Day 1: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis Lake – Upis
The first day of the Ausangate Trek 4 Days begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 am. We will travel by private transportation for about two hours to Ocongate and then continue to Tinqui, a small Andean town where local people still wear traditional clothing and maintain their ancestral lifestyle.
We will then continue driving for about one more hour to Upispampa, where we will have breakfast before starting the hike. Here you will meet our muleteers and trekking team. The hike begins across small Andean villages, grazing fields, and several streams, with incredible views of the Ausangate Glacier. The trail is mostly flat with some gentle uphill sections, and the hike takes about 3 hours to reach the Upis campsite.
After arriving at the campsite, we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our trekking chef. In the afternoon, you will have the option to hike to Upis Lake, a beautiful glacial lake near the campsite. After returning, you can relax in the cabins, enjoy a hot drink, and admire the stunning views of Ausangate Mountain before dinner. At night, we will enjoy the incredible starry sky of the Andes.
Day 1 Hiking Details
- Elevation Gain: 330 m / 1,082 ft
- Elevation Loss: 56 m / 183 ft
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
- Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Starting Elevation: 4,179 m / 13,710 ft
- Campsite Elevation: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
- Highest Point: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation: Cabins
Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Yana Cocha – Puca Cocha
Day two of the Ausangate Trek 4 Days starts early with coca tea or coffee served in your cabin, followed by a hearty breakfast before beginning the hike. Today we will hike up to Arapa Pass, one of the first high mountain passes of the trek. During the ascent, we will hike through incredible landscapes surrounded by alpacas and constant views of the Ausangate Glacier.
Along the trail, your guide will explain the flora, fauna, and geography of the region. If we are lucky, we may see Andean condors, vicuñas, and other high-altitude wildlife. After crossing the pass, we descend passing several colorful lakes before reaching our campsite at Puca Cocha, located in a valley surrounded by mountains and hanging glaciers.
In the afternoon, we will have time to explore the area around Puca Cocha Lake, where we can see Andean birds such as ducks and geese. Later, we will enjoy a hot dinner in our mountain shelter before resting for the next day of trekking.
Day 2 Hiking Details
- Elevation Gain: 490 m / 1,607 ft
- Elevation Loss: 294 m / 964 ft
- Hiking Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles
- Hiking Time: Approximately 5 – 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging
- Campsite Elevation: 4,577 m / 15,016 ft
- Highest Point: 4,740 m / 15,551 ft
- Accommodation: Mountain shelters
Day 3: Puca Cocha – Apacheta Pass – Ananta – Surini Pass – Queulla Qocha
Day three of the Ausangate Trek 4 Days is one of the most challenging and scenic days of the trek. The hike begins with a steep ascent to Puca Cocha Pass, located above 5,000 meters. From this point, you will enjoy incredible views of Ausangate Mountain, colorful glacial lakes, and red mountain landscapes.
After crossing the pass, we descend into the famous Red Mountain Valley, a unique area filled with vibrant colors and Andean landscapes where llamas and alpacas graze freely. We will then arrive at our lunch spot near Ananta, where we will rest before continuing the hike.
In the afternoon, we climb the second pass of the day, known as Warmisaya Pass, where we will see Rainbow Mountain in the distance. From there, we descend to our campsite at Queulla Qocha, located near a beautiful high-altitude lake. If weather conditions allow, we may visit Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon to see the sunset.
Day 3 Hiking Details
- Elevation Gain: 723 m / 2,372 ft
- Elevation Loss: 468 m / 1,535 ft
- Hiking Distance: 8 km / 4.97 miles
- Hiking Time: Approximately 7 – 8 hours
- Highest Point: 4,918 m / 16,135 ft
- Campsite Elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Queulla Qocha – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco
The final day of the Ausangate Trek 4 Days begins early with coca tea served in your tent before breakfast. Then we will hike for about 45 minutes to reach the famous Rainbow Mountain Peru, one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country. Once there, you will have time to explore the area, take photos, and enjoy the panoramic views of the colorful mountains and the Andes.
After visiting Rainbow Mountain, we will continue towards the Red Valley, a less visited area but with incredible red mountain landscapes and unique scenery. We will then descend to the transportation point where our vehicle will be waiting.
After our final lunch, we will say goodbye to our trekking team before returning to Cusco by private transportation. We will arrive at your hotel around 3:00 pm, marking the end of this unforgettable trekking adventure around Ausangate Mountain.
Day 4 Hiking Details
- Elevation Gain: 194 m / 636 ft
- Elevation Loss: 435 m / 1,427 ft
- Hiking Distance: 5 km / 3.10 miles
- Hiking Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Starting Elevation: 4,864 m / 15,958 ft
- Highest Point: 5,040 m / 16,535 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
