Ausangate Trek

After breakfast, we begin a steady two-hour ascent to the La Arapa Pass (4,850m / 15,908ft), where breathtaking mountain views greet us at the summit. From here, we descend through a landscape rich in Andean wildlife, keeping an eye out for soaring hawks and the elusive vizcachas, a rabbit-like rodent native to the region. Along the way, we pass three stunning alpine lakes—Pukacocha, Hatunpukacocha, and Qomerqocha—each shimmering in shades of red, green, and turquoise, creating a striking contrast against the towering snow-capped peaks.

After enjoying a well-earned lunch in this serene setting, we continue our journey with a gradual ascent to the second pass of the day, Abra de Apuchata (4,900m / 16,076ft). From the summit, a short descent of 30 minutes brings us to our campsite at Ausangatecocha (4,440m / 14,566ft), nestled beside a glacial lake beneath the imposing slopes of Ausangate. As the sun sets, we take in the spectacular scenery and settle in for another night under the Andean sky.

Today, we set out early for a two-hour climb to the highest point of our trek, the Abra de Palomani Pass (5,200m / 17,060ft). From this breathtaking vantage point, we take in sweeping views of the surrounding peaks before beginning our descent through high-altitude pastures, where llamas, alpacas, and vizcachas roam freely. After two hours of downhill trekking, we arrive at Pampacancha (4,050m / 13,287ft), a tranquil valley surrounded by rugged Andean landscapes.

From here, the trail gradually ascends toward Q’ampa (4,300m / 14,104ft), our campsite for the night. This three-hour climb is relatively gentle, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, including more llamas and alpacas—and with luck, even a puma prowling in the distance. Upon arrival, we settle in to enjoy a warm Andean dinner before resting beneath the stars, surrounded by the silence of the highlands.

We begin the day with a two-hour climb to the Q’ampa Pass (5,000m / 16,400ft), where, if we’re lucky, we may spot Andean deer roaming the rugged terrain. From this high-altitude crossing, we start our descent through breathtaking landscapes, making our way to the serene Qomerqocha Lagoon, its waters reflecting the towering peaks above.

Continuing downward for approximately five hours, we arrive at Pacchanta (4,100m / 13,451ft), a small Andean community known for its natural hot springs. Here, we can soak in the soothing thermal waters, allowing the warmth to relax our muscles after the long trek. As the sun sets over the mountains, we enjoy our final night camping under the stars, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the highlands.

After breakfast, we set off on the final stretch of our journey, making a gentle two-hour descent from Pacchanta to Tinki. As we walk, we take in the last breathtaking views of the Andean highlands, passing through small villages where locals continue their traditional way of life. Along the way, we’ll see herds of alpacas and llamas grazing peacefully against the stunning mountain backdrop, a final reminder of the beauty of this remote region.

Once in Tinki (3,800m / 12,467ft), we’ll have a moment to rest and reflect on our incredible trek before boarding our private transport back to Cusco. The drive offers a last chance to admire the rolling hills and snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota mountain range before we return to the city. We expect to arrive in the early evening, bringing our unforgettable adventure to a close.