Ausangate to Sibinacocha Trek – 7-Day

Your 7-day trek to Sibinacocha begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:30 a.m., followed by a scenic 3.5-hour drive through remote Andean villages to reach Pacchanta, a traditional community located at the foot of the Ausangate Glacier. Here, you’ll meet your trekking team, including muleteers and a professional cook, who will organize the logistics for your expedition.
After a hearty local breakfast and final gear checks, the hike begins toward Upis Camp. This initial stretch of the trek is designed to allow for progressive acclimatization while offering incredible views of Ausangate’s north face, local wildlife like llamas and alpacas, and snowcapped peaks in the Vilcanota range.
The hike to Upis is relatively gentle, following a gradual ascent through open puna grasslands. Upon arrival at the campsite, you’ll have the option to visit the Upis hot springs (entrance not included), where you can unwind while enjoying panoramic views of Ausangate and the surrounding peaks.
After settling into camp, dinner is served, followed by a safety briefing and overnight rest in tents at high altitude.

Day 1 Overview

• Starting altitude: 3,400 m (Cusco)
• Camp altitude: 4,430 m (Upis)
• Maximum altitude: 4,500 m
• Distance: Approx. 7 km
• Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Accommodation: Tent camping at Upis
• Included meals: Breakfast in Pacchanta, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Highlights: Ausangate views, Pacchanta village, local Andean life, Upis hot springs (optional)

After a nourishing mountain breakfast, the day begins with a steady ascent toward Arapa Pass (4,850 m), the first major challenge of the trek. This section rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Ausangate Glacier and the pristine high-Andean landscape, dotted with herds of alpacas and traditional stone corrals.
From the top of Arapa Pass, the trail descends through a surreal valley surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Along the way, we’ll pass colorful lagoons such as Yanacocha and Pucacocha, where we pause for a scenic lunch prepared by the trekking cook.
In the afternoon, we continue the gradual ascent toward Ananta Camp (4,700 m), a peaceful campsite nestled in a secluded valley beneath impressive ridgelines. This spot offers a strategic location for acclimatization before the following day’s summit to Rainbow Mountain.
Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy afternoon tea, snacks, and a hot dinner before settling into your tent for the night.

Day 2 Overview

• Starting altitude: 4,430 m (Upis Camp)
• Highest point: 4,850 m (Arapa Pass)
• Ending altitude: 4,700 m (Ananta Camp)
• Distance: Approx. 12 km
• Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Accommodation: Tent camping at Ananta
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Highlights: Arapa Pass, high Andean lagoons, panoramic views, ideal acclimatization before Rainbow Mountain

This is one of the most spectacular days of the entire trek, as you ascend to the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of Peru’s most photographed natural wonders. After an early breakfast, we begin the uphill hike toward Warmisaya Pass (4,960 m), where you’ll get your first panoramic glimpse of the colorful mineral layers of Vinicunca.
From the pass, we descend into the valley and begin the final ascent to the Rainbow Mountain summit (5,034 m). By arriving early, we avoid the crowds and enjoy this majestic site in peace. If weather conditions are favorable, we’ll witness the morning light casting dramatic shadows across the vibrant landscape.
After soaking in the views and taking photos, we retrace our steps to Ananta, where a warm lunch awaits. In the afternoon, the trek continues southeast toward the breathtaking Ausangate Lagoon, a serene glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks. We set up camp on its shores and enjoy the tranquility of the high Andes under a starry sky.

Day 3 Overview

• Starting altitude: 4,700 m (Ananta Camp)
• Highest point: 5,034 m (Rainbow Mountain summit)
• Ending altitude: 4,645 m (Ausangate Lagoon Camp)
• Distance: Approx. 13 km
• Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Accommodation: Tent camping at Ausangate Lagoon
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Highlights: Rainbow Mountain, Warmisaya Pass, early arrival for photos, scenic glacial lake campsite

We begin the day with a warm breakfast by the shores of Ausangate Lagoon, then prepare for one of the most demanding yet rewarding stages of the trek. The trail heads eastward through wide alpine valleys and begins a steady ascent toward the Palomani Pass, the highest point of the expedition.
At this altitude, you’ll walk along ancient glacial paths, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, including close views of Nevado Ausangate. The pass offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Vilcanota Range, with dramatic landscapes and silence only broken by the wind.
After conquering the pass, we begin our descent into the Killita Valley, a high Andean basin known for its emerald pastures and isolated beauty. We’ll pass by glacial lagoons and herds of alpacas before reaching our campsite at Killita, nestled below impressive ice-capped ridges.
This campsite is remote and peaceful — the perfect spot to rest and reflect on the immensity of the Andes.

