Ausangate Circuit Trek 6 Days
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Ausangate, Cusco, Peru.

Ausangate Circuit Trek

6 Days

Starting from US$ 650

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Duration 6 Days
Tour Type Specific Tour
Difficulty Moderate
Group Size Up to 10 people
Languages English, Spanish

Ausangate Circuit Trek 6 Days

The Ausangate Trek 6 Days is a six-day hike around the base of the enormous Mount Ausangate. It is the highest and most sacred mountain in southern Peru and for centuries has been central to the religious beliefs of the Andean people who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes. The mountain’s snow-capped peak is 21,000 feet, or 6,385 meters, and although we will not climb up that far, we will get up-close and personal with the nature and the spectacular views that the region offers. While hiking completely around this mystical mountain, we will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean geese and the almighty Andean Condor. We walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages.

Overview

Tour Ausangate Trek 6 Days

With spectacular glacial vistas, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.

Activities:

Trekking Adventure

Shuttle to Upis:

3½ hour by bus from Cusco.

Difficulty Levels:

3 of 5

Maximum Altitude:

4350 masl. / 14271 ft.

Accommodation:

1 Day Hostel, 2 Days Camping

Optional Activities:

Horse Reading, Hotspring.

Locations:

Lares, Ollantaytambo, Machupicchu.

Departures Day:

Daily Departures.

Starts:

Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 4:00 AM

Ends:

Drop-off at Cusco around 22:15 PM

Day by Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 Cusco ‐ Tinqui

    We set off early from Cusco travelling by private bus to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages en route and take time to stop en route to take some photos. On arrival we meet our horseman and arrange our packs for the walk.

    We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3hrs and then its time for a lunch stop. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours approximately to reach Upis. There, we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.

    • Hiking distance:

      12 Km. / 7.4 mile.

    • Hiking time:

      6½ to 7 hour approximately.

    • Level of Difficulty:

      Easy

    • Climate:

      hot in the day and cold in the night.

    • Acomodation:

      Camping.

    • Meals:

      Lunch, Dinner.

    • Maximum Altitude:

      4400 masl. / 14435 ft.

    • Minimum Altitude:

      3800 masl. / 12467 ft.

  • Day 2 Upis ‐ Pucaqocha

    Upis – Puca Qocha After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the high pass of Arapa (4850mts). From this vantage point we can see the contrast in landscapes – dry desert-like hills reach the glaciers of Mt.

    Ausangate, while below the valley is a bright green. If we are lucky we might even see a condor in the skies! We will enjoy the breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and PucaQocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pukacocha, Hatun Pukacocha, and Qomerqocha). Our second campsite is close to a glacier.

    • Hiking distance:

      12 Km. / 7.4 mile.

    • Hiking time:

      6½ to 7 hour approximately.

    • Level of Difficulty:

      Challenging.

    • Climate:

      hot in the day and cold in the night.

    • Acomodation:

      Camping.

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Maximum Altitude:

      4850 masl / 15912 ft.

    • Minimum Altitude:

      4400 masl / 14435 ft.

  • Day 3 Puca Qocha – Huchuy Pinaya

    Early morning after breakfast we will begin our ascent of approximately 2-3 hours over our second mountain pass, Abra de Apuchata (4,900mts). From here we descend for around an hour and a half towards our campsite at Ausangate Qocha where a delicious lunch to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. After our lunch we have our second ascent for two hours to our third mountain pass of Palomani (5,100mts), we descend into the small community of Huchuy Pinaya where we spend the night.

    • Hiking distance:

      13 Km. / 8.0 mile

    • Hiking time:

      6-7 hour approximately.

    • Climate:

      hot in the day and cold in the night.

    • Acomodation:

      Camping.

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Maximum Altitude:

      5200 masl / 17060 ft.

    • Minimum Altitude:

      4600 masl / 15091 ft.

  • Day 4 Huchuy Pinaya – Jampapampa.

    Today we ascend to the highest point on our trek – Jampa (5,150mts). The silence of this remote wilderness is inspiring! From here we have an excellent view of Mount Tampa. After the pass we descend for 2 hours through an area of llamas, alpacas and vicunas to reach Pampacancha (4,050mts). From here we follow an uphill trail of approximately three hours that leads us to our campsite in Jampa (4,300mts).

