Ausangate Trek 4 Days
Take on the 4-day Ausangate Trek, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the heart of the Andes. Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of glacial lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and vibrant highland valleys, all while experiencing the rich culture of remote Andean communities. This trek offers the perfect balance of challenge and reward, with opportunities to relax in natural hot springs and gaze at star-filled skies each night. If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes and cultural connections, the 4-day Ausangate Trek is calling your name!
- 4 Days
- Electronic Tickets
- English / Spanish
- Instant confirmation
- Activity Easy to do
- cannot be canceled
During our Machu Picchu day trip By Train from Cusco, you’ll dedicate a day to the exploration of Machu Picchu, the famous Inca Citadel. This comprehensive day trip departs from Cusco and offers a chance to uncover the secrets of this iconic mountaintop Inca site with the guidance of a local expert. Gain insights into its construction, historical significance, and the daily routines of its inhabitants. The tour maintains a leisurely and non-taxing pace, making it an excellent choice for newcomers, families, and solo adventurers alike.
- 4 Days
- Electronic Tickets
- English / Spanish
- Instant confirmation
- Activity Easy to do
- cannot be canceled
This price is applicable for groups of 02 people or more. If you are traveling alone, please consult with our travel consultants.
What’s Included in the Ausangate Trek 4 Days
Accommodation
Night 1 – Soraypampa: Stay in our exclusive glass cabins for two people, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Night 2 – Colpapampa: Enjoy a peaceful rest in private sleeping domes for two, set in a tranquil natural environment.
Night 3 – Aguas Calientes: Spend the night in a clean and secure 2-star hotel, with a private bathroom, hot water, Wi-Fi, and a takeaway breakfast. (Upgrades available upon request.)
What’s Not Included
Meals
Lunch and dinner on the final day.
No boiled water provided during the trek—please carry enough or purchase along the route.
Accommodation
Night 1 – Soraypampa: Stay in our exclusive glass cabins for two people, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Night 2 – Colpapampa: Enjoy a peaceful rest in private sleeping domes for two, set in a tranquil natural environment.
Night 3 – Aguas Calientes: Spend the night in a clean and secure 2-star hotel, with a private bathroom, hot water, Wi-Fi, and a takeaway breakfast. (Upgrades available upon request.)
Meals
All meals as per itinerary: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
Professional trekking chef prepares fresh meals at each campsite.
Dining and kitchen tents provided at each stop.
Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options available—please inform us in advance.
Morning coca tea and boiled water for coffee or tea provided at campsites.
Transportation
Private transportation from Cusco to the trek starting point.
Vehicle from Playa Sahuayaco to Hidroelectrica.
Expedition train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Tourist transport from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco (Plaza Regocijo).
Local Guides & Support Team
Certified English/Spanish-speaking guide with a minimum of 3 years of trekking experience.
Horses and horsemen to carry camping gear, food, and kitchen equipment.
First aid kit and oxygen provided by the guide.
Duffel bag of up to 5 kg per person for personal belongings.
Additional Services
Pre-departure briefing in Cusco the day before your trek (at 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 PM).
Entrance tickets to both Machu Picchu and the Salkantay trail included.
What’s Not Included
Meals
Lunch and dinner on the final day.
No boiled water provided during the trek—please carry enough or purchase along the route.
Optional Activities
Entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $60 per person (limited availability; request in advance).
Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
Other Services
Trekking poles rental: $20 per person.
Sleeping bag rental: $15 per person.
Tips for your guide, cook, and support team.
Shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes: $12 per person (optional—you can also walk).
National or international flights.
Travel insurance.
Any item not explicitly mentioned in this itinerary.
Itinerary – Ausangate Trek 4 Days
Day 1 Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis Lake – Upis
Your adventure begins at 6:00 am when we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, we’ll take a private van for a 2-hour drive to the town of Tinqui. Here, you’ll stretch your legs and explore the charming village, where locals proudly wear traditional attire.
We’ll continue on a 1-hour scenic drive along dusty, bumpy roads to the trailhead at Upispampa. After a delicious breakfast and meeting our horsemen, the trek officially begins! We’ll hike through remote villages and cross crystal-clear streams, surrounded by stunning Andean landscapes, until we reach the small village of Upis. The trail is moderate, with gentle ups and downs, making for a pleasant 3-hour hike to our campsite.
At Upis, you’ll settle into our private cabins for the night. After a freshly prepared lunch, you’ll have the option to take a 2-hour round-trip hike to the breathtaking Upis Lake. The path is mostly flat, with a gradual incline towards the end. Once back, relax in your cozy cabin, sipping tea and admiring the incredible views of Mount Ausangate through the window. After a hearty dinner, step outside to marvel at the star-filled sky, an unforgettable sight.
- Elevation Gain: 330 m / 1,082 ft
- Elevation Loss: 56 m / 183 ft
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
- Hiking Time: 3 hours approx.
- Trailhead Elevation: 4,179 m / 13,710 ft
- Campsite Elevation: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Private Cabins
Day 2 Upis – Arapa Pass – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha
Start your day with coca tea or coffee brought to your cabin at 5:00 am, followed by a hearty breakfast to fuel the day ahead. The trek begins with a gradual ascent to the Arapa Pass (4,968 m / 16,300 ft), offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, vibrant highland landscapes, and grazing alpacas. Along the way, our expert English-speaking guide will share fascinating insights about the flora, fauna, and culture of the region. If luck is on our side, we may spot condors, chinchillas, or vicuñas.
After crossing the pass, we’ll descend to the stunning Puca Cocha campsite, surrounded by towering peaks and hanging glaciers. You’ll even hear the thunderous sound of glaciers calving into nearby lakes! Our team will set up mountain huts for you to relax, change, or take a nap before enjoying a freshly prepared lunch. In the afternoon, you can explore Puca Cocha Lake, home to a variety of birds, including Andean geese and ducks. Dinner will be served in a cozy dining room built with rocks and mud, providing a unique Andean experience.
