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Ausangate Trek 4 days
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Ausangate Trek 4 days Trip overview
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days is your gateway to an authentic Andean experience. Immerse yourself in the beauty of remote villages where locals still speak the ancient Inca language, Quechua, and maintain their traditional way of life. Along the journey, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes dotted with hundreds of alpacas, pristine turquoise lakes, and towering snow-capped peaks. If you’re seeking a truly Peruvian adventure far from the crowds, this off-the-beaten-path trek is perfect for you. Discover the untouched magic of the Andes like never before!
Ausangate trek 4 days Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis Lake – Upis
Your adventure begins at 6:00 AM with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll journey by private van for two hours to the charming town of Tinki, where you can stretch your legs and admire the locals wearing traditional Andean attire. Afterward, we’ll continue for an hour along scenic, bumpy roads to the trailhead, where you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and meet our team of horsemen.
Our trek starts at Upispampa, leading us through picturesque villages and streams. After approximately three hours of easy hiking, we arrive at our campsite in Upis, where you’ll stay in cozy private cabins. Following a delicious lunch prepared by our chef, you have the option to embark on a short hike to the stunning Upis Lake (2 hours round trip). From the lake, take in panoramic views of Mount Ausangate. Relax back in your cabin, sipping tea while gazing at the majestic Andes, before enjoying dinner and a magical starry night.
- Elevation Gain: 330 m / 1,082 ft
- Elevation Loss: 56 m / 183 ft
- Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
- Hiking Time: ~3 hours
- Trailhead Elevation: 4,179 m / 13,710 ft
- Campsite Elevation: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
- Highest Point: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
- Accommodation: Private cabins
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha
Start your day with a wake-up call of coca tea or coffee delivered to your cabin, followed by a nourishing breakfast. Our trek begins with a gradual ascent to the Arapa Pass (4,968 m). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Mount Ausangate, grazing alpacas, and colorful lakes. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the flora, fauna, and local culture.
If you’re lucky, you might spot Andean condors, chinchillas, or vicuñas. After crossing the pass, we descend to our campsite at Puca Cocha, surrounded by towering peaks and hanging glaciers. Take some time to explore the nearby lake, home to various waterfowl, including Andean geese and ducks. Dinner will be served in our cozy dining hut, built from traditional Andean materials.
- Elevation Gain: 490 m / 1,607 ft
- Elevation Loss: 294 m / 964 ft
- Walking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Campsite Elevation: 4,577 m / 15,016 ft
- Highest Point: 4,968 m / 16,305 ft
- Accommodation: Mountain huts
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
Day 3: Puca Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Ananta – Surini Pass – Queulla Qocha
This challenging yet rewarding day begins with an early ascent to the Puca Cocha Pass (5,051 m). Marvel at the vibrant colors of the surrounding mountains, glacial lakes, and the majestic Mount Ausangate. From here, we enter the striking Red Mountain Valley, where llamas graze peacefully amid the surreal landscapes.
After lunch, we tackle the second pass of the day, Warmi Saya Pass (4,500 m), offering a distant view of the famed Rainbow Mountain. From the pass, we descend to Queulla Qocha, our campsite for the night. Weather permitting, we may visit Rainbow Mountain at sunset for an unforgettable experience.
- Elevation Gain: 723 m / 2,372 ft
- Elevation Loss: 468 m / 1,535 ft
- Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
- Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
- Campsite Elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft
- Highest Point: 5,051 m / 16,565 ft
- Accommodation: Camping in tents
- Difficulty: Difficult
Day 4: Queulla Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Today is the highlight of your trek! After an early breakfast, we hike for about 45 minutes to the iconic Rainbow Mountain (5,040 m), where you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and soak in the awe-inspiring views.
From there, we continue to the lesser-known yet equally stunning Red Valley, a 30-minute hike from Rainbow Mountain. After exploring this incredible area, we descend to the bus station to catch our private van back to Cusco. Along the way, we bid farewell to our horsemen and chef, concluding an unforgettable journey. You’ll arrive in Cusco around 3:00 PM, with memories to last a lifetime.
- Elevation Gain: 194 m / 636 ft
- Elevation Loss: 435 m / 1,427 ft
- Walking Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Hiking Time: ~2 hours
- Trailhead Elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft
- Highest Point: 5,040 m / 16,535 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Ausangate trek 4 days Pricing
The price of the ausangate trek is 490 USD for the general public.
