The Ausangate Trek is much more than a hike; it’s an immersion into the majesty of the Peruvian Andes. If you’re looking for a challenge that takes you beyond the conventional, among dreamlike landscapes, towering glaciers, and lagoons of impossible colors, then this is your next destination.
In this ultimate guide, we will unveil all the secrets of one of Peru’s most spectacular and least explored routes: the Ausangate Trek Peru. From what to pack to the best tips for acclimatizing to the altitude, we’re here to accompany you every step of this unforgettable journey.
What is Ausangate?
Hidden among the Andean mountains of Cusco rises the imposing and famous Ausangate snow-capped mountain (the fifth highest mountain in Peru), admired not only for its natural beauty but also for the significant meaning it holds in the Andean worldview. During your trip to this mountain on the Ausangate mountain trek, you can witness unique sunsets and turquoise lagoons that reflect the sky, becoming an unforgettable memory.

Imagine standing face to face with the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco.
What is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude hike among the Peruvian mountains near Cusco, with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level. Unlike most other hikes in the region, it’s not about visiting Inca archaeological sites; instead, it’s about stunning landscapes: snow-capped peaks, glaciers, colorful mountains, and lakes. So if you’re a nature lover, this Peru Ausangate Trek is for you.

Ancient trails you will walk among the mountains.
General Information
Where is Ausangate?
Ausangate is located in the Andes mountain range, specifically in the Vilcanota mountain range, southwest of the Cusco region, in the province of Quispicanchi.
Altitude of Ausangate Trek
The route of the Ausangate trek altitude ranges from 4,200 meters (13,779 feet) to 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. Some altitude highlights include:

An adventure in the heart of the Andes.
What is the highest point of Ausangate?
The highest peak of this impressive mountain rises to about 6,384 meters (20,945 feet) above sea level; however, during the Ausangate trek adventure, the maximum point you will reach is 5,210 meters (17,093 feet) at the Palomani Pass (slopes of the Ausangate mountain).

Imagine hiking an Andean trail and getting up close to the highest snow-capped mountain in Cusco.
How difficult is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate trek difficulty is considered difficult to challenging, especially days 2 and 3 of the tour are the most demanding, as during these days you will face ascending trails. Although it’s true that the distances walked per day are not that long.
Where does the Ausangate Trek start and end?
If we speak strictly about the hike, it begins after relaxing in the hot springs of Pacchanta heading towards our first campsite at Pachaspata and ends in the morning of the last day upon reaching the community of Upis.
Regarding the tour, remember that with Waman Adventures, it starts with the pickup at your hotel door and ends likewise with the return to it, to guarantee your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Is the Ausangate Trek dangerous?
No. If you’re wondering how hard is Ausangate trek, although the tour to Ausangate is classified as challenging, it is not considered a dangerous route, as it is currently fully adapted to be traveled by travelers of all ages. On the other hand, it should be considered that, like any outdoor activity, the ausangate trek is subject to unpredictable weather, so cancellations could occur due to possible landslides or heavy rain, all in order to safeguard the traveler’s integrity.
Note: Remember that to make your trip even safer, you should follow the norms and advice of the professionals, thus avoiding taking other routes or straying from the group.
Weather Conditions and Seasons
What is the weather like in Ausangate?
Being a snow-capped mountain and the highest peak in the Cusco region, generally the ausangate trek weather you will experience is frigid and windy, with temperatures dropping below 5°C (41°F) at night and during the day it can reach up to 20°C (68°F). However, we must consider that the weather is subject to changes depending on the season (dry or wet).

Bring your best camera and capture dreamlike scenarios.
Rainy Season in Ausangate: What to Expect?
Also known as the rainy season, although rainfall is not usually too intense and it rarely rains all day, it’s predominant to be properly prepared to face any rain or intense sun, as the weather is always unpredictable.
Therefore, we remind you to always carry a poncho or waterproof jacket, especially if you will do the ausangate trek in the months of January and February, known as the rainiest months and with the lowest influx of travelers (low season).
Dry Season in Ausangate: What to Expect?
During this season, you can enjoy sunny and clear days, which will allow you to get the best views of the most incredible Andean landscapes and, on the other hand, remember that it is during this season that the number of visitors increases, so you should book your adventure in advance.

