BigFoot Machu Picchu

Ausangate Trek 4 Days

ausangate - snowed capped mountain View all photos
pacchanta - ausangate View all photos
upis hot springs of ausangate View all photos
lagoon of ausangate View all photos
ausangate 7 lakes +3 View all photos
pucacocha lagoon - ausangate View all photos
ausangate camping View all photos
hatun puka qocha - lagoon of ausangate View all photos
Duration

4 Days / 3 Nights

Group

12

Max Altitude

5,200 m (16,515 feet)

Difficulty

Difficult

Ausangate Trek 4 Days

The Ausangate Trek 4 Days is a true off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Peruvian Andes. This route takes you far from the crowds and deep into remote highland landscapes where local communities still live the traditional way and speak Quechua, the ancient Inca language.

Along the trek, you’ll hike around the majestic snow-capped Ausangate Mountain, passing turquoise lagoons, dramatic mountain passes, and endless herds of alpacas grazing freely across the valleys.

This is not a commercial route — it’s raw nature, authentic culture, and powerful scenery.

If you’re looking for a challenging, scenic, and genuinely local experience in Peru, the Ausangate Trek 4 Days is the perfect choice.

At Bigfoot Machu Picchu, we make sure your adventure is safe, well organized, and unforgettable — while keeping the spirit of the Andes real.

Ausangate Trek 4 Days Inclusions

What’s Included?

  • Satellite phone. Ausangate is a remote area with no mobile signal. In case of emergency, the guide will use a satellite phone.

  • Accommodation: cabin (Night 1), mountain hut (Night 2), and high-quality camping tent (Night 3).

  • English-speaking professional guide with extensive knowledge of the Ausangate region.

  • Pre-departure briefing at our office one day before the trek.

  • Private round-trip transportation from and to your hotel in Cusco.

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

  • Professional cook preparing fresh meals daily.

  • Meals included: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. Vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free options available upon request.

  • Wake-up tea delivered to your tent each morning (coca tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or tea).

  • Afternoon tea (happy hour) with hot drinks, popcorn, and biscuits.

  • Daily snacks throughout the trek.

  • Boiled, filtered, and cooled water provided daily for refilling bottles.

  • Dining tent with tables and chairs.

  • Kitchen tent for meal preparation.

  • Spacious three-person tents shared by two people for extra comfort.

  • Foam mattress for sleeping.

  • Horses to carry all camping and trekking equipment.

  • Horseman responsible for handling horses and setting up camps.

  • 7 kg allowance for personal belongings (including sleeping bag).

  • Duffel bag provided for personal items.

  • Private portable toilet tent at each campsite.

  • Hygiene station with water and paper towels for handwashing.

  • First aid kit and oxygen tank carried by the guide at all times.

  • Radio communication between guide and cook for safety coordination.

  • Plastic poncho and backpack rain cover.

  • Entrance fees to private lands in the Ausangate area.

  • Rainbow Mountain entrance fee.

  • Red Valley entrance ticket.

  • Reusable cloth snack bag to reduce plastic waste.

  • Hot water bottle for cold nights.

  • Commemorative T-shirt at the end of the trek.

What’s Not Included

  • Sleeping bag (available for rent at $20 for the entire trip).

  • Trekking poles (available for rent at $20 for the entire trip).

  • Personal riding horse.

  • Voluntary tips for guide, cook, and driver.

  • Travel insurance.

Ausangate Trek 4 Days - Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis – Upis Lake
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We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 am and drive for approximately two hours to the town of Tinqui. Here, you’ll stretch your legs and observe local families who still wear traditional Andean clothing. Afterward, we continue for about one hour along a dusty mountain road until reaching Upispampa, the starting point of our hike.

After breakfast and meeting our horsemen, we begin trekking through remote Andean communities, crossing small streams and walking alongside herds of alpacas. The trail is mostly gentle with gradual ups and downs. After about three hours, we arrive at Upis, where comfortable private cabins await us.

Following lunch, you have the option to hike to Upis Lake (approximately two hours round trip). From the lake, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Ausangate Mountain. Back at the cabins, you can relax with hot tea and admire the glacier views before dinner. At night, step outside to witness an unforgettable Andean sky full of stars.

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Day 2
Upis – Arapa Pass – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha
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We wake you at 5:00 am with coca tea or coffee delivered to your cabin. After breakfast, we begin ascending toward Arapa Pass (4,753 m). Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Ausangate’s snow-capped peak, colorful high-altitude lagoons, and vast alpaca grazing lands. Your guide will explain the local flora, fauna, and mountain culture. With luck, we may spot condors, vicuñas, or chinchillas.

After crossing the pass, we descend toward Puca Cocha, surrounded by dramatic glaciers and turquoise lakes. We camp near the lake inside mountain huts, offering shelter from the cold winds. After lunch, you may explore the nearby lagoon, home to Andean geese and native birdlife. Dinner is served in a rustic stone dining shelter.

