The Ausangate Trek in Peru is a hidden gem among the attractions of the Cusco region. Located 100 km southeast of Cusco lies the impressive Vilcanota mountain range, home to several peaks exceeding 6,000 meters — including the sacred Ausangate (6,372 m), the highest mountain in the Cusco region. Less popular than the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the full circuit takes approximately six days and offers some of the most extraordinary high-altitude scenery in the world.
The Ausangate Trek is celebrated for its otherworldly natural landscapes. Many consider it one of the best high-altitude hikes on the planet, taking trekkers through multiple high passes, down into alpine valleys, and through traditional Peruvian villages. You will see snow-capped peaks, llama herds, glaciers, and turquoise lakes — all within an incredibly beautiful mountain range. You may also have the chance to see the famous Rainbow Mountains of Vinicunca.
The trek is considered strenuous, with some moderate days interspersed. It is classified as Grade C, involving altitudes between 4,500–5,000 m and 5–6 hours of hiking per day, with steep sections causing rapid altitude gain. Anyone in good physical condition can manage this trek, but prior experience with multi-day high-altitude hikes is strongly recommended.
Weather can be unpredictable — blizzard conditions at higher altitudes are not uncommon. Cold temperatures and snow tolerance are important factors when assessing suitability for this trail.
The sacred mountain of Ausangate was and remains one of the most important mountains since the Inca era — it is revered in Andean cosmology as one of the principal deities (Apu Ausangate), and holds significance in contemporary Christian practice as well. This 5-day tour is designed so you can experience extraordinary high-mountain landscapes on a route still largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism, including Andean communities, stunning mountain scenery, multi-colored lakes, and native camelids — llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas — in their natural habitat.
Depart Cusco early for the village of Tinke (~3 hrs drive). Walk 2 hours through diverse flora and fauna to Upis. Camp lunch and hot drinks. At sunset, explore the Huayna Ausangate lagoon and capture the sunset. Overnight at camp.
Early breakfast. Hike to Arapa Pass (4,800 m) with panoramic views of mountain geography and glacial lakes. Descend to Yanacocha lagoon, watching for chinchillas, viscachas, deer, and Andean condors. Lunch near Hatun Puca Cocha with incredible Andean views. Optional stargazing at night.
The most demanding day. Two high passes: ascend 2 hours to the Ausangate Apacheta pass, descend to Ausangate Cocha lagoon for snacks, then climb the challenging Palomani Pass at 5,200 m. Stunning views of mountain ranges and glacial meltwater lakes. Descend to Huchuy Finaya community for lunch, then continue to Sorapata camp.
Mostly flat trail to the Jampa Pass (5,100 m), taking ~3 hours. Observe alpaca and llama herds. Descend to the Pacchanta community through part of the 7 turquoise lakes route. Relax in Pacchanta’s medicinal thermal baths. Overnight at community.
Brief visit to Tinke village to observe local agricultural customs. Return to Cusco with transfer to your hotel.
