Description of the Ausangate trek 4 days
The Ausangate 4-Day trek is a breathtaking adventure through the remote Andes of Peru, offering an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and physical challenge. The high-altitude route takes trekkers around the sacred Ausangate mountain, one of the tallest in Peru, passing through dramatic landscapes of high Andean peaks, turquoise glacial lakes and vibrant alpine meadows. A highlight of the trek is a visit to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, known for its striking, naturally colored mineral layers. Along the way hiker encounter isolated Andean communities, herds of alpacas and traditional lifestyles untouched by modern civilization. While demanding due to its altitudes and rugged terrain, the Ausangate trek is a rewarding experience for those seeking a uniquie and immersive journey into the heart of the Peruvian Andes. At the end of the day each camp offers spacious private tents, a dining tent, and toilet facilities. Be delighted by the meals prepared by your great chef.
Ausangate trek 4 days at a Glance
The Ausangate Trek 4 Days is considered one of the most spectacular hiking adventures in Peru, trekking around the sacred “Apu” Ausangate in the heart of the Andes.
Experience the colorful amiance of its valleys, turquoise lagoons, isolated remote communities, preserving their legacy and customs. Unforgettable hike with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and high-andean wildlife. Ideal for intrepid and love nature travelers, feel the energy of this sacred land in each breath. Ausangate trek blends nature, cultural immersion and challenging high passes. The best off-the-beaten-track just 3 hours away from Cusco.
Day 1: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis Lake – Upis.
Early pick up from your Cusco hotel and drive towards the community of Upis, we hike for around 3 hours, great Andean landscapes surround us. When we arrive at our campsite, we have the afternoon to relax.
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha
Today, after a hearty breakfast, hike over 4800 m on Arapa pass, admire georgeous mountain scenery and herds of alpacas and llamas. Our campsite is the Puca Cocha lagoon, we camp under a starry night.
Day 3: Puca Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Ananta – Surini Pass – Queulla Qocha
The most difficult day, we pass the highest point, during the hike we will be able to see the Rainbow Mountain in the distance.
Day 4: Queulla Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Our perfect day to visit the stunning Rainbow Mountain, after a hearty breakfast we will hike for 45 minutes. Finally, we descend for 1 1/2 hours and we drive back to Cusco.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis Lake – Upis.
To start our trek, pick up will be at 05:00 am from your hotel. Drive in our private van for about 2 hours to the town of Tinqui where we stop and stretch our legs. Here you will see the people with their interesting traditional clothing. Traveling further through the countryside we arrive at the trailhead, where our chef will delight us with a delicious breakfast, and our trekking team will be waiting. Start the hike from Upispampa passing through remote villages with many stream crossings until we arrive to the town of Upis. The trail is mostly flat and is the perfect way to start the Ausangate hike. After Upis we hike for about 3 hours before arriving at our first campsite. Our cook will prepare a delicious lunch. After you have the option to hike to Upis Lake which takes around 2 hours round trip. The trail to this beautiful lake is flat for about 40 minutes and the last 20 minutes is a gradual uphill. Enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding Andes. On our we return, we will have teatime, later you have time to take a nap, finish the day with a wonderful dinner at 7:00 pm. Finally, rest after an intense day of hiking.
- Walking Distance: 8 km/ 4,9 miles.
- Hiking Hour: 3 hours roughly.
- Trailhead Elevation: 4,179 meters / 13,710 feet.
- Difficulty: moderate.
- Campsite Elevation: 4,432 meters / 14,540 feet.
- Highest Point: 4,432 meters / 14,540 feet.
- Accommodation: Tents.
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha
Start the day with hot cup of coca tea or coffee delivered to your tent, before enjoying a hearty, delicious breakfast to fuel the day ahead. We set off this morning hiking up to Arapa Pass (4968m). Along the way observe local farmers and alpacas, the Ausangate snow-capped peak to your left side, and your guide will explain about flora, and fauna and the landscapes along the trek. If we are lucky, we may see Condor, Chinchillas, or Vicuñas. While trekking enjoy colorful lakes before arriving at our campsite, Puca Cocha. This campsite is surrounded by high mountains and unbelievable hanging glaciers, watch and hear the ice from the glaciers crashing into the tarns below! On arrive our tents will be set up so we can change, take a nap before a tasty lunch. Since this campsite is close to Puca Cocha Lake, you will go to the lake where you will see many types of ducks, Andean geese, and many other types of birds. Then you will have dinner in our dining tent. Spend the night under the stars high in the Peruvian Andes.
- Walking Distance: 10 km/ 6,21 miles
- hiking hour: 5 – 6 hours roughly
- Difficulty: moderate/difficult
- Campsite Elevation: 4,577 meters / 15,016 feet.
- Accommodation: Tents
- Highest Point: 4740 m / 15,551 ft.
Day 3: Puca Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Ananta – Surini Pass – Queulla Qocha
Today is the most difficult day of your Ausangate trek, start with Puca Cocha pass (5051), hiking beautiful, colorful mountains surround you. Have spectacular views of Mount Ausangate and colorful glacier lakes before entering into the Red Mountain valley. Enjoy the landscape with vivid colors, while llamas eating grass are close by. Lunch will be eaten as you take in your surroundings that feature Mother Nature at her absolute best. Later, climb the second pass, Warmi Saya (15,090ft-4500m-14,000feet) where you see the amazing Rainbow Mountain in the distance. From here go downhill, circle the lake and keep walking until we reach our campsite. If the weather allows, we will go to the Rainbow Mountain at the sunset, finishing a spectacular day of trekking.
