Epic Ausangate Circuit Trek – 7 Days Unforgettable

Start your day with a revitalizing coca tea or coffee, the perfect way to prepare for a day of exploration. After a nutritious breakfast prepared by our experienced cook, begin a gentle 2.5-hour ascent to Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). Enjoy the colorful landscapes and serene high-altitude lakes awaiting you at the pass.

After the ascent, descend for about 1.5 hours to PukaCocha Lake, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and set up camp. Take some free time to explore this captivating lake with your expert guide, who will point out the most stunning spots for photos and nature appreciation.

End the day with hot tea and a comforting dinner, before sleeping under the Andean starry sky, resting and recharging for the next exciting stage of the Ausangate Circuit Trek.

Start your day with a warming coca tea and a delicious breakfast, preparing for an exceptional day of trekking on the Ausangate Circuit. Begin a 2-hour ascent to PukaCocha Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft), rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Apu Ausangate and its surrounding lakes, perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Next, descend for 1.5 hours to Ananta (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) for lunch, followed by a gentle 2-hour ascent to Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From this viewpoint, marvel at the stunning Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley in the distance.

Finally, descend for 1 hour to the serene SurineCocha Lake (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where you’ll set up camp and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful Andean landscape, resting for another night under the starry skies of the Andes.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a 1-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain, one of the most iconic highlights of the Ausangate Circuit Trek. Be among the first to admire this natural wonder and its vibrant colors, enjoying the serenity before the crowds arrive. Your expert mountain guide will explain the unique geological formations and the story behind this breathtaking landscape.

After descending, continue to Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,192 ft) for a nutritious lunch, then enjoy a gentle ascent to Ausangatecocha (4,500 m / 14,764 ft), your campsite for the night. Explore the peaceful surroundings of the lake, relax during the traditional “Happy Hour” with hot tea and popcorn, and savor a delicious, hearty dinner.

End the day camping under the glow of the Milky Way, surrounded by the majestic Andes, fully recharged for the next stage of your epic Ausangate Circuit adventure.

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to recharge before an exciting day of trekking on the Ausangate Circuit. Begin a 2-hour ascent to Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), enjoying panoramic views of the mini Rainbow Mountain and Red Lake. Your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the natural formations, enhancing your experience of the Andean landscape.

After the ascent, descend for 1.5 hours to the Huchuy Phinaya community (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), where you’ll enjoy a nutritious lunch and a chance to connect with local life. Continue trekking to Sorapata (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), your campsite for the night, surrounded by alpacas, llamas, and breathtaking Andean scenery.

The day ends with camp setup, a hearty dinner, and a well-deserved rest under the stunning snow-capped peaks, preparing you for the next stage of your Ausangate Circuit Trek adventure.

Wake up surrounded by the soothing embrace of the mountains and start your day with a revitalizing coca tea or coffee. Prepare for a spectacular trekking day on the Ausangate Circuit as you ascend for 2.5 hours to Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft), rewarded with panoramic views of glaciers and surreal snowy landscapes.

Next, descend for 3 hours, passing the stunning OtorongoCocha and Qomercocha lagoons, until reaching the picturesque village of Pacchanta. Enjoy a well-deserved break in the rejuvenating Pacchanta hot springs, a perfect reward after several days of trekking.

End the day with a delicious dinner and a night of rest in Pacchanta, surrounded by the tranquil Andean nature, recharging your energy for the final stage of your Ausangate Circuit Trek adventure.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, preparing for the final stage of the Ausangate Circuit Trek. Walk for approximately 3 hours through charming Andean communities, where you’ll have the chance to discover local textile crafts made with natural dyes and alpaca wool, while learning about the daily life and traditions of these highland communities.

Enjoy lunch in Tinke, marking the end of your epic adventure. Say goodbye to your dedicated trekking team before returning by private transport to your hotel in Cusco, concluding this unforgettable journey through the Peruvian Andes.

Yes, The 7-day Ausangate adventure also includes a visit to the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the spectacular Red Valley.

On Day 4, after camping near Surinecocha, you’ll start an early morning hike to Vinicunca — arriving before the large groups that travel directly from Cusco. From the summit, the scenery opens up to the unique crimson-colored hills of the Red Valley, offering breathtaking contrasts with the surrounding snowcapped peaks.

One of the greatest benefits of exploring Rainbow Mountain as part of this multi-day trek is that you reach it naturally along the route, rather than rushing in a single-day tour. This allows for a more authentic and unhurried experience, with fewer crowds, better photo opportunities, and a stronger connection with the Andean landscapes.

The Ausangate region offers some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery in Peru, setting it apart from the more famous routes like the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek.

