

Can I customize the trek?
Given the small group size and personalized approach, you might be able to discuss special interests or needs with your guide beforehand.

Final Thoughts

The Ausangate Trek 5 Days offers an authentic, scenic, and challenging adventure through some of Peru’s most striking high-altitude landscapes. With knowledgeable guides, delicious local food, and stunning natural vistas, it’s a trip that leaves many travelers with stories and photos they cherish.

It’s particularly well-suited for adventurous travelers who want a personalized experience and are willing to put in some effort. The cultural elements add depth, making this more than just a walk in the mountains—they’re a chance to connect with Peruvian traditions and spirituality.

If you’re prepared for the physical demands and eager to discover hidden corners of the Andes, this trek rewards persistence with some of the most breathtaking views and meaningful encounters you’ll find in Peru. It’s a journey that can change the way you see mountains and culture forever.