Accommodation

• Tent: 2 people in a 4-person tent, allowing for greater comfort and backpack storage!
• Camping pillows
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can rent you an inflatable mattress. See Optional Extras & Upgrades below.
• Toilet tent

Meals

• Dining tent with camp tables and chairs, and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
• Cook and cooking equipment, plus assistants for larger groups.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Our professional cooks prepare a combination of traditional Peruvian and Western cuisine. Talk to your Travel Consultant during the booking process if you have certain preferences! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available. When served, salads are washed in boiled water.
• Boiled water for drinking during the hike (which you can carry in your own reusable water bottle)
• Bottled water provided during the drive on the first day

Transport

• Collection from your hotel on the morning of the trek departure
• Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead for the Ausangate trek and return at the end of the trek

Trekking Team

• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide, plus an assistant guide for groups over 8
• Horses and horsemen, who carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 10kg (22 lbs) per person).
• Tents, sleeping bags and mattresses for our staff to sleep in, plus a budget for their meals

Safety

• 1 emergency horse which can be ridden Ausangate trail if you are feeling ill or if you are a little slower
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

Additional inclusions

• Pre-trek briefing, where we will provide duffel bags for your personal items (up to 10kg (22 lbs) per person), and discuss the route.
• Entry fee to Ausangate Mountain

• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Dinner on the last night.
• Sleeping bags. Available for rent if you don’t have one with you. Sleeping bags good to at least -15˚C are recommended.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Additional horses for your personal luggage

We offer you the opportunity to personalize your Ausangate trek and make your experience more comfortable through our Optional Extras and Upgrades. All options are available during the reservation process; please ask your sales consultant for more information.

Equipment Available for Rent

• Extra horse to carry luggage exceeding the allowed 7kg (15lbs) per person
• Extra horse for you to ride, and horseman to lead it. This is in addition to the emergency horse provided for the group.
• Sleeping Bag suitable for -5˚C
• Deluxe sleeping bag suitable for -15˚C
• Light-weight aluminum walking stick. Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest inflatable mattress

Service Upgrades

• Single-occupancy tent supplement
• Comfort Camping Upgrade

Optional Activities

• Combine with Machu Picchu Trek Extension

Important!

• When calculating the cost of renting equipment, calculate using the length of the entire trip, not just the number of trekking days.
• Please be careful with rented equipment! You are responsible for the cost of replacement if something is damaged or broken.
• Any upgrades or trip extensions must be requested at time of booking.

See What to Bring for our recommended packing list for trekking in Peru.

When getting ready for your Ausangate trek, it’s important to pack the right gear. Weather in the mountains is always fickle so it’s important to be prepared for all kinds of weather: possible rain showers, sun, or even snow. Layering and flexibility are key!

The Ausangate trek 5 days itinerary is a high altitude trek, meaning it can get very cold on the trail. You are likely to warm up while hiking, but as we cross each pass on this Ausangate trekking itinerary, you will need thermals, a winter hat (toque or beanie), mitts and scarves. During the night, temperatures drop WELL below freezing (as low as -15°C / 5°F in the middle of the cold dry season!). Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes!

Since there is the chance to visit some mountain hot springs, you may also want to bring a bathing suit, flip flops and a towel!

During the Ausangate hike, we recommend convertible trekking pants made out of a quick dry fabric. Most of these hiking pants have special designs allowing a maximum range of motion. The many pockets on this style of pant can make you look a little more like an adventurer than a tourist, but can be very useful on the trail. For a cold, high-altitude hike like this one, we definitely recommend wearing thermals under your hiking pants to keep you warm.

When it comes to footwear, water-resistant trekking boots with a high top are the best hiking boots to take on the Ausangate trek. If you’re not ready to invest in specialist hiking boots, at a minimum hiking shoes will suffice.

What is the difference between hiking shoes and hiking boots? Hiking shoes are durable, trekking shoes that are generally water resistant. They don’t have ankle support though. Hiking boots are tough footwear that last a long time due to their strong construction. They have ankle support and often are very waterproof.