Day 3
Puca Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Ananta – Warmi Saya Pass – Queulla Qocha
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Today is the most challenging day. We begin ascending toward Apacheta Pass (4,915 m), surrounded by colorful mountains and glacier-fed lakes. The views of Ausangate from this section are spectacular.

We continue into the Red Valley area, a surreal landscape painted in deep red and orange tones. After lunch, we climb the second major pass, Warmi Saya Pass (4,981 m), where you’ll see Rainbow Mountain in the distance for the first time.

From here, we descend gradually to our campsite at Queulla Qocha. If weather conditions allow, we may hike up for a sunset view of Rainbow Mountain.

Day 4
Queulla Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
angle-down

After an early wake-up with hot coca tea, we hike approximately 45 minutes to Rainbow Mountain (5,034 m). Arriving early allows us to enjoy the colorful landscape before the larger crowds arrive.

You will have time to explore, take photos, and appreciate the geological formations. Afterward, we continue to the Red Valley viewpoint, a less-visited but equally impressive area.

Following our final hike, we meet our private transport and return to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 3:00 pm.

Packing List

Clothing

  • Wool hat or beanie for cold mornings

  • Breathable T-shirt (moisture-wicking recommended)

  • Lightweight insulating layer (fleece or sweater)

  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

  • Comfortable, quick-drying hiking pants

  • Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers with good traction

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Gloves (especially during colder months)

Day Pack Essentials

  • Original passport (required for entry to Machu Picchu)

  • Original student ID card (if applicable for discount)

  • Small day backpack

  • Camera or smartphone

  • At least 1–2 liters of water

  • Snacks (energy bars, fruit, chocolate, nuts)

  • Sunscreen

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Rain poncho

  • Cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses

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Essential Information About Ausangate Trek 4 Days

Altitude & Acclimatization

The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude adventure. The trail starts above 4,000 meters and reaches a maximum elevation of 5,034 meters (Rainbow Mountain).

Proper acclimatization is essential. We strongly recommend spending at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before starting the trek to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Difficulty Level

This trek is considered moderate to difficult due to:

  • High elevation

  • Long hiking days

  • Steep mountain passes

  • Cold nighttime temperatures

Previous hiking experience is recommended. Good physical condition is important.

Weather Conditions

Weather in the Ausangate region is unpredictable.

  • Dry season: April to October (clear skies, cold nights)

  • Rainy season: November to March (possible rain and snow)

Night temperatures can drop below 0°C, especially between June and August.

Maximum Altitude

  • Highest point: 5,034 meters / 16,515 feet

  • Campsites range between 4,400 m and 4,875 m

Accommodation

  • Night 1: Private mountain cabins

  • Night 2: Mountain hut shelter

  • Night 3: High-quality camping tents

All camping equipment is carried by horses.

Meals & Water

All meals are freshly prepared by a professional cook. Special dietary requests (vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, etc.) can be accommodated with prior notice.

Boiled and filtered drinking water is provided daily. You only need to bring your reusable water bottle.

Luggage Allowance

Each hiker is allowed 7 kg of personal belongings (including sleeping bag), carried by horses in a duffel bag provided by the company.

You will carry only a daypack with essentials during the hike.

Best Time to Hike

The best months are May through September for stable weather and clearer mountain views.

However, the trek operates year-round.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended. The trek takes place in remote mountain terrain where medical facilities are limited.

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FAQs

Do I need previous trekking experience?

Previous hiking experience is recommended due to the altitude and long hiking days. No technical climbing skills are required, but good physical condition is important.

How difficult is the Ausangate Trek?

The trek is considered moderate to difficult. The main challenges are the high altitude, mountain passes above 4,700 meters, and cold nighttime temperatures.

What is the highest point of the trek?

The highest point is Rainbow Mountain at 5,034 meters (16,515 feet).

How should I prepare for the altitude?

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the trek to acclimatize properly. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol before the hike can also help reduce altitude symptoms.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

The trek includes mountain cabins on the first night, a mountain hut on the second night, and high-quality camping tents on the third night.

Are meals included?

Yes. The trek includes four breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners prepared by a professional cook. Vegetarian and other dietary options are available upon request.

How much weight can I bring?

You may bring up to 7 kg of personal belongings, which will be carried by horses in a duffel bag provided by the company. During the hike, you only carry your daypack.

Is there phone signal during the trek?

No. There is no mobile signal in most areas of the Ausangate region. For safety, the guide carries a satellite phone.

Can I rent a sleeping bag or trekking poles?

Yes. High-quality sleeping bags and trekking poles are available for rent. You may also bring your own equipment if preferred.

Is the trek crowded?

No. Ausangate is one of the most remote trekking routes near Cusco, offering a quieter and more authentic Andean experience.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended due to the remote and high-altitude conditions of the trek.

What is the best time of year to do this trek?

The dry season, from April to October, offers more stable weather and clearer mountain views. However, the trek operates year-round.

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