Ausangate Circuit Trek - 4D/3N
Overview
Take on the ultimate high-altitude challenge with the classic 4-day Ausangate Circuit. This demanding route circles the entire massive peak of Apu Ausangate (6,384m), the most sacred mountain in the Cusco region. Designed for experienced trekkers who are well-acclimatized, this journey takes you through a breathtaking and pristine alpine wilderness. You will cross three mountain passes over 4,800 meters, camp beside vibrant turquoise and red glacial lakes, and hike directly beneath towering ice walls and hanging glaciers. You will also encounter remote Quechua communities who maintain traditional ways of life, herding hundreds of alpacas in these high, rugged valleys.
Day by Day Itinerary
Cusco – Tinki – Upis Hot Springs
We depart Cusco early for a 3-hour drive to the village of Tinki (3,800m). After a hearty breakfast and meeting our trekking team, we begin our hike. The trail climbs steadily through open pampa, passing small communities and grazing alpacas. The massive peak of Ausangate dominates the horizon. In the afternoon, we reach our first campsite at Upis (4,400m), situated right at the foot of the mountain. Here, you can relax your muscles in the natural thermal baths while enjoying incredible sunset views of the glacier. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 5-6 hours • Starting Altitude: 3,800m / 12,467ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,400m / 14,435ft
Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha Lakes
Today is visually stunning but demanding. We leave Upis and ascend towards the first mountain pass, the Arapa Pass (4,850m). From the summit, the views of the stark, rocky landscape contrasting with the white glaciers are unforgettable. We then descend into a valley filled with a series of spectacular glacial lakes, each a different color—some green, some deep blue, and others tinted red from the minerals. We set up camp at Pucacocha (Red Lake) right at the base of the Ausangate glacier. Listen to the ice cracking and calving into the lake! • Trekking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,850m / 15,912ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,600m / 15,091ft
Pucacocha – Palomani Pass – Ausangate Cocha
Prepare for the most challenging day of the circuit. We start with a steep climb up to the Apacheta pass, and then continue ascending to the highest point of our entire trek: the Palomani Pass at a staggering 5,200m (17,060ft). You will literally be eye-level with the hanging glaciers. We take time to rest, offer coca leaves to the mountain spirits (Apus), and take photos. We then begin a massive descent into a lush valley filled with vizcachas (Andean chinchillas) before a final short climb to our spectacular campsite at Ausangate Cocha. • Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles • Estimated Time: 8-9 hours • Highest Altitude: 5,200m / 17,060ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,700m / 15,419ft
Ausangate Cocha – Jampa Pass – Pacchanta – Return to Cusco
Our final day begins with an ascent to the third and last pass of the trek, the Jampa Pass (5,080m). The trail takes us through a valley of colorful moraines and towering snow-capped peaks. After crossing the pass, we descend past the famous 7 Lakes of Ausangate, a stunning network of colorful alpine pools. We finally arrive at the village of Pacchanta, where we celebrate our incredible achievement with a dip in the natural hot springs and a celebratory final lunch. We then say goodbye to our horsemen and take our private transport back to Cusco. • Trekking Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles • Estimated Time: 8-9 hours • Highest Altitude: 5,080m / 16,666ft • Cusco Altitude: 3,400m / 11,154ft
What is Included
- Briefing before departure at your hotel
- Private transportation from Cusco to Tinki (trailhead)
- Professional bilingual high-altitude trekking guide
- Gourmet Chef and Assistant Cook
- Horsemen and mules to carry all camping equipment and food
- Personal allowance of 8kg carried by mules
- High-Quality 4-season tents and comfortable foam sleeping mats
- All meals during the trek (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners)
- Entrance fees to the Ausangate Park
- Entrance fees to the hot springs in Upis and Pacchanta
- Private transportation back to Cusco
- First aid kit, emergency oxygen, and satellite radio
Not Included
- Sleeping bags (Available for rent, minimum -15°C rating required)
- Trekking poles (Available for rent)
- Last day dinner
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory for this trek)
- Tips for the trekking team
Book This Expedition
Direct operator permits • No intermediaries
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ANDES MARATHON
Official licensed direct mountaineering operator based in Cusco, Peru. We design high-altitude private adventures and glamping tours while ensuring fair wages and dignity for our native porters through the Ayni Philosophy.
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