Ausangate trek 5 Days

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis

We will pick you up from your hotel at 06:00 am and go by private transportation for about 2 hours to Tinki, where we will get off to stretch our legs and visit the town. Here, you will see people still wearing their traditional clothing. Then we continue driving for about 1 more hour on dusty and bumpy roads until we reach the trailhead.

At Upispampa, we enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet our horsemen before starting the hike. The trail passes through remote villages and multiple stream crossings, with mostly flat terrain and gentle ups and downs. After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we arrive at our campsite in Upis, where we stay in private cabins.

Our chef prepares a tasty lunch, after which you have the option to hike to Upis Lake (2 hours round trip). The trail is mostly flat for 40 minutes, followed by a gradual ascent. After returning, you can relax inside your cabin, enjoy a hot drink, and admire the impressive Ausangate views through the window. Dinner follows, and later we step outside to enjoy a spectacular starry night.

• Elevation Gain: 330 m / 1082 ft
• Elevation Loss: 56 m / 183 ft
• Walking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
• Hiking Time: 3 hours (approx.)
• Trailhead Elevation: 4,179 m / 13,710 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Campsite Elevation: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
• Highest Point: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
• Accommodation: Cabins

Day 2: Upis – Puca Cocha – Ananta

We wake you up at 5:00 am with coca tea delivered to your cabin. After breakfast, we pack our belongings and begin hiking uphill toward Arapa Pass (4,958 m). From the pass, we descend slightly to our lunch spot near Pucacocha Lake.

After lunch, we continue hiking uphill to reach the Pucacocha Pass (5,000 m). From there, we descend for a couple of hours to our campsite at Ananta, where we spend the night in mountain huts. Along the way, you will enjoy glacier peaks, rivers, lakes, alpacas, llamas, and local herders, always accompanied by your guide.

• Elevation Gain: 884 m / 2,900 ft
• Elevation Loss: 567 m / 1,860 ft
• Walking Distance: 14 km / 8.68 miles
• Hiking Time: 8–9 hours (approx.)
• Trailhead Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,430 ft
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Campsite Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,400 ft
• Accommodation: Mountain Huts

Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Alqatari

You will be awakened at 4:00 am with coca tea. After breakfast, we begin hiking toward Surini Pass (5,051 m). From the pass, you will enjoy incredible views of colorful mountains and spot Rainbow Mountain in the distance.

We descend to Circle Lake and continue across the Peruvian highlands until reaching Rainbow Mountain around 8:00 am, before the crowds arrive. After enjoying the views, we hike downhill for about 2 hours to Alqatari, where we have lunch and dinner and spend the night in mountain huts.

• Elevation Gain: 665 m / 2,181 ft
• Elevation Loss: 872 m / 2,860 ft
• Walking Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles
• Hiking Time: 7 hours (approx.)
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Campsite Elevation: 4,420 m / 14,500 ft
• Accommodation: Shelter

Day 4: Alqatari – Palomani Pass – Quinsacocha – Surapampa

After breakfast, we begin hiking toward Palomani Pass (5,300 m), the highest point of the Ausangate trek. From the summit, you will enjoy breathtaking views of deep valleys, glaciers, and the mighty Ausangate Mountain, considered a sacred protector by local communities.

Along the trail, we encounter glaciers, bubbling streams, rivers, red lakes, chinchillas, alpacas, llamas, and local herders. After lunch at Huchuy Phinaya, we hike for another hour to Surapampa campsite, located near rocky areas where chinchillas are commonly seen.