Capture photos free of tourist crowds.
What is the best time to do the Ausangate Trek?
In general terms, it is highly recommended to do the Ausangate Trek or other trails during the months of April to October (dry season), as being months with little presence of rains and more stable weather, they will allow you to travel the route calmly and with little probability of weather complications.
On the other hand, if you are a nature fan and have no problems with the presence of rains, you could do this trek in the months of November to October and in March, since the flora and fauna are at their peak, you can appreciate it and photograph it more easily.
Note: Remember that to determine more precisely the best time for you to climb Ausangate, you must consider some data such as your travel objectives and companions (seniors/children), photography, etc.
Physical and Mental Preparation
Do you need to train for the Ausangate Trek?
The answer is yes, it is highly recommended that you can perform physical training, doing sports activities like running or swimming, which will help you gain cardiovascular and muscular endurance.
And if possible, we encourage you to do outdoor activities like mountaineering, so you can get to know about the activities carried out during these expeditions. Allowing you to gain experience and knowledge that will be of great support to do the ausangate trek.

Prepare your body and mind to conquer this hidden route in the Andes.
How long does it take to acclimate in Cusco for the Ausangate Trek?
There is no set time to acclimatize before doing the Ausangate Trek, as each traveler is different; however, we recommend spending 2 to 3 days in the city of Cusco doing small tours that will help speed up your acclimatization.
Also, keep in mind that proper nutrition and hydration will be essential for your acclimatization to be successful and, on the other hand, avoid consuming alcohol or heavy meals, as apart from interfering with your adaptation, it could cause general discomfort that in extreme cases would ruin your expedition to the ausangate trek.
Essential Packing
What to pack for Ausangate?
Since this adventure takes place at elevations above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) heading towards a snow-capped mountain, it is essential that you pack items that help you overcome challenges like icy winds, intense sun, and cold nights. For which it is indispensable to refer to an Ausangate trek packing list and carry the following:

Don’t forget to bring a backpack sized 50 to 65 liters.
What to bring on the Ausangate Trek?
It is also important to detail that there are additional items you can bring according to your needs and that will provide you with extra support for enjoying your adventure on the ausangate trek.

These additional items serve to provide extra comfort for your adventure.
Reservations, Permits, and Accommodation
Can you do the Ausangate Trek without a guide?
In practical terms, is it possible to do Ausangate trek without a guide? Yes, you can do the Ausangate Trek without guide; however, it is recommended to do it only if you already have some mountaineering experience and great physical condition, as remember that all the necessary implements (tents, food, etc.) will be carried by you.
Therefore, the main recommendation is to do it with a legal and experienced travel agency like Waman Adventures, so that you have the confidence and safety that your experience will be the best, having at your service the best professionals and the most modern equipment.
Do I need permits to do the Ausangate Trek?
No, currently no special permit is required to do the ausangate trek, making it easier to organize an excursion to this destination.
How to book the Ausangate Trek?
To book your adventure on the Ausangate trek tour, the first thing you should know is that you don’t need to do it several months in advance, as this trail is not very well known, so the influx of travelers is low; however, doing it 1 to 2 months in advance ensures availability and control over planning.
- Request information about the tour and your ideal travel date.
- Once the date is agreed, make the required payment (according to the agency’s policies), considering the Ausangate trek cost and Ausangate trek price.
- Ready, now you just have to prepare physically and mentally to embark on this great adventure.
Accommodation and food on the Ausangate Trek
On your own: In case you choose this option, remember that you must carry with you the tents and necessary food for the days of the trek; in case you don’t bring them and require accommodation and food, there are areas where locals offer some simple rooms that are subject to the availability of the season. It’s also crucial to have an Ausangate trek map to navigate the route safely.

The tent is something you have to bring to Ausangate if you go on your own.
Note: Regarding food and accommodation, you should keep in mind that it is a bit complex to find this service during the trek, as the infrastructure is not yet well established for tourism.
Summary of the Ausangate Trek 5 Days Tour with Rainbow Mountain
To give you an idea of how this adventure is experienced, we bring you a summary of the Ausangate Trek 5 days most offered by travel agencies in Cusco, so you have a reference about the activities, duration, and difficulty of this trekking route.
Day by Day on the Ausangate Trek
DÍA 1: Cusco – Tinki – Pajchanta – 7 Lagoons – Pachaspata
Very early at approximately 7:00 am, the private transport will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to start a trip to Pajchanta that lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. A place where you will relax in the hot springs of Pajchanta and, once midday arrives, enjoy the delicious dishes prepared by the chef in charge to regain energy and start the hike to the Pachaspata campsite, where you will spend the first night.
DÍA 2: Pachaspata – Jhampa Pass – Jhampa Pampa – Huchuy Phinaya
You will wake up with a hot drink of coca, coffee, or tea, then have a varied breakfast and start the hike towards the first highest point of the trek, the Jhampa Pass (5,010 meters/16,437 feet), where you can take impressive photographs of panoramic landscapes and the area’s nature, which once overcome, you will enjoy the second lunch in Jhampa Pampa, and finally continue the hike to the Huchuy Phinaya campsite, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
DÍA 3: Huchuy Phinaya – Palomani Pass – Ausangate Qocha – Ananta
After breakfast, you will start the hike to the highest point of the entire route, the imposing Palomani Pass (5,210 meters/17,093 feet), which will be your biggest challenge of the entire tour, then be rewarded with a lunch at Ausangate Qocha and continue arriving at the Ananta (Auqui) campsite.
DÍA 4: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Ananta – Chillca Pass – Yanacocha
At approximately 6:00 am, we will start the hike to the Rainbow Mountain, which after about 2 hours of trekking, we will finally reach the famous Rainbow Mountain, an iconic place where you can take photos, enjoy its beautiful landscapes, and then start the return to the Ananta campsite to enjoy your fourth lunch. This day highlights the Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trek, a must-do experience.
After a rest, you will begin the second part of the hike, reaching the Chillca Pass or Condor Pass and finally the Yanacocha campsite, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
DÍA 5: Yanacocha – Arapa Pass – Upis – Cusco.
Today stands out for a special breakfast and the arrival at the community of Upis, where before your last lunch, you can relax in the thermal medicinal waters of Upis, then enjoy your last lunch with the team that accompanied you during all these days, thus giving an emotional farewell to the entire expedition team.
Then return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 6 pm and ending this very special and exclusive tour.
Experience on the Ausangate Trek
Mystical Tourism on the Ausangate Trek
Mystical tourism is a new alternative if it is possible to have a deeper and spiritual experience during the ausangate trek, but for this, we must keep in mind that not all agencies offer this service, so it will be very important that you consider the reliability of the services to be hired, the company’s track record, and also be up to date with medical control, as having good health will allow you to be safer and fit to carry out this endearing experience.
Remember that this is the highest altitude route in Cusco, so if you want to incorporate a deeper experience, you should have strict control over your health status, adequate acclimatization, and good nutrition during your stay in Cusco.

Due to its special location, the place offers the opportunity to connect and live a more mystical experience.
Andean Culture
During the ausangate trek, you can meet different Andean communities that still preserve their culture and traditions, among which the religious festivity of the famous Qoyllur Rit’i stands out, an immense festival that is celebrated in May and June. In which more than 10,000 pilgrims head towards the Apu Ausangate, accompanied by traditional dances, masses, processions, and much more.
Landscapes of the Ausangate Trek
Get your camera ready and discover all the impressive views that only the Ausangate Trek can offer you. Throughout your journey, you can observe different places such as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, and mountains (Rainbow Mountain). So every step taken will be a great opportunity for exclusive and unique photography for your memories.

These are some of the different places you will pass on the Ausangate Trek.
Flora and Fauna of the Ausangate Trek
The trekking through Ausangate offers a unique experience not only for its impressive landscapes but also for its diverse flora and fauna that inhabits this region of the Peruvian Andes. Below, we describe some of the most outstanding elements:
Flora:
- Cacti and succulents: In rocky areas, cacti and succulent plants withstand extreme temperatures and offer a colorful contrast in the landscape.
- Yareta: It is a shrub adapted to the extreme conditions of high altitudes. Its appearance is similar to a green, compact cushion and is an important food source for animals in the area.
- Ichu: A type of tall grass that grows in the high areas of the Andes. It is a key source of food for livestock grazing in the region.

