The Ausangate Mountain, also known as “Apu Ausangate,” was one of the most important deities during the Inca era and continues to be revered to this day due to the respect and sacredness attributed to it by the Andean people. This mountain is located at 6,372 m.a.s.l in the Andes Mountain Range and is one of the most beautiful hikes, offering stunning landscapes throughout the journey, including snow-capped peaks, hot springs, lagoons of various colors, glaciers, herds of llamas and alpacas, picturesque Andean villages, and traditionally dressed locals. We also have the opportunity to visit the Rainbow Mountain during the trek.
This hike is challenging due to the altitude and the characteristic cold of the region, but it is rewarding for the effort required to experience this unique adventure in southern Peru’s Andes. If you are an adventurer who enjoys trekking at high altitudes, this tour is for you.
IMPORTANT: To do this hike, it is important to spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco before hand to properly acclimatize, as this trek is demanding due to the altitude, with routes ranging from 4,400 meters to 5,100 meters above sea level.
Early in the morning, we pick u up from your hotels and head South of Cusco, specifically to the community of Tinki (3,800 masl). Along the way, we will pass trhough the small communities, and after a short break, we will pack along belongins into waterproof bags and then begin our hike towards the community of Upis (4400masl). Camping location.
Here, we have lunch, and afterwards, we have the option to hike to the Upis Lagoon, which takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can visit the Upis thermal baths and return to the campsite.
After an early breakfast at approximately 6:30 a.m., we will start our hike and observe some magnificent lakes of different colors. We will then ascend to the Pucacocha Pass (4,900 m.a.s.l) and continue to Anantapata (4,500 m.a.s.l), where we will set up camp. On this day, we will have the opportunity to take a photo with the Ausangate Mountain and its lagoons.
We wake up very early at around 5:00 a.m. After breakfast, we start another day of adventure. We will hike to Lake Kayrawiri, which is surrounded by steep mountains and offers a wonderful landscape. We will be able to appreciate the colorful spots on the mountains. We will then continue our hike to visit one of the most famous places in recent years, the Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca. We will enjoy this scenery and then return to Anantapata before continuing our hike to Cocha Ausangate (4,650 masl), where we will set up camp.
We start our hike to the highest point of this trek, which is at 5,100 masl, where we will have a spectacular panoramic view of the Ausangate Glacier, considered the highest peak in Cusco (6,384masl).
Then, we will begin our descent to Finaya Pampa for lunch, where we will be able to observe a wide variety of South American camelids, including alpacas, llamas, wild vicuñas, and with some luck, we may also see condors. After a day of hiking and enjoying the stunning landscapes of the Andes, we will arrive at Sorapata (4,600 meters above sea level), where we will set up camp.
On this day, we wake up around 6:00 a.m. for breakfast and then begin an uphill hike for approximately 3 hours to reach the final pass at 4,900 masl. Here, we will be able to observe the mountains, lakes, and glaciers. We will then continue our journey to the Seven Lagoons, where we will enjoy the beautiful landscape offered by the impressive Apu Ausangate.
We will have lunch and have the opportunity to visit the Seven Lagoons. Afterward, we will continue our hike to Pacchanta, where we will set up camp and have the chance to enjoy its natural hot springs amidst the mountains. We will also have the opportunity to support local people by purchasing some of their handmade crafts.
This day is much more relaxed after 5 days of adventure through mountains and lakes. We have breakfast at the camp and then enjoy a free morning to relax and take advantage of the natural thermal baths.
A delicious lunch awaits us at the Pacchanta camp (4,350 masl), and after a brief walk, we will board the tourist transport that will take us on a journey of approximately 3 hours back to Cusco.
IMPORTANT – Provide us with your travel insurance before your arrival in Peru.
OPTIONAL
Price Per Person In A Shared Service-English Speaking – Guide
US $ 675.00 (2 PAXS MINIMUN.)
Prices Per Person In A Private Service – English Speaking – Guide
AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS:
STUDENTS: US 10.00
Students must present an original Student ID issued by the University for individuals up to 25 years old, containing the following:
Private Tour Pricing
For details on our private tour prices, contact us at sales@incaperutravel.com or reach us via WhatsApp: +51 963 213 482.
OPTIONAL
The highest point of the trek is the Puka Cocha Pass, which is approximately 5,050 meters (16,568 feet) above sea level. Similar altitudes are reached at other passes and near Rainbow Mountain.
While not mandatory, carrying supplemental oxygen is recommended, especially if you have little experience at high altitudes. Guides typically carry oxygen for emergencies.
Nutritious and hot meals are served during the trek, including a mix of local and international dishes. Menus usually include soups, stews, pasta, rice, vegetables, and hot beverages.
Yes, Rainbow Mountain can be seen year-round, but the best time to appreciate it is during the dry season (April to October), when the weather is more stable and views are clearer.
Hiking duration ranges from 5 to 8 hours daily, depending on terrain difficulty and weather conditions. The day to visit Rainbow Mountain is one of the longest, with around 7-8 hours of hiking.
Nights can be extremely cold, dropping below 0°C (32°F), especially at higher campsites. It is crucial to have a good sleeping bag suitable for sub-zero temperatures.
Yes, the trek can be customized, such as adjusting the hiking pace or adding extra days, but this should be coordinated with the agency before starting the expedition.
Previous trekking experience at high altitude is recommended due to the physical demands of the trek and climatic conditions. However, with good physical and mental preparation, it is feasible for those with less experience.
Yes, trekking gear such as poles, sleeping bags, and warm clothing can be rented in Cusco. It is important to ensure that the equipment is in good condition before starting the trek.
Yes, in the Upis community, where the first night is spent, there are hot springs where trekkers can relax after a day of hiking. You can also visit Pacchanta at the end of the trek, which also has hot springs.