Cusco: Ausangate Trek

4 days as part of a tailor-made holiday to Peru

Ausangate, at 6,384m, is the highest snow-draped mountain in the Cusco region. Don't try trekking round it on your own. Our 4 day trek below its northern face is a worthy Peru hiking choice. It's also a good alternative trail in terms of stupendous scenery, if you want to avoid the crowds, to the Classic inca Trail to machu Picchu.

If you prefer, you can complete the trek in anything from 5-7 days: we can organise this for you.

This walking holiday in Peru is one of the most spectacular full-service treks within reach of Cusco, exploring the Vilcanota range which divides the highland empire of the Incas from the steamy jungles of the Amazon. En route you’ll cross 3 high altitude passes, with views of gigantic glaciers, icy lakes and jagged peaks. The area is full of wildlife, isolated farmsteads and traditional indigenous villages. It’s tough (5-7 hours walking per day), but exhilarating. You can end the trail in the Sacred Valley and continue to Machu Picchu by train if you wish.

You’ll need to be acclimatised before you start, a few days in the Cusco region seeing the sights should do the trick.

Suggested Holiday Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Cusco to Tinki by bus. Hike 5rs to Upis. Camp. 
Day 2: Walk towards the face of Ausangate to Laguna Qomercocha. Camp.
Day 3: Hike the foot of craggy mountains to Laguna Sigrinacocha. Camp.
Day 4: Trek towards Pampacancha, 5 hrs. By car back to Cusco.

View detailed itinerary >>