Ausangate Trek 5 Days – Epic & Unforgettable Adventure

Wake up to a steaming cup of coca tea or coffee, the perfect boost to start your day in the Andes. After a nourishing breakfast prepared by our trekking chef, we begin an exciting hike surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

A 2.5-hour ascent takes us to the impressive Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), where you will be rewarded with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and a chain of vibrant high-altitude lakes shimmering in the sunlight. This is the perfect spot to pause, take photos, and fully appreciate the majesty of the Ausangate Trek 5 Days route.

From the pass, we descend through colorful valleys and rugged landscapes on a 1.5-hour hike toward the beautiful Pukacocha Lake. This turquoise jewel of the Andes will be both our lunch spot and campsite for the night.

After enjoying a freshly prepared lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the enchanting surroundings, capture stunning photos, or simply relax by the lake’s serene waters. In the evening, gather for our traditional trekking “Happy Hour” with hot drinks and snacks, followed by a hearty dinner. End your day in complete peace, camping under the brilliance of the Andean night sky.

After a hearty breakfast, we set out on one of the most memorable days of the Ausangate Trek 5 Days. The trail first leads us along the shores of the stunning Ausangate Cocha Lake, framed by snow-capped peaks and dramatic landscapes.

From here, we begin a challenging 2-hour ascent to the highest point of the trek, the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). From the top, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views that include a hidden mini Rainbow Mountain and the striking Red Lake (Lago Rojo). Your expert guide will share insights into the geology and legends behind these colorful formations.

After enjoying this incredible viewpoint, we descend for about 1.5 hours to reach the welcoming community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft), where a freshly prepared lunch awaits. Surrounded by traditional Andean homes and herds of alpacas, this is the perfect place to rest and refuel.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Sorapata (4,700 m / 15,420 ft), our campsite for the night. Here you will be immersed in the tranquility of the high Andes, accompanied by the soft presence of llamas and alpacas grazing nearby. As the sun sets, enjoy a warm dinner before settling into your tent, preparing for the next stage of this epic adventure.

Wake up to a warm cup of coca tea or coffee, the perfect start before another rewarding day on the Ausangate Trek 5 Days. After breakfast, we begin a 2.5-hour ascent to the scenic Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft). From this vantage point, enjoy sweeping views of towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks that dominate the Vilcanota Mountain Range.

From the pass, we descend for about 3 hours, following a breathtaking trail that passes by the mystical Otorongo Cocha (Jaguar Lake) and the emerald-colored Qomercocha Lake. These high-altitude lagoons, surrounded by rugged peaks, offer perfect moments to rest and capture stunning photos.

By the afternoon, we arrive at the welcoming Andean village of Pacchanta, famous for its soothing hot springs. Here you’ll have time to relax and rejuvenate your body after several days of trekking, while gazing at the mighty Ausangate peak in the background.

In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner and spend the night in Pacchanta, embraced by the peace and silence of the Andean highlands.

On the final day of your Ausangate Trek 5 Days, enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out on a gentle 3-hour hike back toward Tinke. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Andean communities, where locals keep centuries-old traditions alive. Witness how families use natural dyes and alpaca wool to create colorful textiles, an authentic glimpse into daily life in the Peruvian highlands.

Upon arrival in Tinke, we gather for a well-deserved lunch and say farewell to our trekking team, whose dedication made this journey unforgettable. After lunch, our private transport will drive you back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel—bringing your extraordinary adventure around the Ausangate Circuit to a memorable close.

Yes, on the Ausangate Trek 5 Days you won’t need to carry all your belongings yourself. The trek includes the support of local muleteers and horses, who will transport the duffel bag we provide (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs of personal items), along with all the camping equipment, tents, and food.

This way, you’ll only need to carry a small daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, camera, and your passport. This makes the hike more comfortable and allows you to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes without the extra weight.

Additionally, we always have emergency horses available, ensuring safety and peace of mind throughout the entire journey.

Previous high-altitude hiking experience is not strictly required to join the Ausangate Trek 5 Days, but having a good physical condition and being comfortable with long walks is highly recommended. The route reaches mountain passes over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), which can be challenging even for well-prepared travelers.

To ensure a smoother experience, it’s advisable to spend a few days in Cusco or nearby areas beforehand, enjoying acclimatization activities such as visiting Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Rainbow Mountain.

You will be fully supported by expert local guides, pack horses, and a dedicated crew, making it possible for even first-time high-altitude trekkers to enjoy this adventure safely and with confidence.

The Ausangate Trek 5 Days is unique compared to other popular hikes in Cusco because it focuses on remote, high-Andean landscapes rather than Inca ruins. While the Inca Trail takes you through archaeological sites and ends at Machu Picchu, and the Salkantay Trek combines mountain views with jungle sections, the Ausangate route immerses you in the wild beauty of the Vilcanota mountain range.

Along the way, you’ll encounter towering glaciers, turquoise lakes, herds of llamas and alpacas, Rainbow Mountain, and the Red Valley. Another difference is its authentic cultural experience, since you’ll be walking through traditional Andean communities where life has remained unchanged for centuries.

This trek is ideal for travelers seeking a less crowded, more adventurous, and truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Peru.

The highest point of the Ausangate Trek 5 Days reaches around 5,200 meters / 17,060 feet above sea level. At this elevation, the air is thinner, which means your body receives less oxygen than at lower altitudes. As a result, it’s common for hikers to feel shortness of breath, fatigue, or mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

To minimize these effects, it’s highly recommended to spend at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek. Walking at a steady pace, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and drinking coca tea can also help. Your guide will carry an oxygen bottle and a first-aid kit in case of emergencies, so you can feel safe during the hike.

Despite the challenge, most hikers find that with proper preparation and acclimatization, the altitude becomes manageable, allowing them to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Ausangate.

The Ausangate Trek is often described as one of the most scenic hikes in Peru, offering a variety of breathtaking landscapes. Along the route, you’ll encounter turquoise glacial lakes such as Pukacocha and Qomercocha, the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) with its striking colors, and the serene Red Valley, known for its unique crimson tones.

You’ll also trek alongside towering glaciers, high mountain passes above 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), and endless herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely in the Andean meadows. At the end of the journey, you can relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta, surrounded by panoramic views of Ausangate’s snowcapped peaks.

These ever-changing sceneries make the Ausangate Trek a unique adventure, far from the crowds, and ideal for travelers seeking raw beauty and authenticity in the Andes.

Choosing the Ausangate Trek 5 Days with Andes Peru Expeditions means experiencing the Andes in a more authentic and personalized way. Unlike larger agencies that often operate with big groups and standard itineraries, we focus on small or private groups, ensuring flexibility, comfort, and close attention to every detail.

Our local guides are not only experts in high-altitude trekking but also passionate storytellers who share the history, culture, and traditions of the Andean people, enriching your journey beyond the landscapes. We also provide quality equipment (comfortable tents, nightly hot water bottles, pack horses) and include unique touches such as visits to natural hot springs, so your adventure is both challenging and rewarding.

By traveling with us, you directly support local Andean communities, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. This way, you don’t just enjoy breathtaking scenery—you also contribute to the well-being of the families who call these mountains home.