While the Inca Trail is celebrated for its archaeological treasures and Salkantay for its cloud forests and jungle transition, this 7-day circuit immerses you in pure high-Andean wilderness. Over the course of the trek, you’ll encounter:

• Towering snow-capped peaks, including the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft).
• Colorful alpine lakes in brilliant shades of turquoise, emerald, and deep blue.
• The world-renowned Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and the surreal landscapes of the Red Valley.
• Herds of alpacas and llamas grazing in pristine meadows at high altitude.
• Remote Andean villages where traditional lifestyles remain almost unchanged for centuries.

Unlike other treks that highlight ruins or jungle ecosystems, this experience is about untouched natural beauty, striking geological formations, and authentic cultural encounters. For travelers looking to escape the crowds and connect deeply with the Andes, the Ausangate trek is one of Cusco’s most spectacular adventures.

Yes. During this 7-day Ausangate trek, we work closely with local muleteers and their horses, who are essential to the expedition. Horses carry all camping gear, food supplies, and up to 7 kg (15 lbs) of your personal belongings in a provided duffle bag.

If you think you may need additional support on the trail, it is also possible to hire an emergency horse to ride when necessary. Unlike the Inca Trail, where human porters are used, in the Ausangate region the traditional and sustainable method is with horses and muleteers.

This system not only makes the journey more comfortable for trekkers, but it also provides direct economic support to local Andean families, helping them preserve their ancestral lifestyle and traditions.

During the 7-day Ausangate adventure, our professional mountain chef prepares fresh, nutritious, and flavorful meals using organic, locally sourced ingredients. Each day you’ll enjoy a mix of traditional Peruvian dishes and international favorites, carefully designed to keep you energized for high-altitude trekking.

We provide three full meals daily—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus snacks, coffee or coca tea wake-up service, and a cozy afternoon tea time (“happy hour”) with popcorn, cookies, and hot drinks.

We also accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets at no additional cost. Simply let us know your preferences or allergies in advance, and our team will ensure you have safe, delicious alternatives throughout the trek.

Altitude is one of the main challenges of the Ausangate Circuit Trek, as the route reaches elevations above 5,000 m / 16,400 ft. To help you enjoy your adventure safely, we take several measures to prevent and manage altitude sickness:

• Gradual Acclimatization: We recommend spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) before starting the trek. This allows your body to adapt gradually.
• Expert Guidance: Our professional mountain guides are trained in altitude management and will monitor your condition throughout the trek.
• Hydration & Diet: Staying hydrated and eating light, energy-rich meals helps your body adjust better.
• Coca Tea & Natural Remedies: A traditional way to reduce symptoms is drinking coca tea or chewing coca leaves, both included during the trek.
• Emergency Support: We carry first aid kits, oxygen bottles, and emergency horses at all times, ensuring you have immediate support if needed.

Most travelers experience only mild symptoms such as shortness of breath or a light headache, which usually improve with rest, hydration, and natural remedies. With proper preparation and our team’s support, you can complete the trek safely and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Rainbow Mountain, Red Valley, and Ausangate’s glaciers.

The main difference lies in the depth of the experience and the time to explore.

Ausangate Circuit 7 Days:
This full itinerary circles the entire sacred Ausangate Mountain, offering an immersive journey through remote Andean landscapes. You’ll witness glaciers, turquoise lakes, high mountain passes, and traditional Andean communities, as well as visit both the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. With more days on the trail, the trek allows for a better acclimatization process and a deeper connection with nature and local culture.

Shorter treks (2, 3, or 4 days):
These options are ideal for travelers with limited time or those looking for a less demanding hike. They usually cover specific highlights of the circuit, such as the 7 Lakes of Ausangate or a combination with Rainbow Mountain, but they don’t include the complete loop.

In short, the 7-day trek is the best choice for adventurers seeking a full, challenging, and immersive experience, while the shorter treks provide a quicker and more accessible glimpse of Ausangate’s beauty.

Absolutely, yes. The Ausangate Circuit 7 Days is considered one of the most photogenic treks in the Peruvian Andes. Throughout the journey, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery that feels like a living postcard: turquoise lakes, towering glaciers, red valleys, multicolored mountains, and crystal-clear night skies perfect for astrophotography and Milky Way shots.

This trek is also a paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot native Andean wildlife such as vizcachas, alpacas, llamas, and even condors soaring above. Since the route is less crowded than other treks in Cusco, it provides a more authentic and intimate experience, deeply connected to nature and local culture.

In short, the Ausangate Circuit is a dream for photographers and nature lovers, with endless opportunities to capture the majesty of the Andes at every step.

Booking your Ausangate Circuit 7 Days Trek with us is simple and secure:

• You can book directly through our website by paying a 50% deposit, which guarantees your spot on the trek.
• Alternatively, you may secure your reservation with a $150 USD deposit per person via Wetravel.

In both cases, the remaining balance can be paid in cash upon arrival in Cusco before your trek begins. If you prefer, you also have the option to pay the full amount at the time of booking.

This flexible system ensures your space is reserved while giving you the freedom to complete the payment in the way that works best for you.