5-day Ausangate trek – 2026

Summary:

Embark on one of Peru’s most breathtaking adventures through vast valleys, ancient villages, and glacial lakes. This five-day trek challenges and rewards you with high mountain passes exceeding 5,000m, nights under starry skies, and a unique visit to the Rainbow Mountain—far from the usual crowds.

Accompanied by expert guides, local muleteers, and professional chefs, you will enjoy authentic Andean cuisine and cozy mountain cabins. The journey concludes with a rejuvenating soak in the Pacchanta hot springs, where you can embrace the sacred energy of Apu Ausangate, the legendary protector of the Andes.

Day 01: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis (L, D)

Your adventure begins with a 6:00 a.m. private pickup from your hotel, heading toward the traditional village of Tinki. After a short break to enjoy the local atmosphere, we continue to the trailhead for a nutritious breakfast and an introduction to our muleteers.

The trek starts in Upispampa, following a gentle trail through remote hamlets and streams for about three hours until we reach Upis. Here, you will settle into comfortable private cabins. After a chef-prepared lunch, you can take an optional hike to the glacial Upis Lake (2 hours round trip). Return to your cabin to enjoy tea with a direct view of the majestic Ausangate, followed by a gourmet dinner under a spectacular starry sky.

Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles

Hiking time: approx. 3 hours.

Starting altitude: 4,179 m / 13,710 feet.

Camp altitude: 4,432 m / 14,540 feet.

Highest point: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

Accommodation: Cabins

Day 02: Upis – Puca Cocha – Ananta (B, L, D)

Your day begins at 5:00 a.m. with hot coca tea delivered to your cabin. After breakfast, we ascend to Arapa Pass (4,958m), offering panoramic views of the rugged Andean landscape. We then descend slightly to a scenic lunch spot near the turquoise Pucacocha Lagoon.

The afternoon challenge is the ascent to Pucacocha Pass (5,000m). From the summit, we descend through a world of glacial peaks and alpine lakes to our camp in Ananta, where cozy mountain cabins await. Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter local shepherds, herds of alpacas, and llamas, while your guide shares deep insights into the local geography and culture.

Distance: 14 km / 8.68 miles

Hiking time: approx. 8–9 hours

Starting altitude: 4,400 m / 14,430 feet

Camp altitude: 4,700 m / 15,400 feet

Difficulty: Difficult

Accommodation: Mountain huts

Day 03: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Alqatari (B, L, D)

Following a 4:00 a.m. start, we ascend to Surini Pass (5,051m) for a first glimpse of the multi-colored horizon. We trek across high-altitude plains and past the Circle Lagoon, reaching the summit of Rainbow Mountain by 8:00 a.m.—perfect for photos without the crowds.

The afternoon consists of a 2-hour descent to our camp at Alqatari. Along the trail, you’ll observe local life in remote villages and walk alongside llamas and alpacas. Enjoy a warm dinner and a well-earned rest in our mountain shelters.

Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles

Hiking time: approx. 7 hours

Camp altitude: 4,420 m / 14,500 feet

Difficulty: Difficult

Accommodation: Refuge

Day 04: Alqatari – Palomani Pass – Quinsacocha – Surapamapa (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we tackle the most ambitious stretch of our journey: the Palomani Pass. At 5,300m, this is the highest point of the trek, offering a “heavenly” perspective far above any other route in Cusco. From this literal peak experience, you’ll look down upon vast canyons and may even spot Andean condors soaring at eye level.

Descending from the foot of the sacred Apu Ausangate, we pass a surreal landscape of red lagoons, bubbling streams, and glacial peaks. Along the way, keep an eye out for mountain chinchillas (viscachas) scurrying among the rocks. After a hearty lunch in Huchuy Phinaya, we continue for one hour to our camp at Surapampa, a prime location for observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.

Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles

Hiking time: 7–8 hours

Highest point: 5,099 m / 16,729 feet

Camp altitude: 4,591 m / 15,062 feet

Difficulty: Difficult

Accommodation: Camping in tents

Day 05: Jampa – Pacchanta – Cusco (B, L)

Our final day begins with a three-hour ascent to the last pass (4,900m), rewarding you with a cinematic panorama of the Seven Lagoons and towering glacial peaks. We then descend to the community of Pacchanta for a final, celebratory lunch prepared by our talented mountain crew.

The highlight of the afternoon is a well-deserved soak in the natural hot springs, the perfect remedy for your muscles after five days on the trail. Here, you can enjoy a cold drink, browse local handmade textiles, and say farewell to our muleteers. Our private transport will then take you back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 p.m. with memories of an epic Andean journey.

