Ausangate Trek Tinqui 5 Days/ 4 Nights

We start our second day very early to enjoy the sunrise over the snow peaks. After breakfast, we embarked on a 3-hour hike to Jatun Puqa Qocha, where we met our cook and enjoyed lunch, taking in the impressive view of the lagoon and the peaks. After teatime, we will continue our hike for another 3 hours, passing a 4850-meter pass and surrounded by many herds of alpacas. We then reach our campsite, where our staff will be waiting for us with warm tea and dinner.

Altitude: 4850 meters
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Total distance: 13 km

After our early breakfast, we began climbing the Apuchata pass (4900 meters), from which we had a breathtaking view of the Ausangate lagoon, fed directly by melting snow from the mountain. As we descend to lake level, we will head uphill again to the Palomani pass (5200 meters), the trek's highest point. We then continue our trek to Finaya Pampa for our third camp.

Altitude: 5200 meters
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Total distance: 10 km

After the rigorous climbs over the passes (Tres Picos and Puca Punta), the trek leads us along an easy trail through the Pampa Jutunpata valley, where the river Qampa provides an excellent habitat for wildlife. We might see vizcachas, vicuñas, and other local animals. After that, we might stop for a short break before heading to the final pass of this hike, the Qampa pass at 5000 meters. Here, from the very top of the mountain, we can see several lakes of different colours. We will camp beside Lake Qoma Qocha, the last one on this trek. This lake is almost directly across from the Puqa Qocha Lagoon.

Altitude: 5100 meters
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Total distance: 12 km

After breakfast, we will start a 2,5 hour walk that takes you to the village of Pachanta and its hot springs. Here, we soak away the cold, sore muscles before getting back to Cusco. We have time to try a nice lunch from the local people – if we are lucky, they serve us fresh trout from the nearby lagoons. You can buy traditional handmade souvenirs before we start our 4-hour bus ride back to Cusco.

Altitude: 4400 meters
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Total distance: 7 km

The times cited in this itinerary are approximate – the walking time depends on the group! The guide can change lunch spots and campsites depending on the group's progress. Each guide has its own preferred route, and it might not exactly correspond to the one described here.

The Ausangate region is very high, and you're also close to a snow-covered massif. Temperatures are cold and can fall far below freezing at night. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Rent or bring sleeping bags for temperatures below freezing (10 degrees Celsius or lower). If required, horse riding or horse-drawn luggage transport can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.