What is included?
Accommodation
Instead of sleeping in small tents, we set up a 4-person tent for 2 people to ensure greater comfort.
🍽️ Meals
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (3x Breakfast, 4x Lunch, 3x Dinner).
- Professional chef and cooking equipment.
- Dining tent and kitchen tent where the chef prepares your meals fresh.
- Meals can be adapted to dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan. Please inform us in advance if you have specific preferences.
- A cup of hot coca tea every morning.
- Boiled water provided at the campsites for drinking (to be carried in your own reusable water bottle).
🚗 Transportation
- Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to the starting point of your hike.
- Private transportation back to your hotel in Cusco (on day 4).
Local Guides and Team
- Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide, plus an assistant guide for groups of more than 12 people.
- Horses and horsemen to carry camping equipment, food, and cooking utensils.
- All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of experience and are certified. They carry a first aid kit and an additional oxygen bottle for emergencies.
- We provide duffel bags during the briefing for personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
- Sleeping bag included.
🎟️ Entrance Fees and Briefing
- Briefing: You will have a meeting with your guide in our office to review all the details regarding your trip. The briefing will take place between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM at our Cusco office the day before departure.
- Entrance fee to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
What is not included?
- Trekking poles (additional $10.00 per person).
- Personal expenses.
- Day 1 breakfast, Day 4 final dinner.
- Tips for our staff.
Ausangate trek 4 days Packing list
Essentials
- Passport: Bring a photocopy, but carry the original if you want a stamp.
- Backpack: A 21-35 liter backpack with compression straps is ideal for distributing weight evenly.
- Waterproof Backpack Cover: Keeps your backpack dry in case of rain.
- Cash: Carry enough Peruvian soles for souvenirs, snacks, drinks, or a beer at the top of Rainbow Mountain.
- Camera: Capture the breathtaking views of the Ausangate trek.
- Portable Power Bank: Essential for charging devices as there’s no electricity in the Ausangate region.
- Waterproof Ziplock Bag: Protect electronics and documents from getting wet.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from UV rays at high altitudes.
Clothing
- Underwear: Pack 4 pairs of moisture-wicking, quick-drying underwear.
- Sports Bra (for women): Comfortable and supportive for trekking, preferably breathable and quick-drying.
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking, snug layers (merino wool or synthetic) for insulation and odor resistance.
- Trekking T-Shirt: Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking (synthetic or merino wool).
- Rain Jacket: Waterproof and windproof with breathable fabric (e.g., Gore-Tex).
- Insulated Jacket: Down or synthetic for cold mornings and nights; lightweight and packable.
- Fleece Jacket: Warm, lightweight, and perfect for layering.
- Trekking Pants: Quick-drying, lightweight, and optionally convertible for changing temperatures.
- Pajamas: Warm thermals for cold mountain nights.
- Gloves: Insulated and water-resistant.
- Sun Hat: Wide-brimmed or baseball-style for UV protection.
- Headband or Beanie: For warmth in varying cold conditions.
- Neck Gaiter: Shields face and neck from wind, cold, and dust.
- Trekking Boots: Well-broken-in, sturdy boots with ankle support.
- Camping Shoes: Lightweight sandals or shoes for relaxing at camp.
- Hiking Socks: Wool or synthetic socks for moisture-wicking and cushioning.
- Gaiters (Optional): Protects against mud, water, and debris in wet conditions.
Sleeping Gear
- Sleeping Bag: 3-season bag suitable for cold temperatures.
- Camping Pillow: Compact and lightweight for better sleep.
Trekking Equipment
- Trekking Poles: Reduce joint stress and improve stability on uneven terrain.
- Headlamp: For visibility during early morning or nighttime activities.
- Water Bottle or Camel Bag: Easy access to water ensures hydration.
- Trekking Towel: Compact, quick-drying towel for personal hygiene.
Toiletries & Personal Items
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Compact and essential for oral hygiene.
- Biodegradable Soap and Shampoo: Environmentally friendly options for natural water sources.
- Sunscreen (High SPF): Protects skin from the strong high-altitude sun.
- Lip Balm with SPF: Prevents chapped lips from sun and wind exposure.
- Deodorant: Keeps you fresh during long trekking days.
- Moisturizer: Protects skin from dryness caused by wind and sun.