• Elevation Gain: 785 m / 2,575 ft
• Elevation Loss: 693 m / 2,273 ft
• Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles
• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Highest Point: 5,099 m / 16,729 ft
• Campsite Elevation: 4,591 m / 15,062 ft
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Accommodation: Camping in Tents

• Includes
• Satellite Phone. Ausangate is a remote área where you will not find a signal so in case of emergency, our guide uses our satellite phone.
• Cabins for the first night, mountain huts for the second night, tents for the third day, and for the fourth night will be in tents too.
• English-speaking guide with radio communication.
• Pre depárture briefing which will be carried out in our Office 1 day prior to your departure.
• Portable private toilet tent.
• Dining room with seats in some campsites where you can rest after a long hike.
• Professional cook.
• Wake up tea. It can be Coca tea, Coffee, chocolate, or any type of tea.
• Mules which carry all of our trekking gear.
• 7 kilograms of your personal belongings.
• Large duffel bag provided by the company, for your 7 kg personal belongings.
• Wáter every day. We boil water and cool down to refill your bottle.
• Happy hour. Every afternoon our cook will prepare hot tea, and you will drink it with popcorn and biscuits.
• A cloth bag for your snack. When our Pureq Travel team went to clean the Aussangate área, we found a lot of plastic along the trail so we avoided using plastic.
• Snacks for every single day.
• Entrance fees to access private lands of the Ausangate area.
• Large Dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery, and kitchen tent.
• Tents to overnight. Three-person tents are provided for 2 people to provide you with plenty of space for personal gear.
• Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain.
• Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners with options for vegetarians, Pescatarian, gluten-free, lactose intolerance.
• Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.
• Foam Mattress.
• First aid kit. Every February our guides receive training about first aid kids. They carry in their backpack basic medications to face diarrhea, altitude sickness, any injuries, etc.
• A metal tank of Oxygen. Our guide will have a tank of oxygen at all times.
• Hygiene Product. We will provide you with a bowl a wáter and towel paper to clean your hands at every campsite.
• Plastic Poncho. When it rains a lot, your jacket will be very wet that’s why we give the plastic Poncho to protect you from the heavy rain.
• Rain cover for your backpack.

• Not Included
• Sleeping Bags. We rent a Mountain Hard Brand sleeping bag. It costs $25 for the entire trip.
• Trekking poles. We rent Black diamond hiking sticks. They cost $25 for the entire trip.
• Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be rented according to the needs of the individual and group.
• Voluntary Tips for Guide, Driver, and Cook.
• Travel Insurance.

INFO IMPORTANT:

• Our 5-day Ausangate trek will be closed from November 1st to March 31st due to safety concerns. On the second and third days of the trek, you cross two high mountain passes, and the second pass is crossed in the afternoon. During the rainy season, it’s dangerous to be on mountain tops in the afternoon because of the risk of lightning. If you still wish to hike the Ausangate during the rainy season, consider our 6-day trek option. With this itinerary, you’ll cross the mountain passes in the morning and hike through safer valleys in the afternoons.
• We expect the tour will run as the itinerary describes to Ausangate Trek 5 days. Participants should accept that there is the possibility of changes, being necessary liable to local conditions, e.g., strikes, or natural disasters.
• This tour is not recommended for children because the hike is difficult.
• If you have medical problems, you should consult your doctor and indicate that you want to or are planning a hike in the Peruvian Andes and the height is 5040 m (16,400 ft) above sea level. If you have medication, you must bring it with you to continue your treatment.
• Our second campsite is 3 hours  away from Rainbow Mountain so We have to wake at 3:30 am to beat the crowd in the Rainbow Mountain.
• This 5-day Ausangate trek to Rainbow Mountain is not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Our guide always oxygen tanks which are important as you get over 5040 meters/16,500 feet above sea level! Not all travel agencies offer this, so this is definitely something to look out for when choosing the best Ausangate tour operator.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• There is no access to a wheelchair for Ausangate trek 5 days.
• Our pick-up time changed to 5 am from September because the rainy season started and most of the time it rains in the afternoon so It is better to hike in the morning.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Make sure you are acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude before you set off on your hike to the Ausangate. This is by far the best insurance for a smooth and enjoyable trip. We recommend you spend at least 3 days in Cusco prior to the excursion.
• We recommend you to keep your iphone inside your sleeping bag and during the day in a warned place. Batteries tend to die due to cold.
• Bring 2 pairs of shoes, one for hiking and the other for the campsite.
• Make sure that your sleeping has a rating of -15 degrees celsius. We rent Mountain hard wear Brand and they are really good for the Ausangate area.
• The higher elevation also means colder, nearly freezing temperatures, so be prepared. If you decide to take Ausangate 5 day hike, make sure to wear very warm clothes.
• Sun glasses are a must. Sometimes it snow and the reflection of the snow damage our eyes and  you might get blind for about 24 hours.

