Ausangate Classic Trekking
DURATION:
4 Days
LOCATION:
Cusco
AVAILABILITY:
Every day
PHYSICAL LEVEL:
Moderate
4,750 m.a.s.l.
Overview
The 4-day Ausangate adventure, encompassing the Seven Lakes, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), and Red Valley, is a challenging yet profoundly rewarding experience in the heart of the Andes. This trek offers a compact version of the traditional Ausangate circuit and is ideal for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness, majestic glaciers, and stunning geology of this region, including three of its most iconic natural attractions.
Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco - Tinki - Pacchanta - Pacchispata
➡️ We begin by picking you up from your hotel to travel along the Interoceanic Highway towards Tinki (3 hours), where we will make a brief stop before continuing for another 40 minutes to Pacchanta, meeting point with our cook and muleteer.
➡️ In Pacchanta, you’ll have one last chance to pack your things before starting the hike. We’ll ascend gently through Andean landscapes until, after 2 hours, we reach Azulqocha Lagoon, known for its turquoise waters and the breathtaking view of the Ausangate mountain. Here we’ll enjoy lunch.
➡️ After that, we’ll continue for another hour to Pachispata (4620 m), where our first campsite is located. The team will set up the tents, and you can rest.
➡️ To end the day, our chef will prepare a pleasant “happy hour” for the group.
Day 02: Pacchispata - Phinaya - Palomani Pass - Ausangate Qocha
➡️ The day begins with a hot coca tea and an energetic breakfast before starting the ascent to the Qampa Pass, at 5000 m.
➡️ Next, we’ll descend to Uchuy Phinaya, an Andean community where you can see llamas and alpacas—perfect for taking photos. We’ll have lunch near a stream.
➡️ In the afternoon, we’ll hike for 3 hours to Palomani Pass (5210 m), with views of Chocolate Lagoon and Andean wildlife. At the summit, the guide will perform a brief ceremony to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
➡️ Finally, we will descend for about an hour and a half to the camp at Ausangate Qocha, overlooking the south face of the mountain. We will spend the second night here.
Day 03: Ausangate Qocha - Anantapata - Wamisaya Pass - Suriniqocha
➡️ We begin with a gentle climb towards Anantapata, passing local families and landscapes dotted with llamas and alpacas. After about 3 hours, we’ll reach the lunch spot overlooking the Alccatauri Valley.
➡️ Then we continue the climb to Warmisaya Pass (5100 m), from where you can see Rainbow Mountain again.
➡️ Finally, we descend for 1 hour to Suriniqocha, where our camp is located, and we will enjoy tea and time to rest before dinner.
Day 04: Suriniqocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
➡️ Very early, after an energizing breakfast, we’ll begin our hike to Rainbow Mountain. In about 2 hours, we’ll reach the viewpoint (5100 m), where you can appreciate its colors and take photos before the arrival of more visitors.
➡️ Then we will continue towards the impressive Red Valley, a unique landscape that seems otherworldly.
➡️ Finally, we will descend to the lunch spot, where our transport will be waiting to take us back to Cusco.
Included
✅ Information session
✅ Professional guide
✅ Ausangate National Park entrance fees
✅ Camp accommodations
✅ Private transportation
✅ Pack and emergency horses
✅ Personal duffel bag
✅ Portable toilet tents
✅ First aid kit
✅ Full meals
✅ Filtered and boiled water
Not Incluyed
❌ Sleeping bag
❌ Rainbow Mountain entrance fee
❌ Red Valley entrance fee
❌ Trekking poles
❌ First breakfast
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Tips for the team
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Recommendations
🪪 Passport
🎓 Valid student ID (if you booked as a student)
🛬 Immigration card (given on the plane upon arrival in Peru)
🎒 Small daypack (the lighter, the better)
💧 Water reservoir/Camelbak (2–3 liter capacity)
🥾 Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight and with good soles)
🦯 Trekking poles
🎒 FOR YOUR TRAVEL BAG:
🐎 The horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal belongings (including sleeping bag and inflatable mattress, approx. 3 kg).
👕 2–3 breathable T-shirts
👖 2–3 pairs of hiking pants
🩲 2–3 sets of underwear
🧥 1 fleece
🧣 1 warm down jacket (it gets cold at night)
🌧️ 1 waterproof jacket and pants
🧢 1 sun hat
🧶 1 wool hat
🩱 Swimsuit (for hot springs)
🧻 Small towel
🔦 Headlamp (essential)
🧤 Waterproof gloves
👡 Comfortable shoes or sandals for camping
🥾 Hiking boots
🌦️ Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
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