After breakfast, we will continue our ascent for two hours before reaching the La Arapa pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From here we will descend to our lunch spot, crossing an area where we can observe ​​hawks and vizcachas, a unique native Andean rodent. This area also has three beautiful lakes with shades of red, green and turquoise (Pukacocha, Hatunpukacocha and Qomerqocha) as well as spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After lunch, we will continue on a long and slow ascent that will take us to the second mountain pass, the Abra de Apuchata (4,900 m). From there we will descend for another half hour towards our camp at Ausangatecocha (4,440m).

Maximum Altitude: 4,900 m – 16076 ft
Minimum Altitude: 4,440 m – 14,566 ft
Distance traveled: 17 km – 10.563 miles (approx.)
Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours

The stunning blue Lake Ausangatecocha.

Today, we’ll leave early to climb for two hours to the third mountain pass, the Abra de Palomani (5,200 m), the highest part of the entire trek. From here we will descend for another 2 hours through an area of ​​llamas, alpacas and vizcachas before reaching Pampacancha (4,050m). From here we will follow an uphill path until it takes us to our camp at Q´ampa (4,300m / 14,104ft). Throughout this easy 3 hour climb, we may have the opportunity to see llamas, alpacas, and maybe even pumas. We will have dinner in Q’ampa before resting for the evening.

Maximum Altitude: 5,200m – 17,060ft
Minimum Altitude: 4,050m – 13,287ft
Distance traveled: 17 km – 10.563 miles (approx.)
Approximate walking time: 8-9 hours.

Llamas and alpacas on the Ausangate Trek.

Today we will climb for 2 hours until we reach the Q´ampa mountain pass (5.000m / 16.400ft), where we may have the chance to spot Andean deer. From here we’ll begin to descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon before finally arriving at Pacchanta (4,100m) after an approximately five-hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip before we camp for the night.

Maximum Altitude: 5,000 m – 16,404 ft
Minimum Altitude: 4,100 m – 13,451 ft
Distance Traveled: 14 km – 8.699 miles (approx.)
Approximate Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Scenery along the Ausangate Trek.

In the morning we’ll leave Pacchanta and start walking back to Tinki, which will take about 2 hours. Once in Tinki, we will board a private transport that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we expect to arrive in the evening.

Maximum Altitude: 4,100 m – 13,451 ft
Minimum Altitude: 3,800 m – 12,467 ft
Distance traveled: 10 km – 6.213 miles (approx.).
Approximate walking time: 2-3 hours

The Ausangate Trek offers some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes.