Cusco: Ausangate Trek

4 days as part of a tailor-made holiday

Ausangate, at 6,384m, is the highest snow-draped mountain in the Cusco region. Dont try hiking round it on your own. Our 4 day trek below its northern face is a worthy hiking alternative to, or addition to, the classic Inca Trail. Camping equipment, guides, porters and food included

This 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 life, from aquatic birds to condors, and long-tailed rabbits to llamas, alpacas and vicuñas; and from isolated farmsteads to 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.

We also offer longer versions of this trek, from 5 to 7 days. Please ask us about them.

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

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Cusco by bus for the community of Tinki, where you’ll meet up with the muleteers and their families.  From here it’s a 5hr hike to your campsite in the village of Upis where the hot springs, in the shadow of Ausangate’s powerful presence, provide an awesome and somewhat eerie camp setting. (Note: Alternatively you may drive to Upis and walk for 2 hours to the campsite).

Day 2: Walk about 8am towards the face of Ausangate, with great views along the way of other snow-mantled peaks. Camp by the glassy, emerald waters of Laguna Qomercocha.

Day 3: Hike alongside the base of the craggy mountains Puca Punta, Qolqecruz and Los Cayangates. The scenery is dramatic and varied, with moon-like rock formations and moraines, glaciers, scree and snowfields. Here you may spot Andean animals grazing and scampering around the rocks and coarse grasslands. Camp beside the indigo waters of Laguna Sigrinacocha, fed by a turquoise glacier and a haven of biodiversity, with various Andean birds to identify.

Day 4: Trek towards the isolated highland community of Pampacancha, passing a cross-section of plunging valleys and glacial lakes. After 5 hours walking, you’ll arrive at the village where a vehicle is waiting to take you back to Cusco.

Other treks from Cusco:

Classic Inca Trail
Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek with lodge accommodation
Weavers Trail
Choquequirao Trek
Mini Inca Trail