Classic Hike Through Ausangate 5D/4N
Dificulty
Hard
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nigths
Group Size
02 - 15 People
Max Altitude
4,650 msnm
Description
The Ausangate Classic Trek is a 5-day, 4-night trek that immerses you in the most impressive landscapes. Apu Ausangate, a sacred mountain that rises to (6,372 masl/20,905 ft). Throughout the journey, you will experience a unique combination of natural beauty, high mountain challenges, and cultural encounters with the community.
It is incredible to be able to appreciate the wonders that nature has created. We will begin this program leaving the city of Cusco in our private transport to go to the community of Upis, where we will have lunch, explore the beautiful surrounding lagoons, and camp while contemplating the stars. The next day, we will climb towards Abra Arapa and walk towards the Yanacocha lagoon to have lunch with a spectacular view. Afterwards, we will arrive at Hatun Pucacocha to camp and regain the energy we will need the next day. We will have the challenge of reaching the highest point of the entire journey, the Abra Palomani, located at more than (5,200 masl / 17,060 feet). We will descend to Sorapata to reach our camp. We will walk towards Abra Jampa, where we will see the mountains: Tres Picos, Jampa and Huamanticlla, which form a beautiful landscape in combination with the surrounding lagoons. In addition, we will have the opportunity to take a comforting break in the Pacchanta hot springs with an incredible view of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
Finally, we will finish this beautiful experience leaving from Pacchanta to the community of Tinke, where our private transportation will be waiting for us to take us back to the city of Cusco.
Day 1: Cusco | Ocongate - Upis Community - Upis Camp - Huayna Ausangate Lagoon
The first day of the Classic Ausangate Trek begins in Cusco. When we pick you up very early from your accommodation at 5:00 a.m. We will travel in our private vehicle to the town of Ocongate (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), for 2 hours, we will be able to see picturesque villages and beautiful lagoons along the Vilcanota Valley from the transport window.
Then we will drive for approximately 1 hour to Tinke, where you can make the last purchases before arriving at the community of Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), the starting point of our hike. Here we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet the team of cooks and muleteers who will accompany us on our adventure.
Our first day begins on a plain with direct views of the immense Ausangate glacier (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). As we walk, we will meet local people dressed in traditional clothing of beautiful colors. You will also see many herds of llamas and alpacas.
We will arrive at the Upis hot springs (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) to enjoy our first spectacular lunch prepared by our talented chef. Our camp will also be set up here, right in front of the Ausangate mountain.
In the afternoon, we will walk to Huayna Ausangate lake, which lasts 2 hours round trip. The trail to this beautiful lake is flat for about 40 minutes and the last 20 minutes are a gradual ascent. We will enjoy a stunning sunset that will illuminate the glacier snow around us with its beautiful light.
At night, it will be time to enjoy a delicious dinner and our first night in the mountains. Then we will go out to enjoy the first starry night that you will remember for a lifetime.
🍽 Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
🏕 Accommodation: camping
🥾 Total hiking distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 5 hours
📈 Difficulty level: moderate
📉 Minimum altitude: 4,250 m / 13,943 ft
📍 Maximum altitude: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft
🛏 Accommodation elevation: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
Day 2: Upis | Arapa Pass - Yanacocha - Hatun Pucacocha
We will wake up early on the second day at 5:00 a.m. with coca tea brought to your tent. We will enjoy a delicious breakfast in the cold and high mountains before beginning our hike for approximately two and a half hours through a beautiful and picturesque Andean valley towards the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The spectacular Ausangate glacier will accompany us all the way.
From the top of the pass, the beauty of the landscape multiplies, and you will be amazed by the natural splendor of this part of the world. You will witness the vastness of the mountain range, and if you’re lucky, the solemn flight of the condor, the largest flying bird in the world. Our guide will explain more about the impressive local flora and fauna along the way, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the area.
Then, we will begin a descent toward the beautiful crystal-clear Yanacocha lagoon (Black Lagoon). After that, we will continue the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha (4,500 m / 14,763 ft), where we can take in the breathtaking landscape and enjoy its shimmering waters in front of the snow-covered mountains.
Later, we will explore the surrounding lagoons and relax with a delicious herbal tea. In the evening, a nourishing dinner will be waiting for us before heading to our camp to rest and regain energy.
🍽 Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
🏕 Accommodation: camping
🥾 Total hiking distance: 11 km / 6.84 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 6 hours
📈 Difficulty level: moderate
📉 Minimum altitude: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
📍 Maximum altitude: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
🛏 Accommodation elevation: 4,500 m / 14,763 ft
Day 3: Hatun Pucacocha | Ausangate Cocha - Palomani Pass - Sorapata
The third day of the Classic Ausangate Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding, as you will reach the highest point of the trek: Palomani Pass. As every morning, you will be awakened with a cup of hot tea or coffee brought to your tent and will recharge your energy with a great breakfast for the day ahead.
Today’s hike begins with a two-and-a-half-hour ascent to the Ausangate Pass (4,750 m / 15,584 ft). From there, the vastness of the mountains will definitely exceed all your expectations.
We will then continue the route downhill for an hour until we reach Ausangate Cocha lagoon, where we will have the chance to enjoy lunch amidst the immense landscape. Not a bad way to spend lunchtime!
Afterward, we will ascend for about two hours until we reach Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the entire route. After a brief rest and taking in some more breathtaking views, we will walk for another hour and a half until we reach the small community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).
We have great respect and admiration for the people of Huchuy Phinaya, who still maintain their ancestral traditions to this day. Learn from them and their admirable way of life, living in complete connection with Mother Nature (Pachamama) and in harmony with her.
Today was the most challenging day, but it was worth it for a true connection with the Andes and Mother Earth. We will have a gentle two-hour ascent to Sorapata (4,700 m / 15,419 ft), where our campsite will be ready and waiting for your arrival. After a delicious dinner, a night of peaceful rest awaits us.
🍽 Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
🏕 Accommodation: camping
🥾 Total hiking distance: 17 km / 10.56 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 9 hours
📈 Difficulty level: challenging
📉 Minimum altitude: 4,500 m / 14,763 ft
📍 Maximum altitude: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
🛏 Accommodation elevation: 4,700 m / 15,419 ft
Day 4: Sorapata | Jampa Pass - Azul Cocha Lagoon – Pacchanta Hot Springs
After another delicious and revitalizing breakfast, we will begin our uphill hike of two and a half hours towards Jampa Pass.
We will cross Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft), from where you can admire the details of several snow-capped mountains. Always have your camera ready! Then, we will begin our descent for about three hours until we reach our lunch spot at our camp in Pacchanta. Along the way, we will connect with the trail of the classic Seven Lakes tour.
Next to one of the beautiful and mystical lagoons in the area (Qomercocha, Orco Otorongococha), we will have the option to hold a small gratitude ceremony for Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the surrounding mountains, especially the great Ausangate glacier, which has watched over us throughout the trek.
After admiring such breathtaking scenery, we will arrive in Pacchanta, where we will spend the night. Here, we can enjoy the refreshing hot springs, taking the opportunity to relax our legs and muscles after several days of hiking. We will end the day with a wonderful dinner.
🍽 Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
🏕 Accommodation: camping
🥾 Total hiking distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 6 hours
📈 Difficulty level: moderate
📉 Minimum altitude: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
📍 Maximum altitude: 5,070 m / 16,633 ft
🛏 Accommodation elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Day 5: Pacchanta | Tinke - Ocongate - Cusco
Today is the last day. As every morning, you will be woken up with coca tea brought to your tent. After breakfast, we will begin our final three-hour hike toward the community of Tinke.
After appreciating this picturesque town, we will try to engage in conversation with the local villagers to interact with them and learn about their daily lives.
Once in Tinke, we will have lunch and bid farewell to the entire trekking support team. This is the big farewell to the support team that accompanied us throughout the journey—without them, our adventure would not have been possible.
At the end of this stage, our private transportation will be waiting to take us back to the city of Cusco. Enjoy watching the mountains and lagoons through the window during this last stretch. We will drop you off at the door of your accommodation around 6:00 p.m.
🍽 Meals: breakfast, lunch
🥾 Total hiking distance: 7 km / 4.35 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 3 hours
📈 Difficulty level: easy
📉 Minimum altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
📍 Maximum altitude: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft
Incluye
✓ PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING
- You will meet with your guide the day before the trek at your hotel for an orientation session. The meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. You will also receive a duffel bag, allowing you to pack up to 7 kg of your personal belongings.
✓ PERMITS AND ENTRANCE FEES
- Entrance ticket for the Ausangate trek.
- Entrance to the Pacchanta hot springs.
✓ FIELD STAFF
- Professional Guides:
Our trekking guides are selected from accredited universities and are highly trained in outdoor leadership. They are fluent in English and have between three to ten years of experience leading various treks in the region. Experts in group management under pressure, they are also skilled in first aid and rescue techniques. Most of our guides come from Andean communities and proudly share their cultural heritage. Along with the rest of the field team, they will make your trip an unforgettable experience. - Chefs:
Trained in local culinary schools, our chefs specialize in modern Andean cuisine, traditional Peruvian dishes, international food styles, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. They have extensive knowledge of the nutritional properties of their meals and prepare dishes efficiently. Hygiene and food safety are always a top priority during meal preparation. - Horsemen and Pack Horses:
Our team of horsemen and their pack horses play a crucial role in making your trek a success. They are responsible for carrying all camping equipment, food supplies, and other essential loads along the route. The horses will also carry duffel bags with up to 7 kg of personal belongings per participant, including sleeping bags. This allows you to hike comfortably with only a small backpack containing your daily essentials while our team transports your gear from camp to camp.
✓ DUFFEL BAG SERVICE (7 KG LIMIT)
- During the briefing session, you will receive a duffel bag with a 7 kg capacity for your personal items. Our team will transport these duffel bags on pack horses throughout the trek, ensuring they are available at each campsite. This service allows you to hike comfortably with just your daypack.
✓ MEALS
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners.
- Breakfast: Fruit salad, yogurt, oatmeal, hot chocolate, milk, coffee, tea, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bread, and butter.
- Lunch: Buffet-style meals, including soup, 2-4 main course options, and hot beverages. Dishes feature Peruvian classics like Lomo Saltado (stir-fried beef with rice and fries) and Ají de Gallina (creamy and mildly spicy shredded chicken), along with vegetarian and vegan options.
- Dinner: Soups, chicken, pasta, and vegetables.
- Morning Coca Tea: Each morning at the campsite, you will be woken up with a warm cup of coca tea, brought to your tent to help you start the day comfortably.
- Tea Time / Happy Hour: Popcorn, crackers, coffee, hot chocolate, milk, and a variety of teas.
- Daily Snacks on the Trail: Fresh and dried fruits, crackers, chocolates, and other sweets.
- Drinking Water: We will provide boiled water from the first day’s lunch until the fifth day’s lunch.
- Hygiene Products: We will provide a small towel and soap so you can clean your hands before each meal.
✓ PRIVATE CAMPING EQUIPMENT
- Tents:
We use high-altitude, four-season tents designed to withstand harsh winter conditions, including heavy rain and snow. - Sleeping Mats:
Our inflatable Thermarest sleeping mats ensure a warm and comfortable night’s rest. - Dining Tent:
A spacious dining tent equipped with chairs and a table, offering a comfortable space to enjoy meals regardless of the weather. - Kitchen Tent:
Fully stocked with all necessary cooking equipment, including a gas stove and utensils, for our chefs to prepare delicious meals.
✓ TRANSPORTATION
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in private transportation with the group to the trek’s starting point.
- Day 5: After completing the trek, we will take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Pack Mules: During the trek, pack mules will carry all camping gear and your allowed luggage (7 kg / 15.4 lbs). The horsemen will take care of your duffel bag and personal items.
✓ EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT & REMOTE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
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Radios:
Equipped with a 10 km range and 8 frequencies, allowing constant communication between our guides, chefs, and porters. -
First Aid Kit:
Includes alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine tincture, antiseptic soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, medical tape, surgical gloves, pain relievers for muscle and stomach aches, and fever reducers. If you take prescription medications, you should bring your own supply. -
Portable Oxygen Tank
✓ IMPORTANT: Please note that only a licensed medical professional can prescribe medication. Our guides are NOT authorized to prescribe treatment. All medications will be administered only with your consent and at your own responsibility. If you have a medical prescription, it is recommended that you bring your own medications.
No Incluye
× SLEEPING BAG
- If you don’t have your own, you can rent one from our company. Our sleeping bags are durable and effective, protecting you from temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F). They have a mummy shape and include a sleeping liner. Each sleeping bag is cleaned after every trip.
(Rental available for $20 USD at Bestreks Agency).
× TREKKING POLES
- Our trekking poles come with extra rubber tips and are highly useful for rough terrain, as well as for ascending and descending. You can rent a pair from our company.
(Rental available for $20 USD at Bestreks Agency).
× DINNER IN CUSCO ON DAY 5
× ENTRANCE TO UPIS HOT SPRINGS (DAY 1)
× PERSONAL TREKKING CLOTHING & GEAR
× TRAVEL INSURANCE
- While not mandatory, we highly recommend that our clients purchase travel insurance in case of flight disruptions or unexpected health issues. Be sure to check if your policy has altitude restrictions, as some insurance plans become void above 4,000 m (13,123 ft).
× ADDITIONAL COSTS
Unforeseen delays beyond our control, such as:
- Weather conditions
- Route modifications due to safety concerns
- Illness
- Government policy changes
- Political instability or strikes
✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW
- Tipping is a common practice in tourism and trekking experiences. Although we pay fair wages to our entire team, extra tips are always appreciated, considering their hard work. Typically, the group collects tips to distribute among porters, chefs, guides, and assistants.
✓ Why Are Tips Important?
- Recognizing hard work: Tipping acknowledges the team’s dedication and effort.
- Showing appreciation: It’s a way to thank them for excellent service and hospitality.
- Supporting the local economy: Your contribution benefits the communities involved in tourism.
- Encouraging outstanding service: Tips motivate staff to continue delivering high-quality support.
- Building positive relationships: It fosters goodwill between hikers and the support crew.
Tipping is a meaningful way to thank the porters, cooks, and guides who work tirelessly 24/7 to ensure your trek is comfortable and unforgettable.
✓ ORIGINAL PASSPORT
- If you booked the service with your old passport and later renewed it, your passport number has likely changed. Please inform us so we can update your information.
✓ BACKPACK
- You’ll need a backpack to carry your gear, snacks, and water. Choose a comfortable one with a capacity of at least 30-40 liters.
✓ WATER STORAGE
- Carry 1.5 to 2 liters of water; consider a Camelbak or a similar hydration system. A water bottle that keeps your water cold is essential.
✓ HIKING BOOTS
- Lightweight, comfortable, and well-broken-in. Ensure they are neither too tight nor too loose and provide enough room for your toes to move comfortably.
✓ HEADLAMP
- A must-have for visibility during early mornings or late evenings. It will not only light your way in the dark but also free up your hands. When choosing a headlamp, consider brightness, weight, and comfort.
✓ POWER BANK/BATTERY CHARGER
Use your phone in airplane mode and bring a power bank (recommended 20,000 mAh) to keep your devices charged.
✓ FOR YOUR DUFFLE BAG:
- 2-3 moisture-wicking t-shirts
- 3-4 pairs of hiking pants
- 4 sets of underwear
- 4 pairs of hiking socks
- 1 fleece jacket and 1 warm down jacket for cold nights
- 1 waterproof jacket and pants for unpredictable weather
- 1 sun hat and 1 wool beanie for different temperatures
- Comfortable camp shoes and sturdy hiking boots
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are fine)
- Waterproof jacket/poncho for heavy rain
- Quick-dry towel (larger than the one provided, if preferred)
- Small bottle of soap for personal hygiene
- Battery charger
- Large plastic bags to organize and protect items
- Sleeping bag (rated at least -10°C for cold nights)
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen and face moisturizer
- Wet wipes for quick cleanups
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper for personal use
- Personal medications and a basic first aid kit
✓ INSIDE YOUR BACKPACK:
- Water: Bring enough for the first day; refills will be provided afterward.
- Rain gear and fleece: Stay adaptable to weather changes.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture your memories.
- Music device: iPhone or similar for entertainment.
- Hand sanitizer: Maintain cleanliness.
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags: Dispose of waste responsibly.
- Swimsuit and towel: If you plan to enjoy the hot springs.
- Extra money: For additional purchases and tips (recommended in soles).
- Earplugs: For a restful sleep.
✓ NOTES:
- Waterproofing: Protect your items from rain and moisture.
- Comfort: Wear well-fitted, comfortable shoes to avoid blisters.
- Organization: Use compartments to keep essentials within reach.
✓ Price per person:
- $640 USD – Adults.
- To book the Ausangate trek, an initial payment of $320 USD per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco.
✓ Additional Equipment:
Extra items you can rent for this trip:
- Sleeping bag: $20.00 USD.
- Trekking poles (pair): $20.00 USD.
✓ Price Guarantee:
- Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase under any circumstances. Therefore, before booking, make sure to read all the important information about the tour.
✓ How to Book:
- Booking the Ausangate trek is easy. You can reserve your spot online through our website, where our booking platform will guide you step by step. The tour payment can be made with any credit or debit card, and you can also pay in your home currency for added convenience.
✓ Ausangate Trek Reservation:
To secure your spot on the Ausangate trek, we require a non-refundable deposit of $320 USD. This deposit ensures your place on the trek and allows us to purchase your tickets.
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Our booking platform gives you the option to pay only the deposit, along with any additional options you select, or you can choose to pay the full amount of the tour in advance. If you decide to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Cusco, one day before the tour departure.
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Remaining Balance Payment: If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance must be paid upon arrival in Cusco one day before the start of the tour. The balance can be paid in soles or dollars in cash or by card (with an additional 5% fee). You also have the option to pay online on our website, with a 5% fee.
✓ Cancellation Policy:
Bestreks agency has the following policies regarding reservation cancellations. Once the reservation is made, the acquired space and permit cannot be canceled.
- If you cancel 2 to 3 days before your trip, you will be considered a “no-show” and must pay 100% of the total cost.
- If you decide to stop the trek for personal reasons once it has begun, you will automatically lose all included services. Any expenses incurred during your return, such as food, transportation, or accommodation, will be at your own cost.
- Uncontrollable events that make any part of the trip impossible, such as strikes, protests, flight cancellations, weather conditions, or hotel/flight overbooking. In any of these cases, we will suggest alternative arrangements (if available) to make the trip possible. Any costs associated with these alternative arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler.
✓ Recommendations:
- We strongly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure your investment is protected and that you have a smooth reservation experience for your Ausangate Trek adventure.
✓ PRE-TREK BRIEFING
- All briefings are held the evening before your trip at 6:00 p.m. at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel). Your guide will also provide your duffle bag. These sessions last 30 to 45 minutes. If you cannot attend, please coordinate an alternative time via email or phone.
✓ OUTSTANDING BALANCE PAYMENT (IN CUSCO)
If you still have a balance due, you must pay it one day before your trek/tour. Otherwise, your reservation will not be confirmed.
- We appreciate cash payments (USD or PEN) at our Cusco office or during the briefing.
- ATMs are available along Avenida El Sol for cash withdrawals in both USD and Peruvian soles.
- You can also pay via credit/debit card or IZIPAY, online or in person, but note that a 5% service fee applies due to payment gateway fees (Niubiz & IZIPAY).
✓ PICK-UP SERVICE
- Pick-ups are available only within Cusco city.
- We highly recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for a convenient pick-up.
- Due to traffic conditions, pick-up times may vary by 30 to 45 minutes.
- Cusco’s narrow cobblestone streets can make transportation difficult, so consider accommodations with easy access.
✓ HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
- If you have medical restrictions for any activities included in your reservation, consult your doctor beforehand.
✓ WEATHER CONDITIONS
Cusco’s weather is unpredictable.
- The dry season runs from April to October, but rain is still possible at any time of the year.
- Always bring rain gear: waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and gloves.
- Be prepared for four seasons in a single day. Layering is key for temperature changes.
✓ ALTITUDE SICKNESS (SOROCHE) & STOMACH ISSUES
- If you are arriving from a low-altitude location, arrive at least two days before your trek to acclimatize.
- Altitude sickness symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness. Recommended over-the-counter medications include Aspirin, Diamox, Soroichi Pill, Alti Vital. Oxygen support is available if needed.
- Stomach issues: Drink 3-4 liters of water daily. Hot drinks like coca tea and easily digestible foods (soups, vegetables, light carbs) are recommended. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
✓ MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS
Inform us before your trip of any medical conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Special dietary needs
- Medications you are currently taking
- Health conditions requiring special attention
If you have severe medical restrictions, consult your doctor before participating. Providing this information helps us create a safer and more comfortable experience for you.
✓ WATER SUPPLY
- We provide boiled water starting from the first lunch until the trek’s end. Bring a reusable water bottle.
- We strongly recommend canteens instead of plastic bottles to reduce environmental impact.
- If you prefer, you can bring water purification tablets or a filter. However, past experiences have shown that some hikers developed stomach issues using these methods.
✓ LOST ITEMS
- Keep track of your belongings at all times.
- You are responsible for your items during transport, campsites, and restaurants.
Absolutely! The trek to Ausangate is one of the most impressive and challenging routes in Peru, and many travelers consider it one of the best trekking experiences in South America. Ausangate is a sacred mountain, rising over 6,300 meters above sea level, and trekking around it offers spectacular views of mountainous landscapes, glaciers, and vibrant-colored lagoons.
Additionally, the route passes through rural communities that preserve ancestral traditions, giving you the opportunity to connect with local culture. Although it is a demanding trek due to the altitude and terrain, the landscapes you experience along the way make the effort worthwhile. If you enjoy challenges and nature in its purest form, it is an unforgettable experience.
Walking for 6 to 7 hours per day is quite common, with variations depending on your pace and the terrain conditions. The toughest days are usually the second and third days, especially due to the altitude and steep ascents, but in the end, the effort is worth it for the views.
It is very important to be well-prepared, not only in terms of gear and physical conditioning but also for acclimatization to the altitude, which is essential for enjoying the trek without issues. Here is a breakdown of the distances you will cover each day on the classic 5-day Ausangate trek:
- Day 1: 10 km / 6.21 miles
- Day 2: 12.1 km / 7.5 miles
- Day 3: 13 km / 8.1 miles
- Day 4: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Day 5: 7.1 km / 4.4 miles
The trek to Ausangate is safe if you take these factors into account and prepare adequately. Most tourists who complete the route enjoy it without major incidents, but it is important to be aware of the risks associated with altitude and changing terrain conditions. If you follow safety tips, the trek is an incredible experience.
Exactly! As mentioned, the Ausangate trek is relatively quiet in terms of crowds, so weather conditions are the most important factors to consider when choosing the best time to do it.
- Dry season (May to October): This is undoubtedly the best time to do the Ausangate trek, as the chances of rain are minimal, making the trail safer and more comfortable. During these months, the weather is more stable, with sunny days and cold nights, enhancing the experience and allowing for clear views of the mountains and lagoons. Additionally, the trails are less slippery, and the terrain is easier to navigate.
- Rainy season (December to February): While it is not impossible to do the trek during the rainy season, it presents additional challenges due to the wet and muddy conditions.
To get to Cusco, the most common option is to take an international flight to Lima (the capital of Peru) and then take a domestic flight to Cusco. First, take a flight from your country of origin to Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima. Lima is Peru’s main hub for international air connections.
Once in Lima, you can take a domestic flight to Cusco. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Several airlines offer this route, including LATAM, Sky Airline, and Viva Air.
If you prefer not to fly, you can take a bus from Lima to Cusco. This road trip can take between 20 to 24 hours. However, flying is more recommended for comfort and time-saving.
If you are coming from other nearby countries such as Chile, Argentina, Colombia, or Ecuador, you might also find direct flights to Cusco from some of their major cities, although they are not as frequent as flights to Lima.
- At least 2-3 days in Cusco: If you arrive directly in Cusco, it is recommended to spend at least 2 or 3 days there before starting the trek. During this time, you can rest, take it easy, and allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Take advantage of this time to explore the city with light activities, such as gentle walks around the center, to avoid intense physical exertion during your first days.
- If you are coming from a higher-altitude area: If you have already been in other high-altitude regions of Peru (for example, Arequipa, Puno, or the Sacred Valley), the acclimatization process may be faster. In this case, a single day of rest in Cusco might be enough before starting the trek.
Shoes that provide ankle support are highly recommended, especially for those who are not used to long hikes or difficult terrain. The steep slopes and uneven rocky paths require stability, and good ankle support will help prevent sprains or injuries. High-cut hiking boots are ideal for this.
Trekking poles are always useful for hikers as they relieve pressure on the knees. In mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, a lot of pressure is placed on the knees. Trekking poles help distribute the effort, relieving the strain on the legs and reducing joint impact.
- Greater stability on the Ausangate trek: The trails are often uneven, rocky, and steep.
- Easier ascent and descent: When climbing, trekking poles allow you to push with your arms, reducing strain on your legs. During descents, they help control speed and reduce the risk of falls or trips.
All luggage that is not necessary for the trek should stay in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are used to and prepared for storing luggage.
If you do not have a place to store your luggage, you can leave it in our offices until our adventure is over. We will ensure that your belongings are safely stored, so you don’t have to worry!
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, including rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and fresh fruits, all freshly prepared by our local chef.
We also have excellent vegetarian options and accommodate specific dietary requests with proper preparation and clear communication.
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