- Elevation Gain: 490 m / 1,607 ft
- Elevation Loss: 294 m / 964 ft
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours approx.
- Campsite Elevation: 4,577 m / 15,016 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult
- Accommodation: Mountain Huts
Day 3 Puca Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Ananta – Surini Pass – Queulla Qocha
Today is the most challenging day of the trek, but also the most rewarding. After breakfast, we’ll ascend to the Apacheta Pass (5,051 m / 16,568 ft), surrounded by vibrant, colorful mountains. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Ausangate and its glacier-fed lakes, followed by a descent into the spectacular Red Mountain Valley, a landscape of vivid hues and grazing llamas.
Lunch will be served near Queulla Qocha Lake, where you’ll have time to rest before tackling the Warmi Saya Pass (4,590 m / 15,090 ft). From here, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the iconic Rainbow Mountain in the distance. After a scenic descent, we’ll reach our final campsite near Queulla Qocha Lake. If the weather permits, we’ll take a short hike to Rainbow Mountain for a stunning sunset view, a perfect end to the day.
- Elevation Gain: 723 m / 2,372 ft
- Elevation Loss: 468 m / 1,535 ft
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 7–8 hours approx.
- Campsite Elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft
- Difficulty: Difficult
Accommodation: Camping in Tents
Day 4 Queulla Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early morning wake-up call with coca tea, we’ll hike for about 45 minutes to the stunning Rainbow Mountain (5,040 m / 16,535 ft). Here, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, take pictures, and soak in the vibrant, natural colors of this iconic destination.
From Rainbow Mountain, we’ll hike another 30 minutes to the Red Valley, a lesser-known but equally mesmerizing location. After enjoying the views, we’ll descend to the trailhead, where our private van will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Along the way, we’ll bid farewell to our horsemen and chef, arriving in Cusco by 3:00 pm to drop you off at your hotel.
- Elevation Gain: 194 m / 636 ft
- Elevation Loss: 435 m / 1,427 ft
- Hiking Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Hiking Time: 2 hours approx.
- Trailhead Elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
Ausangate Trek 4 days Map
Meeting and pick-up
Pickup points
Free pickup from hotels, hostels, houses, and apartments near the historic center of Cusco.
Start time
5:00 a.m.
Pickup details
After making your reservation, you can contact us to provide the necessary information for pickup. It is very important that your hotel has vehicle access; otherwise, we will arrange a meeting point.
Ausangate Trek 4 Days Price
- From $549 USD – General Price
Cancellation Policy
Cannot be canceled.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ausangate Trek 4 days
What is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude hiking adventure in the Peruvian Andes that circles the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m / 20,945 ft). Over 4 days, trekkers experience breathtaking glaciers, turquoise lakes, rainbow-colored hills, and remote Andean communities.
How difficult is the Ausangate Trek?
The trek is considered challenging due to high altitude, long hiking distances, and cold weather. It’s best suited for experienced hikers or travelers in very good physical condition.
How many kilometers is the 4-day Ausangate Trek?
The 4-day version typically covers 40–50 kilometers (25–31 miles), depending on the exact route and camp locations used by the tour operator.
Do I need to be acclimated before starting?
Yes, absolutely. Due to the extreme altitudes (often above 4,500 m / 14,764 ft), you should spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco before the trek to acclimate and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point is usually the Ausangate Pass, which reaches approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
What will I see on the trek?
Highlights include:
Snow-capped Ausangate Mountain
Colorful lagoons (Pucacocha, Jatun Pucacocha, etc.)
Herds of alpacas and llamas
Rainbow Mountain (optional on some itineraries)
Glacial valleys and remote Andean communities
Hot springs near Pacchanta (final day)
Is Rainbow Mountain included?
Many 4-day Ausangate Trek itineraries include a visit to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on the last day. Check with your operator to confirm this, as some versions do not.
Where do we sleep during the trek?
You’ll camp each night in remote mountain campsites. Most operators provide high-quality tents, sleeping mats, and dining tents. Sleeping bags are usually rented separately.
Are there toilets or showers?
There are no proper bathrooms along the route. Campsites have basic facilities or portable toilets. Showers are generally not available, though hot springs in Pacchanta may offer an opportunity to wash up on the final day.
What meals are included?
All meals during the trek are typically included and freshly prepared by the cook team. They usually consist of hot breakfasts, hearty lunches, snacks, and warm dinners. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
What should I pack?
Essentials include:
Warm sleeping bag (rated to -10°C / 14°F)
Trekking boots
Thermal layers and waterproof jacket
Gloves, hat, and scarf
Sunscreen and lip balm
Refillable water bottle
Headlamp
Toilet paper and personal hygiene items
A full packing list will be provided by your tour operator.
When is the best time to do the Ausangate Trek?
The dry season (May to September) is the best time to trek, offering clear skies and better trail conditions. The wet season (November to March) can make the trail muddy and more difficult, though it’s still possible with proper gear.
Is a guide required for the Ausangate Trek?
While the trail is not officially regulated, it is strongly recommended to go with a licensed guide or tour operator, especially because of the altitude, isolation, and weather conditions.
Can I do the trek on horseback?
Yes. Most operators offer the option to hire a horse for part or all of the trek if you prefer not to hike the entire route.
Is the Ausangate Trek crowded like the Inca Trail?
No. The Ausangate Trek is much less crowded than the Inca Trail, making it ideal for those looking for solitude and raw natural beauty in the Andes.
Ratings and comments
This price is applicable for groups of 02 people or more. If you are traveling alone, please consult with our travel consultants.
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$549 USD
Per person