BigFoot Machu Picchu

BigFoot Machu Picchu
Contact Us Tailor made

Trekking · Ausangate

Ausangate Trek 5 Days

5 Days12 travelers maxPhysical rating 2/5
Ausangate Trek 5 Days

The experience

Why this journey stays with you.

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.

Duration
5 Days

Group size
12 travelers max

Difficulty
Moderate

Tour style
Trekking

Highlights

Hotel pickup and departure Your adventure starts early at 5:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We drive through the beautiful Vilcanota Valley toward…

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…

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…

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,…

Day by day

Follow the journey.

Choose a day, explore each stop and see the route on the map.

5 days

Day 1

Cusco

Route map

Loading Google Maps…

  1. 1.Hotel pickup and departure

Plan with confidence

Everything you need to know.

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
  • High-quality mountain tents
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs
  • Cooking equipment
  • Portable toilet
  • Sleeping pad
  • Pack horses to carry all camping equipment
  • One duffle bag per person (5 kg / 11 lb limit including sleeping bag)
  • Horses carry your duffle during the trek
  • 4 nights camping in designated campsites
  • 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
  • Small towel and soap for hand cleaning before meals
  • Cloth snack bag to reduce plastic waste
  • 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

Packing list
  • Original passport
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Cash (small bills for tips, snacks, hot springs)
  • 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
  • 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)
  • Waterproof hiking boots (broken-in, not new)
  • Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
  • Optional: Gaiters (for rain or muddy sections)
  • Sleeping bag (rated for -10°C / 14°F recommended)
  • Inflatable pillow (optional for comfort)
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Small towel
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Basic first aid (blister care, pain relief, etc.)
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Lightweight dry bags
  • Swimsuit (for Pacchanta hot springs)
  • Earplugs (light sleepers)

Important information

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

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.

Prepare for this journey

A little knowledge goes a long way.

Local stories and practical guides selected around this tour, its destinations and its trekking route.

All Ausangate guides