    • Hiking distance:

      11 Km. / 6.5 mile

    • Hiking time:

      6-7 hour approximately.

    • Climate:

      hot in the day and cold in the night.

    • Acomodation:

      Camping.

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Maximum Altitude:

      5130 masl / 16831 ft.

    • Minimum Altitude:

      4600 masl / 15093 ft.

  • Day 5 Jhampapampa – Pacchanta.

    After our walking and acclimatization on Day 4 – we are ready for another adventure! We take breakfast early and then begin our hike of approximately 1 hour to reach the glacier base and then to the top of the mountain! After enjoying the spectacular views of the Vilcanota range we descend back down to take a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon before arriving at Pacchanta after an approximated 5 hours walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We camp and spend the night here.

    • Hiking distance:

      12 Km. / 6.8 mile

    • Hiking time:

      7-8 hour approximately.

    • Climate:

      hot in the day

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Maximum Altitude:

      4500 masl / 14763 ft.

    • Minimum Altitude:

      4300 masl / 14108 ft.

  • Day 6 Pacchanta – Tinqui ‐ Cusco

    In the morning we leave Pacchanta and start to walk back to the village of Tinqui – our trek takes approximately two hours. Once in Tinqui, we board our transportation that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we estimate to arrive after nightfall.

    • Hiking distance:

      7 Km. / 4.3 mile

    • Hiking time:

      2½ - 3 hour approximately.

    • Level of Difficulty:

      Easy.

    • Climate:

      hot in the day

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch.

    • Maximum Altitude:

      4500 masl / 14763 ft.

    • Minimum Altitude:

      4300 masl / 14108 ft.

    • Shuttle to Cusco:

      3½ hour by bus from Tinqui.

Trip Info & Details

Included

Bilingual English speaking tour guide (additional tour guide for groups of nine people or more)

Pre-Departure Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.

Pick up from your hotel and transportation to Tinqui

Four person tent for each 2 persons.

Mattress

Kitchen tent

Dining tent with tables and chairs

Toilet tent.

Wranglers and horses to carry all the equipment (food, tents, chairs, table, etc)

Emergency horse in case we need it

Five breakfasts, six lunches, and five dinners

Daily hot water for washing.

Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.

Emergency oxygen bottle and medical kit.

Hot springs in Upis admission fee is included

Not included

Sleeping bag (can be rented from us)

Day 1 breakfast and last day dinner

Tips for the crew (muleteers, chef and guide)

What Should I Bring for the Tour?

Original passport

For students: ISIC card

Insurance card/certificate

Walking stick ( Highly Recomemded )

Hiking boots

Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

Warm jacket

Hat and gloves

2-4 t-shirts

2 pairs of pants (1 for hiking, 1 for camp)

Long underwear for sleeping

Hand sanitizer

Comfortable trousers

Sun hat or cap

Sunscreen

Insect repellent

Water

Toiletries/ Toilet paper

Personal medication

Camera

Flashlight or headlamp

Extra money for tips/snacks/beer.

How difficult is the Ausangate Trek?

You just need to remember that you are able to go at a speed that is comfortable for you. Take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy. Ausangate Trek is considered as a moderate hike; not a technical hike but high altitude may affect some people.

Are trekking poles or sticks necessary?

We recommend the use of trekking poles, especially for those passengers with known knee problems. There are multiple times during the trek that a trekking poles is handy, be it ascending a mountain or walking along the rough trails.

Is altitude sickness common? And how high is the Ausangate Trek?

It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full 2-day trip spent in Cusco (3,399 masl), taking it very easy and drinking plenty of water is enough for some people but if you can arrange to have minimum 2-3 days in case of any travel disruptions as well, then this is what we recommend as there is also so much to do here! The highest point you will get to while hiking Ausangate reaches 5,280 masl on the 2nd day.

Do I Need A Permits?

The Lares Trail does Not require permits as the Inca Trail, but it is important to reserve in advance do to the trip requires train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu which once are limited.

Will I need to bring water?

We recommend that you purchase a 1.5 – 2 liter bottle of water to take with you on the first day. Every night during the trek, we will boil water so you can refill the same bottle every morning before setting out. If you are planning to drink from any streams or waterfalls, we strongly suggest you bring water purification tablets or filters. Also, you will be able to buy water along the way on Day 1, for the first few hours of Day 2, then again on the afternoon of Day 3, and of course at Machu Picchu.

