7-Day Ausangate Trek Itinerary

This trek is designed for very experienced and physically fit travelers. It includes full-day hikes lasting 8-9 hours, navigating mountainous terrain with some steep sections, and camping at extreme altitudes along remote mountain slopes, allowing for serene nights under the starry sky.

 Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis – Yana Qocha

We will be picked up at 4:30 a.m. at your hotel in Cusco and travel for three and a half hours to Upis. We will pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages. Upon arrival at Upis (4,350 m.a.s.l.), we will meet the local muleteers and horses. After breakfast, we will begin a gradual two-and-a-half-hour hike up the highland valley. Lunch at Pamparapa (4,600 m.a.s.l.), followed by a three-and-a-half-hour hike to the first camp, Yana Qocha (4,650 m.a.s.l.), with stunning views of Mount Ausangate.

 Day 2: Yana Qocha – Ananta – Qomer Qocha

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise. After breakfast, hike for an hour and a half on a gently sloping trail towards glacial lagoons and waterfalls, followed by an ascent to Puka Qocha Pass (5,000 m.a.s.l.). From the summit, panoramic views of Mount Ausangate and the lagoons. Descent for 30-45 minutes to the second camp, Qomer Qocha (4,680 m.a.s.l.).

 Day 3: Qomer Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Qocha

We will wake up early to explore the Rainbow Mountain and avoid the crowds. The uphill hike takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the famous mountain. After enjoying the views and learning about the uniqueness of the place, we will return to the camp, watching the llama farmers along the way. After resting, we will walk 3 hours to the third camp, Ausangate Qocha, for a snack and dinner.

 Day 4: Ausangate Qocha – Jhampa Pampa

We will start the day ascending for 3 hours to the Palomani Pass at 5,130 meters, with panoramic views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Then, we will descend into the valley for lunch and walk 2 more hours to the next camp at 4,700 meters. In the evening, we will enjoy tea and dinner.

 Day 5: Jhampa Pampa – Ninaparayoc

After breakfast, we begin the ascent to the Jhampa Pass at 5,060 m.a.s.l., enjoying stunning views of the Three Peaks and possibly spotting vicuñas and deer. We gradually descend between Mount Ausangate and the Twin Mountains for 2 hours to the last camp, Ninaparayoq, at 4,700 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, we have lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing.

 Day 6: Ninaparayoc – Pacchanta Village – Ollantaytambo Village – Machu Picchu Village

We wake up early, descend for 2 hours and 30 minutes to Pacchanta Village, the end of the Ausangate Trek. We enjoy the hot springs and last lunch. Then we drive 4 hours to Ollantaytambo, explore the village and finally take the train to Machu Picchu Village to spend the night.

 Day 7: Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Cusco

We wake up early, enjoy breakfast and board the first buses to the sanctuary. At Machu Picchu, your guide introduces you to the Sacred City, taking you to a privileged spot to witness the stunning sunrise over Machu Picchu. After a photography session, the guide gives you a 2-3 hour tour, exploring key areas and revealing the history, mysteries and Inca technology behind Machu Picchu. After the tour, you will have plenty of time to explore. If you have booked a climb to Wayna Picchu, you can ascend before or after the tour depending on availability. In the afternoon, take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, then the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where our transport awaits to return you to your hotel in Cusco. Meals, except breakfast, are not included. End of the adventure.

Included:

 Brief pre-departure briefing

 Hotel pick-up on the morning of the trek

 Transportation from the hotel to the Ausangate trek starting point

 Transportation from the village of Pacchanta to the Ollantaytambo train station

 Round-trip train ticket

 Bus rides to and from Machu Picchu

 Entrance to Machu Picchu

 1 night hotel stay in Machu Picchu village

 Transportation from the train station to the hotel

 Camping equipment for 5 nights (shared by two people per tent)

 Other Camping Equipment: Dining tent with table and chairs, and a kitchen tent, attended by a professional kitchen team

 Foam sleeping mat, pillows, thermal blankets

 Professional local tour guide

 Meals: Breakfast (6), Lunch (6), Dinner (5) and snacks

 Professional Quechua Chef

 Horses to carry food, equipment and your personal items weighing 8kg/10lb 16 pounds

 Oxygen tank

 Emergency horse in case of difficulties

 Boiled water daily on the trek

 Entrance fees to the Ausangate trail and Rainbow Mountain

 All taxes included

Not included:

 Flights

 Hotel before/after the trek

 Hot springs entrance fee on the trek

 Rentals (available for rent): Sleeping bag ($20), Inflatable air mattress ($15), Hiking poles (Pair) ($15)

 Dinner on day 6, and lunch and dinner on day 7

 Extra expenses during the trek, such as soft drinks, beverages Alcoholic beverages and additional snacks

 Tips for your guide(s) and trek staff (optional but highly recommended)

 Trip interruption and medical/evacuation insurance (required)

• Trip interruption/cancellation insurance
• Insurance to protect your travel investment
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance
• Emergency medical expense insurance

 Any unexpected situation beyond the operator’s control, including changes in train or flight schedules, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections, etc., must be covered by the tour operator. be covered by the passenger.

 In case of physical health reasons that prevent you from continuing the trek and require emergency evacuation, all related charges will be borne by the passenger.

Tour Essentials

 A small, good quality backpack.

 Waterproof hiking boots.

 Long sleeved shirts for sunburn protection.

 Trekking poles.

 Lightweight backpack with a change of clothes for the entire trek.

 Hiking pants.

 Warm sleeping bag.

 Warm clothing: jacket, fleece, gloves, scarf, and hat. Thermal clothing is recommended, especially for sleeping.

 Gloves/mittens, scarf, wool socks, wool hat for cold nights.

 Several pairs of hiking socks.

 Small, quick-drying towel.

 Comfortable shoes for camping.

 Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruit, muesli, etc.

 Cash for snacks, tips and souvenirs.

 Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.

 Personal toiletries.

 Hand sanitizer.

 Wet wipes.

 Toothbrush/toothpaste.

 Personal medications (if necessary): Sanitizer, aspirin, stomach tablets, altitude sickness medication, etc.

 Optional: Water purification tablets. Boiled water is provided along the way, along with purchased water bottles.

 Optional: Swimwear for hot springs.

 Optional: Battery charger (no power outlets along the way).