The Ausangate Trek is undoubtedly one of the most scenic treks in Cusco, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience. The snow-capped Ausangate mountain stands as the highest peak in Cusco, towering at 6,372 meters above sea level.
Known locally as “Apus,” Ausangate was sacred to the Incas and remains revered by the Andean population today. Each year, thousands of pilgrims hike to the small church in Sinakara Valley. On clear days, the sacred peak of Ausangate dominates the southern skyline of Cusco.
The five-day Ausangate Trek is a lifetime experience that takes you through untouched wilderness. The trek offers captivating views right from the start and leads you through high mountain passes adorned with glacier lakes and hot springs. This journey also provides the opportunity to witness the lives of remote Andean communities, where people practice a pastoral lifestyle, grazing herds of alpacas and llamas.
These communities continue to practice “Ayni,” which means reciprocity in Quechua. This concept extends to their relationships with both people and nature. To ensure a good harvest, they make offerings to the “Apus.”
Although the trek doesn’t lead to Machu Picchu, it can be more intriguing than the Inca Trail.
Difficulty of the Ausangate Trek:
The Ausangate Trek is categorized as a challenging experience, with high passes ranging from 4,700 meters to 5,200 meters above sea level. The trek involves passing through two high points: Apara Pass at 4,850 meters and Palomani Pass at 5,165 meters. Altitude sickness is a serious concern here. It’s highly recommended to spend at least 3-4 days acclimatizing in Cusco before embarking on the trek.
We also suggest consulting your physician about using Diamox, an effective drug for overcoming altitude sickness. Locals here often chew Coca Leaves, which may seem unusual, but these leaves act as mild stimulants to combat thirst, hunger, pain, and fatigue without the psychoactive effects of cocaine.
Best Time for the Ausangate Trek:
Ausangate is the highest mountain in Cusco and is part of the Cordillera Vilcanota (Vilcanota Mountain Range) in the Andes. This region experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season and a wet season. The Peruvian highlands receive rain from December to March, causing slippery trails. Therefore, it’s ideal to undertake the Ausangate Trek during the dry season, which spans from April to November.
Why Choose Tayra Tours Cusco?
Tayra Tours Cusco is a reputable adventure tour operator in Cusco. We have specialized tour guides for all our high-altitude treks. Our guides are local experts who were born and raised in Cusco. They possess in-depth knowledge of the customs, traditions, and first aid practices.
At 5:00 AM, we will pick you up from your Cusco hotel. Our private transport will take you to Tinqui, a small Andean village at 3,800 meters above sea level, serving as the gateway to Ausangate.
Our crew (muleteers and chef) will join us here, organizing your belongings on mules while we serve you lunch. After lunch, the five-day Ausangate Trek commences with a gradual uphill climb, offering stunning views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range during the first three hours of the trek.
We will reach Upis, a village situated at 4,400 meters above sea level, which is home to natural hot springs and offers a mesmerizing view of Ausangate Mountain. We will camp here for the night.
Our crew will wake you up with freshly brewed coffee or tea, followed by breakfast amidst the snow-capped peaks. The day’s hike begins toward our first pass, Arapa Pass, nestled at 4,850 meters. The pass offers a picturesque valley view, providing a serene natural setting. Afterward, we’ll descend to the valley for lunch, passing the green Puqa Q’ocha lake.
Our route then takes us to the turquoise Hatun Puqa Q’ocha lake, where we’ll enjoy lunch. Following the meal, an uphill hike to Apacheta Pass awaits, situated at 4,900 meters. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the Ausangate Q’ocha lagoon, where we’ll camp for the night.
After a nourishing breakfast, an early start leads us to the highest point of the Ausangate Trek: Palomani Pass at 5,200 meters. A brief stop at the pass allows us to absorb the stunning valley view.
Descending to the valley, we’ll stop for lunch, gazing at the captivating “Tres Picos,” or three peaks.
