Ausangate Trek 5 Days

The 5-Day Ausangate Trek is one of the most impressive adventures in southern Peru. It lasts exactly 5 days and 4 nights, circumnavigating the Ausangate mountain, the most sacred apu (mountain spirit) of Cusco. It includes transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Tinqui, a bilingual guide, all meals, camping equipment (tents, sleeping pads), a kitchen crew, mules, community entrance fees, access to hot springs, and return to Cusco. It’s a complete journey that combines extreme nature, Andean culture, and spirituality.

The Ausangate Trek is unique because it doesn’t follow a mass tourism trail. Instead, it passes through territories managed directly by Andean communities. Unlike the Inca Trail or Salkantay, here you pay small contributions (10 soles) to each community for passage, campsites, and services. This makes the trek a real community-based tourism experience, where your trip helps families in remote areas maintain their traditions and lands.

The Ausangate Trek starts in the village of Tinqui, about 3 hours from Cusco. We depart very early, at 5:30 a.m., to arrive before noon. During the journey, you’ll see small communities with their own customs. Tinqui is at 3,900 meters above sea level, surrounded by grasslands and mountains. From there, the official hike to Upis, the first campsite, begins.

On the 5-Day Ausangate Trek, you hike through extreme landscapes: high valleys, colorful lagoons, glaciers, and mountain passes. Each day has a goal: climbing Arapa Pass, visiting Yana Cocha Lagoon, ascending to Palomani Pass (5,200 masl), descending through Pampa Finaya, relaxing in the hot springs of Pacchanta, and finally returning to Tinqui. It’s a demanding pace but highly rewarding, with everything organized by your agency.

On the Ausangate Trek in Peru, you’ll see some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes: turquoise lagoons like Yana Cocha, glaciers of the Ausangate mountain, red valleys like Pampa Finaya, high passes like Palomani and Arapa, and natural hot springs in Pacchanta. You’ll also visit communities like Upis, Jampa, and Chillca, where families live from livestock and community-based tourism. It’s a real connection with the Andes.

The Ausangate Lagoon is one of the many colorful lagoons you’ll see during the trek. It’s located near Arapa Pass or in areas like Yana Cocha. It has turquoise, green, and dark blue tones, depending on the light and minerals in the soil. Many travelers stop here for photos and offerings out of respect for the apu. It’s a magical and spiritual place, ideal for connecting with the energy of the area.

Palomani Pass is the highest point of the trek, at 5,200 meters above sea level. It’s the most challenging part of the journey, with cold, wind, and a long ascent. But it’s also the most beautiful: from here, you see the Ausangate mountain face-to-face, glaciers shining, and the landscape opening up to pristine valleys. Many rest here, take photos, and continue descending with renewed energy.

The Pacchanta Hot Springs are natural hot water springs that flow from the mountain. They’re located in the community of Pacchanta, near the end of the trek. The water comes from volcanic sources and helps relax muscles after days of hiking. Access costs 10 soles and is a very comforting experience, especially at night after a typical regional dinner.

Tinqui is a small town in the Canchis province, the traditional starting point of the trek. It’s at 3,900 meters, with a cold climate and grassland landscapes. From here, the hike to Upis begins. It’s a peaceful place where families raise alpacas and llamas. Most tours depart from here because it’s accessible by road from Cusco and marks the symbolic start of the journey.

The Upis Campsite is at 4,400 meters, in a valley surrounded by mountains. It has eco-toilets, cooking areas, and space for tents. The Upis community keeps it clean and safe. You spend the first night here after 6 hours of hiking. It’s ideal for resting, hydrating, and mentally preparing for the days ahead.

Jampa is an intermediate campsite at 4,700 meters. It’s in a green valley with good access to water and pastures. Here, you can see families who live from livestock and small farms. It doesn’t have advanced tourist services but is part of the trek’s historical route. It’s a good place to rest before the final stretch.

Arapa Pass is one of the first high passes of the trek, at 4,800 meters. It’s a challenging climb but with spectacular views of the Ausangate mountain. From here, you begin descending toward Yana Cocha. It’s a great spot for photos, deep breaths, and feeling connected to the mountain.

Pampa Finaya is a wide, green valley you pass through on the third day. It’s right after Palomani Pass. Here, the landscape changes from snow to grasslands. It’s an ideal place to rest, see camelids, and enjoy the tranquility. Many travelers consider it one of the most beautiful points of the trek.

The climate on the Ausangate Trek is extreme and changes quickly. Mornings are very cold (-5 °C), midday can be sunny and warm, and nights are cold again. During the rainy season (November to April), there are afternoon showers. From May to October, it’s drier. Bring layered clothing, waterproof gear, and warm clothes.

Some useful tips for the Ausangate Trek are: acclimatize for 2 days in Cusco, drink plenty of water, wear well-broken-in shoes, avoid carrying a heavy backpack, respect offerings, and do not leave trash. It’s also helpful to bring snacks, toilet paper, and a flashlight. And above all: enjoy every step, because this trek is a real connection with the Andes.