Day 4 Overview

• Starting altitude: 4,645 m (Ausangate Lagoon Camp)
• Highest point: ~5,100 m (Palomani Pass)
• Ending altitude: 4,700 m (Killita Camp)
• Distance: Approx. 12 km
• Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Accommodation: Tent camping at Killita
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
• Highlights: Palomani Pass, panoramic mountain views, glacial valleys, remote high-altitude camp

We start the day early with a steady ascent toward Killita Pass (5,233 m), one of the most impressive high-altitude points of the trek. The trail climbs through rugged Andean terrain, offering dramatic views of snow-capped peaks and vast valleys. Though challenging, the effort is rewarded with breathtaking vistas from the pass, where you’ll feel completely immersed in the wild and untouched landscapes of the Vilcanota range.
From the pass, the trail gradually descends across remote plateaus where vicuñas roam freely, and the silence of the highlands surrounds you. Around midday, we reach the magnificent Sibinacocha Lagoon (4,873 m) — a shimmering glacial lake that stretches for kilometers, surrounded by pristine wilderness and guarded by the towering Mount Yayamari in the distance.
After enjoying lunch beside the lake, we continue hiking along its shore to reach Mormorani Camp (4,800 m). This secluded campsite offers stunning sunset views and a peaceful atmosphere for rest and reflection.

Day 5 Overview

• Starting altitude: 4,700 m (Killita Camp)
• Highest point: 5,233 m (Killita Pass)
• Ending altitude: 4,800 m (Mormorani Camp)
• Distance: Approx. 13–14 km
• Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Accommodation: Tent camping at Mormorani
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner
• Highlights: Killita Pass (5,233 m), Sibinacocha Lagoon, Mount Yayamari, herds of vicuñas, remote Andean landscapes

After a nourishing breakfast in the tranquil camp of Mormorani, we begin a gentler day of hiking that allows for rest and appreciation of the surrounding nature. The trail follows a gradual descent across rolling grasslands, pristine wetlands, and alpaca herding areas rarely visited by travelers.
As we walk along ancient paths, we are surrounded by incredible views of glacial valleys and scattered rock formations shaped by centuries of wind and ice. We’ll pass through isolated highland zones where wildlife like Andean geese, ibises, and foxes may appear, giving a deeper sense of immersion in the wild Vilcanota ecosystem.
Around midday, we reach the remote and scenic Ccascaracocha Lagoon (4,600 m), where we will set up our final high-altitude camp. This peaceful lake is surrounded by sharp peaks and offers a serene setting for afternoon relaxation, optional short walks, or photography.
The calm environment makes Ccascaracocha one of the most peaceful and reflective nights of the trek, an ideal moment to appreciate the journey through these sacred mountains.

Day 6 Overview

• Starting altitude: 4,800 m (Mormorani Camp)
• Ending altitude: 4,600 m (Ccascaracocha Camp)
• Distance: Approx. 10–11 km
• Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Accommodation: Tent camping at Ccascaracocha
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner
• Highlights: Remote Andean valleys, Ccascaracocha Lagoon, Andean wildlife sightings, cultural solitude

Your final trekking day begins with a peaceful morning at Ccascaracocha, surrounded by the stillness of the high Andes. After breakfast, we begin a gradual descent through open pampas and narrow valleys as we make our way to Phinaya, a small highland village rarely visited by tourists.
This scenic trail offers a unique perspective of rural Andean life, where shepherds tend to llamas and alpacas in the shadow of snowcapped peaks. The route is relatively easy, allowing for a relaxing and contemplative conclusion to your expedition.
Upon arriving in Phinaya (4,100 m) around midday, you’ll have time for a final group lunch and a chance to thank your team of muleteers and cooks. From here, our private transportation awaits to take you back to Cusco. The return journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, passing through the stunning high plateaus and lakes of southern Cusco.
You’ll arrive at your hotel in the evening, with your heart full of memories and your spirit renewed by this deep connection with the Vilcanota mountains.

Day 7 Overview

• Starting altitude: 4,600 m (Ccascaracocha)
• Ending altitude: 3,400 m (Cusco)
• Distance: Approx. 8–10 km trek + 6–7 hours drive
• Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Accommodation: Not included (return to hotel in Cusco)
• Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Highlights: Easy final descent, visit to Phinaya, panoramic drive through the Andes, return to modern comforts