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Trekking a rocky trail beneath snow-capped peaks in the Ausangate Mountains, Peru - Ausangate Trek, Peru
Trekking a rocky trail beneath snow-capped peaks in the Ausangate Mountains, Peru
Ausangate Trek trekkers pause before snow-capped peaks in the Peruvian Andes - Ausangate Trek, Peru
Ausangate Trek trekkers pause before snow-capped peaks in the Peruvian Andes
Landscape views as we explore Rainbow Mountain - Ausangate Trek, Peru
Landscape views as we explore Rainbow Mountain  | Karina Merkel
Hiker on the Ausangate Trek - Ausangate Trek, Peru
Hiker on the Ausangate Trek
Ausangate Mountain in Andes (Cordillera Vilcanota) Peru - Ausangate Trek, Peru
Ausangate Mountain in Andes (Cordillera Vilcanota) Peru
Local Peruvian woman out in the sunshine - Ausangate Trek, Peru
Local Peruvian woman out in the sunshine  | Chris Gooley
Updated

Ausangate Trek

Trek beneath sacred Mount Ausangate, crossing high-altitude passes with expert local guides and fully supported wilderness camping

Peru
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 3 reviews

5 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: AUR
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 5 Days
Activities
  • 5 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 4 nights Wilderness Camping
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

54kg of CO2-e PP per day

(217kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Trek around Mount Ausangate (6,384m / 20,945ft), Peru's highest sacred mountain
  • Cross high-altitude passes above 5,000m / 16,404ft in the Cordillera Vilcanota
  • Walk through remote Andean valleys with glacial lakes and alpine landscapes
  • Enjoy fully supported wilderness camping with experienced local guides, dedicated cooks and pack animals
  • Experience traditional Andean culture in remote Quechua herding and weaving communities

Overview

Trek Peru’s Ausangate region on a high-altitude journey through remote Andean landscapes. This multi-day trek from Cusco crosses mountain passes above 5,000m / 16,404ft, with views of Ausangate, Peru’s highest sacred peak. The route passes glacial lakes, alpine valleys and traditional communities in the Cordillera Vilcanota. Fully supported camping allows you to focus on the trekking experience while travelling through one of Peru’s most remote mountain regions. This is a high-altitude trek. You must spend a minimum of two nights at or above 3,000m / 9,843ft (for example Cusco) prior to the start of the trip for proper acclimatisation. Participation is only possible if this requirement has been met.

Itinerary

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We depart Cusco this morning and travel south towards the Cordillera Vilcanota, passing through traditional Andean villages and rolling highland landscapes. Our journey takes us through Huambutio and Ccatca before reaching Ocongate, where there is an opportunity to make any final purchases. Continuing towards Tinki and the community of Q'oñamuro, we visit a local family to learn about their traditional way of life in this remote mountain region. Here, weaving and livestock herding remain important parts of everyday life. Our trek begins near the local school, following trails across expansive high-altitude grasslands towards the imposing northern face of Mount Ausangate. Along the way, we pass small settlements of herders and weavers, with herds of alpacas grazing across the open plains. Accompanied by our trekking crew and pack animals, we gradually approach the snow-covered mountains before reaching our first wilderness campsite at Upis, situated at 4,400m / 14,436ft. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping NOTE: This is a high-altitude trek. You must spend a minimum of two nights at or above 3000m / 9843ft (e.g. Cusco) prior to the start of the trip for proper acclimatisation. Participation is only possible if this requirement has been met.

Meals: L,D

Today we venture deeper into the Cordillera Vilcanota, following the trail through Upispampa towards the towering northern face of Mount Ausangate. A steady ascent through the Inkapampa Valley brings us to Arapa Pass at 4,670m / 15,322ft, where views extend across the surrounding snow-covered peaks and rugged alpine landscape. From the pass, we traverse rolling mountain terrain before descending through the Samacancha Valley towards a series of glacial lakes. One of the day's highlights is the turquoise Pucacocha Lake, situated at 4,575m / 15,010ft beneath the glaciers of Ausangate. Here, we may witness ice breaking away from the glacier, while the distinctive rocky spire of Mount Sorimana rises above the lake. Continuing onwards, we climb gradually towards Alcatani Pass at 4,650m / 15,256ft before descending to our wilderness campsite at Ausangatecocha, surrounded by views of the mountain's glacier-covered southern face. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today we ascend towards Palomani Pass, the highest point of our journey at 5,050m / 16,568ft. Leaving Ausangatecocha, we begin a steep climb through rugged alpine terrain, gaining altitude beneath the imposing glaciers and snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Vilcanota. Reaching the pass is a significant achievement, with wide panoramas across the surrounding mountains and colourful high-altitude valleys. From here, we descend into the remote Machuraqay Valley, with views of the distinctive cone-shaped summit of Mount Mariposa. Continuing towards Chillcaphinaya at approximately 4,400m / 14,436ft, we pass through beautiful grazing lands where herds of alpacas roam beneath ridges displaying remarkable shades of red, ochre and brown. A final ascent brings us to the expansive high-altitude plains of Wanu Wanu, where we establish our wilderness campsite at approximately 4,450m / 14,600ft. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

Our final full day of trekking takes us through the Cordillera Vilcanota. Leaving Wanu Wanu, we follow the valley towards its glacial headwaters beneath Mount Acero, also known as Huamantilla, before beginning our ascent towards Jampa Pass at 4,950m / 16,240ft. As we climb, the jagged summits and ice-covered ridges of Mount Callangate dominate the skyline, overlooking the surrounding glaciers and mountain wilderness. After crossing the pass, we descend towards Pachapata, where we stop for lunch before continuing along a ridge overlooking the glacial lakes of Qomercocha and Hamacocha. The trail then enters the watershed of Mount Ninaparayoc, passing another alpine lake before descending through a valley with the summit of Ausangate behind us. Having completed almost a full circuit around this sacred mountain, we continue through rolling highland landscapes towards Pacchanta, where we have the opportunity to relax in the natural hot springs after a full day on the trail. Tonight we enjoy our final wilderness campsite. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you depart Pacchanta and travel by road back to Cusco. The journey retraces the route through highland landscapes and rural communities. Arriving back in the city, the contrast between the remote mountain environment and Cusco’s historic centre marks the end of the trek.

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

18 scheduled departures between 17 Oct 2026 and 15 Oct 2027.

  • Departs 17 Oct 2026 – ends 21 Oct 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 21 Oct 2026 – ends 25 Oct 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 24 Oct 2026 – ends 28 Oct 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 28 Oct 2026 – ends 1 Nov 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 31 Oct 2026 – ends 4 Nov 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 2 Apr 2027 – ends 6 Apr 2027 (5 days)
  • … and 12 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Expert bilingual local guide with wilderness first aid training
  • Use of a gear pack including duffle bag, sleeping bag, fibre filled jacket and sleeping mat
  • Group camping equipment
  • Solar powered lamps in tents
  • Private internal transportation
  • Filtered drinking water
  • Group medical kit including a portable altitude chamber, emergency oxygen and satellite phone

Not included

  • International flights and taxes
  • Airport transfers
  • Visa fees
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included

About your guide

Our guides are bilingual and our treks are conducted in English.

Reviews (3)

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This trek is very demanding and challenging requiring a good level of fitness to successfully complete the long days of trekking. Virgilio (guide) was very professional, approachable, very organised and explained very clearly what was ahead each day and was very supportive during each day's trekking. Teresa (cook), Octavio (assistant cook), Romulo and Andres (Donkey drivers) were very organised, supportive of everyone and Teresa's meals were varied and very flavoursome. The trek was very remote but allowed for some very peaceful and tranquil walking. The campsites each night were in the valley floors where we were surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Cordilliera Blanca and the green and beautiful valleys. The tents and sleeping bags were of very high quality, kept us comfortable and warm during the 'chilly' nights. The terrain was very rocky in places with many switch backs as we climbed the steep ascents and equally steep descents. A unique trek for the 'great adventurer'. A very special trek.

Jenny Newell|NSW, Australia
2 Oct 2025
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This trek was truly unique with the most amazing scenery but extremely challenging. Juan (guide), Bernardo(cook), Hilario and Guia Juan were very supportive, professional and made the trek all the more memorable. Bernardo cooked a great variety of food and the team worked so well together setting up camp each day and nothing was ever a bother. The trail had some very steep ascents and descents but generally a 'well worn' trail. A very special experience.

Jennifer (Jenny)|NSW, Australia
1 Oct 2025
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Fantastic trip but don't take it lightly, it is at a constant high altitude so you need to be prepared for what that means. Having said that it was quite OK if you took it at the right pace, with the right attitude. The scenery was fantastic, the weather varied - from brilliant warm sun, to heavy mists and even snow, but it all added to the experience. The crew were all amazing and the equipment provided was first rate.

D. Collins|Breakfast Point, NSW
5 Nov 2019

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?FAQsWhy Book With Us
Camp at night on the Ausangate trek

Camping - Equipment

Our camping equipment is of proven quality and designed for the conditions you will experience in Peru. We provide tents on a twin share basis with plenty of personal space and storage for your luggage. A number of these tents are available as single tents at a supplementary charge. A private toilet tent will be erected at each campsite, however if campsites have ablution blocks, we use them instead. We also provide a kit bag which includes a duffle bag, sleeping bag and inflatable sleeping mat.

A picnic lunch on the Ausangate Trek

Camping - Meals

Breakfast and dinner are served in our communal mess tent with folding chairs, tables and a solar light. Lunch is usually picnic style and is prepared by one of the cooks who accompany us. We provide three hearty meals on all our treks in Peru. The mess tent is also available for communal use in the afternoon and evening.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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This is a moderate to challenging trek with long walking days and mountain passes above 5000m / 16404ft.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering trekking above 5,000m, emergency medical treatment and evacuation is compulsory.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and current Peruvian entry regulations, so travellers should check the latest requirements before departure.

Yes, prior multi-day trekking experience and a good level of fitness are recommended due to altitude and terrain.

Yes, you must spend at least two nights at or above 3000m / 9843ft (such as Cusco) before starting the trek.

The trek combines sacred Andean mountain traditions, glaciers, colourful valleys, turquoise lakes and remote high-altitude wilderness.

The best time to trek Ausangate is during the dry season from May to October, when rainfall is minimal and skies are typically clear.

Yes, the trek is fully guided by expert bilingual guides with wilderness first aid training.

The trip includes a group medical kit, emergency oxygen and a portable oxygen chamber.

Four nights of fully supported wilderness camping in twin-share tents with Thermarest sleeping mats are included.

Yes, all meals during the trek are included and freshly prepared by the expedition cook and kitchen team.

Please advise us of any dietary requirements well in advance so we can confirm what can be accommodated in this remote environment.

No, pack animals transport your main luggage and camping equipment, allowing you to trek with a daypack.

Your complimentary trekking pack includes a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and warm jacket for use during the trek.

Bring sturdy waterproof trekking boots, warm layers, waterproof clothing, a suitable sleeping bag, sun protection, trekking poles and a daypack.

Private toilet tents with portable sit-down toilets are provided exclusively for our group at each campsite, while washing facilities are basic, with no hot showers available during the trek.

  • Fully supported trekking with pack animals so you carry only a day pack
  • Expert bilingual guides trained in wilderness first aid and high-altitude travel
  • Proven World Expeditions operational systems and safety approach in Peru
  • Quality camping equipment including sleeping systems and solar lighting
  • Responsible travel practices with no mandatory local cash payments

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