Ausangate Trek 5 Days Classic High Altitude Circuit

We will pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and travel southeast through the Andean countryside toward Tinqui, the traditional gateway to the Ausangate region.

After meeting the trekking team and organizing the equipment carried by the pack animals, we begin hiking through open highland valleys and small farming communities. The trail climbs gradually toward Upis, giving your body time to adjust before the higher passes ahead.

At the campsite, you can rest while looking across the valley toward Ausangate’s glaciers. If conditions and timing allow, you may visit the nearby thermal baths. Admission to the hot springs is paid locally.

Day 1 at a glance

• Starting elevation: Approximately 3,800 m (12,467 ft)
• Highest elevation: Approximately 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
• Walking distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 mi)
• Hiking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: Camping at Upis
• Meals: Lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

After breakfast, we begin the climb toward Arapa Pass. The ascent is steady, and the guide will set a manageable pace as the trail moves deeper into the Vilcanota mountain range.

From the pass, we descend toward a group of glacial lakes that includes Puca Qocha and Hatun Puca Qocha. Their colors can vary with the light, mineral content, and weather conditions. This section also provides close views of ice-covered peaks and valleys used by local alpaca and llama herders.

During the afternoon, we cross another high section before descending to the campsite near Ausangate Qocha, directly beneath the mountain’s ice formations.

Day 2 at a glance

• Starting elevation: Approximately 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
• Highest elevation: Approximately 4,900 m (16,076 ft)
• Walking distance: Approximately 15 km (9.3 mi)
• Hiking time: Approximately 7–8 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation: Camping at Ausangate Qocha
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

Day 3 Ausangate Qocha – Palomani Pass – Pampa Jutunpata – Qampa

Day 3 is the most physically demanding part of the circuit. We leave camp early and climb steadily toward Palomani Pass, the highest point of the trek at approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet).

The ascent is not technical, but the thin air, cold conditions, and sustained gradient require a slow and controlled pace. From the pass, weather permitting, you can see the Ausangate ice formations and the surrounding highland valleys.

We then descend toward Pampa Jutunpata for lunch and continue through open grazing land beneath the Tres Picos area. Llamas and alpacas are commonly seen along this remote section before we reach the campsite in Qampa.

Day 3 at a glance

• Starting elevation: Approximately 4,600 m (15,091 ft)
• Highest elevation: Palomani Pass at approximately 5,200 m (17,060 ft)
• Walking distance: Approximately 14 km (8.7 mi)
• Hiking time: Approximately 8–9 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Accommodation: Camping at Qampa
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

Day 4 Qampa – Qampa Pass – Nina Parayoc – Pacchanta

After breakfast, we begin the final major climb of the trek toward Qampa Pass. The route crosses rocky highland terrain surrounded by glacial peaks and small mountain lakes.

After reaching the pass, we descend through the lake district and stop near Nina Parayoc for lunch. The remainder of the trail continues toward Pacchanta, a Quechua community known for its views of Ausangate and its natural thermal baths.

After reaching camp, you may choose to bathe in the hot springs before dinner. This activity is optional, and the entrance fee is paid directly at the site.

Day 4 at a glance

• Starting elevation: Approximately 4,600 m (15,091 ft)
• Highest elevation: Qampa Pass at approximately 5,050 m (16,568 ft)
• Walking distance: Approximately 13 km (8 mi)
• Hiking time: Approximately 7–8 hours
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation: Camping at Pacchanta
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner

Day 5 Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco

Following breakfast, we complete the final section of the circuit. The path follows a mostly gradual descent through agricultural land and small rural communities toward Tinqui.

Once we reach the trailhead, we will have lunch and say goodbye to the chef, muleteers, and support team. Our private transportation will then take you back to Cusco.

Arrival at your hotel is expected at approximately 3:00 p.m., although the exact time depends on the walking pace and road conditions.

Day 5 at a glance

• Starting elevation: Approximately 4,300 m (14,107 ft)
• Walking distance: Approximately 10 km (6.2 mi)
• Hiking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, mainly descending
• Return: Hotel drop-off in Cusco
• Estimated arrival: Approximately 3:00 p.m.
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch