Ausangate Trek 5D/4N: Where the Andes Keep Their Most Intense Colors
Ausangate Trek 5D/4N: Where the Andes Keep Their Most Intense Colors
If Salkantay is the route of the solitary glacier, Ausangate is the territory of the greater apus — the mountain alpaca herders still greet before starting each day's grazing. There's no Machu Picchu waiting at the end, no crowds of photographers. Instead, there's a complete circuit around a 6,384 m peak, lagoons that shift color depending on the hour, and Quechua communities living almost exactly as their grandparents did, at a permanent altitude of 4,400 meters.
Executive Summary
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Difficulty: Challenging (sustained altitude above 4,000 m)
- Max Altitude: 5,200 m (Palomani Pass)
- Distance: ~50-55 km
- Group Size: Max 10 people
- Highlights: Full circuit around the Ausangate massif, Ausangatecocha Lagoon, Red Valley, alpaca-herding communities, Pacchanta hot springs
Detailed Itinerary
01
DAY
Cusco → Tinki → Upis
Departure from Cusco to Tinki (3,800 m), gateway to the mountain range. We begin walking along grazing lands toward Upis (4,400 m), where the Ausangate massif appears for the first time, towering at the head of the valley. Optional soak in natural hot springs before setting up camp.
02
DAY
Upis → Ausangatecocha Lagoon → Arapa Pass (4,850 m) → Jampamayo Camp
Ascent to the first glacial lagoon, a deep blue that contrasts sharply with the dark stone surrounding it. We cross the circuit's first high pass, where wind and altitude demand a slower pace — rewarded with views of snow peaks in every direction. Descent to a more sheltered valley camp.
03
DAY
Jampamayo → Red Valley → Palomani Pass (5,200 m, highest point) → Anantapampa
The summit day, literally and figuratively. We cross the Red Valley, a stretch of mountainside painted in rust and ochre tones that looks almost hand-painted, before reaching 5,200 m at Palomani Pass — the highest point of the entire circuit. The air here is noticeably thin; the view compensates for every labored breath.
04
DAY
Anantapampa → Ausangatecocha Lagoon (western sector) → Pacchanta Community
Gradual descent visiting alpaca and llama-herding communities, with the chance to interact with local families and watch traditional weaving techniques. Arrival in Pacchanta, known for its natural hot springs at the foot of the glacier — the perfect close for muscles worked hard over four days.
05
DAY
Pacchanta → Tinki → Cusco
One last morning with panoramic views of the full massif before the vehicle return to Cusco, arriving mid-afternoon.
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Round-trip ground transport
- Professional bilingual guide specialized in high-altitude trekking
- Cook
- Cargo mules and muleteers
- 4-Season expedition tents
- Insulated sleeping pads
- Full meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks and coca tea)
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Hot springs entrance
What's Not Included
- Pre/post-trek accommodation in Cusco
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Trekking poles (rental available)
- Tips for support staff
- Personal trekking gear (see suggested packing list)
Why Choose This Tour with AndeanDiscovery.pe?
Ausangate demands real experience managing extreme altitude — it's not a route for generic operators. Our guides are certified in mountain first aid and carry emergency oxygen on every expedition, something many agencies skip to cut costs. We work directly with the Pacchanta and Upis communities, meaning your visit brings real income to the families who keep these routes alive — not to outside middlemen.