Get ready for a day of more intense trekking. From your campsite in Upis , you will climb through the Arapa pass (4,800 m) before reaching Uchuy Pucacocha (“little red lake”), one of the several dazzling mountain lakes in the region. Marvel at its waterfalls, and continue onwards to Jatun Pucacocha (“big red lake”), where you will camp along its shores. Accommodation : camping Overnight : Jatun Paucacocha Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a healthy breakfast in Jatun Pucacocha , you'll start your journey to Ausangate Base Camp. You will cross two different passes today. The Apuchata pass (4,900 m) comes first, followed by a descent to the turquoise Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha. After taking some time to rest and enjoy the scenery, you will continue up Palomani pass. At 5,200 m, this is the highest pass of the trek. The ascent is challenging and steep, but well worth it. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks of Tres Picos and Puka Punta . Now, you'll start the descent toward Ausangate Base Camp (4,510 m). Here, amidst the highlands meadows and icy moraines, you'll set up camp for the night. Accommodation : Camping Overnight : Ausangate Base Camp Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The last day of pass crossing begins with a tranquil hike from Ausangate Base Camp to Lake Ticllacocha. Along the way, more vizcachas and perhaps even rare camel-like vicuñas may be roaming the green grasses of the valley. Then, rise up for your final challenge: Q'ampa pass (5,050 m). You'll see some strikingly beautiful glaciers as you tread over the snowy scree to summit the pass. Once you reach the top, you can see the towering Apu Salkantay. After descending the pass, you'll set up camp for the last time at Pacchanta (4,360 m), and rest in the soothing waters of the site’s hot springs. Accommodation : Camping Overnight : Pachanta Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, enjoy an easy 3 to 4-hour hike downhill from Pacchanta back to the village of Tinqui (4,237 m) where you'll eat lunch. After lunch, bid farewell to the muleteers, and transfer to your hotel in Cusco for some well-deserved rest. Overnight : Cusco Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch