Information
12 min read
Ausangate Trek Without a Guide
Ausangate Trek Without a Guide Can you do the Ausangate Trek without a guide? Yes. Unlike the Classic…
Read guide
The experience
Circle the sacred Ausangate massif on a five-day trek through one of the most remote regions of the southern Andes. Cross high passes, walk beside glacial lakes, and experience vast mountain landscapes shaped by snowcapped peaks, alpaca herds, and traditional Quechua communities. Days on the trail are shaped by silence, changing light, and the immense presence of Ausangate above the route. It is a demanding expedition, but the isolation and beauty create the rare feeling of traveling through an Andean world that remains profoundly connected to nature.
Duration
5 Days
Group size
12 travelers max
Difficulty
Moderate
Tour style
Trekking
Leave Cusco at 5:00 a.m. and hike to Upis, with views of Ausangate Glacier.
Cross Arapa Pass and walk beside glacial lakes on the way to Hatun Pucacocha.
Reach Palomani Pass at 5,200 m before descending through Huchuy Phinaya to Sorapata.
Cross Jampa Pass and relax in the Pacchanta hot springs before the final walk to Tinke.
Day by day
Choose a day, explore each stop and see the route on the map.
Day 1 — Cusco to Upis
Drive through the Vilcanota Valley to Ocongate and Tinke. Make any last-minute purchases in Tinke, then continue to the trek’s starting point at Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft).
After breakfast and meeting the trekking team, hike across open plains with views of Ausangate Glacier. Look for alpacas and llamas and pass through communities along the way. At the Upis hot springs, enjoy lunch and settle into camp at 4,400 m (14,436 ft).
Hike to Huayna Ausangate Lake in the afternoon, then return to camp for dinner. The day covers about 10 km (6.21 mi) in five hours, with moderate difficulty and a high point of 4,480 m (14,698 ft).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Camping at Upis
Loading Google Maps…
Day 2 — Arapa Pass and Hatun Pucacocha
After breakfast, climb to Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) through an Andean valley with views of Ausangate. An Andean condor may be visible if conditions allow.
Descend to Yanacocha, the Black Lagoon, and continue to Hatun Pucacocha camp at 4,500 m (14,764 ft). The moderate day covers about 11 km (6.84 mi) in six hours.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Camping at Hatun Pucacocha
Loading Google Maps…
Day 3 — Palomani Pass and Sorapata
Climb to Abra Ausangate (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), then continue to Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point of the trek.
Descend through Huchuy Phinaya and continue to Sorapata camp at 4,700 m (15,420 ft). This challenging day covers about 16.5 km (10.25 mi) in nine hours.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Camping at Sorapata
Loading Google Maps…
Day 4 — Jampa Pass and Pacchanta
Leave Sorapata and cross Jampa Pass on the way to Pacchanta.
Arrive in Pacchanta and take time to relax in the natural hot springs. Dinner and camping follow.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Camping
Loading Google Maps…
Day 5 — Return to Cusco
After breakfast, hike through Andean villages to Tinke (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). This easy final walk covers about 7 km (4.35 mi) in three hours, with a high point of 4,100 m (13,451 ft).
Share a final lunch with the trekking team, then return to your Cusco hotel by private transport. Arrival is around 6:00 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch
Loading Google Maps…
Plan with confidence
This trek is considered moderate to challenging due to high altitude and long hiking days. It is recommended for travelers with good physical condition and previous trekking experience.
The highest point of the trek is Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). Proper acclimatization in Cusco (at least 2 days) before starting the trek is strongly recommended.
You will spend 4 nights camping in remote mountain campsites surrounded by breathtaking Andean landscapes. We use high-quality tents designed for extreme mountain conditions.
Weather in the Ausangate region can change quickly.
Night temperatures can drop below freezing at high altitude.
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adapt to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
All meals are freshly prepared by our mountain chef. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs at no extra cost.
You will have the opportunity to relax in the Pacchanta Hot Springs, a perfect way to recover after several days of trekking.
The best months for the Classic Ausangate Trek are May through September, when skies are clearer and trails are in better condition.
The trek is considered moderate to challenging due to the high altitude and long hiking distances. It is best suited for travelers in good physical condition with some previous hiking experience.
The highest point is Palomani Pass at 5,200 m (17,060 ft), making it one of the highest trekking routes in the Cusco region.
Yes. We strongly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before the trek to properly adjust to the altitude.
No. This trek is much less crowded than the Inca Trail and offers a more remote, peaceful, and authentic mountain experience.
There are no permanent bathrooms on most of the route, but we provide a portable toilet at the campsites for your comfort.
Yes. You will have time to relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta during the trek.
All meals are freshly prepared by our mountain chef. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available at no extra cost.
Temperatures can drop below freezing, especially during the dry season. Proper warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag are essential.
Pack horses carry the camping equipment and your personal duffle bag (up to 5 kg allowed).
Travel insurance is highly recommended due to the remote location and high altitude of the trek.
Prepare for this journey
Local stories and practical guides selected around this tour, its destinations and its trekking route.
Information
12 min read
Ausangate Trek Without a Guide Can you do the Ausangate Trek without a guide? Yes. Unlike the Classic…
Read guide
Information
11 min read
How Much Does the Ausangate Trek Cost? The Ausangate Trek cost typically ranges from approximately US$450 to US$800+…
Read guide
Information
10 min read
Lakes of Ausangate The Lakes of Ausangate are among the most spectacular natural features of the high Andes…
Read guide