For more help with what to pack, check out our blog How to Prepare for a Trek in Peru.

• Students: USD $30 off, in certain circumstances. Please enquire for details about eligibility.
• Youth 12-17: 5% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 5-11 years: 15% off. A valid passport must be presented upon booking.
• Children 0-4 years: Free. A valid passport must be presented upon booking. Children under 4 will not count towards the total number of guests in a group. Car seats, cribs and other baby needs may not be included and must be discussed in advance. For more information about travelling with infants and toddlers, please see this blog as well as the Age Requirements section of our Booking Conditions.
• 5% off a day tour listed price when you also book a 3-day or longer trek operated by Apus Peru

Our Ausangate trek guides are all handpicked for their personality, expert knowledge of the trekking routes and communication skills. In addition to being formally licenced guides, they receive frequent training from Apus Peru such as mountain rescue as well as high altitude first aid.

This is particularly important on the Ausangate route as it is one of the trails where people have most felt the effects of altitude. You’ll be happy to have a trek guide with you who is experienced, knowledgeable and quick-thinking, able to alter routes at a moment’s notice if necessary.

Get to know our team!

Apus Peru is one of an elite group of Cusco trekking agencies that put people before profit. Safety is paramount and we have a comprehensive risk assessment policy that covers a very wide range of details, from vehicle maintenance to illness and evacuation on the trail. There are many treks, including Ausangate, that we will not operate in the wet season under any circumstances due to safety considerations.

Want to join an Ausangate trek? Ready to confirm a departure date of your own, but interested in having others join you? Then Trekkers Wanted is for you! Our innovative Trekkers Wanted system matches people up who are interested in hiking the same trek, bringing costs down and multiplying the fun for everyone!

Read More about Trekkers Wanted, post your trek or search for confirmed departures!

• Each guide has their own preferred Ausangate hiking route and so the route you trek might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• The times cited in our 5 day Ausangate trek itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group, and the guide may change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group.
• This is a totally off-the-beaten path trek, and tourist infrastructure is very limited. Instead, we’ll be making use of local facilities where possible.
• Please note: this is a true adventure and things may not go exactly according to plan! Keep an open mind and let yourself enjoy the cultural differences you may experience. There is always an opportunity to learn something!

• Does this trek sound like just what you were looking for? If you’re ready to book or just want to find out a bit more information, fill out the Inquiry Form in the top right-hand corner of this page to get the ball rolling. You’ll be connected with one of our amazing sales people who will be able to turn your dream of hiking in the Andes into a reality. For more information on the entire booking process, please see our How To Book page.
• Travel insurance is a must! World Nomads offers travel insurance for adventure activities.

We rate the 5 day Ausangate Trek as moderate. (See how we rate all of our treks in the Cusco region!)

Despite this being a very high altitude trek with two passes over 5000m, Ausangate does not involve the steep climbs and descents present in our most difficult treks. Given the altitude, you must be well-acclimatized before beginning.

You’ll be rewarded at the end, though, with the chance to soak in the hot springs at Pacchanta on Day 4, and even enjoy a well-deserved beer!

Day 5 of your Ausangate trekking itinerary is a gentle 3h hike back to where you began on Day 1, followed by the return journey to Cusco by car.

Remember all treks in the Cusco region are challenging for most people due to the high altitude and steep mountains.

A young person of average fitness who works out several times a week will probably find the Ausangate trek a challenge.

Older people, or those who are not fit, should most definitely embark on a fitness training program prior to doing the Ausangate trail, in consultation with a medical and fitness professional. What this will entail depends on each person and their own abilities.

We can only advise in general terms: the fitter you are, the easier and more enjoyable the trek is going to be! And of course, you want to have fun while on holidays! You don’t want to set out to suffer.

See our Tip #3 for how to get ready for your trek.

The best way to prepare yourself for the Ausangate altitude is very easy: spend time at a high-altitude place like Cusco.

Most trek agencies around Cusco say that 3 days is enough for an Ausangate tour. Generally speaking, the more time you can spend acclimatizing, the better. In an ideal world, 3-4 days at altitude would give your body an excellent chance to acclimatise and help you avoid the effects of altitude sickness.

When it comes to the Ausangate trek, though, you must spend at least 3 days acclimatizing before beginning the hike. In short, your best bet to get used to Ausangate’s altitude is time!

In addition, being kind to your body helps your body deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. This means eating healthy food, drinking plenty of water and staying away from alcohol.

Read more about Altitude and How to Acclimatize before starting your trek.

The best time of the year to plan your Ausangate trekking trip has a lot to do with the weather. We recommend the dry winter months from May to August, when there is little rain. This is also wintertime in the Andes, and the night-time temperatures can get very low – even below freezing!

December through March is the wet season in Peru and trekking the Ausangate trail is not recommended for safety reasons. Given the high altitudes encountered while trekking Ausangate, the rain can actually turn to snow, particularly in the shoulder seasons. Trekking during these months (April, September, or October) is weather-dependent.

Read more about the best time to hike and take note of our wet season trekking policy.

The average daily hike on the Ausangate circuit is about 7 hours per day, with Days 1 and 5 being the shortest days of hiking. You get a real reprieve on Day 5 – well-deserved! – as there is just a short 3h hike back to the Ausangate trailhead on that day.

See the day-by-day itinerary for exact hiking times per day on our 5 day Ausangate trek.

Yes! Our guides take solar-powered chargers with them during the Ausangate hike so that you can charge your phone or other device along the way.

The 5 day Ausangate hike includes 4 nights of camping. On the trail, you are treated to first-class service from our field team. We use 4 season North Face tents on our treks, all dutifully set up by our team of hardworking staff. You will be grateful for these 4-season tents while trekking Ausangate!! Temperatures frequently fall below freezing, and can even get as low as -15°C / 5°F in the middle of dry season.

Whatever the conditions, you will have some really sound protection on your side!

Go luxe! You can also choose our Comfort Camping option for a full-on luxury camping experience.

You will also be accompanied by a personal chef who prepares first class gourmet meals on the trail. Our chefs receive annual training in order to offer you some really stunning culinary creations on the trail! This is not basic trail food, but fully catered for trekking.

We have a lot of vegetarian travellers and our cooks have some great options for them to enjoy their meals. We can cater for or all other types of dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication.

Read more about What to Expect on the Trail, including more about meals and equipment.

No additional permits are required to trek the Ausangate circuit. Any costs charged by the communities in the Ausangate region are included in the price of your trek.

As alternative trekking specialists, Apus Peru already offers a range of unique customised Ausangate treks, including the 5 day Ausangate Rainbow Mountain Trek – for those looking to add a detour to see the impressive Rainbow Mountains of Peru – and our unique 6 Day Ausangate Hike to Sibinacocha – for those looking to really get off the beaten track and see some stunning scenery along a longer trail.

You can also customize your Ausangate trekking experience by adding on one or more of our Cusco day tours, like the Sacred Valley Tour, or opting to add a Machu Picchu Extension.

The Machu Picchu Trek Extension includes one night in a Standard Aguas Calientes hotel. For added comfort, you can also choose one of our upgrade packages which includes not only an upgraded hotel but also a luxury train service and meals at the top restaurants in Aguas Calientes.

And finally, for those interested in doing an Ausangate tour but who are short on time, we also offer 1- and 2-day Rainbow Mountain tours. For a more unique day trip, we particularly recommend Palccoyo. Our Palccoyo day hike offers beautiful views of rainbow-coloured hills, an easier hike and no crowds.

All YOU need to carry with you on the Ausangate trek is a light day pack. In your day pack, you should carry things like your water bottle, some extra layers, camera, sun hat, beanie, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Water is vital on the trek. You should start the day with 2L. You will have a chance to refill at lunchtime, and again in the evening. We also provide an ample range of snacks which will fill up the average person – if you have hollow legs, you might need to bring some of your own!

The rest of your belongings – up to 10kg (22 lbs) – are carried in a duffel bag that we provide, by mules. All of the camping equipment needed on the trek is also carried by mules.

In order to answer whether this trek is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:

• • Do I have time to acclimatize well? This is a high altitude trek. The campsite on Day 1 is located at 4400m, so you must be well acclimatized before beginning the trek. The next two nights’ campsites are even higher. If you don’t have at least 3 days in your schedule to properly acclimatize to the altitude, you should not do the 5 day Ausangate trek.
  • Am I prepared to hike a series of challenging passes? You will hike across four passes on this Ausangate trekking itinerary, two of which are over 5000m. This requires a solid level of fitness and mental preparation.
  • Am I looking for solitude on the trail and a unique experience? If so, Ausangate is a good option for you. If, on the other hand, you are looking forward to meeting fellow trekkers on the trail or at campsites and make new friends, you might prefer a more popular trek such as the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail.
  • Am I most interested in stunning mountain landscapes and Andean wildlife? If so, you’ve come to the right place! The Ausangate trail features some of the most stunning landscapes the Andes has to offer, including the highest peak (Ausangate Mountain) in the Cusco area. On this trail, you are also likely to spot a host of aquatic birds, alpacas, llamas, vizcachas and possibly even some wild vicuñas!
  • Am I looking for a trek that includes Machu Picchu? The 5 Day Ausangate hike does not include Machu Picchu. You can add a Machu Picchu Extension to your Ausangate trekking itinerary, or consider a different trek like Salkantay or Ancascocha.
  • Is visiting Incan Ruins important to me? If so, then Ausangate may not be the trek for you. If Inca ruins are your focus, a trek like Choquequirao or the Inca Trail might be more suitable.
  • Am I interested in learning about contemporary Andean culture? If so, then one of our Lares treks might be a better option.

For more information about what this region has to offer and our full roster of available Ausangate treks, check out our Ausangate homepage.

• The 5 Day Ausangate Trek begins and ends in Cusco. Travel to/from Cusco is not included in the Ausangate trek cost.

Travel Direct…

• • • By Plane – Most international flights land in Lima, Peru’s capital. From here, you can take a domestic flight to Cusco. Some international flights go through other South American capitals, like Bogotá, Colombia, which also has connecting flights to Cusco.
    • By Bus – You can take an overnight bus from Lima to Cusco (it takes about 20-23 hours). One of the benefits of travelling slowly up from the coast is that you are automatically acclimatising as you travel. Not to mention you get an idea of the stunning landscape and mountains as you travel! The top recommended buses are Cruz del Sur, Palomino and ExcluCiva.

…or Take the Long Way

• • Via Arequipa and/or Puno – If you have the time, spend a day or two in Lima and then head to Arequipa or Puno (or both!) to gradually acclimatize to the altitude over the space of several days before you arrive in Cusco for your trek. We offer 3 and 4 day package tours to Arequipa and Puno that you can add onto to your trek.

If you’re still not sure if Ausangate is right for you, or want to read more about the area or other people’s trekking experiences, check out these helpful articles from our blog:

• Why You Should Trek to Ausangate Cusco – This is a great place to start if you’re thinking about doing an Ausgante hike. This article provides an overview of the region, all the Ausangate trekking options we offer, an overview of what to expect day by day and what makes Ausangate unique compared to the other Cusco trekking options. It also talks about some of the cultural significance of the area, including the annual Qoyllur Rit’i festival.
• The Spirit of Apu Ausangate – A lyrical description of life in the Ausangate region, what Ausangate mountain means for the Andean people who live nearby and their cultural traditions.
• Off the Beaten Path in Peru: Sibinacocha – This is a fun and thorough description of one pair of hikers’ experience trekking to Sibinacocha with Apus Peru. See what the experience is really like, through the eyes of fellow hikers!
• Exploring the Rainbow Mountain Hike – The Apus Peru team went exploring the Rainbow Mountain hike when it was still relatively new. We met with locals who helped us design a unique route that would help keep our trekkers off the beaten path.
• Trekking Ausangate Peru: A Visual Journey – A stunning photo essay by photographer Michael Mossop about hiking Ausangate. If you have any doubts about what it’s really like on the trail, check out this blog!