Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days

After leaving Cusco in the early morning, we travel by private transportation through the South Valley toward the community of Upis. Upon arrival, we enjoy a nutritious breakfast to fuel our first day of hiking and begin the trek at a gentle pace to gradually acclimate to the altitude.

Along the trail toward the Upis Campsite, we enjoy our first impressive views of the Ausangate glacier, welcoming us to one of the most spectacular regions in the Andes. After a few hours of hiking, we reach our lunch spot, where our chef prepares a delicious, freshly cooked meal.

In the afternoon, you can choose between exploring the surroundings of Huayna Ausangate Lagoon, a peaceful and scenic high-Andean lake, or relaxing in the Upis hot springs, where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters with stunning mountain views.

We end the day with tea time, dinner, and a well-deserved rest beneath a brilliant star-filled sky.

After a restful night, we start the morning with an energizing breakfast and begin hiking with the crisp Andean sunrise behind us. Our goal is the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft), reached after a steady two-and-a-half-hour ascent. From the top, the view opens up to breathtaking Andean landscapes.

We continue for another 90 minutes to our lunch spot near Yanacocha Lagoon, where we rest and enjoy the serenity of the high Andes. Then we descend toward our campsite near Hatun Pucacocha Lagoon, surrounded by dramatic peaks and glacial formations. Those with extra energy can take a short walk to explore the nearby lake.

We begin the day with a two-and-a-half-hour ascent to the Ausangate Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), also known as the Apacheta Pass, a sacred site marked by stone cairns left by travelers as offerings to the mountains.

After taking in the stunning views, we descend for about 90 minutes to Ausangate Cocha Lagoon for lunch, surrounded by cliffs and a dramatic canyon landscape.

Next comes the most challenging and rewarding part of the entire Ausangate Trek—the ascent to Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the route. From the top, we enjoy panoramic views of iconic peaks such as Santa Catalina (Mariposa), Ausangate, and Jampa.

We then descend to the small community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,700 m), where we observe local herders tending their animals in the high Andean fields. Continuing downhill, we reach Sorapata, our campsite for the night. After a long but unforgettable day, we enjoy dinner and a well-earned rest.

We start with a two-hour uphill hike to Huanopata, enjoying views of the distinctive Tres Marías peaks. The trail then leads us toward our main objective of the day: Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft), surrounded by extraordinary high-altitude scenery.

Continuing the descent, we walk past the sacred lagoons of China Otorongo, Orco Otorongo, and Qomer Cocha, revered in Andean spirituality. Here, we take part in a brief thanksgiving offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), honoring the mountain and its hospitality.

We then continue toward Pacchanta, a traditional Andean village known for its relaxing hot springs. This is the perfect place to unwind, soak your muscles, and enjoy the magnificent views of Ausangate. After a satisfying dinner, we settle into our campsite for the night.

After our final breakfast, you’ll have time to relax once more in the Pacchanta hot springs, enjoying their warm, healing waters with stunning views of Ausangate before beginning the last stretch of the trek. These soothing thermal baths are the perfect way to ease your muscles after several days of high-altitude hiking.

We then say goodbye to our trekking team, whose support made this incredible journey possible. We begin our final hike—approximately three hours—to the community of Tinke, walking through traditional farmlands and interacting with local villagers to learn about their way of life.

After lunch, we take one last look at the majestic Ausangate region before boarding our private transportation back to Cusco, returning with unforgettable memories of the Andes.