Distance: 17 km / 10.56 miles

Hiking time: 7–8 hours

Highest point: 5,050 m / 16,568 feet

Difficulty: Difficult

Include:

• Cabins for the first night, mountain shelters for the second night, tents for the third day, and the fourth night will also be in tents.
• Native Spanish-speaking guide with radio communication.
• Informative pre-departure briefing, which will take place at our office one day before your departure.
• Private portable toilet.
• Dining room with seating at some camps where you can rest after a long hike.
• Professional cook.
• Wake-up tea. This can be coca tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or any type of tea.
• Mules to carry all our hiking equipment.
• 7 kilograms of your personal belongings.
• Large travel bag provided by the company for your 7 kg of personal belongings.
• Water every day. We boil the water and cool it so you can refill your bottle.
• Happy hour. Every afternoon, our cook will prepare hot tea, which you can enjoy with popcorn and cookies.
• Cloth bag for your snack.
• Snacks for each day.
• Tickets to access private lands in the Ausangate area.
• Large dining tent, table, stools, all kitchen utensils, and kitchen tent.
• Tents for overnight stays. Tents with capacity for three people will be provided, but will be used by only two, in order to offer you greater comfort and sufficient space for your personal equipment.
• Entrance to the Mountain of Colors.
• Meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners with options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.
• Matra Thermarest.
• First aid kit. Every February, our guides receive first aid training. They carry basic medicines in their backpacks to treat diarrhea, altitude sickness, injuries, among others.
• Metal oxygen tank. Our guide will have an oxygen tank at all times.
• Hygiene products. We will provide you with a container of water and paper towels so you can clean your hands at each camp.
• Plastic poncho. When it rains heavily, your jacket can get too wet, so we give you a plastic poncho to protect you from heavy rain.
• Rain cover for your backpack.

Not Include:

• Sleeping bag. We rent sleeping bags for $30 for the entire trip.
• Trekking poles. We rent trekking poles for $30 for the entire trip.
• Personal riding horse. Additional horses can be rented according to individual and group needs.
• Voluntary tips for the guide, driver, and cook.
• Travel insurance.

Recommendations for what to bring:

• Small backpack with rain cover.
• Flashlight or headlamp.
• Extra socks (wool is best).
• Layered hiking pants and shirts.
• Waterproof pants.
• Camping shoes or sandals, for use at night.
• Camping pillow.
• Waterproof hiking shoes.
• Warm clothing (thermal clothing, fleece, hat, and gloves).
• Waterproof clothing (poncho).
• Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, shorts, T-shirts).
• Sun hat and sunglasses.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip balm.
• Swimsuit.
• Camera and extra battery.
• Water bottles such as Nalgene.
• Basic medications.
• Hiking poles.
• Personal items.
• Personal snacks.
• Cash (if you want to buy souvenirs).

Net Rates per person in USD – Minimum 2 passengers.

Private Service:

Terms & Conditions

Please read carefully the following terms and conditions to avoid misunderstandings that may arise days before and/or during the experience, in case you have additional questions please contact us and we will gladly assist you. We want your experience with us to be extraordinary. DMC Peru Agency is not responsible and will not make any refund and/or reimbursement for any misunderstanding.

2.- Rates:

Rates are valid until December 2026 and are expressed in US dollars (USD).

Rates are subject to change without prior notice according to availability and rates, please consult with your executive before confirming availability.

Rates per person are based on 02 passengers, with an additional cost per individual traveler.

Rates include charges for credit card payments.

Rates do not apply for Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Special dates (*)

3.- The programs are quoted in the standard room category of the hotels, for higher categories, please contact us.

4.- It is the responsibility of each passenger to have the required documents for his/her trip, in force (with more than six months of validity after the end of his/her visit to our countries) and in good condition. As a general rule, these include, for each passenger, a passport, identity card, for countries that exceptionally allow entry with this document in replacement of the passport, visas when required, for countries in transit and destination countries, and certificates of certain vaccinations, for countries that require it, the passenger’s travel document must be the same with which he/she confirmed his/her reservation.

5.- Check-in and check-out times are set by each hotel. In general, rooms are available for check in from 3:00 PM and check out must be before 12:00 PM. Later departures may mean additional charges, it is important to follow the recommendations of the assistant who accompanies you at the time of check in at the hotel and/or ask at the hotel the respective schedules in case it is not published at the front desk.

6.- The requirements for double rooms (double or twin beds), triple rooms, extra beds and/or cribs are subject to confirmation by each hotel.

7.- Triple rooms in some destinations and hotels are composed of 2 double beds, which requires sharing these beds.

8.- Tourists are obliged to conduct themselves respecting the rights of people, the environment, the cultural and natural heritage of our countries, as well as the multi-ethnic conditions, beliefs, customs and ways of life of the inhabitants of the localities they visit.

9.-It is strictly forbidden to engage in conduct that interferes with the safety and comfort of the other participants of the group, such as the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The use of female or male escorts (prostitution) is not tolerable within a trip, the use of minors for this type of services is penalized by the authorities. DMC PERU AGENCY protects the integrity of minors and adolescents.

Itineraries. – The itineraries have been planned with great care, although for operational reasons, climatic or political factors or any other eventuality it may be necessary to change the sequence of activities in the itinerary or the specified route; such cases are exceptional and the passenger will be informed.

In order to improve the tourists’ experience, the order of the excursions may vary.

Services not included. – The passenger is responsible for all administrative formalities such as: Obtaining and updating passports, visas, travel insurance, payment of excess baggage, beverages, laundry service, communication (calls, faxes, e-mails, etc.), domestic and international airport departure taxes, tips or other services and fees not specified in the itinerary.

Services not used. – Some services may be interrupted or canceled due to weather conditions, force majeure such as acts of nature, social upheaval, strikes, etc., or others beyond the control of the hotels, airlines, other suppliers or DMC PERU AGENCY. No reimbursement shall be made as a consequence of such interruptions or cancellations beyond our control. DMC PERU AGENCY will at all times assist the passenger and modify the itinerary for the passenger’s benefit, as well as provide permanent assistance.

Insurance. – We recommend passengers obtain trip cancellation, repatriation and international medical insurance to cover any discomfort that may arise during the trip. We also suggest that you consult with your doctor and update your vaccination records and review any medical concerns regarding international travel.

Airline Tickets. – 100% payment is required for ticket issuance. Fares are subject to availability and only the final price is guaranteed with the purchase of the ticket; refunds, changes allowed/not allowed, penalties applied and not applied are in accordance with airline policy. Tickets are non-refundable or non-endorsable in case of cancellation.

Baggage Responsibilities. – DMC PERU AGENCY recommends that all passengers arrive in Peru with their own travel insurance, and that they have coverage for lost luggage. DMC PERU AGENCY cannot be held responsible for: – Luggage lost or delayed during domestic or international flights, as well as carry-on items, or personal items. – Objects forgotten by passengers in hotels, vehicles, or places visited during the trip. – We recommend our passengers not to include any valuable items in their checked baggage during transfers and flights.

Reservation Policies. – Any reservation must include the following information of the passenger(s) or group: a. Full names and surnames. b. Nationalities. c. Passport or identity card number. d. Date of birth. e. Gender. f. Dietary restrictions (allergies, intolerance to certain products, vegans, vegetarians, etc.) if any. Dietary restrictions (allergies, intolerance to certain products, vegans, vegetarians, etc.) if any. The consequences generated by the omission of information on physical and medical conditions, among others, are the sole responsibility of the passenger. Airline reservation code in case the passenger makes the reservation on his/her own or through an external organization to DMC PERU AGENCY. In the case of foreign students, it must be duly accredited with the respective student card in which the validity of the same is clearly shown. No other type of document will be accepted to request the respective discount for admission to the tourist attractions. g. The passport / ID number is MANDATORY for issuing admission tickets to tourist attractions, bus, train and/or airline tickets. h. Passengers must have a valid passport to enter our countries. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry to Peru.

Definition of Group Size. – INDIVIDUALS or FITS: Up to 8 passengers. In case of more passengers send us a quotation as a group.

Payment policies. – DMC PERU AGENCY requires payment in full: 35 days prior to arrival for Individual passengers / FITs. 60 days prior to arrival in case of Groups. Payment term in case of groups may vary depending on the policy of some hotels and/or suppliers. Please consult. Payment constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in this document, as well as those indicated in the quotation or booking confirmation.

Payment Methods (For Groups or FIT’s)

Bank Transfer: Payments should be made to the following bank account in Lima, PERU BANCO DE CREDITO DEL PERU – MIRAFLORES AGENCY Avenida Larco # 611 MIRAFLORES, LIMA 18 PERU Telephone (511) – 4441717.ACCOUNT NUMBER: 285-11840622-1-90. ACCOUNT NAME: AMARA EXPERIENCE E.I.R.L.SWIFT: BCPLPEPL

We accept all major credit and debit cards.

Other payment alternatives, we accept transfers via Western Union or Money Gram, in case you wish to pay with this option please indicate it to your sales executive to provide you with the corresponding information. All transfer costs are assumed by the sender and must have in reference the tour number(s) or name of DMC PERU AGENCY. In addition, we request a copy of the payment confirmation issued by the bank via mail, with the following information attached: – Name of the passengers – Name of the Tour – Date of the trip The information requested is key to be able to make the correct follow-up of payments and operations.

Cancellations and Refunds. – Requests for cancellations and requests for refunds must be made in writing and include all related information, and we will respond immediately after consultation with the service providers, indicating the respective charges for cancellation or cancellation of services. The request will be applied within working days.

Cancellation Charges. – Cancellation charges tend to increase when the arrival date is closer. DMC PERU AGENCY will do its best to keep these charges as low as possible.

 Policies for Children. – Discounts will be applied only for children under 8 years of age in case of admission to tourist attractions. Hotel discounts apply according to the policies of each hotel and / or provider. Child rates apply when accompanied by 02 adults.

Liability Clause: DMC PERU AGENCY shall not be liable for any injury, death, loss, delay, inconvenience, damage to personal belongings in connection with the provision of any goods or services due to force majeure: illness, government restrictions, acts of civil war, insurrection or rebellion, strikes or other activities, criminal or terrorist of any kind, food poisoning, mechanical failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for your delay of departure or arrival on time. DMC PERU AGENCY is not responsible for the error or omission of any supplier (such as accommodations or the Transportation Company) if the client makes any reservation on his own account with a service provider other than DMC PERU AGENCY. The necessary support will be provided according to our competences.

DMC PERU AGENCY reserves the right to take photographs or film recordings of any of its trips, and to use such photographs or film recordings for promotional and/or commercial purposes.