TREKKING ALTERNATIVE Ausangate Trek 7 Days
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the 7-day Ausangate trek to Machu Picchu, where you will discover the captivating beauty of the rugged highlands in the Ausangate region, traversing snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and encountering wildlife, while relaxing in hot springs and marveling at the stunningly colored mountains. This remarkable trek, which stretches along the sacred peak of Ausangate (6,385 m/20,948 ft) to the impressive “Lost City of the Incas,” including the Rainbow Mountains, represents the ultimate program, offering the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the authentic Andean experience, with ample free time to wander and explore the beauty of the Andes, while following the Peruvian desert road along the base of Cusco's highest and snow-capped peak, guaranteeing a peaceful and unspoiled trekking experience. rush.
Itinerary
Day 1: cusco – tinqui – upis – yana qocha
We will be picked up at 4:30 a.m. from 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 in Upis (4,350 m.a.s.l.), we will meet the local muleteers and horses. After breakfast, we will begin a gradual hike, ascending for two and a half hours through the highland valley. Lunch will be served in Pamparapa (4,600 m), followed by a three and a half hour hike to the first campsite, Yana Qocha (4,650 m), with stunning views of Mount Ausangate.
Included in the day:
- Brief pre-departure briefing.
- Hotel pickup on the morning of the trek.
- Transportation from the hotel to the Ausangate trek starting point.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Statistics of the day:
- Travel time: 3.5 hours by shuttle.
- Altitude: Starts in Cusco (3,400 m.a.s.l.) and reaches Yana Qocha (4,650 m.a.s.l.).
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 to glacial lagoons and waterfalls, followed by an ascent to Puka Qocha Pass (5,000 m). From the summit, panoramic views of Mount Ausangate and the lagoons. A 30-45 minute descent will take you to the second camp, Qomer Qocha (4,680 m.a.s.l.).
Included in the day:
- Camping equipment for 5 nights (shared by two people per tent).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Statistics of the day:
- Hiking time: 3 hours (1.5 hours of ascent and 30-45 minutes of descent).
- Altitude: From Yana Qocha (4,650 m.a.s.l.) to Puka Qocha Pass (5,000 m.a.s.l.) and then to Qomer Qocha (4,680 m.a.s.l.).
Day 3: qomer qocha – rainbow mountain – ausangate qocha
We'll wake up early to explore 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'll return to camp, observing llama farmers along the way. After resting, we will hike 3 hours to the third camp, Ausangate Qocha, for refreshments and dinner.
Included in the day:
- Other camping equipment: dining tent with table and chairs, and a kitchen tent, staffed by a professional cooking team.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Statistics of the day:
- Hiking time: 5 hours (1.5 hours to Rainbow Mountain and 3 hours to Ausangate) Qocha).
- Altitude: From Qomer Qocha (4,680 m.a.s.l.) to Rainbow Mountain and then to Ausangate Qocha (4,650 m.a.s.l.).
Day 4: ausangate qocha – jhampa pampa
We will begin the day with a 3-hour climb to Palomani Pass at 5,130 meters (16,700 feet), with panoramic views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. We will then descend into the valley for lunch and hike 2 more hours to the next camp at 4,700 meters (15,000 feet). In the evening, we will enjoy tea and dinner.
Included in the day:
- Foam sleeping mat, pillows, blankets Thermal baths.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Statistics of the day:
- Hiking time: 5 hours (3 hours ascent and 2 hours descent).
- Altitude: From Ausangate Qocha (4,650 m.a.s.l.) to Palomani Pass (5,130 m.a.s.l.) and then to Jhampa Pampa (4,700 m.a.s.l.).
Day 5: jhampa pampa – ninaparayoc
After breakfast, we begin the climb to Jhampa Pass at 5,060 meters (16,700 feet), enjoying stunning views of the Three Peaks and possibly spotting vicuñas and deer. We descend gradually between Mount Ausangate and the Twin Mountains for 2 hours to the final camp, Ninaparayoq, at 4,700 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, we have lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing.
Included in the day:
- Professional local tour guide.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Statistics of the day:
- Hiking time: 4 hours (2 hours ascent and 2 hours descent).
- Altitude: From Jhampa Pampa (4,700 m.a.s.l.) to Jhampa Pass (5,060 m.a.s.l.) and then to Ninaparayoc (4,700 m.a.s.l.).
Day 6: ninaparayoc – pacchanta village – ollantaytambo village – machu picchu village
We wake up early and descend for 2 hours and 30 minutes to the village of Pacchanta, the end of the Ausangate Trek. We enjoy the hot springs and a final lunch. We then drive 4 hours to Ollantaytambo, explore the village, and finally take the train to Machu Picchu Village for an overnight stay.
Included in the day:
- Transportation from Pacchanta village to Ollantaytambo train station.
- Roundtrip train ticket.
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Statistics of the day:
- Hiking time: 2.5 hours descent.
- Transportation time: 4 hours by vehicle to Ollantaytambo.
Day 7: guided tour of machu picchu – 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 prime spot to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Machu Picchu. After a photo session, your guide offers a 2- to 3-hour tour, exploring key areas and revealing the history, mysteries, and Inca technology behind Machu Picchu. After the tour, you will have ample 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 transportation awaits to return you to your hotel in Cusco. Meals, except breakfast, are not included. End of the adventure.
Included in the day:
- Bus rides to and from Machu Picchu.
- Admission to Machu Picchu.
- One-night hotel stay in Machu Picchu village.
- Transportation from the train station to the hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Statistics of the day:
- Travel time: 2-3 hours in Machu Picchu.
Places to Visit
Not included
Entrance to hot springs on the trek
Flights
Hotel before/after 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, alcoholic beverages, and additional snacks
Tips for your guide(s) and trek staff (optional but highly recommended)
Trip interruption and medical insurance/travel evacuation (required)
Trip cancellation/interruption 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 passenger.
In the event of physical health reasons that prevent you from continuing the trek and require emergency evacuation, all related charges will be borne by the passenger.
Recommendations
Brief pre-departure briefing
Hotel pickup on the morning of the trek
Transportation from the hotel to the Ausangate trek starting point
Transportation from the village of Pacchanta to the train station from Ollantaytambo
Round-trip train ticket
Bus rides to and from Machu Picchu
Admission 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, staffed by a professional cooking team
Foam sleeping mat, pillows, heated blankets
Professional local tour guide
Meals: Breakfast (6), lunch (6), dinner (5), and snacks
Quechua chef Professional
Horses to carry food, equipment, and your personal items up to 8 kg / 16 lbs
Oxygen tank
Emergency horse in case of difficulties
Boiled water daily on the trek
Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain trail entrance fees
All taxes included