- Highest Point: 4918 m / 16,135 ft.
- Walking Distance: 8 km/ 4,971 miles
- Campsite Elevation: 4,864 meters / 15,958 feet
- hiking hour: 7 – 8 hours roughly
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Accommodation: Tents.
Day 4: Queulla Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
Today we will visit the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain. Wake up at 06:00 am with coca tea delivered to your tent, have a delicious freshly prepared breakfast, and hike for about 45 minutes to Rainbow Mountain. Have time to explore the area and take pictures, be amazed by the mountain and its many colors. We will spend approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on your trekking speed and weather conditions). After enjoying RAINBOW MOUNTAIN for about one hour, visit the RED VALLEY which takes another 30 minutes. Hike back down to the trailhead where our van will be waiting. Today after our farewell lunch we say goodbye to our horseman and the chef and travel back to Cusco where you will be dropped off at your hotel around 03:00 pm.
- Highest Point: 5,040 m / 16,535 ft.
- Walking Distance: 5 km/ 3,107 miles
- Trailhead Elevation: 4,864 meters / 15,958 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Hiking Hour: 2 hours roughly
What is included in the Ausangate Trek 4 Days?
INCLUDED
- Four-man tent, for just 2 people
- English-speaking guide with radio communication.
- Pre departure briefing at our office or your hotel the night before.
- Portable private toilet tent.
- Dining room with seats and all equipment.
- Professional cook.
- Wake up tea. It can be Coca tea, Coffee, or any type of tea.
- Mules which carry group gear and large duffels provided by the company, for personal belongings. up to 7kg
- Water every day. We boil water and cool down to refill your bottle.
Happy hour. - Entrance fees to access private lands of the Ausangate area.
Large Dining tent, table, stools, all cutlery, and kitchen tent. - Tents to overnight, and Therma rest.
- Entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain.
- Red Valley ticket.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners with option for vegetarians, Pescatarian, gluten-free, lactose intolerance.
- Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.
- Foam Mattress.
- First aid kit.
- A metal tank of Oxygen.
- Hygiene Product. We will provide you with a bowl a wáter and towel paper to clean your hands at every campsite.
- Plastic Poncho.
- Rain covers for your backpack.
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal riding horse. Additional horses may be rented according to the needs of the individual and group.
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew (cooks, horsemen and Guides)
- Travel insurance.
EXTRAS
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $20USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
Prices
Group prices
$490 USD Per person.
***For groups of 4+ travelers, $20 USD discount each. (Applies for the group service only)
For Private services additional:
$100 USD PP
Add on’s:
- Single Tent Supplement – $ 30 USD (Preferably notice us at time of booking)
- Sleeping bag – $20 USD
- Air Mattress – $20USD
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
WHAT TO BRING FOR AUSANGATE TREK 4 DAYS
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (the same used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 L (Camelbacks are encouraged)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Sleeping bag (can be rented from Wayna Trekkers)
- Headlamp: essential
- Toilet paper
- Good raincoat and pants, (especially in the rainy season).
- Warm Clothing: We may experience extreme cold nights below 0 Degrees
- Wool hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Personal First Aid kit, personal medications and items of person nature.
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
THE DUFFEL BAG
We provide a duffel bag at the briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter, who will carry up to 7 kgs/15lbs including sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. In these 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE BAG
- 4 T-Shirts
- 2 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 4 sets of hiking socks
- Fleece/ Thermals
- Warm clothes, down jacket
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp
- Quick dry towel. We provide a small one, you might prefer something larger
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office to line your duffel
- Sleeping bag: It has to be at least -15ºC – This can be rented from us for $20 USD
TOILETRIES
- Face cleanser, moisturizer & after sun cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN THE DAY BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 25 to 40L for hiking in the day.
Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, we will then provide you with cold boiled water at every mealtime. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Wool hat and gloves
- Rain gear
- Fleece or warm layer
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Personal First Aid kit, personal medications and items of person nature.
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Valuables (passport, money etc.)
Please read the following information.
Booking
Arrival to Cusco.
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service ensure you send your flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal; your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500m – 2,000m (4921ft – 6561ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen – you breathe faster and deeper and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The city of Cusco stands at a staggering 3 399m/ 11 152ft. On the other hand, the Ausangate Trek is located at a very high altitude, being the lowest is your starting point 4,179 meters / 13,710 feet and gets as high as 5 050m/16 535ft (Rainbow Mountain). So, altitudes sickness is to be expected when hiking the Ausangate Trek 4 days. However, people react differently to altitude sickness, and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include: headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness and disturbed sleep and in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are number of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate, by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air; it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your hike, that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume, try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light, high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and ask for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Get in Shape!
Being physically fit will certainly help you to enjoy everything this chanllenging trail has to offer. You do not have to be an athlete, but we do recommend that you are active and build endurance. There are a few ways to achieve this. You could join a health club a couple of months leading to the trek. Another option is to participate in an aerobic group activity; aerobics are known for increasing endurance. If you prefer the outdoors, walking or running for 15kms/9 miles day would suffice.
Briefing.
We have set your pre-trek talk the night before your trek at 5:00 PM at your hotel or at our office.
Luggage.
Some people change hotels after hiking; therefore we offer a free secure luggage store while trekking. Please advise at the briefing.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival to Cusco at our office with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa, but you have to pay 5.5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