The hike then takes us through the lush green Pampa Jutunpata valley to Rio Q’ampa valley, where we’ll set up camp.
We will be hiking through a small village which is home to the Andean community of Q’ampa. Then we will be hiking up to the last pass of the Ausangate 5 Days Trek: the Q’ampa Pass at 5000 metres. This pass offers views of differently colored lakes. We will be having lunch near Q’oma Q’ocha lake.
We will then resume the hike to Pacchanta. Famous for natural hot springs, Pacchanta allows you to relax and unwind in the hot springs and spend the evening.
Camping is an option here, or you can upgrade to a hostel room for more comfort.
This day offers the most relaxed experience of the tour. After breakfast, we’ll hike back to Tinqui, a three-hour journey. Our transport will meet us in Tinqui for the return drive to Cusco, reaching the city around 3:00 PM.
It was truly a lifetime experience. Ausangate Trek should top your bucket list. It takes you to some unspoilt places in the Andes. I am very thankful to Richard my guide from Tayra Tours. Everything was just as planned.
Excelente organización, salió todo muy bien tanto Violeta la coordinadora que nos asistió en cada momento como tambien el chofer muy buena onda.
Excelente experiencia en Cusco y alrededores – Tuvimos una excelente experiencia por parte del equipo de Tayra Tours, estamos muy agradecidos porque fueron muy formales con absolutamente todo, las horas de partida, la organización de los tours… read more de cada día y el hotel donde estuvimos "Los sueños del Inca" fue magnífico, tuvimos una atención única por parte del staff del hotel.
Además de que hablamos con ellos para quedarnos una noche más en Cusco y todo salió a la perfección. Recomiendo ampliamente esta experiencia con Tayra, no se arrepentirán.
Viaje Memorable Servicio Excelente!!! – Realizamos todos nuestros paseos organizados por Tayra Tours en nuestra estancia, desde el alojamiento en Cuzco, nuestra visita al Valle Sagrado, MachuPichu etc…excelente organización, los guías insuperables, amables y muy… read more bien preparados, atentos a cualquier duda o necesidad, siempre serviciales. Fue uno de los mejores viajes, una experiencia de vida, y no me queda más que agradecer todas sus atenciones, sin ellos no hubiera sido posible!!!
Muy buen servicio A1, una muy buena experiencia tanto el hotel, el personal de guía y todo muy bien; siempre atento el personal de la agencia haciendo seguimiento cada etapa… read more del viaje.
Recomiendo esta agencia.
Auténtico mercado en Perú – Fue una de las visitas que más nos gustó en Cusco. Muy auténtico, apenas vimos turistas. Es donde más barato puedes comer en Cusco ya que en los distintos puestos… read more te ofrecen menú de 2euros por persona, teniendo muchas clases de sopa y estando todo rico
La mejor experiencia – Esta es mi primera experiencia con una agencia y fue inmejorable. Todo estaba organizado desde inicio a fin y me dieron acompañamiento en cada paso, incluso por las noches o… read more madrugadas.
Excelente servicio – Estimados amigos, con agrado dejo este comentario. Son una agencia que nos ha sorprendido con su trato, puntualidad,amabilidad y que ha cumplido con todo lo ofrecido. Nosotros contratamos el tour… read more porque queríamos estar seguros y sin las preocupaciones de buscar a última hora los boletos y los traslados. Mis felicitaciones y agradecimiento porque mi familia disfrutó el viaje!!!
Excelente agencia de turismo, con todos los protocolos de bioseguridad. Muy buena comunicacion, ademas el guia muy atento y amable.
100% recomendado
Todo excelente – El personal de la agencia muy amable y atenta en todo momento, la experiencia ah sido muy bueno para todo el grupo, la calidad de transporte y el entusiasmo del… read more guía fue la más adecuada y profesional.
El paisaje del lugar, el aire fresco que se respira y la caminata fueron sorprendentes. El servicio fue excelente 😊😊😊