Experience the Ausangate Climbing Mountain in Peru
Ausangate Mountain is located in the Cordillera Vilcanota, an impressive range of mountains that includes the highest peak, Ausangate (6,384 m), and three others over 6000m. It’s an excellent trekking and climbing area, offering travelers more than they could ask for: spectacular mountain and glacier scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, flora (most of the plants are medicinally used by the locals), and fauna like condors, llamas, alpacas, vicuas, and chinchilas. Picturesque villages and traditionally dressed Indians It is high, windy, and cold, so be prepared.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Packing List
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Climbing Ausangate Mountain, the 5th highest peak in Peru at 6,384 m. (20,944ft) and the highest in the Cusco Region, many climbers recommend this mountain as the first ascent over 6,000 meters on their way to acclimation. Ausangate is by far the most well-known big peak for mountaineering in Cusco since the normal route is not so technically difficult, although a good amount of stamina is needed for trail breaking on the summit plateau. The first ascent to the main summit in 1953 was led by the famous Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer, part of the first team to conquer the north face of the Eiger, and from the book/movie "Seven Years in Tibet" Ausangate is the principal apu of Cusco and can be seen from many places in the city. There are fewer tourists that visit this province of Cusco, but it is becoming more popular as a destination for the circuit trek in the dry season.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Pacchanta Pacchispata
Hike through the Ausangate 7 Lakes and enjoy the breathtaking views at the high altiude -
Day02
Pachispata - Qampa Pass - Base Camp
Discover the best mountains views around the are hiking through snowy peaks -
Day03
Base Camp - Rest Day
This Day we will take easy, we will rest and relax at the base camp, you can walk around and enjoy the stunning views. -
Day04
Base Camp - Moraine Camp
Slowly we ascend through moraine area, while the views are turning fantastic. -
Day05
Moraine Camp - Summit - Base Camp
The most challenging day, we will summit the highest peak in Cusco 6,384 meters -
Day06
Base Camp - Cusco
We return to Cusco and drop off you at your hotel
Cusco - Pacchanta - Ausangate 7 Lakes
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 5:00 to 5:30am. Then we will be heading to Tinqui village after 3 hours drive, here we rest for a little to buy the last stuff we need. From there we keep driving for another 45 minutes to reach the community of Pacchanta(4236m), This is the beginning of hour hike, we will walk for 4 hours towards our camp, aloing the way you will pass through the Ausangate 7 Lakes, and see herds of alpacas.
Pacchanta - Qampa Pass - Base Camp
At 7am after a energetic breakfast we start our trek to base camp with our arriero carrying the equipment on a horse. The trek will be about (15km), it passes through Qampa pass 5,030 meters. Where you can appreciate the incredible of this mountains range and see the other peaks, After we walk down to have a lunch with breathtaking views, explore little of it, then we will reach our Base Camp (4,800m) on the south side of the mountain about 3pm.
Rest at Base Camp
This day we will take easy, after the breackfast we will rest for the entire day, it is time to recharge our energy and prepare our gear for the next day. Your guide will take you to the nearest lake, where you will be able to do the ceremony asking the permission to the Apus (Mountain Gods)
Base Camp - Moraine Camp
After a delicious Inca breakfast in the morning, we will start climbing to reach the moraine camp. It will be more than 700 meters gained to Moraine Camp at 5,476m. The climb should take 3-4 hours, which gives us plenty of time to rest before the climb. Our high mountain guide will prepare our meals to be on shape, also he will tell us the safety speach and show us how to use all our climbing gear, this afternoon we will try to sleep early according our plan to wake up super early the following day.
Moraine Camp - Summit - Base Camp
We wake up about 12:30am and leave the tent by 1:00 am. After traversing crevasses we arrive to a 200m wall at 60-70 degrees. After the wall, a glacier hike of about 4 hours brings us to the summit. There we will enjoy the incredible view and see all Cusco region, after enjoy it, we descend the same route and rappel the 200m wall. At Moraine Camp we rest, pack up and then go down to Base Camp to spend the night.
Base Camp - Cusco
After breakfast, we will say good bye our team and we will walk to the bust station. finally drive to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon and drop off you at your hotel.
At Cusco Climbing we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our tours. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your Ausangate Climbing Tour.
WE INCLUDE
Cusco Climbing Team Provide
Pre-departure briefing
Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your high mountain guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Ausangate climb departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the climbing. After this time, you will receive your duffle bag for your extra luggage, which will be carried by the horses while you are hiking
Professional High Mountain Guide
All our high mountain guides have a great reputation in customer service, our climbing guide have graduated with Mountaineer guide from AGMP of Huaraz, they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through to their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for climbing and proud to have been born surrounded by mountains, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you’re exploring the Ausangate.
Entrance Fees to Ausangate park
Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek it will be for a specific date and will be in your name.
Accommodations
At Cusco Climbing we include accommodations 4 nights along the Ausangate climb, with a suitable camping equipment to make sure your climbing is an experience of the life time. Our tents are Mountain gear or Doite kaylas , which will be shared only for 2 people to ensure you comfort and enough place for your luggage. The same way we include Inflatable mattress.
Transportations
Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the trail, the bus returning from Ausangate to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.
Horses
We include horses to transport all the duffle bags and equipment during this tour also will be a horse man. At Cusco Climbing we know safety is first is for that we include an emergency horse in case someone feels tired or get altitude sickness.
Equipment
Personal Duffle bag
We included a personal duffle bag for your 5 days Ausangate climb. You will get this duffle bag at Cusco Climbing office during your pre-departure briefing the night before of your climb. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek until the base camp. It can be filled with your personal items, sleeping bag and mattress but the maximum allowable weight is 7kg/17lb. The duffle bag must be returned to our office no later than one day after your trek.
Climbing Gears
During the expeditions we will provide all the climbing gear necessary for this climb (Harness, Ropes, Crampons Helmet, Climbing boots, Globes, Gaiters, Pear of Ice axes, Carabiners, Ice screws and stakes)
Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Cusco Climbing are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Meals
Meals
At Cusco Climbing, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… We include 4 breakfast, 4 lunch and 4 dinner. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know. Our chefs are well-trained to prepare the best food ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients.
Water
Cusco Climbing will provide you water from the first lunch to the last breakfast. This water will be filtered, boiled and cooled by our Chef. You must bring your own water container, bottle or camelback that can hold water for hiking for a few hours. We recommend a capacity of 2 liters.
WE NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping bag
Every trekker along the Ausangate trek needs a proper sleeping bag which has to be for -20°C / 2° F. We recommend you bring your own, but if you don’t want to bring your own or you don’t have one, you can rent a sleeping bag from us.
Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits, protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially on the remote area which are many up and downhill, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increased stability, if you don’t have a pair of trekking poles you can rent them from our office.
First Breakfast
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotel offers breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Ocongate where you will be available to purchase a breakfast.
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Ausangate, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.
AUSANGATE MOUNTAIN CLIMBING PACKING LIST
At Cusco Climbing we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.
What you need to pack?Essential Items
- Passport
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good climbing backpack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking and climbing boots
FOR YOUR DUFFEL:
Horses will carry up to 7 kg of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and air matt (if you bring/rent one). From us these two items weigh 3 kg.
- 3-4 wicking t-shirts
- 3-4 hiking pants
- 4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at the evening and morning
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
- Small towel
- Walking boots
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:
Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. If it is larger try to bring it as lighter as possible. Water: we supply clean water at each meal. You are responsible for your first morning of water only as we won't have time to filter water until your first lunch.
- Sun hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Camera
- Music (iPhone)
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
- Earplugs
- Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)
- Others extra items important for climbing
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Face moisturizer
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Small towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
AUSANGATE CLIMBING TOUR FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about trekking and climbing
Where is Ausangate Mountain located?
Ausangate Mountain is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, about 100 km southeast of Cusco, Peru. It’s one of the highest peaks in the region, reaching an altitude of 6,384 meters (20,945 feet).
How difficult is the Ausangate climb?
The Ausangate climb is considered challenging due to its altitude and technical sections near the summit. It’s recommended for experienced trekkers or climbers who are comfortable hiking above 5,000 meters (16,400 ft).
How many days does the Ausangate climb take?
Most guided Ausangate climbing tours last 6 days and 5 nights, including acclimatization, base camp setup, and summit attempts. Custom itineraries can be arranged depending on your experience level.
What is the best time to climb Ausangate?
The best time to climb Ausangate is during the dry season in Peru, from May to September. You’ll enjoy clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain visibility.
Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Some mountaineering experience is recommended, especially for high-altitude climbs. However, with a professional guide, proper acclimatization, and basic ice skills, many fit adventurers can successfully summit Ausangate.
What equipment do I need for the climb?
Essential gear includes crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness, insulated boots, and warm layered clothing. Most tour operators provide technical climbing equipment—just bring personal clothing and gear.
How do I prepare for the altitude?
Spend at least 3–5 days in Cusco or higher-altitude areas before starting the climb. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and consider natural altitude remedies like coca tea.
Are meals and camping gear included in the tour?
Yes. Guided Ausangate tours usually include meals, tents, kitchen equipment, and pack animals to carry your gear. You only need to carry a daypack during the trek.
Can I combine the Ausangate climb with the Rainbow Mountain trek?
Absolutely! Many climbers include a visit to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) as part of their Ausangate itinerary since it’s located in the same region.
Is the Ausangate climb safe?
Yes, when done with a certified mountain guide and proper equipment, the climb is considered safe. Always choose an experienced local agency with emergency plans and rescue support
What Should I expect as far as weather?
The weather in Cusco regions and part of the Andes is unpredictable even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny, we can’t trust in it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October and bridge months - a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up you should be comfortable hiking in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in some part of the trail.
From: USD 980.00 per person
USD 860.00.00: from 3 people to more
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Cusco Climbing. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Cusco Climbing will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Feel free to reach us via email at cuscoclimbingperu@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
6 Days 5 nights
Ausangate Climbing
Ausangate Climbing 6 Days 5 nights Map
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Cusco Climbing we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 12 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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Best Climbing & Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art climbing and camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.
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Best Climbing team: At Cusco Climbing we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.
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