This is an intense 6-day route through the base of the enormous Apu Ausangate. It is one of the highest mountains in the region, as well as being an important spiritual center of Andean culture. For this reason, year after year for centuries, massive pilgrimages have been made to its icy slopes.
This snow-capped mountain is located at 6,385 masl (21,000 FASL) and, although we will not climb to that height, you will have the opportunity to connect closely with nature and enjoy the impressive views that the region offers.
As we hike around this mythical sacred mountain, we will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes. We will observe numerous species of birds, including Andean geese and the majestic condor, as well as peacefully grazing llamas and alpacas.
With spectacular glacial scenery, uninterrupted beauty, and a deep calm, this is a perfect package for hikers who love a true outdoor adventure.
Your journey through the impressive Andean landscapes begins today when we pick you up very early at your accommodation at 5 am. We will travel in our private vehicle to the town of Ocongate (3,500 m / 11,482 ft). On the way we can see through the window picturesque towns and beautiful lagoons along the Vilcanota Valley.
We will continue to Tinke, where you can make any last minute purchases before reaching the community of Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft) , the starting point of our walk. Here we will enjoy a tasty breakfast and meet the team of cooks and horsemen who will accompany us on our adventure.
Our first day begins on a plain looking directly at the immense Ausangate Glacier (6,372 m / 20,905 ft) . As we walk, we will meet local people dressed in beautiful and colorful traditional costumes. You will also see many herds of llamas and alpacas.
We will arrive at the thermal baths of Upis (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) to enjoy our first spectacular lunch prepared by our talented chef. Our camp will also be set up here, right in front of Ausangate Mountain.
In the afternoon, we will walk to the Huayna Ausangate Lake and enjoy a beautiful sunset that will shed its beautiful light on the snows of the glaciers that surround us. At night, it will be time for a tasty dinner and our first night in the mountains.
We will wake up early and savor a delicious breakfast in the middle of the cold and high mountains and then start walking for about two and a half hours through a beautiful and picturesque Andean valley towards the Arapa pass (4,800 m / 15,748 feet). The spectacular Ausangate Glacier will be by our side all the way.
From the top of the pass, the beauty of the landscape is multiplied and you will be amazed by the natural beauty of this part of the world. You will be able to observe the size of the mountain range and, if you are lucky, the solemn flight of the condor, the largest flying bird in the world. Our guide will explain a bit more about the impressive local flora and fauna as you walk this stretch to help you learn more about the area you are walking through.
Then, we will begin a descent towards the beautiful crystalline lagoon of Yanacocha (black lagoon) ; then we will follow the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha to appreciate the landscape and enjoy its sparkling waters against the snow-capped mountains.
Later, we will explore the surrounding lagoons and relax with a delicious mate. At night, a nutritious dinner will be waiting for you to finally go to your camp to rest and recover energy.
There’s nothing better for your body than waking up to a hot herbal tea of coca leaves—this fantastic plant has been used since Inca times to give you an energy boost. Get up early to start one of the most beautiful days of the entire excursion. Today, you’ll be in awe at the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and deep green valleys.
After a hearty breakfast to get you going, we’ll hike up to Puca Pass (4,870 m / 15,978 ft). You’ll feel the impressive presence of the Apu Ausangate and take photos of its beautiful turquoise lagoons. Once you reach the top, you’ll come face to face with the gigantic Apu Ausangate right in front of you. You’ll also be able to observe the extended beauty of the Chilca Valley, where llamas and alpacas will be grazing peacefully. From this opening, you’ll already be able to see the start of the Rainbow Mountain range with its striking colorful stripes.
After taking some stunning photos, we’ll continue with a gradual descent for an hour and a half to our lunch point located in Anantapata (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). Once we’re full and rested, we’ll continue with an ascent to Warmisaya pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft). From there, you’ll feel like a bird as you observe the vastness of the horizon.
We only have to descend for an hour to the Surinecocha lagoon where our camp for the night will be waiting for you. In our camp, we’ll enjoy happy hour (drinks and snacks) and then dinner before you head to your cozy beds.
After a tasty breakfast at 5:00 am, we will walk for 2 hours to Rainbow Mountain to contemplate this colorful valley lit by dawn. You’ll have time to enjoy this paradise for an hour before the tourist crowd begins to arrive. Our expert guide will take you directly to the key places to get the best pictures.
Your guide will explain in detail why this mountain has such unique colors. It’s one of the most amazing places in South America and one of Peru’s main natural attractions. The only other colored mountains can be found in China.
Once we get to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, you’ll have enough time to take pictures of this prestigious geological phenomenon.
After having enough time in this place, we will return by the same way to Ananta (lunch place), where we will have lunch around 12:30 pm. This afternoon we will continue walking for 3 more hours to the next camp called Ausangate Qocha (4,700m / 15,420ft). In this place we will spend the night and rest for the next epic day.
Just like any other morning, you’ll get a fantastic boost of energy to start your day with a delicious breakfast. Today’s hike begins by ascending to the Palomani pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft) . From there, the vastness of the mountains will definitely exceed all your expectations.
Then we will ascend for about two hours until we reach the Palomani pass, the highest point of the entire route. After a short rest and enjoying some more impressive views, we will hike for another hour and a half until we reach the small community of Huchuy Phinaya (4650 m / 15,256 ft) .
We have a lot of respect and consideration for the people of Huchuy Phinaya, who maintain ancestral traditions to this day. Learn from them and their admirable lifestyle from her in complete connection with Mother Nature (Pachamama) and how they respect her and live in harmony with her.
Today was the most challenging day, but it was worth it for a real connection to the Andes and Mother Earth. We will have a gentle ascent of 2 hours to Sorapata, where our lunch point will be.
after our lunch we head with a gradual ascent towards our camp for this exciting day that will be in ninapayayoc
After some hot coca tea and a good breakfast we hike for 1 hour on a varied path through the Pampacancha Valley 4,300 m/14,107 ft where you will see wide open spaces and lots of llamas, alpacas, vicuña, colorful lakes or also called the 7 lakes of ausangate, and if we are really lucky a condor.
At this place we have incredible views of the snow-capped peak of Ausangate, and the Pacchanta Valley. We then descend gradually through the Pacchanta Valley, walking between Ausangate Mountain and the Two Twin Mountains for 2 hours until we get to our campsite at Pacchanta (4200m/13,780ft).
This campsite is near the Pacchanta hot springs where you can take a well-deserved soak with stunning views of the Ausangate Mountain if you wish to (entrance fee – 10-20 soles).
After the thermal baths we will start to have lunch and we will board our private car and travel for 4 hours back to Cusco, our adventure will end by leaving you at your hotel.
What an experience walking the Ausangate walk in 6 days! My girlfriend and I did it, with the organization of the Peru Trek company. The company’s team cooked for us and guided us through the magnificent Ausangate. The trail is simply beautiful and impressive throughout the entire hike!
Spending several days venturing above 4500 meters is not something one does every day, so I sincerely appreciate the care of my Peru Trek agency in having designed this tour for me…it is highly recommended and only if you like the extreme adventure and you like to explore.
