Private
Starting from 2 people
4 Days / 3 Nights
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days is one of the most impressive and authentic trekking routes in Cusco, ideal for travelers seeking adventure in less-traveled high mountain landscapes. This experience takes place in the Vilcanota mountain range, at the foot of the majestic Ausangate snow-capped mountain, considered a sacred Apu within the Andean worldview. Along the route, you will walk among glacial lakes in intense turquoise and emerald tones, vast plains surrounded by alpacas and llamas, and mountain passes exceeding 5,000 m a.s.l., enjoying natural settings that preserve the untouched essence of the Peruvian Andes. It is a journey that combines nature, living culture, and high-altitude panoramic views on one of the most spectacular circuits in southern Peru.
During the Ausangate Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights, you will begin from the Andean community of Pacchanta exploring the 7 Ausangate Lakes circuit, ascending impressive mountain passes with views of glaciers and reddish mountains, crossing high Andean plains and traditional communities such as Huchuy Phinaya, and camping in front of the beautiful Ausangate Cocha Lake. The adventure culminates with the ascent to rainbow mountain (Vinicunca) and the hike through the striking Red Valley, thus completing a challenging trek in the Vilcanota mountain range that integrates unique landscapes, high Andean wildlife, and a deep connection with Andean culture at every stage of the journey.
Pick-up from the hotel in Cusco around 5:00 a. m. to travel to the community of Pacchanta, where you will enjoy breakfast before starting the hike along the 7 Ausangate Lakes circuit, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and high Andean landscapes; lunch in the heart of nature and continuation to Pachaspata to set up camp, hot dinner, and overnight under the starry sky.
The day begins with breakfast and a gradual ascent to Jhampa Pass (5,050 m a.s.l.) with panoramic views of glaciers and reddish mountains; descent through the plains of Jhampa Pampa, lunch on the route, and hike to the Andean community of Huchuy Phinaya, where the camp will be set up, tea time will be shared, and overnight stay.
Breakfast and early departure to walk along open trails and less-traveled landscapes of the Vilcanota mountain range, observing herds of alpacas and llamas; lunch on the route and hike to the beautiful Ausangate Cocha Lake, where camp is set up facing the snow-capped mountain, special farewell dinner, and last night in the mountains.
Very early hike to rainbow mountain (Vinicunca) to appreciate its mineral formations and panoramic views; continuation to the impressive Red Valley, final lunch in the area and descent to the meeting point with private transportation to return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:30 p. m.
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days begins very early, around 5:00 a.m., with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco to travel for approximately 3 to 4 hours to the Andean community of Pacchanta (4,400 m a.s.l.), the starting point of this trekking experience in the Vilcanota mountain range. During the journey you will observe high Andean landscapes, herds of alpacas, and traditional villages. Upon arrival in Pacchanta we will enjoy breakfast before beginning the hike.
After breakfast you will begin the hike to Ausangate visiting the 7 Ausangate Lakes circuit, a natural setting surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lakes in intense turquoise, green, and deep blue tones formed by glacial melt. The route is completed at a relaxed pace to encourage acclimatization and to enjoy the silence of the Andes, while observing alpacas and high Andean wildlife. At midday you will have lunch in front of the lakes, in the heart of nature.
In the afternoon we will continue to Pachaspata, where we will set up camp early to rest properly, as in this high mountain area the weather can change quickly and in the afternoons strong winds, rain, hail, and even storms often occur during the rainy season. For this reason, each day of the trekking in Cusco Peru begins early, taking advantage of the more stable mornings. Later we will share tea time and a hot dinner, and at night the guide will tell stories about the Apus, protective mountain spirits according to the Andean worldview.
The second day of the Ausangate Trek 4 Days begins early after breakfast at the Pachaspata campsite. We will start the ascent to Jhampa Pass, one of the highest and most panoramic points of this Ausangate trek route, where the effort is rewarded with wide views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and mountains in reddish and ochre tones that characterize the landscape of trekking in the Vilcanota mountain range. This day of the trekking to Ausangate in Cusco features high-altitude terrain, with open trails and frequent winds, so we will move at a steady pace to maintain good acclimatization.
From the pass we will begin the descent toward Jhampa Pampa, crossing vast high Andean plains surrounded by pristine nature and local wildlife such as alpacas and llamas. In this wide and silent environment you will enjoy lunch, appreciating the tranquility offered by this hike in the Peruvian Andes, far from crowded routes. In the afternoon we will continue the journey until reaching Huchuy Phinaya, a small Andean community that preserves ancestral traditions and a lifestyle linked to herding.
Upon arrival we will set up the camp early, seeking strategic areas that provide natural protection against the wind, as in this high mountain region weather conditions can vary rapidly during the afternoon. Later we will share the traditional tea time at sunset, followed by a hot dinner prepared by our cooking team. At night, the guide will share stories and knowledge about the local culture and the Andean worldview, enriching this trekking experience in Cusco with an authentic cultural component.
The third day of the Ausangate Trek begins early from Huchuy Phinaya, entering one of the least traveled areas of the Ausangate Trek circuit, where tranquility and isolation allow for a deeper connection with nature. We will walk along open trails surrounded by vast high-Andean landscapes, crossing pampas and small ravines while you observe herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely, a typical scene of trekking in the Vilcanota mountain range. This day of trekking is characterized by its silent and panoramic environment, ideal for enjoying the unhurried pace of an authentic hike in the Peruvian Andes.