DUFFLE BAG

We will give you a duffel bag at our office at the end of your briefing one day before your departure. Our horses will carry it and you will have access to them only at the campsites. Put in the duffle your clothes and other personal items that you won’t need hiking. Things like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and rain gear should be in your day pack. The duffel should weigh 7kg.

STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our Ausangate 5-day trek. We will do our best that your hike to Ausangate continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens the first day of your Ausangate 5-day hike, we will take you to the trailhead the night before your start date.

If the strike happens the day that you finish your Ausangate 5 days. We will send our vans to Pacchanta one night before your trip ends. So you will get the van at 05 pm because the strike is over after 5 pm. You will arrive at Cusco at 10 pm.

AUSANGATE WEATHER

The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in Ausangate is from April to October and the rainy season is from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in dry season or the sun from coming out in rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are hiking Ausangate trek, make sure that you get rain gear such as: a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves.

Ausangate weather changed in minutes. You might experience 4 season in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes. Be prepared with down jacket since the early morning and evening will be very cold.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you to get a travel insurance because if you cancel your Ausangate 5 day tour in a last-minute it can reimburse you for your prepaid money. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.

BEST TIME TO HIKE AUSANGATE.

The best time to hike Ausangate is from May to September which is the dry season here in Cusco región. So you will have a better chance of having a clear sky and you will see the Andes Mountains in its splendor. You can still hike in April, October, November, and December. But you need to have good rain gear. We don’t recommend hiking Ausangate in January and February because it rains heavily almost every day.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This hike is difficult because of the altitude, it’s highly recomeded to be in a good physical condition; The Ausangate trek elevation changes make the hike tough as there are 6 passes during your trek.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR SOLO TRAVELER

During the Ausangate trek 5 days, solo travelers will be paired to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a tent to themselves.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING

There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office one day before your departure to Ausangate at 6pm. You will meet your guide and He will give you detailed information about your trek, a list of what to bring, rental equipment or questions in general. Our office is located at: Marquez Street 250, Second Floor. Office 03. Cuzco, Peru.

TIPPING

Tipping is common on Ausangate trek 5 days. On the last day of the adventure, we will say goodbye our amazing horseman and profesional chefs. This is the time that you will give a tip for all of them please. Anything extra is always really appreciated. Please know that tipping is not Mandatory and that you should never feel forced into this.

Usually our customers pool their tipping money together for the chef and horsemen. For your tour guide, you tip once he/she will drop you off at your hotel. You decide the amount of money based on your experience with them. Soles is better for Our Horseman and Chefs. Guides can receive U.S. dollars or Soles without any problem.

• This is our recommendations below. Sometimes they receive more or less. It is in your heart.
• Tips could be for our porters:  60 – 80 soles per Horsemen.
• Tips could be for our Cooks: 80 – 120 soles per cook.

FAQ´S

How To Book The 5-Day Ausangate Trek With PuruqTravel?

To book the 5-day Ausangate trek with us, click the “BOOK NOW” button, choose your preferred departure date, and enter the personal details of each participant. The last step is payment, which can be made with a credit or debit card. To confirm your spot, you only need to pay a deposit.

On our booking platform, you will also see optional add-ons, such as an emergency horse, sleeping bag, and trekking poles. For the emergency horse, you will need to pay a deposit when booking your 5-day Ausangate trek. The sleeping bag and trekking poles can be arranged later and booked up to one day before departure at our office.

What About The Remaining Payment?

The remaining balance can be paid in cash (either USD or Peruvian soles) one day before your trip. You can also pay by credit or debit card, but a 5% service fee will apply. Please tell us your preferred payment method in advance.

Note: Cash payments must be made at least one day before the trip.

Is There A Student Discount?

Sorry, we do not offer a student discount for our 5-day Ausangate trek.

Are The 7 Lakes Of Ausangate Included In The 4-Day Trek?

Yes, the 7 lakes of Ausangate are included. You will visit them on the fifth day in the afternoon.

Can I Skip The First Upis Campsite And Camp Farther?

Yes, you can skip the Upis campsite and camp farther, but this is only recommended for experienced hikers who have done treks like Huaras, Salkantay, or the 4-day Inca Trail. If you choose this option, your pick-up time will still be 3:00 a.m. from Cusco.

Note: Please let us know in advance if you plan to skip the Upis campsite. Last-minute changes cannot be made.

Is The Red Valley Included In The 5-Day Ausangate Trek?

No, the Red Valley is not included in our 5-day Ausangate trek. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough time to visit it.

Do You Offer The Ausangate 5-Day Trek During The Rainy Season?

We don’t offer the 5-day Ausangate trek during the rainy season. Our treks are closed from December to March because it’s dangerous to cross mountain passes in the afternoon during this time. Lightning storms often happen in the afternoon during the rainy season.

Is Water Provided During The Hike?

Yes, we provide water three times a day—after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The water is filtered, boiled, and cooled before refilling your bottles to ensure it is safe to drink. We recommend bringing a 2-liter water bottle. On the first day, water is not available until lunchtime, so please bring 2 liters of water from Cusco for the morning part of the hike.

Can I Change My Departure Date After Booking?

Yes, you can change your departure date, but you must tell us at least 48 hours in advance. Last-minute changes are not allowed.

Do I Need To Bring My Passport For The Ausangate 5-Day Trek?

Bringing your passport is not required. However, if you want a Rainbow Mountain stamp in your passport, you’ll need to bring it. The stamp costs 5 soles.

What Are The Toilet Facilities Like?

There are no permanent toilets along the 5-day Ausangate trek. You will need to use natural areas, like behind rocks or grass. Please bring your own toilet paper and plastic bags to dispose of waste properly and keep the trail clean.

At each campsite, we provide a portable toilet for privacy and hygiene, making the trek more comfortable and eco-friendly.

How Many Kilometers Is The 5-Day Ausangate Trek?

The 5-day Ausangate trek covers about 74 kilometers (46 miles).

Are There Any Dangerous Animals On The Ausangate Trek?

Mountain lions live in the area, but they are very shy and avoid humans. Their population is small because locals often kill them to protect their alpacas and llamas. This makes mountain lions rare in the region.

Do I Need Travel Insurance For The Ausangate Trek?

Yes, travel insurance is very important. Evacuations or medical help can be expensive, but insurance will cover these costs. Since the trek reaches altitudes of 5,000 meters, make sure your insurance covers high-altitude activities.

How Many People Will Be In Our Group?

Our groups are small, with a maximum of 8 people.

Is There Electricity During The Ausangate Trek?

There is no electricity during the 5-day trek. Some local homes may have small solar panels from the government, but the electricity they produce is limited.

What Happens If I Get Sick During The Trek?

If you feel sick during the trek, our team will help you. We will take you to the nearest town, depending on where you are:

Day 1: We will take you to Tinki, the closest town, and then arrange transport to Cusco.

Day 2 and 3: We will take you to Alqatari village, the nearest evacuation point, and then arrange transport to Cusco.

Day 4 and 5: We will take you to Pacchanta, the nearest town, and then transport you back to Cusco.

How Many Days Should I Acclimatize Before The Ausangate 5-Day Tour?

You should spend at least three days getting used to the high altitude before starting the 5-day trek. The trek begins at 4,400 meters and goes up to 5,110 meters, which is very high. Proper acclimatization helps prevent altitude sickness and makes the trek more comfortable.

How Difficult Is The Rainbow Mountain 5-Day Trek?

The trek is challenging and requires good physical fitness. You will hike at altitudes above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), where breathing becomes harder due to thin air. The trail includes steep climbs, uneven paths, and difficult sections. While the distance isn’t very long, the high altitude, tough weather, and rugged terrain make it harder than regular hikes.

