Explore the Incredible Ausangate Trek and Climb Qampa Mountain
The Ausangate Trek and Qampa Mountain Climb offer one of Peru’s most breathtaking high-altitude adventures in the Andes. This 6-day journey from Cusco takes you through remote mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, colorful valleys, and traditional Quechua villages.
The trek circles the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6,384 m), revered in Andean culture, before ascending Qampa Mountain (5,500 m), a non-technical but challenging peak that rewards climbers with panoramic views of the Vilcanota Range. Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude, culture, and dramatic scenery, this trek combines natural beauty with an authentic glimpse into the heart of the Peruvian highlands.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Packing List
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
The Andes Mountain offers a wide range of hiking and climbing experience in the high mountains and Ausagate area stands out as one of the most remote and beautiful destination in Cusco. This region invites adventurers to trek across diverse terrain, and climb an accessible 5,520-meter peak surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
The Ausangate Trek follows the classic route featuring dramatic landscapes, towering snow-capped mountains, turqouise lakes, and picturesque Andean villages. Along the way, ou’ll walk among herds of alpacas, relax in natural hot springs, experience authentic Andean culture and traditions, and spot unique wildlife thriving at high altitude.Highlights: Ausangate Mountain and Qampa Summit
Hiking distance: 67km/41.6miles
Considerations: Acclimatation is required
Season: April through November
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day01
Cusco - Tinki - Upis
Immerse in the mopst remote area in the Andes Mountains. -
Day02
Upis - Arapa Pass - PucaQocha - Ausangate Pass - Ausangate Qocha
Hike through imposing glacial lakes and herds of alpacas -
Day03
Ausangate Qocha - Palomani Pass - Sorapata
Reach high altitude in the trek and feel the energy of Apu Ausangate -
Day04
Sorapata - Qampa Pass - Base Camp
Trek through towering peaks and stunning lakes -
Day05
Base Camp - Qampa Summit - Ausangate 7 Lakes - Pacchanta
Summit Qampa peak 5,520 meters, explore 7 Lakes and soak at the hot springs -
Day06
Pacchanta - Cusco
Back drive to Cusco
Cusco - Tinki - Upis
Walking Distance: 8km / 4.9 miles
Starting Elevation: 3,920 meters / 12,860 feet
Camp Elevation: 4,400 meters / 14,435 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (tent)
Embark on the 6-day Ausagate Trek & Qampa Climbing Tour , we will collect you from your hotel and drive for 3 hours to reach Tinki town. Here you will be able to purchase any items you might need for this trek. After, we continue our drive to Rodeana (the Trailhead) where we meet our trekking team. We start hiking through a norrow path with a view of the Ausangate Mountain, you will also see herds of alpacas and llamas. This day the hike is not demanding, and will help you to acclimate to the altitude.
Our hiking distance will be 8 to 9 km over three to four hours in total until we reach the Upis campsite (4,400 meters / 14,435 feet). Our team will set up the tents and prepare a delicious lunch. In the afternoon you will have the option to hike to Upisqocha lake, and later you can relax in the nearby hot springs.
Upis - Arapa Pass - PucaQocha - Ausangate Pass - Ausangate Qocha
Walking Distance: 13 km / 8 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,400 meters / 14,435 feet
Maximum Altitude: 4,960 meters / 16,272 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
After a delicious breakfast, we will head towards Arapa Pass (4,860 m / 15,944 ft) the first pass of our expedition. The first two hours will be ascending with Ausangate mountain beside us, enjoy incredible views and dramatic landscapes. Once we reach the pass, you'll take your time to rest and enjoy the surrounding areas.
From here, we will descend for two hours traversing several lakes, the colors can vary depending on the season, but you will definitely see blue and green lakes. Our team will set up lunch at Pucaqocha where you will recharge your energy.
In the afternoon the hike will be about three hours to reach the Ausangate pass, 4,960 meters / 16,272 feet where you will be impressed by the stunning glaciers and lakes at the base of the mountains. This is the nearest section where you will be right next to Apu Ausangate, Then, we descend for 20 minutes to our campsite set up beside to Ausangate Qocha Lake 4,650 m (15,255 ft)
Ausangate Qocha - Palomani Pass - Sorapata
Walking Distance: 14km / 8.6 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,650 m (15,255 ft)
Maximum Altitude: 5,200 meters / 17,060feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely
After breakfast, we begin our hike toward the highest pass of the trek. After a steady climb of a couple of hours, we reach Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 16,060 ft) — the point where you’ll be closest to the majestic Ausangate Mountain. Here, your guide will lead a traditional Pachamama ceremony, offering thanks to Mother Earth for this extraordinary adventure.
