Trips to Machu Picchu
About this trip
The Majesty of Apu Ausangate: A 5-Day High-Altitude Pilgrimage
Step into a realm where the earth touches the sky. This 5-day expedition into the heart of the Vilcanota Range invites you to circle the mighty Ausangate the "Sacred Guardian" of Cusco. Standing at a staggering 6,385 meters (20,945 feet), this snow-capped titan is the fifth-highest peak in Peru and the most revered Apu (mountain deity) in Andean cosmology.
This is more than a trek; it is a journey through a living landscape. You will traverse high-alpine passes, encounter wandering herds of alpacas, and camp beside turquoise glacial lakes like the legendary Sibinacocha. These sacred waters are the lifeblood of the region, nourishing the Vilcanota River as it winds through the Sacred Valley toward Machu Picchu. Discover a world of raw natural beauty and deep spiritual heritage on one of the most iconic circuits in the Andes.
What’s included
Briefing
Pre-departure briefing
Hotel Pick up and Bus
Private Tourist Transportation from Cusco to Tinki.
Entrance Ticket
Ausanget, Rainbow Mountain.
Tour guide
English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 10 people)
Accommodations
Accomodations in tents
Chef
Chef and cooking equipment
Horseman and Horses
Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 6 kilos of your personal stuff like: ) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Briefing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
Daily tea
Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
Snaks
Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
Meals
Meals (04B, 04L, 04D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
Water
Filtered boiled water from lunch time on 1st day onwards
First-aid kit
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What’s not included
Meals
Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bag US$20
Walking sticks
Walking sticks US$15
Hot Springs
Visit to the hot springs.
$650
Itinerary
5-Day Ausangate Trek: The Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure in Cusco
Embark on the definitive Ausangate Trekking experience, a 5-day journey through the wild heart of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. This circuit is world-renowned for its turquoise glacial lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and authentic Andean culture. Far from the crowded trails of Machu Picchu, the Ausangate 5-day hike offers a raw, spiritual connection to the Peruvian Andes.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Cusco | Tinqui – Puca Rumi (The Gateway to the Apu)
Your Ausangate adventure begins with a scenic drive southeast of Cusco. We pass through the historic colonial towns of Urcos and Ocongate, offering a first glimpse into the ancestral customs of the high Andes.
- Morning: Departure from Cusco (approx. 3 hours).
- The Trek Begins: Arrive at Tinqui (3,850m), the official trailhead. After a local lunch, we begin a gentle ascent toward our first camp.
- The Camp: Settle in at Puca Rumi, where you’ll enjoy your first sunset against the backdrop of the majestic Ausangate Glacier.
- Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Puca Rumi | Upis & Natural Hot Springs (4,400m)
Today is defined by "watercolor landscapes." The trail winds through high-alpine meadows dotted with grazing alpacas and llamas.
- The Route: A 5-hour trek through serene valleys leading to the community of Upis.
- Highlights: Visit the hidden Puca Cocha Lagoon or soak in the Upis Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes). These medicinal thermal baths are the perfect remedy for altitude adjustment.
- Evening: Camp under one of the clearest starlit skies in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Altitude: 4,400m / 14,435ft
Day 3: The Triple Pass Challenge | Arapa – Palomani (5,200m)
This is the "Queen Stage" of the Ausangate circuit—the most challenging and rewarding day of your Peru trekking experience.
- Arapa Pass (4,800m): Conquer the first pass for panoramic views of the Vilcanota range.
- Yana Cocha: A picturesque lunch break by the "Black Lagoon."
- Palomani Pass (5,200m): Reach the highest point of the Ausangate trek. At 17,060 feet, you are literally in the clouds, surrounded by the colossal glaciers of the massif.
- Evening: Descend into the tranquil valley of Huchuy Phynaya for a well-earned dinner.
- Difficulty: Challenging / High-Altitude
Day 4: Huchuy Phynaya | Jampa Pass – Pacchanta (4,350m)
Experience the raw beauty of the high-altitude Andean tundra. Today’s trek focuses on wildlife and geological wonders.
- Jampa Pass (5,100m): Our final major ascent. Keep your eyes peeled for wild Vicuñas and the massive Andean Condor.
- Colquecruz Peak: Enjoy unrivaled views of this jagged, snow-drenched needle.
- Recovery: Arrive at the village of Pacchanta. Celebrate your journey with a final soak in the Pacchanta Hot Springs, overlooking the mountains you just conquered.
- Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 5: Pacchanta | Return to Cusco
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely downhill walk back to Tinqui. The air becomes richer and the path easier as you reflect on your Andean pilgrimage.
- The Return: After a farewell lunch with our trekking team, our private transport will whisk you back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Drop-off: Approx. 5:00 PM.
Location
Your Organizer
Trips to Machu Picchu
Trips to Machu Picchu by Manu Explorers Peru specializes in authentic tours to one of the world’s wonders. Our offerings include the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay, Lares, and Choquequirao treks, alongside the high-adventure Inca Jungle Trek and scenic train tours to Machu Picchu. Looking for more adventure? We also provide expert-guided jungle expeditions to the Manu National Park Reserved Zone.
