If you’re looking for a beautiful and more remote trek for your Peru Adventure; then the Ausangate Circuit Trek is a perfect fit.
The Ausangate Region is a special place; it’s far enough outside of Cusco to be considered remote but it’s also near enough to be accessible for a wonderful adventure. Often you will encounter small poblados (small local communities); with many farming llamas for their way of life. Many children will greet you, often after ‘dulces’ (sweets) to savor. Also, a lot of the houses & shelters in the area don’t have basic utilities such as electricity, gas, tap water; things we take for granted in more developed countries.
This is a remote region to trek in, but close enough to Cusco to be accessible. You’ll trek close to the Ausangate Nevada along with taking in Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) and Red Valley. Whilst circumnavigating the Ausangate nevada you’ll hit many high mountain passes, getting up to around 5,200m.
For more information about the Ausangate region you can read our article.
Highlights
Visit traditional herding villages nestled in the mountains
Soak in the hot springs of Upis and Pachanta
Summit the impressive 5,050m Campa pass
Get a chance to spot endemic wildlife such as vizcachas and Andean foxes.
Included
Breakfast x 4
Lunch x 5
Dinner x 4
Private Transport – collection & drop-off
Professional bilingual guide
Mountain Cook
Muleteer & Mules
All camping equipment (Sleeping bags to hire + Trekking Poles)
Not Included
International Airfare
Hotels before & after (can be organised as part of trip)
Tips for crew
Any additional extras
Domestic flights (can be organised as part of trip)
Crampons, Ice Axe, Harness, Helmet (can be hired as part of trip)
Machu Picchu Extension – Entrance Tickets, Transport & Guide (can be organised as part of trip)
Joining Arrangements
There will be a pre-trek briefing held usually the evening before departure, at your hotel, to go over the details of the trek and any specific requirements not already captured.
Food & Water
Prior to setting off we recommend you steer clear of street food and only eat in good restaurants, to avoid any stomach complaints. Likewise with tap water, it is largely untreated, please only consume bottled water only or sterilised water if you have the right equipment.
Special Diets
We’ll ensure that we cater for all of your dietary needs, at the point of booking we’ll collect this information from you. We can secure special menu requests also for your trek party.
Trekking Crew
We are able to customise our treks to suit you, but usually our treks are guided by a professional bilingual guide, mountain cook, arriero (horseman) and mules to carry all equipment (passenger horses also available on request). They become a large part of your trekking expedition and it’s a great experience working together.
Acclimatisation
This is a really important part of your trip planning process, please find a link below which explains a little more about preparing for altitude. Altitude Preparation
Preparation
Attached below are a couple of links which will explain how to prepare for your trip & trek in advance of your arrival. We recommend being prepared in advance to save time & stress whilst you’re in Peru. Trip Planning|Trek Planning
Machu Picchu
An excursion to Machu Picchu can be included as part of your trip, including professional bilingual guide, entrance tickets, return trip bus tickets, Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountains (mountain climbs to be confirmed on reservation) & your return train ticket to Cusco. To be confirmed on reservation.
Reservation
Please contact us to reserve your trek and we will send you our deposit & payment options.
Customer Service
Please feel free to contact us at any point before your trip for any queries or problems.
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¡Oferta!
High-Altitude Pack
$ 725.00El precio original era: $ 725.00.$ 652.50El precio actual es: $ 652.50.
High altitude conditions mean extreme weather conditions, use this pack to keep you warm but breathable while you’re on the move.
Fabric: 100% Alpaca Wool. Sourced, Sheared, & Sewn in Perú *All packs can be mixed with women’s & men’s items
Alpaca wool outperforms merino, offering superior warmth, moisture-wicking, and breathability, keeping you protected on any adventure. Additionally, alpaca wool is sustainable, as alpacas have a low environmental impact and their wool is biodegradable.
$ 410.00El precio original era: $ 410.00.$ 369.00El precio actual es: $ 369.00.
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You'll depart from your hotel in Cusco early this morning for a scenic 3-hour drive to the village of Tinqui (3,800 m), located at the base of the Vilcanota mountain range. Along the way, you'll observe local farmers and herders with their alpaca flocks. In Tinqui, you'll meet your crew of mules and their handlers, and start your trek by heading towards your campsite in Upis (4,400 m).
The first day of trekking is relatively smooth and passes through hilly grasslands where you may encounter vizcachas (chinchilla-like rodents), condors, and foxes. Once you arrive in Upis, you will be rewarded with views of the Ausangate glaciers rising above the site. End the day with a refreshing soak in the nearby hot springs.
Accommodation: camping
Overnight: Upis
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
02
Upis - Jatun Pucacocha
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
03
Jatun Pucacocha - Ausangate Base Camp
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
04
Ausangate Base Camp - Pacchanta
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
05
Pacchanta - Tinqui - Cusco
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.
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