BigFoot Machu Picchu

Ausangate Trek 5 Days

ausangate - snowed capped mountain View all photos
upis hot springs of ausangate View all photos
pacchanta - ausangate View all photos
lagoon of ausangate View all photos
ausangate 7 lakes +4 View all photos
pucacocha lagoon - ausangate View all photos
hatun puka qocha - lagoon of ausangate View all photos
abra arapa - ausangate trek View all photos
ausangate camping View all photos
Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Group

12

Max Altitude

5200 m (17,060 ft)

Difficulty

Difficult

Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days

The Ausangate Trek 5 Days is one of the most powerful and authentic adventures you can experience in Cusco. This incredible circuit takes you around the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,905 ft), the highest and most important peak in southern Peru.

Over five days, you’ll hike through remote Andean landscapes filled with snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, colorful valleys, and herds of alpacas and llamas. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional villages where local culture is still alive and deeply connected to the mountains.

This trek is challenging, but deeply rewarding. You’ll cross high mountain passes, disconnect from the modern world, and reconnect with nature in its purest form. And after long hiking days, you can relax in natural hot springs surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

If you’re looking for a real mountain adventure — less crowded, more raw, and full of culture — the Ausangate Trek 5 Days is the perfect choice.

With Bigfoot Machu Picchu, you hike with experienced local guides, well-organized camps, and small groups for a safe and unforgettable experience.

Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days Inclusions

What’s Included?

  • Official entrance to the Ausangate Trek

  • Entrance to Pacchanta Hot Springs

  • Pre-departure briefing (evening before the trek)

  • Professional English & Spanish-speaking certified guide

  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen

  • Satellite phone for emergency communication

  • 24/7 customer support

Camping Equipment

  • High-quality mountain tents

  • Dining tent with tables and chairs

  • Cooking equipment

  • Portable toilet

  • Sleeping pad

  • Pack horses to carry all camping equipment

Personal Luggage

  • One duffle bag per person (5 kg / 11 lb limit including sleeping bag)

  • Horses carry your duffle during the trek

Accommodation

  • 4 nights camping in designated campsites

Meals

  • 5 breakfasts

  • 5 lunches

  • 4 dinners

  • Daily snacks (fruit, chocolate, cookies, candies)

  • Wake-up coca tea every morning

  • Afternoon tea time / happy hour

  • Hot drinks during meals

  • Boiled and filtered water during the trek

  • Vegetarian, vegan, and special diets available

Hygiene

  • Small towel and soap for hand cleaning before meals

  • Cloth snack bag to reduce plastic waste

Transportation

  • Hotel pickup in Cusco (Day 1)

  • Private transport to Upis (starting point)

  • Return transport to your hotel in Cusco (Day 5)

  • Pack horses to carry personal belongings (5 kg allowed)

What’s Not Included

  • Sleeping bag (rental available – US$25)

  • Trekking poles (rental available – US$25 per pair)

  • Dinner on Day 5

  • Personal hiking clothing and gear

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips for guides, cooks, and horsemen

  • Additional costs due to weather, strikes, political situations, or force majeure

Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days - Itinerary

Day 1
Cusco – Ocongate – Upis – Huayna Ausangate Lake
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Your adventure starts early at 5:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive through the beautiful Vilcanota Valley toward Ocongate and continue to Tinke, where you can make last-minute purchases before heading to Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), the starting point of the trek.

After breakfast and meeting our trekking team, we begin hiking across open plains with direct views of the massive Ausangate Glacier (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). Along the trail, you’ll see herds of alpacas and llamas and meet local families dressed in colorful traditional clothing.

We reach Upis hot springs (4,400 m / 14,436 ft), where our chef prepares a fresh mountain lunch. Camp is set right in front of Ausangate — an unforgettable setting.

In the afternoon, we hike to Huayna Ausangate Lake, where the sunset paints the glaciers in golden and pink tones. Dinner and overnight at camp.

  • Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 mi

  • Hiking Time: 5 hours

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Highest Elevation: 4,480 m / 14,698 ft

  • Campsite Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,436 ft

Day 2
Upis – Arapa Pass – Yanacocha – Hatun Pucacocha
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After breakfast, we hike through a scenic Andean valley toward Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). Ausangate stays beside us the entire way.

From the top, the views open dramatically across the mountain range. If we’re lucky, we may spot the majestic Andean condor soaring overhead.

We descend to the beautiful Yanacocha Lagoon (Black Lagoon) and continue to Hatun Pucacocha campsite, surrounded by crystal-clear red and turquoise lakes beneath snow-covered peaks.

  • Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.84 mi

  • Hiking Time: 6 hours

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Highest Elevation: 4,800 m / 15,748 ft

  • Campsite Elevation: 4,500 m / 14,764 ft

Day 3
Hatun Pucacocha – Palomani Pass – Huchuy Phinaya – Sorapata
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Today is the most challenging and rewarding day. We climb to Abra Ausangate (4,750 m / 15,584 ft) and continue toward the impressive Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft) — the highest point of the entire circuit.

The views here are massive, wild, and unforgettable.

We descend toward the small community of Huchuy Phinaya, where local families continue to live according to ancient Andean traditions, deeply connected to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Camp at Sorapata after a full and powerful day.

  • Walking Distance: 16.5 km / 10.25 mi

  • Hiking Time: 9 hours

  • Difficulty: Challenging

  • Highest Elevation: 5,200 m / 17,060 ft

  • Campsite Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft

Day 4
Sorapata – Jampa Pass – Pacchanta
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After breakfast, we hike about 3 hours to Tinke (3,800 m / 12,467 ft), passing through traditional Andean villages where ancestral customs are still alive.

We enjoy our final lunch together and say goodbye to our trekking team before returning by private transport to Cusco, arriving around 6:00 p.m.

  • Walking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 mi

  • Hiking Time: 3 hours

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Highest Elevation: 4,100 m / 13,451 ft

Day 5
Pacchanta – Tinke – Cusco
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Cusco → Ollantaytambo (Transfer)

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at approximately 10:00 am. From there, enjoy a comfortable transfer of about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the Ollantaytambo train station, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Sacred Valley.

Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (Train Journey)

At around 12:55 pm, board your Expedition or Voyager train to Aguas Calientes. During the 1.5-hour ride, take in breathtaking views of the Andes, winding rivers, and lush cloud forest as you approach Machu Picchu.

Arrival in Aguas Calientes (Hotel Check-In)

Upon arrival, you will transfer to your hotel in Aguas Calientes. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the town, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at the foot of the mountains.

Evening Briefing with Your Guide

Around 7:00 pm, you will meet your professional guide for a detailed orientation about the visit to Machu Picchu the following day. This briefing ensures you are fully prepared and ready for an unforgettable experience.

Packing List

Essential Documents

  • Original passport

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

  • Cash (small bills for tips, snacks, hot springs)

Backpack (Daypack 25–35)

  • Rain cover for backpack

  • Reusable water bottle or CamelBak (2L recommended)

  • Snacks (energy bars, nuts, chocolate)

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Sunglasses (UV protection)

  • Personal medication

  • Camera or phone

  • Power bank

Clothing (Layering System is Key)

  • 2–3 moisture-wicking hiking shirts

  • 1 warm fleece or insulated jacket

  • 1 down jacket (very important for cold nights)

  • Waterproof jacket (rain shell)

  • Waterproof hiking pants or rain pants

  • 2–3 pairs hiking pants

  • Thermal base layers (top & bottom)

  • 4–5 pairs hiking socks (wool recommended)

  • Warm hat (beanie)

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Buff or neck gaiter

  • Waterproof gloves

  • Comfortable camp clothes

  • Sleepwear (warm)

Footwear

  • Waterproof hiking boots (broken-in, not new)

  • Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp

  • Optional: Gaiters (for rain or muddy sections)

Sleeping Gear

  • Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C / 14°F recommended)

  • Inflatable pillow (optional for comfort)

(Sleeping bag available for rent if needed.)

Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste

  • Wet wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Small towel

  • Biodegradable soap

  • Toilet paper

  • Basic first aid (blister care, pain relief, etc.)

Recommended Extras

  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Lightweight dry bags

  • Swimsuit (for Pacchanta hot springs)

  • Earplugs (light sleepers)

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Essential Information About Classic Ausangate Trek 5 Days

Trek Difficulty

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.

Maximum Altitude

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.

Accommodation

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

Weather in the Ausangate region can change quickly.

  • Dry season (May – September): Cold nights, clear skies, best trekking conditions.

  • Rainy season (November – March): Possible rain showers and cloudy afternoons.

Night temperatures can drop below freezing at high altitude.

Acclimatization

We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adapt to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Meals on the Trek

All meals are freshly prepared by our mountain chef. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary needs at no extra cost.

Transportation

  • Day 1: Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transport to Upis (starting point).

  • Day 5: Private transport back to Cusco (hotel drop-off included).

Hot Springs

You will have the opportunity to relax in the Pacchanta Hot Springs, a perfect way to recover after several days of trekking.

Best Time to Go

The best months for the Classic Ausangate Trek are May through September, when skies are clearer and trails are in better condition.

Who Is This Trek For?

  • Adventure lovers

  • Experienced hikers

  • Travelers seeking authentic Andean culture

  • Those looking for a less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail

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FAQs

How difficult is the Ausangate Trek?

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.

What is the highest altitude reached during the trek?

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.

Do I need to acclimatize before starting?

Yes. We strongly recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before the trek to properly adjust to the altitude.

Is the Ausangate Trek crowded?

No. This trek is much less crowded than the Inca Trail and offers a more remote, peaceful, and authentic mountain experience.

Are there bathroom facilities along the trail?

There are no permanent bathrooms on most of the route, but we provide a portable toilet at the campsites for your comfort.

Are the hot springs included?

Yes. You will have time to relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta during the trek.

What type of meals are provided?

All meals are freshly prepared by our mountain chef. Vegetarian, vegan, and special dietary options are available at no extra cost.

How cold does it get at night?

Temperatures can drop below freezing, especially during the dry season. Proper warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag are essential.

Who carries the luggage during the trek?

Pack horses carry the camping equipment and your personal duffle bag (up to 5 kg allowed).

Is travel insurance necessary?

Travel insurance is highly recommended due to the remote location and high altitude of the trek.

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