Overview of the 7-Day Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate trek and Machu Picchu itinerary offer a unique opportunity to explore Peru’s iconic landscapes, allowing adventurers to experience the beauty of the Ausangate trek without the usual trail crowds. The journey takes you into the remote and untouched wilderness of the Ausangate circuit, featuring the must-see Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). As one of the first to embark on this trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes, craggy peaks, vibrant colored hills, and conquer Machu Picchu on quiet trails through seldom-visited ranges. The adventure starts in the town of Upis, leading you through highland vistas, encounters with rare Andean alpacas, llamas, and birds, and showcases stunning natural elements such as snow-dusted mountains, glacier peaks, shimmering lakes, and breathtaking vistas over the course of the 7-day trek.

Lodging:

Five nights of camping facilities are provided along the Ausangate Trek. We utilize four-person tents, which are shared by only two individuals and equipped with a one-inch thick foam mattress pad and a pillow. Therma-Rest and sleeping bags are available upon request. Additionally, one night is spent in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes Town/Machu Picchu Pueblo at either Cabaña Hotel Machu Picchu or Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (double occupancy with amenities such as hot showers, a private bath, and breakfast included).

Acclimatization:

In light of the high altitude, we strongly recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Cusco before undertaking our 7-Day Ausangate Trek Plus Rainbow Mountain Experience to Machu Picchu.

Activities:

The itinerary involves hiking/trekking, camping, as well as archaeological and cultural adventures.

Ausangate Trek 7-Day Itinerary

This trek is tailored 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 pick you 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 start hiking gradually ascending for two and a half hours through the highland valley. Lunch at Pamparapa (4,600 m.a.s.l.), followed by a three and a half hour hike to the first campsite, Yana Qocha (4,650 m.a.s.l.), with impressive views of Ausangate Mountain.

Day 2: Yana Qocha – Ananta – Qomer Qocha

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise. After breakfast, one and a half hour hike on a gently sloping trail to glacial lakes and waterfalls, followed by an ascent to the Puka Qocha Pass (5,000 m.a.s.l.). From the summit, panoramic views of Ausangate mountain and lagoons. Descent of 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 Colors Mountain and avoid the crowds. The hike uphill 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 camp, observing llama farmers along the way. After resting, we will walk 3 hours to the third camp, Ausangate Qocha, for snack and dinner.

Day 4: Ausangate Qocha – Jhampa Pampa

We will start the day ascending 3 hours to the Palomani Pass at 5,130m, with panoramic views of the Cordillera Vilcanota. Then, we will descend to the valley for lunch and hike 2 more hours to the next campsite at 4,700m. 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 impressive views of the Three Peaks and possibly spotting vicuñas and deer. We descend gradually between Ausangate Mountain and the Two Twin Mountains for 2 hours to the last campsite, 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 the village of Pacchanta, the end of the Ausangate Trek. We enjoy the hot springs and the last lunch. Then we drive 4 hours to Ollantaytambo, explore the village and finally take the train to Machu Picchu village for the night.

Day 7: Guided Tour at Machu Picchu – Cusco

We rise early, enjoy breakfast, and board the first buses to the sanctuary. At Machu Picchu, your guide introduces you to the Sacred City, leading you to a prime location for witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu. Following a photography session, the guide provides a 2-3 hour tour, exploring key areas and revealing the history, mysteries, and Inca technology behind Machu Picchu. After the tour, you have ample time to explore. If you’ve booked a climb to Wayna Picchu, you can ascend before or after the tour based on availability. In the afternoon, take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, then the train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, where our transportation awaits to return you to your Cusco hotel. Meals, except breakfast, are not included. End of the adventure.

Included:

• Pre-Departure briefing
• Hotel pick-up on the morning of the trek
• Transportation from the hotel to the Ausangate trek trailhead
• Transportation from Pacchanta town to Ollantaytambo train station
• Round-trip train ticket
• Bus rides to and from Machu Picchu
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• 1 night hotel stay in Machu Picchu town
• Transportation from the train station to the hotel
• Camping equipment for 5 nights (shared by two people per tent)
• Other camping gear: dining tent with table and chairs, and a kitchen tent, staffed by a professional cooking team
• Sleeping foam mattress, pillows, warm blankets
• Professional local tour guide
• Meals: Breakfast (6), lunch (6), dinner (5), and snacks
• Professional Quechua chef
• Horses to carry food, equipment, and your 8 kg / 16 pounds personal items
• Oxygen tank
• Emergency horse in case of struggles
• Boiled water daily on the trek
• Entrance tickets to the Ausangate trail and Rainbow Mountain
• All taxes included

Not Included:

• Flights
• Hotel before/after the trek
• Entrance to hot springs on the trail
• Rentals (available for rent): Sleeping Bag ($20), Inflatable Air Mattress ($15), Walking Sticks (Pair) ($15)
• Dinner on day 6, and lunch and dinner on day 7
• Extra expenses during the trek, such as soda, alcoholic drinks, and extra snacks
• Tips for your guide(s) and trek staff (optional but highly encouraged)
• Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
  • Insurance to protect your travel investment
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Emergency medical expense insurance
• Any unexpected situations beyond the operator’s control, including changes in scheduling trains or flights, delays, strikes, cancellations, missed connections, etc., should be covered by the passenger.
• In case of physical health reasons preventing you from continuing the trek and requiring emergency evacuation, all related charges will be at the passenger’s expense.

What to bring:

• A good-quality, small daypack.
• Waterproof hiking boots.
• Long-sleeved shirts for sunburn protection.
• Trekking poles.
• Light daypack with a change of clothes for the entire trek.
• Hiking pants.
• Warm sleeping bag.
• Warm clothing: jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf, and beanie. Thermal clothing is recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Gloves/mittens, scarf, wool socks, woolen hat for cold nights.
• Several pairs of hiking socks.
• Small, quick-drying towel.
• Comfortable shoes for campsites.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Cash for snacks, tips, and souvenirs.
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
• Personal toiletry items.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toothbrush/toothpaste.
• Personal medications (if necessary): Disinfectant, aspirin, stomach tablets, altitude sickness medicine, etc.
• Optional: Water purifying tablets. Boiled water provided on the trail, along with purchased bottles of water.
• Optional: Bathing clothes for hot springs.
• Optional: Battery charger (no outlets on the trail).