-
Tent, Lodge, Hotel 3 Stars
-
5,200 metres
-
2-10
-
2 - 10
Discover the majestic beauty of the Andes on this 7-day trek that combines three of Peru’s most iconic destinations: Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, and Machu Picchu. This unforgettable journey begins in Pacchanta, where you’ll hike through remote Andean landscapes, visit vibrant turquoise lagoons, and camp near glaciers at the base of Ausangate, the fifth-highest peak in Peru.
Each day offers a new adventure—crossing high-altitude mountain passes, spotting wildlife such as alpacas and condors, and soaking in natural hot springs. On the way to Rainbow Mountain, you’ll witness the surreal colors of Vinicunca from the Apacheta Pass, with panoramic views that stretch across the Vilcanota range.
After days immersed in pristine wilderness, the final portion of the journey takes you to the Sacred Valley and the lost city of Machu Picchu. Travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and enjoy a guided exploration of the ancient Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Designed for experienced trekkers looking for a challenge, this route offers both natural wonder and cultural depth—all supported by expert local guides, well-equipped camps, and thoughtful logistics.
Highlights
- Hike the full Ausangate circuit with glacier and lagoon views
- Marvel at the colorful slopes of Rainbow Mountain
- Visit the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
- Relax in the natural hot springs of Pacchanta
- Experience 7 days of expert-guided trekking and cultural immersion
Itinerary
Your adventure starts before sunrise with hotel pick-up and a scenic drive to the traditional Andean community of Pacchanta. With the Ausangate Glacier dominating the skyline, we enjoy a local breakfast and meet our mountain crew.
The trek begins with an easy ascent through open valleys and crystal-clear streams. After about three hours we arrive at Upis Camp, located directly in front of the Ausangate glaciers. In the afternoon we visit Upis Lake and relax in natural hot springs with incredible mountain views.
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Highest elevation: 4,550 m
- Accommodation: Upis Camp
After breakfast we continue toward our first mountain pass: Arapa Pass (4,738 m). This section is one of the most impressive viewpoints of the Ausangate range. We descend into the turquoise Pucacocha Valley and continue toward our next ascent.
The trail climbs again to the majestic Ananta Pass (4,917 m), where we are surrounded by glaciers, deep valleys and endless Andean landscapes. We finish the day descending into the Ananta Camp, a peaceful location surrounded by alpacas and wild vicuñas.
- Distance: 15.2 km
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Highest elevation: 4,917 m
- Accommodation: Ananta Camp
Today we experience one of the main highlights of the expedition. We begin early and ascend to Warmisaya Pass (4,960 m) before making our final push to Rainbow Mountain (5,034 m).
Arriving at sunrise allows us to enjoy Vinicunca before the tourist crowds. The Rainbow Mountain reveals its famous natural mineral layers in bright tones of red, gold, turquoise and violet. We also visit the impressive Red Valley, a Mars-like canyon in the Andes.
We continue our adventure toward Ausangate Lake, where we set camp for the night next to massive glaciers and deep blue waters.
- Distance: 12.7 km
- Hiking time: 6.5 hours
- Highest elevation: 5,034 m
- Accommodation: Ausangate Lake Camp
This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. We ascend toward Palomani Pass (5,200 m), the highest point of the route. From the top we have an unforgettable panorama of the Ausangate Glacier and the Vilcanota mountain range.
After crossing the pass we descend into a peaceful valley inhabited by alpacas, Andean geese and condors. We reach Surapata Camp in the late afternoon.
- Distance: 11.6 km
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Highest elevation: 5,200 m
- Accommodation: Surapata Camp
After breakfast we continue toward Jampa Pass (5,052 m), one of the most spectacular lookout points of the entire trek. The trail descends into a valley filled with turquoise and emerald-colored lakes, part of the famous 7 Lagoons Circuit.
In the afternoon we arrive at Pacchanta, where we relax in natural hot springs facing the glaciers.
- Distance: 17 km
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Highest elevation: 5,052 m
- Accommodation: Lodge in Pacchanta
After a restful night, we drive along the Sacred Valley and visit the region’s most iconic archaeological sites:
- Chinchero and its Inca terraces
- The ancient salt mines of Maras
- The agricultural laboratory of Moray
- The Inca town and fortress of Ollantaytambo
We then board the panoramic train to Aguas Calientes.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
We take the first bus to Machu Picchu to enjoy the sunrise over the citadel. Your guide will lead you through the most important temples, terraces and panoramic viewpoints.
