Ausangate Trek 5 Days: Epic Andes Route

Cusco – Ocongate – Upis – Huayna Ausangate Lagoon

Your adventure begins early when we pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco. We travel in our private tourist transport through changing highland landscapes, passing Ocongate, until reaching the alpine community of Upis. Here, you’ll meet your expert trekking crew, organize your gear, and enjoy a hearty breakfast before hit the trail.

We hike across wide, scenic plains with Mount Ausangate standing directly in front of us. After arriving at the Upis hot springs field, we gather for a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, we tackle a steady hike up to the striking Huayna Ausangate Lagoon. We settle into our high camp near the massive ice walls and enjoy a warm dinner before resting.

▪ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Difficulty: Moderate

Upis – Arapa Pass – Yanacocha – Hatun Pucacocha

We start with an early breakfast to fuel our mountain push. Today’s hike leads us up a stunning valley toward the formidable Arapa Pass. Keep your eyes on the skies, as this is an excellent area to spot the majestic Andean Condor soaring above the ridges.

After conquering the pass, we descend into a lake basin, hiking alongside the crystal-clear waters of Yanacocha Lagoon and the massive shores of Hatun Pucacocha. We arrive at our campsite just in time for a warm lunch. The afternoon is spent exploring the lakeshores and learning about local flora and fauna, always under the watchful eye of the glaciers.

▪ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Difficulty: Moderate

Hatun Pucacocha – Ausangate Cocha – Palomani Pass – Sorapata

Following another delicious breakfast, we push forward to the Ausangate Pass for breathtaking panoramas. We drop down down to the edge of Ausangate Cocha Lagoon for lunch surrounded by stark alpine beauty.

In the afternoon, we conquer the highest point of our route: the massive Palomani Pass (5,200 m). The effort rewards you with unparalleled views of the Vilcanota range. From there, we descend into the small, traditional community of Huchuy Phinaya to spend time with local families, learning firsthand about their ancestral customs and life in the clouds. We wrap up our challenging day at our peaceful camp in Sorapata.

▪ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Difficulty: Challenging

Sorapata – Jampa Pass – Seven Lakes Circuit – Pacchanta

We spend the morning hiking through spectacular glacial valleys, ascending steadily toward Jampa Pass. Be sure to keep your camera close; this stretch features unmatched opportunities for landscape photography.

As we descend from the pass, we enter the famous Seven Lakes Circuit (Siete Lagunas), marveling at their deep shades of blue, turquoise, and green. Here, we take part in a small, respectful Andean ceremony to honor Mother Earth (Pachamama). We finish our trekking day in Pacchanta village, spending a relaxing afternoon soaking our tired muscles in the natural medicinal hot springs.

▪ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

▪ Difficulty: Moderate

Pacchanta – Tinke Marketplace – Return to Cusco

Our final day balances relaxation with cultural closure. You can enjoy an extra, quiet morning dip in the medicinal hot springs of Pacchanta. Afterward, we hike a final gentle stretch or drive toward the community of Tinke, where we spend time exploring local life and saying a warm goodbye to our dedicated horsemen, cooks, and field team.

After a celebratory final lunch, our private vehicle picks us up for a smooth journey back to the highlands. We arrive back in Cusco city, dropping you off directly at your hotel accommodation at approximately 6:00 p.m.

▪ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
▪ Difficulty: Easy