Enjoy a diverse and colorful flora on this Andean route.
Fauna:
- Vicuña: This is the most emblematic mammal of the region. It is a species of wild camelid that is endangered. Its wool is highly valued and is a symbol of Andean fauna.
- Puma: Although it is difficult to spot due to its shy and elusive nature, the puma inhabits the Ausangate mountains. It is the main predator in the region.
- Andean Condor: This majestic bird of prey is one of the largest in the world. You may be lucky enough to observe them gliding over the mountain peaks while exploring the trek.

Watch your surroundings carefully and capture the animal diversity.
Practical Tips
Health and Safety
During your visit to the different villages and archaeological centers, you should keep in mind the following recommendations to enjoy a complete, safe, and informative experience:
- Don’t separate: Stay with your guide and travel group, so you can enjoy all the explanations and not miss any details. Remember that your guide will give you a reasonable time to take souvenir photos and explore some places.
- Consume your food and drinks properly: We don’t mean to restrict your snacks and water, but remember to do it in moderation, as overeating could cause dizziness or stomach discomfort.
- Prepare your camera: During your entire journey, you will be able to observe different natural environments and unique landscapes, so it’s ideal to have your cell phone or camera at hand and capture all possible scenarios.
- Always have your protective gear with you: Remember that this is a trip exposed to nature, so intense sun, rain, or winds are always lurking, for which you should always be ready with sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, windbreaker/warm jacket, and good trekking shoes.
Rules of Conduct and Respect
During your adventure on the Ausangate Trek, it is very important that you respect the rules of the place, keeping in mind the recommendations of your guide in charge, as remember that you are in a place of great cultural value for humanity, so infringing and damaging any part could lead to severe penalties.
- Only walk the permitted trail; this recommendation is mainly for those travelers who have decided to go on their own.
- Respect the signage, there are places you cannot access, especially for safety reasons.
- Camp carefully. In case you want to spend a night, do it in the designated area and do not light a campfire.

Safety is a fundamental part of the travel experience.
Recommendations to Minimize Environmental and Cultural Impact
We know that food and hydration during the tour are vital, however, we ask that you do not leave your waste on the hiking trail, hot springs, or lakes you will visit, so that we can achieve adequate care of this beautiful trekking route, thus generating the least environmental impact.
- Use reusable containers, you can carry water and food in thermoses and food containers, to ensure you don’t leave them scattered on the ground.
- Avoid bringing speakers, flora and fauna abound during the tour and noise pollution could have a negative impact on the environment.
In Conclusion… Is the Ausangate Trek Worth It?
Absolutely! Especially for those adventure seekers who love challenges, spectacular nature, and a deeper connection with the landscapes of the Peruvian Andes that only the Ausangate Trek route can offer you, with important points to highlight such as:
- Impressive landscapes: The trekking through Ausangate takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Andes, including snow-capped mountains, vibrant colored lagoons, deep valleys, and majestic glaciers. Each step offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
- Local culture: During the trekking, you will have the opportunity to interact with local communities living in the mountains, learning about their lifestyle, customs, and traditions. This provides an authentic and enriching cultural experience.
- Physical and mental challenge: The ausangate trek is a challenging hike that requires good physical condition and endurance. Overcoming the obstacles of the terrain and altitude can be a rewarding experience that takes you beyond your physical and mental limits.
- Encounter with flora and fauna: The route offers the opportunity to observe a variety of flora and fauna unique to the region, including species like the vicuña, the Andean condor, and endemic plants of the Andes.
- Adventure and connection with nature: Exploring the Ausangate trek, with the guidance of an experienced ausangate trek guide, allows you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the mountains. An experience that will allow you to strengthen your spiritual connection and likewise achieve a change from the depth of your being.
Note: If you still have doubts about whether to do the Ausangate Trek or the Inca Trail, we invite you to learn the key differences between these two impressive routes.