Ausangate Classic Trek – 5-Day

The Ausangate Classic Trek begins from Cusco with a private transfer to the high Andean village of Pacchanta (4,300 m), a Quechua community surrounded by sacred mountains and renowned for its natural hot springs. After a light breakfast and meeting with our muleteers and horses, we start the trek.
From Pacchanta, we hike towards Upis (4,400 m) along scenic trails with panoramic views of majestic snow-capped peaks like Ausangate, Mariposa, Jampa, and Tinke. This route is ideal for proper altitude acclimatization, and along the way, we’ll see llamas, alpacas, and highland birds in their natural habitat.
After approximately 5 to 6 hours of trekking, we reach Upis, where our first campsite awaits. Here, you’ll have the chance to soak in open-air hot springs with a direct view of the mighty Ausangate glacier—an unforgettable experience.
We end the day with a nourishing dinner prepared by our mountain chef, under the starlit sky of the Andes.

Day 1 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,300 m (Pacchanta)
• Ending altitude: 4,400 m (Upis)
• Maximum altitude: 4,500 m
• Distance: 7 km
• Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Accommodation: Campsite at Upis
• Highlights: Pacchanta village, Ausangate views, Upis hot springs, Andean wildlife

We start the day with a warm breakfast and incredible morning views of the Ausangate glacier. The trail leads us toward the Arapa Pass (4,850 m), a gentle yet rewarding ascent surrounded by vast Andean landscapes, herds of alpacas, and views of towering peaks.

After reaching the pass, we descend into a pristine valley dotted with a series of stunning turquoise lagoons, including Yanacocha and Pucacocha, fed by glacial meltwater from the Ausangate massif. These lagoons offer a perfect opportunity to rest, take photos, and enjoy a scenic lunch surrounded by pure nature.

In the afternoon, we continue trekking with the majestic Ausangate always in view. After about 7–8 hours of hiking in total, we arrive at our camp beside the magical Ausangate Qocha lagoon (≈4,650 m), one of the most iconic and tranquil sites of the trek. As the sun sets behind the glacier, we enjoy hot tea and a freshly cooked dinner prepared by our mountain chef.

Camping here, right beneath the sacred Ausangate, is a spiritual and visual experience like no other.

Day 2 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,400 m (Upis)
• Maximum altitude: 4,850 m (Arapa Pass)
• Ending altitude: 4,650 m (Ausangate Qocha)
• Distance: 13–14 km
• Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours
• Accommodation: Camp beside Ausangate Qocha
• Highlights: Arapa Pass, Pucacocha and Yanacocha lagoons, camping next to Ausangate glacier, untouched Andean scenery

We begin this day with a hearty breakfast beside the Ausangate Qocha lagoon, as the first rays of sun illuminate the glacier. Today’s route is both challenging and incredibly rewarding, as we climb to the highest point of the trek: Palomani Pass (5,200 m).
The ascent is steady and demanding, but the views are spectacular. From the top of the pass, we’re surrounded by snow-capped peaks, hanging glaciers, and the immensity of the Vilcanota mountain range. With a bit of luck, we may even spot wild vicuñas grazing in the distance.
After celebrating at the summit and capturing unforgettable photos, we descend into a remote valley with changing landscapes—from rocky highlands to grassy plains. The trail leads us toward Surapata (≈4,650 m), a peaceful and scenic campsite surrounded by cliffs, streams, and silence.
This camp offers a well-deserved rest after the high-altitude challenge, with hot tea, a warm meal, and a deep connection to the Andes under a star-filled sky.

Day 3 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,650 m (Ausangate Qocha)
• Maximum altitude: 5,200 m (Palomani Pass)
• Ending altitude: 4,650 m (Surapata Camp)
• Distance: ≈12 km
• Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours
• Accommodation: Camp at Surapata
• Highlights: Palomani Pass (highest point of the trek), glacier views, remote valleys, peaceful camp at Surapata

After breakfast at our quiet Surapata campsite, we begin the ascent toward the Jampa Pass (5,070 m), the last high pass of the trek and one of the most scenic. The trail climbs gradually through open alpine landscapes with spectacular views of the Tres Picos, Pucapunta, and other peaks of the Vilcanota range.
Reaching the Jampa Pass, we are rewarded with sweeping 360° views of glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and distant valleys—this is one of the most photogenic moments of the entire Ausangate Classic Trek.
From the pass, we descend through a colorful valley with highland grasses and herds of alpacas until we reach the Ninaparayoq sector, located around 4,650 m, where we set up our final camp. The area is quiet, surrounded by red mountains and dramatic rock formations that glow at sunset.
After a full day of trekking, we enjoy our last night in the Andes with a warm dinner and one last look at the southern skies.

Day 4 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,650 m (Surapata)
• Maximum altitude: 5,070 m (Jampa Pass)
• Ending altitude: 4,650 m (Ninaparayoq)
• Distance: 12–13 km
• Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Accommodation: Camp at Ninaparayoq
• Highlights: Jampa Pass, panoramic mountain views, remote alpine valleys, final night in nature

We begin the final day of the Ausangate Classic Trek with a gentle descent from Ninaparayoq (4,650 m) toward the beautiful highland region of Pacchanta. But this is no ordinary end: today we explore the legendary 7 Lakes of Ausangate, one of the hidden gems of the Peruvian Andes.
The trail takes us past a stunning series of glacial lagoons—Puca Cocha, Azul Cocha, Oqe Cocha , Orco Otorongo, and China Otorongo—each with its own color, shape, and reflection of the mighty Ausangate. This part of the trek is filled with breathtaking scenery, photogenic landscapes, and a deep sense of tranquility.
After several hours of hiking and exploring the lagoons, we arrive at Pacchanta, where natural hot springs await. This is the perfect reward for your 5-day high-altitude journey. Soak in the warm mineral waters with views of the Ausangate glacier—an unforgettable way to end the adventure.
After lunch and rest, we take our private transport back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 5 Overview:

• Starting altitude: 4,650 m (Ninaparayoq)
• Ending altitude: 4,300 m (Pacchanta)
• Distance: ≈10–12 km
• Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Transport: 3.5–4 hrs drive to Cusco
• Highlights: 7 Lakes of Ausangate, natural hot springs, scenic final descent, return to civilization