5-Day Ausangate Trek from Cusco with Lakes, Passes and Hot Springs

5 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Trek to the beautiful snow-capped Ausangate peak, one of the main features of the Cusco skyline, on this adventurous 5-day journey from Cusco. Pass beautiful la...

Duration: 5 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Budget · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Not applicable · Cities: Cusco, Ausangate · Languages: English

Know before you go: Emergency horses can be ridden if you fall ill.; We can provide you with an inflatable mattress like a Thermarest if you require greater comfort during the trek.; You will have an assistant guide for groups of more than 8 people.; Our professional cooks prepare meals incorporating elements of the Western diet as well as traditional Peruvian delicacies.; Communicate with your guide or cook during the trek if you prefer certain types of dishes.; Vegetarian food is available - please request it when booking.

About Ausangate

Peru

Ausangate

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What's Included

Private transport from Cusco to Tinqui (round trip)
Entry fee to Ausangate Mountain
English-, Quechua-, or Spanish-speaking tour guide
Tents - 2 people sharing a 4-person tent
Foam mattress
Cook and cooking equipment (assistants are provided for larger groups)
Toilet tent
All meals except breakfast on Day 1
Horses for carrying equipment and personal items, and horse riders
Duffel bags for personal belongings (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs per person)
First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle

Not Included

Breakfast on Day 1
Tips for the guide, cook, and porters (not mandatory but recommended)
Additional horses for luggage

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Cusco to Tinqui and Hike to Upis Hot Springs

Depart from Cusco to Tinqui early in the morning and stop for lunch in Tinqui. Depart from Cusco to Tinqui early in the morning and stop for lunch in Tinqui. After lunch, begin hiking along the trail for several hours until you reach the hot springs of Upis. After lunch, begin hiking along the trail for several hours until you reach the hot springs of Upis. Overnight camping in Upis.
2

Day 02

Upis to Lake Ausangate and Q'ocha

In the morning, cross the Arapa Pass. In the morning, cross the Arapa Pass. From here, continue hiking for 3 1/2 hours down into the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha until you reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha. From here, continue hiking for 3 1/2 hours down into the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha until you reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha. Then ascend the second pass of Apuchata (4,900 m), with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. This lake is fed by the melting snow of Ausangate. Then ascend the second pass of Apuchata (4,900 m), with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. This lake is fed by the melting snow of Ausangate. Overnight camping in Q'ocha.
3

Day 03

Lake Ausangate Q'ocha to Qampa via Palomani Pass

Ascend to the Palomani Pass (5,200 m), the highest point of the trek. Follow the trail into the valley, where you can rest and have lunch. Ascend to the Palomani Pass (5,200 m), the highest point of the trek. Follow the trail into the valley, where you can rest and have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy views of the snow-capped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. In the afternoon, enjoy views of the snow-capped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. Continue walking through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q'ampa valley. Continue walking through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q'ampa valley. We will spend the third night camping here.
4

Day 04

Q'ampa to Pacchanta and Thermal Springs

After passing through the small community of Q'ampa, head northwest to the last pass of the hike, Q'ampa Pass (5,000 m). There are several coloured lakes here, and you can have lunch beside Q'oma Q'ocha. After passing through the small community of Q'ampa, head northwest to the last pass of the hike, Q'ampa Pass (5,000 m). There are several coloured lakes here, and you can have lunch beside Q'oma Q'ocha. Hike for several hours to reach the small village of Pacchanta. Here, you can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours and enjoy a well-deserved beer. Hike for several hours to reach the small village of Pacchanta. Here, you can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours and enjoy a well-deserved beer. In the afternoon, explore the interesting Andean village. In the afternoon, explore the interesting Andean village. You have the option of staying in a basic hostel on this night.
5

Day 05

Pacchanta to Tinqui and Return to Cusco

In the morning, trek back to Tinqui, which will take roughly three hours. In the morning, trek back to Tinqui, which will take roughly three hours. You will have some time to explore the Andean village before the private car arrives to take you back to Cusco. You will have some time to explore the Andean village before the private car arrives to take you back to Cusco. The scheduled arrival time in Cusco is 6:00 pm.