Is the Ausangate Trek still good during the rainy season?

Some people actually like to go during the rainy season because there are fewer tourists but we say please be prepared for wet weather and have suitable clothes and equipment. Possibly snow, so be prepared for a possible change of route if a pass is deemed impassable by the guide. We do not recommend this trek in the months of January, February and March.

Will I be able to witness the sunrise at Ausangate?

You first encounter Machu Picchu as the sun rises over the high mountains encircling it. It is already dawn but this impressive moment of Machu Picchu coming out of the shadows of the looming mountains is awesome.

Will I need any extra money?

Yes or yes we recommend taking extra money, tips for the trekking staff, souvenirs, snacks, bottled water, drinks, etc. You should take at least 300 soles as emergency money.

What Type Of Food Will We Get On The Ausangate Trek?

Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.

Do Tour guides speak English?

Completely fluent in English. Our guides are also one of the most popular aspects of our tours some of them being historians and archaeologists and all demonstrate a great passion for their culture and heritage.

Is This Recommended For Children?

This tour is not recommended for children because they may have trouble walking, but if the child enjoys hiking at high altitudes, they can do it.

Can People With Medical Problems Make This Trip?

If you have medical problems, you should consult your doctor and indicate that you want to or are planning a hike in the Peruvian Andes and the height is 5040 m (16,400 ft) above sea level. If you have medication, you must bring it with you to continue your treatment.

Horse Rentals?

Horseback is available as an option at an additional cost of $20usd per day for those who have not built up stamina for long distance hiking or who may not have time to acclimatize. (This option requires advanced notice)

Where Do I Store My Luggage?

All luggage not needed for the hike should stay in Cusco. All hotels are very accommodating and quite used to storing luggage on site. But we have storage in Cusco where we can keep all your belonging.

Essential

  • Valid passport
  • Extra money (recommended soles)
  • Water bottle or CamelBak
  • Sunblock: factor 70 or more
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal Care Products
  • Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
  • Trekking pants (*)
  • Trekking socks
  • Shorts
  • Warm jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Raincoat or rain poncho
  • Waterproof or wool gloves
  • Sun hat to protect neck and face
  • Trekking poles
  • Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
  • Camera and charger
  • Power bank

Customer Reviews

Inca Jungle Trek 100% Recommended with Local Trekkers Peru

I did the Inka Jungle Trail to MachuPicchu with Local Trekkers Peru and it was like embarking on an odyssey that mixed the excitement of cycling, the adrenaline of rafting and ziplining, the beauty of nature and the richness of Inca culture. Every day on the trail revealed landscapes impressive and ending up in MachuPicchu after 4 days of adventure, is something that cannot be explained in words. The agency not only provided impeccable logistics, but also injected a dose of authentic adventure into every moment. I thank Daniel our guide for converting This trip in an unforgettable experience. The Inka Jungle Trail with Local Trekkers Peru is an experience that I will always recommend to all those looking for a reliable company.

Eddie S.

Published at 10th Jannuary, 2025 on Tripadvisor

You can't miss the 4 day Inca Jungle tour!

On the recommendation of a friend we did the 4 day Inca Jungle tour with Terra Qechua Peru and it was a memorable experience. The trip started with a thrilling downhill bike ride and we did other activities such as rafting and zip lining, which added an extra adrenaline rush, followed by a hike through the rainforest full of fascinating flora and fauna, guided by a very knowledgeable expert. In addition, the natural hot springs in Santa Teresa were the perfect relaxation after active days. The final visit to Machu Picchu was the finishing touch, offering breathtaking views and a total immersion in Inca history.

Osric Woolvett

Published at 6th August 2024 on Tripadvisor

The Inca Jungle is highly recommended

With my university classmates we did the 4-day Inca Jungle with Terra Quechua Peru and it was a great experience. We did a lot of adventure sports and the safety measures for the zip line, rafting and cycling were top notch. It was more fun than the Salkantay and much cheaper than the official Inca Trail. In general the whole experience is excellent, it has no waste, adventure tourism at its best, warmth of all the people who attended us and excellent guide, very professional, he answered all the questions we had and gave us a history lesson, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

FRANCESC S

Published at 20th May 2024 on Tripadvisor