At midday you will enjoy lunch along the route, at a strategic point with wide views of the mountains surrounding the valley, regaining energy to continue the hike. In the afternoon we will arrive at Ausangate Cocha Lake, considered one of the most beautiful and least visited places along the Ausangate Trek route, whose waters reflect the nearby snow-capped peaks, creating an imposing and serene landscape. Here we will set up camp early in front of the lake, taking advantage of the calm surroundings and preparing for the low nighttime temperatures typical of high mountains.
Later we will enjoy the traditional tea time with views of the snow-capped peak, followed by a special farewell dinner prepared by the cooking team, celebrating the shared experience during this trekking in Cusco Peru. The night becomes a special moment, being the last under the Andean sky, where the guide may share final reflections on the local culture and the importance of Ausangate within the Andean worldview.
The final day of the Ausangate Trek begins very early from the campsite at Ausangate Cocha. We will start a hike of approximately 3 hours uphill toward the famous rainbow mountain in Peru, also known as Vinicunca. The early departure allows us to arrive before most visitors and enjoy the hike to rainbow mountain with greater tranquility, appreciating its intense reddish, ochre, green, and yellow tones formed by mineral processes over millions of years. From this panoramic point, at over 5,000 m a.s.l., you will have time to rest, take photographs, and contemplate one of the most iconic landscapes of trekking in Cusco Peru.
Afterward, we will continue toward the impressive Red Valley, hiking to Red Valley along a trail that crosses intensely colored and less-traveled mountain formations. This landscape stands out for its reddish hills and open views of the Vilcanota mountain range, offering a different and less crowded perspective that perfectly complements the experience of trekking to the Mountain of Seven Colors.
The final lunch will be enjoyed in this area, surrounded by a striking natural environment, before beginning the final descent. We will then walk to the point where the road ends, where our private transportation will be waiting to return to Cusco. Arrival in the city is scheduled for around 5:30 p.m., a farewell moment after completing this unforgettable Ausangate trekking tour, an experience of adventure, culture, and unique landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.
During your adventure on the Ausangate Trek, everything is organized so you can fully enjoy the experience in the Vilcanota mountain range without worrying about logistics, meals, or camping equipment. This is what will be included:
Although the package covers most of the services necessary for the trek, there are some additional expenses you should consider:
Prepare for a demanding journey through the Vilcanota mountain range, with passes exceeding 5,000 m a.s.l., below-freezing nighttime temperatures, and frequent weather changes. This section will help you pack the essentials to enjoy the Ausangate Trek 4 Days safely, comfortably, and with good physical performance.
Temperatures can drop below 0 °C at night and the weather changes rapidly.
If you are planning to do the Ausangate Trek, it is normal to have questions before starting the adventure. Below, we will answer your concerns so you can plan your trip safely and without worries.
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days takes place in the Vilcanota mountain range, located southeast of the city of Cusco (3,400 m a.s.l.), Peru.
The starting point is the Andean community of Pacchanta (4,400 m a.s.l.), located approximately 3 to 4 hours by road from Cusco, in the province of Quispicanchi, district of Ocongate.
The tour includes private tourist transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Pacchanta and return transportation at the end of the trek.
The maximum altitude of the trek is reached at two main points:
It is a high-mountain route, so it is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco (3,400 m a.s.l.) for at least 2 or 3 days before starting the trek.
The best season is during the dry season in the Peruvian Andes, between May and September.
During these months there are:
The rainy season (November to March) is possible, but it may present:
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days is considered moderate to challenging, mainly due to the extreme altitude (above 5,000 m a.s.l.) and long daily distances (10 to 14 km).
Unlike the Inca Trail, this route is:
Good physical condition and previous experience in long hikes are recommended.
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended.
If you do not have experience trekking above 4,500 m a.s.l., it is important to:
The guide carries portable oxygen and a first aid kit.
The weather is typical of the high Andes:
It is one of the coldest routes in Cusco, especially at campsites located between 4,350 and 4,650 m a.s.l.
rainbow mountain (Vinicunca) is located in the region of Cusco, province of Canchis and Quispicanchi, at more than 5,200 m a.s.l., within the Vilcanota mountain range.
During the trek, Vinicunca is visited on Day 4, arriving early to avoid large groups of visitors coming from one-day tours.
Ausangate Cocha Lake is located at approximately 4,650 – 4,700 m a.s.l., in a remote area of the Vilcanota mountain range, at the foot of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. It is the campsite for Day 3, one of the most scenic points of the trek, with direct views of glaciers and snow-covered peaks.
Yes, the trek includes a hike through the Red Valley, located near rainbow mountain, in the same Vilcanota mountain range.
This valley is located at more than 5,000 m a.s.l. and stands out for its reddish hills and less-traveled trails, offering panoramic views of the southern Andes of Peru.
During the route through territories of communities such as Pacchanta and Huchuy Phinaya (province of Quispicanchi, Cusco), an approximate payment of S/ 100 per person is required.
This amount:
Yes, it is possible to hire an additional riding horse in the area of Pacchanta and high Andean communities of the Vilcanota mountain range.
It must be requested in advance and has an additional cost. It is a recommended option for people with lower physical endurance or for emergencies during demanding sections.
A minimum of 2 to 3 days of acclimatization in Cusco (3,400 m a.s.l.) is recommended before starting the trek.
It is also recommended to do previous activities such as:
This will help your body gradually adapt before reaching altitudes above 5,000 m a.s.l. in the Vilcanota mountain range.
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
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