After the guided tour, you have free time to explore on your own or optionally climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
We return to Aguas Calientes, board the train to Ollantaytambo and continue by private transport back to Cusco.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Pre-departure briefing in Cusco
- Hotel pick-up and private transportation during the entire expedition
- Train tickets to and from Aguas Calientes
- Bus tickets to enter and exit Machu Picchu
- All entrance fees (Ausangate trail + Machu Picchu)
- Personal porter and pack horses for your overnight luggage
- Expedition tents, dining tent, kitchen tent and sleeping mattress
- Waterproof dry-bags for your personal gear
- Professional trekking guide and support staff
- Horsemen and chef during the trek
- Daily meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Snacks, purified water, tea time and hot water for personal hygiene
- Hotel in Pacchanta and hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu (3 hours)
Excludes
- Flights to and from Cusco
- Accommodation in Cusco before/after the trek
- Lunch and dinner on the last day
- Entrance to Pacchanta hot springs
- Optional hikes in Machu Picchu (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain)
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles
- Travel or medical insurance
- Tips for guides, chefs and horsemen
- Select 50 more words to run Humanizer.
Packing List for the Ausangate Trek & Machu Picchu
- Warm trekking jacket (down or insulated)
- Waterproof jacket and rain poncho
- Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
- Hiking pants and comfortable trekking clothes
- Fleece jacket or softshell
- Hiking boots (water-resistant)
- Extra socks and underwear
- Sun hat and warm beanie
- Gloves (warm and windproof)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder
- Small backpack for day hikes
- Personal snacks and energy bars
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Personal medications and first-aid items
- Toiletries and biodegradable soap
- Quick-dry towel
- Power bank and charging cable
- Passport and entrance tickets
- Cash for additional expenses
- Swimwear (for hot springs in Pacchanta)
- Camera or phone for photos
- Plastic bags for waterproofing gear
- Lightweight sandals for camp
- Sleeping liner (optional)
Before You Go
- Make sure you acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2–3 days before starting the hike.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol before the trek.
- Wear comfortable trekking clothes suitable for high-altitude and cold weather.
- Bring your passport for all entrances and train tickets.
- Pack only what you need – you’ll be provided with a duffel bag for personal gear.
- Let us know in advance if you follow a special diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
- If you have any medical condition, consult your doctor before the trek and bring your prescribed medication.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Keep cash in Peruvian soles for personal expenses.
- Be prepared for early wake-ups and long trekking days – this adventure is high altitude.
- Optional but recommended: altitude pills, coca tea, and electrolytes.
- Check the weather forecast in Cusco before the departure day.
Frequently Asked Questions – Ausangate Trek & Machu Picchu 7 Days
No previous experience is required, but having a basic fitness level helps. This is a high-altitude route, so you should feel comfortable walking several hours a day. Our guides will support you from start to finish.
You will reach elevations above 5,000 m / 16,400 ft. Most travelers acclimatize easily after spending 2–3 days in Cusco. We provide oxygen, emergency horses, and a trained mountain guide for your safety.
The best season runs from April to November, during the dry months. December–March is rainy season, but still possible with proper equipment.
Yes. Temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F) in the higher camps. We provide high-quality camping equipment and hot meals to keep you warm.
It’s considered moderate to challenging mainly due to altitude, not the technical difficulty. Horses carry the heavy gear and your guide sets a comfortable pace.
All meals are freshly prepared by our chef. We include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and tea time. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
No. Horses carry your camping equipment and duffel bag. You only carry a daypack with essentials (water, jacket, camera, snacks).
Yes! Our itinerary includes sunrise at Rainbow Mountain and the amazing Red Valley, away from the tourist crowds.
Yes, the package includes:
- Ausangate trail entrance
- Machu Picchu entrance
- Train and bus tickets
Your guide is trained in first aid and high-altitude emergencies. We carry oxygen and an emergency horse. If necessary, we arrange evacuation.
Yes. Every day we provide purified and boiled drinking water to refill your bottles.
You will sleep in high-quality mountain tents during the trek, and then a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.
Yes. You can leave your luggage at our office or your hotel in Cusco.
We strongly recommend travel insurance. It covers health assistance, trip cancellation, or delays.
We work with small groups for a better experience:
2–8 travelers per group.