What Time Will We Reach The Rainbow Mountain Summit?

On Day 3, we will wake up at 3:30 AM and leave the campsite by 4:30 AM. The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, so we will arrive around 8:00 AM. If you hike faster, you’ll arrive earlier; if slower, you’ll arrive later.

Can I Stay In The Sacred Valley For My Ausangate Trek (5 Days)?

It’s not recommended to stay in the Sacred Valley before the trek because it is at a lower altitude than Cusco, so it won’t help you acclimatize. Instead, you can spend your first day in the Sacred Valley and then return to Cusco to prepare. If you choose to stay in the Sacred Valley, your pickup will be earlier (4:30 AM) and cost an extra $30.

Can I Rent A Horse At The Trailhead For The Ausangate 5-Day Trek?

No, horses are not available for rent at the trailhead because they are usually grazing far away in the mountains. It’s best to book a horse in advance to ensure one is available for your trek.

When Is The Best Time To Hike The Ausangate Trek (5 Days)?

The best time to hike the Ausangate Trek is during the dry season, from April to November, when the skies are clear, and you can fully enjoy the colorful landscapes. The rainy season, from December to March, brings cloudy weather, snow, and muddy trails, making the trek more challenging.

Is It Cold During The Ausangate 5-Day Hike?

Yes, it can get very cold, especially between June and August, with temperatures dropping to 2°C before sunrise and after sunset and as low as -10°C at night. During the day, it is warmer, ranging from 15°C to 20°C. In the rainy season, temperatures are milder but still cold during snowfall. Bring warm clothing for comfort.

Are There Any Age Restrictions For The 5-Day Ausangate Trek?

There are no strict age restrictions, but it is recommended for children aged 8 and above. The trek’s cold temperatures and risk of altitude sickness may be too difficult for younger children. If traveling with children, ensure they are warmly dressed and acclimatized by spending at least three days in Cusco beforehand.

How Far In Advance Should I Book The Ausangate Trek?

It is best to book the trek at least one week in advance. During the busy season (May to August), book at least one month ahead to secure a guide. If booking last minute, contact the organizers for possible availability.

Do I Need Extra Money For The Hike?

Yes, bring cash for the trek. You may need it for: Buying handmade items from locals on the first day. Purchasing snacks, drinks, and beer at Rainbow Mountain on the third day. Tipping the horseman, cook, and guide, though tipping is optional.

Can I Book A Private Tour Instead Of Joining A Group?

Yes, private tours can be arranged. Contact the organizers through their website for a customized quote.

Can I Charge My Devices During The 5-Day Trek?

No charging stations are available during the trek. Bring a fully charged portable power bank to keep your devices powered. Charging is only possible in the van, so plan accordingly.

Is The 5-Day Ausangate Trek Safe?

Yes, the trek is generally safe for well-prepared travelers. The high altitude (up to 5,040 meters or 16,535 feet) may cause altitude sickness, so acclimatize in Cusco for a few days beforehand. Proper fitness, gear, and hydration make the trails manageable.

Can I Still Join the Trek If I’m Afraid of Heights?

Yes, most of the trek has wide and safe paths. On the third day, after Warmisaya Pass, the trail narrows slightly, but it is not steep. Staying calm and focused will help you navigate this section. The paths on the fourth and fifth days are wide and not intimidating.

Can My 65-Year-Old Family Members Do This Trek?

For older travelers, the 4-day trek is recommended, as it is more moderate and manageable.

Can You Take Me To The Airport After The Trek?

Yes, airport drop-offs are available. Since the airport is on the way out of the city, you will be dropped off first for convenience.

Can I Rent A Horse Halfway Through The Trek?

No, horses are not available along the route. You must arrange for one in advance if needed.

Can I Rent A Horse For Just One Day?

No, local providers do not offer horses for a single day due to the effort involved in transporting them to the route.

Can I Rent Camping Gear In Cusco?

Yes, camping gear, including sleeping bags, can be rented in Cusco on Procuradores Street. Ensure the sleeping bag is suitable for temperatures as low as -15°C to stay warm in the cold conditions.