The Ausangate trek for 5 days are the most beautiful and stunning trek that you can do in the Cusco región (Qosqo), the hike is physically a bit difficult in some parts. Is considered one of the top treks in Cusco because is located on the highest glacier in this área called Ausangate trek 5 days, is so far the best option to visit Rainbow Mountain and the red valley. On this trek, you will see hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, alpacas, and wild vicuñas that will accompany you during the 67 kilometers (41.6 miles). Ausangate Trek is the route for adventurers and trekking lovers.
We start at 5:00 a.m. (pick-up at your hotel) and leave the City of Cusco via bus. Heading to the “Cusco-Puerto Maldonado Highway” towards Tinki (3,800 m/12.464 ft.).
On the way, we will stop at Urcos, where we can visit a beautiful lake with the same name. Then we will pass to CATTCA, a farming community. Here, we’ll appreciate several spectacular views of the region and finally pass through Ocongate.
After our 3-hour drive, we finally arrive at “Tinki”. We begin with a light to moderate climb crossing “The Puna” (high dry area with little vegetation) and arrive at our lunch area (3-hour hike). While enjoying your lunch you’ll have a wonderful view of the Ausangate Peak (6, 372 m/20,900 ft.).
After lunch, we continue hiking for an hour and a half to get to our campsite called “Upis” (Elev. 4,400 m). Here you’ll have a fabulous view of all the snowy peaks in the area. We’ll camp and dine right in front of the Ausangate Mountain.
DETAILS:
After an appetizing breakfast served by our chef, we ascend hiking for two hours to reach “La Arapa Pass” (4,850 m/15,908 ft.). Then descending to reach our lunch area. We’ll view Falcons, Vizcachas or Andean squirrels and three beautiful lakes with shades of red, green and turquoise (“Pukacocha”, “Hatun Pukacocha” and “Qomerqocha”). Let’s not forget the spectacular landscape of the snow-capped peaks.
After lunch, we continue a slow steady climb (2 hours) taking us to the footstep of the “Abra de Apuchata” (4,900 m). Where we will finally descend to our camp in” Ausangate Cocha” (4,440 m).
DETAILS:
Early morning climb, after breakfast, to the third mountain pass called “Abra de Palomani” (5,200 m). This is the highest part of the trek, which descends down for (2 hours) to an area commonly grazed by Llamas, Alpacas and Vizcachas – “Pampacancha” (4,050 m).
From here, we’ll ascend towards our camp in “Q’ampa” (4,300 m/14,104 ft.). In this 3 hour climb we will have an opportunity to see llamas, alpacas, and maybe even pumas. We’ll reach our campsite and have dinner.
DETAILS:
Our hike in the morning is uphill (2 hours) until reaching the “Q’ampa Mountain Pass” (5,000 m/16,400 ft.), where you’ll find Andean deer roaming. From here, we descend towards “Qomerqocha Lake” to finally reach Pacchanta (4,100 m) (5-hour total hike).
Pacchanta is a small community with an attractive hot spring where you can enjoy a soothing swim. We’ll camp at Pacchanta.
DETAILS:
We depart from “Pacchanta” hiking towards Tinki (3 hours). Once we arrive at Tinki, we will board the private transport that will take us back to the City of Cusco, arriving at night.
DETAILS:
The Most Important Things Items for 5 days Ausangate
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2022 through January 2023. All prices quoted are $USD
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
is probably one of the most beautiful and complete trails that Cusco has, there is 55 km in total that you can do in 4 or 5 days, along this hike you can see turquoise lagoons, glaciers, llamas, alpacas running, chinchillas, and the imposing snowy ausangate with an altitude of 6385 meters above sea level.
It is one of the best experiences to connect with nature and its enigma.
The perfect combination is to do this trekking with the famous mountain of 7 colors where you will spend 5, 6, and 7 incredible days.
AUSANGATE TREK PREPARATION
without any doubt, the best recommendation is to do physical exercises before doing this trekking running ravines, going up and down hills if you have it in your country or running at least 10 km per day, and thus be prepared to not have problems, and for people who suffer from the heart is not recommendable to do it because this trail is the highest in Cusco.
To be able to acclimatize is good to be in Cusco for 1 day or 2 days, and also the other option is to start your plans from Arequipa, Puno, and then come more acclimatized to Cusco and be better adapted to the altitude.