- Wet Wipes: Handy for cleaning when water is unavailable.
- Toilet Paper: Essential for personal hygiene, as facilities are limited.
- Hand Sanitizer: Reduces illness risks when soap and water aren’t accessible.
- Feminine Hygiene Products: If needed, ensure to pack these.
- Small Towel: For drying off after washing or freshening up.
- Comb or Hairbrush: Keeps hair manageable during the trek.
- Mirror: Useful for grooming.
Health & First Aid
- General Medication: Bring any prescription medication and personal health items in their original packaging.
- First Aid Kit: Compact kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and more for minor injuries.
- Blister Plasters: Protect and heal blisters, preventing irritation during the trek.
How to book the Ausangate Trek 4 days
To book your Ausangate Trek 4 Days, click the BOOK NOW button and select your departure date. Next, fill in the personal information for each participant. Finally, complete the booking by paying a $50 deposit per person.
During the booking process, you’ll also have the option to add extras such as an emergency horse, walking sticks, or sleeping bags. These can be booked alongside your deposit or arranged at our office during the briefing session one day before your departure.
Once we receive your deposit, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and your trip to Ausangate will be fully secured.
FAQs
Where are the 7 Lakes of Ausangate located?
The 7 Lakes are situated in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, at the base of Ausangate Mountain, near the community of Pacchanta in the Cusco region of Peru.
2. What is the maximum altitude during the tour?
The highest point of the tour reaches approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) above sea level, so proper acclimatization is recommended before attempting the hike.
3. How long does the hike take?
The hike lasts around 6 to 7 hours, depending on the group’s pace, with plenty of stops for photos and enjoying the scenery.
4. What is the difficulty level of the hike?
The hike is considered moderate. While there are some uphill sections, it’s manageable for individuals with average physical fitness. However, the altitude can be challenging, so taking it slow and staying hydrated is important.
5. What lakes are included in the circuit?
The circuit features the following lakes:
- Puka Cocha (Red Lake)
- Hatun Puka Cocha (Big Red Lake)
- Alqa Cocha (Twin Lake)
- Otorongo Cocha (Jaguar Lake – male and female)
- China Otorongo (Female Jaguar Lake)
- Qomer Cocha (Green Lake)
- Azul Cocha (Blue Lake)
7. When is the best time to visit?
- Dry Season (May to October): Clear skies and minimal rain make this the ideal time to visit.
- Rainy Season (November to April): The landscape is greener, but the trails can be slippery, and visibility may be reduced due to clouds.
8. Is acclimatization necessary before the tour?
Yes, it’s crucial to spend at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco or the surrounding area to acclimatize to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness.
9. What should I bring for the tour?
- Warm clothing (jacket, gloves, hat).
- Rain gear or a poncho, especially during the rainy season.
- Proper trekking shoes.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- A water bottle and snacks.
- Swimsuit and towel for the hot springs (optional).
10. Can I do the hike without a guide?
It’s possible but not recommended. A professional guide ensures safety and provides valuable insights about the lakes, local culture, and wildlife.
11. What flora and fauna can I see during the tour?
- Flora: Andean grasses like ichu and small plants adapted to high altitudes.
- Fauna: Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and, if lucky, Andean condors.
12. Are there basic services available during the tour?
Basic facilities, such as bathrooms, local restaurants, and hot springs, are available in Pacchanta. There are no services along the trail, so it’s important to be prepared.
13. Is the tour suitable for children or older adults?
The tour is suitable for children over 10 with good physical fitness and older adults accustomed to walking. It’s always a good idea to consult a doctor before engaging in high-altitude activities.
14. How much does the 7 Lakes Ausangate tour cost?
Prices vary depending on the agency, but generally range between $40 and $60 USD per person, including transportation, guide, and meals.
15. Do I need to book in advance?
It’s not always required, but booking at least one day in advance is recommended to ensure availability and smooth arrangements.
Cancellation Police
Our Cancellation Policy ensures transparency and clarity for all our travelers. It outlines the terms and conditions for cancellations, refunds, and rescheduling, providing you with the flexibility and peace of mind needed when planning your Ausangate Trek.
Questions?
Our Questions and Answers section is designed to address the most common inquiries about the Ausangate Trek.
- Book now paying 40% of the total price and pay the rest when you arrive.