From the pass, the trail descends into a beautiful valley, where you’ll enjoy views of a glacial lagoon and snow-covered peaks to your left. We continue our hike toward Sorapata 4,620 m (15,157 ft), our lunch spot for the day.
Sorapata - Qampa Pass - Base Camp
Walking Distance: 13km / 8,7 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,620 m (15,157 ft)
Maximum Altitude: 5,020 meters (16,469 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Today, we will get some of the most incredible views. Our team will wake us up with a hot tea and enjoy the Andean breakfast. We start hiking up for two hours through a gradual ascending path, on the way you will observe towring peaks, green lakes and Vicunas. We reach Qampa Pass 5,020 m (16,469 ft) After a well-deserved rest, we descend to our base camp which sits at 4, 820 m.
Base Camp - Qampa Summit - Ausangate 7 Lakes - Pacchanta - Cusco
Walking Distance: 15km/ 9.3 miles
Starting Elevation: 4,820 / 15,813 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner
The most epic day of our Ausangate & Qampa Mountain Climb, we wake up early at 3:00 am and after enjoying breakfast we begin our expeditions to summit Qampa peak. After an hour of hikewe will reach the moraine, and another hour to reach the glacier where we will put on our climbing gear.
From here, we start traversing the glacier until we reach the neck (steep section). It will take about 2 hours to summit the peak at 5,520 meters (18,110 ft). Reaching the summit fills you with awe and triumph, as every breath carries the joy of conquering both nature and yourself.
Then, we descend the same way back to our base camp, where we have lunch. Later, we continue our hike down to the Seven Lakes. Exploring each one before concluding the hike in Pacchanta town. You can then relax and soak in the hot springs.
Pacchanta - Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Our journey will culminate with a typical breakfast prepared by a local family, they will show you local traditions an their way of life. Around 9:00 am we will board our car and drive back to Cusco. The service ends with the drop-off at your hotel.
Itinerary notes - Ausangate trek (Ausangate Circuit)
The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on your speed, and the guides may change lunch spots and campsites based on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route which might not correspond exactly to the one described here. The Ausangate region is at a high altitude , plus you are close to a snow covered massif. Temperatures are cold, and can fall well below freezing in the nights. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Hire/or carry sleeping bags for temperatures less than freezing (minus 10 celsius or more). This region has limited tourist infrastructure and this tour makes use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure, and visitors to Peru are encouraged to have an open mind and be open to the differences in the way things are done in another culture.
At Cusco Climbing we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in our Ausangate Trek and Qampa Climb. 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 Trek.
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 trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Ausangate trek departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of the trek. 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 Climbing and Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service, our tour guide have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through to their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Andes.
A professional mountain guide with international certification, who will lead you to Qampa Mountain.
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.
Camping and Climbing gear
We will provide you with all the camping gear for the entire trip. Also we provide you with climbing gear (helmet, crampons, rope, harness, ice axes and carabiners)
Accommodations
At Cusco Climbing we include accommodations 4 nights along the Ausangate trek, with a suitable camping equipment to make sure your trek is an experience of the life time. Our tents are Mountain gear or Doite pro Aconcagua for 4 people, 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 for your comfort. There will also be a spacious dining tent for you to enjoy each meal along this tour.
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 a 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 trek. You will get this duffle bag at Cusco Climbing office during your pre-departure briefing the night before of your trek. This bag will be carried by horses during the trek. You will find it in your tent every afternoon you arrive to the campsite. 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.
Toilet Tents
During our trek to Ausangate we bring our own portable toilet tent because we know how important is to protect our environment and we are trained to don’t leave no traces along the route.
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 5 breakfast, 5 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.
Personal Climbing Gear
Jacket, pants and gloves are not included in our climbing tour, we higly recommend taking yours or rent in 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
Tips for our team
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru.
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 TREK & QAMPA MOUNTAIN CLIMB 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? Important- Passport
- Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
- Trekking poles
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
- 3-4 sets of undergarments.
- 1 Fleece
- 1 Warm, down jacket: gets very cold at night
- 1 Rain jacket and pants
- 1 sun hat
- 1 wool hat
- Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
- Small towel
- Headlamp: essential
- Waterproof gloves
- Comfortable shoes for camp or flip flops
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Battery Charger: There is no place to plug in while trekking!
Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.
Sleeping bag: Recommend down bags for -10C at least
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.)
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.
- Headlamp
- Gloves
- Down Jacket
- Climbing Pant
- Gaiters
- Base Layer
- Confortable backpack
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) 6-DAY AUSANGATE TREK QAMPA CLIMB
What you should know before booking the Ausangate Trek and Qampa Climbing 6 Days
At Cusco Climbing, we make the best of us to create unforgettable experience. For this we provide all the details what you should know about this Ausangate Trek before heading there. Have a read below the most frequently asked question of this trek.
What is Ausangate Trek & Qampa Mountain Climbing Peru?
The Ausangate Trek and Qampa Mountain Climb is the ultimate adventure tour in Peru, it is one of the most challenging expeditions in the high Andes mountains and takes hikers to high-altitude passes where the air is tick, but the views are amazing. This trek combines some of the highlights in Cusco, Ausangate 7 Lakes, Qampa Mountain climb and Andean communities. Perfect for those looking for remote and less crowded trails.
How Difficult is the 6-day Ausangate Trek & Qampa Climb?
Ausangate Trek with Qampa Climb is a very challenging trek; the different factors, such as high altitude, cold, and wind makes it one of the toughest treks in the world. It is well recommended to have proper preparation before heading to the trek.
Can I ride a horse in Ausangate Trek?
Yes, there are som companies who includes emergency horses for their customers, also you can hire more horses during the hike.
Where yo stay in Cusco before the trek?
Cusco is a big city enough to find different categories of hotels from 2 stars to 5 stars also there are Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow especially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, we will send you a notify for the pick up if is not possible the access with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop off also a night before your tour you will meet with your tour guide who will tell you all the details about the tour. In case you want some recommendations please ask to Cusco Climbing sales team.
What to know about the Ausangate Trek with Qampa
Essential information about the 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Qampa Climb
Is there electricite along the Ausangate Hike?
Not, because this trek is located in remote place where there is not electricity some local village located along the trek has solar panels your guide can talk with some of them in extreme cases to recharge your cellphone, we recommend to bring your extra power bank for the days you are on the mountains.
Are bathrooms facilities during this 5 day trek?
Well, some campgrounds have a basic toilets, but Cusco Climbing teams brings own portable toilets and this will be set up in each camps and lunch spots. You need to bring your own papper.
What happen if I get altitude sickness?
No worry, our guide and team are professional and they know how to solve any issue during your trek, your guide will have a first aid kit all the time with some medications for these, also will be there an extra emergency horse to take you to the best place where you can recovery. Our team always has radio and they are trained for any emergency happen during our tours.
Which Day is the toughest day in Ausangate Trek?
The most difficult day along the Ausangate Trek is the Day 4, due to this day you will reach the highest pass, 5,200 meters, this is where the air is thicker.
Should I use walking sticks for this trek?
Yes. Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, especially if is raining along the trek. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing some portion of the trek. Plus they will help you get up the mountain as well.
Do I need previous high-altitude trekking experience?
While not strictly required, it is strongly recommended. Having experience hiking above 4,000m (13,123ft) will help you understand how your body reacts to low oxygen levels and prepare adequately.
What is the best time of the year to hike in Ausangate Trek?
The dry season is the best time, running from April/May to September/October. This period offers clear skies and less rain, although nights are very cold, especially from June to August. The rainy season (November to March) makes the trails muddy and difficult.
Can I store my luggage in Cusco Climbing office during the trek?
In case you have extra luggage which you not need to bring to the trail all the hotels in Cusco has storage where you can leave your luggage completely free, if you will change your hotel after the trek we have available our storage in Vidal Expeditions office, get more info with from our office team.
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 680.00 per person
USD 660.00: from 4 people to more
*Sleeping bag -15°C / 5°F for the entire trip: $20USD
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 Trek & Qampa Climb
Ausangate Trek & Qampa Climb 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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