BEST TIME TO HIKE AUSANGATE TREK
the best time for hiking is between the months of April to September, with very sunny days and perfect for taking good pictures and seeing the mountains more clearly in all their glory these months are the high season, and the months of October to March are the months of the rainy season and there are companies that still offer this trail and is not recommended because during the day is cloudy with rain and the road is slippery.
I CAN DO THIS TRAIL ON MY OWN?
the answer is of course, yes, having good camping and trekking equipment and a GPS, with maps where they can help you in the right directions where to go, camp, etc.
The ausangate trail is not well marked and unfortunately you can get lost when it is cloudy.
The best option is to book with a company expert in this trekking and also to have a better experience as GO TREKS PERU has the best professionals.
In general, this trekking is to be able to learn and know more about the Inca culture.
WEATHER ON AUSANGATE TRAIL
The weather in the Andes is very unpredictable because of the geography that we have, in the ausangate trek trail during the day are sunny days so you will need to use sunscreen, and during the night can reach temperatures below 0 degrees.
in general, is to have Good trekking equipment to not have problems with the cold and heat and it is always necessary to have enough water to drink, the recommendation is to have 2 liters per person to avoid dehydration.
CHOOSING AUSANGATE TREK
The Ausangate trail is divided into two well-marked categories: short (2-4 days) and long (5-7 days) with a colorful mountains. If you have time, we recommend that you choose a 5-7 day route. This option is the most complete because in this trail you will be able to visit beautiful lagoons and the snow-capped Ausangate and the incredible mountain of colors.
Short Ausangate Trek (2-4days)
Also known as small Ausangate Treks, these shorter trails are intended to offer hikers a sort of “best of” sample of the Ausangate region in a shorter period of time. These routes usually focus on Lake Puca Cocha, the Ausangate glacier, and the Arco Iris mountain is somewhat complete.
Full Ausangate Trek (5-7 days)
The longer treks will take you through mountains and places that are rarely seen by hikers, a complete circuit so you can appreciate some of the high peaks from multiple angles and take amazing pictures. During the day you will see breathtaking views of glaciers and during the night, the milky way at its best from 4,000 meters to 5,200 meters.
INCREDIBLE VIEWS EVERY DAY?
For people who love to take pictures, this amazing trail will give you incredible gifts of turquoise lagoons, snow-capped mountains, llamas, alpacas, and the popular colorful mountain
WHERE TO LEAVE THE LUGGAGE DURING THE TREK?
Different hotels have a place to leave your luggage when you go out for a day trip, the other option is to leave it at the GO TREKS PERU office and when you come back you can pick it up without any problem.
HOW HARD IS AUSANGATE TREK?
The main reason Ausangate is considered difficult is that the entire hike is at a high altitude. This route is probably not suitable for novice hikers. It is considered one of the most difficult, however, if you have done other treks before you should have no problem.
RENTING TREKKING AND CAMPING GEAR FOR AUSANGATE TREK IN CUSCO
there are many places to rent in Cusco, the best option is to rent around the square and the best known for quality and price is the famous speedy Gonzales that is on procuradores street.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Put your smartphone on airplane mode. no phone signal and to save battery life.
Drink enough water, it is very important to hydrate yourself as we will be walking at 4000 masl and during this trek, there are streams where you can recharge water and important to have purifying tablets is important when walking at high altitude.
Be very attentive to the weather. Conditions can change for hours at high altitudes in the Andes. Always have warm layers and waterproof layers on hand. This is especially important when climbing and traversing high passes.
Carry a first aid kit, an equipment repair kit, and a blister treatment kit in your backpack, but we have them too.
Carry a good amount of your favorite sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses, and wear a buffalo to protect your head and neck and help block the wind.
This hike is not recommended for children because they may have trouble walking, but if your child enjoys hiking at high altitudes, you can do it.
The higher altitude also means colder, near-freezing temperatures, so be prepared. If you decide to hike for several days, be sure to bring very warm clothing.
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain will be in the morning or early afternoon, just after sunrise or before sunset.
Do not go to Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon during the rainy season because of the lighting. Due to the high concentration of minerals. There is a high probability of being affected by lighting.
Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen or