Walk all the way around Ausangate in five days: hot springs on night one, Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, the Ausangate lagoon, two passes above 5,000 m, and the 7 Lakes on your way down.
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The Ausangate Trek 5 Days is the full Ausangate circuit from Cusco: five days camping all the way around a 6,384 m snow peak, with Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m) all yours at sunrise, before the day tours arrive. On night one you can soak in the Upis hot springs, close to camp. On night three you fall asleep beside the Ausangate lagoon (about 4,630 m), right under its glacier. Then you cross two passes above 5,000 m, topping out at Palomani (about 5,200 m), and walk down past the 7 Lakes. About 60 km, with horses carrying up to 7 kg of your gear.
This is the trek that goes all the way around Ausangate (6,384 m). In five days you see the mountain from every side: hot springs and glacier lakes to the north, red valleys and Rainbow Mountain to the southwest, a glacier lagoon to the south, and the two highest passes of the trek to the east.
Day 1 is gentle on purpose. After breakfast in Pacchanta (4,330 m), about 3 hours from Cusco, you walk only 6–7 km to Upis, your first camp, below the north face of Ausangate. The afternoon is yours: the Upis hot springs, two natural pools at 40–50 °C, are close to the camp area, so you can soak before a hot dinner.
Day 2 crosses to the red side of the mountain. You climb to the Arapa pass (4,850 m) and walk 13 km past high lagoons to Anantapata (about 4,700 m). Your tent there faces the striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain: tomorrow's summit.
Day 3 is the one you'll tell about. You set off in the dark with a headlamp and stand on Vinicunca (5,036 m) at sunrise, from the back side, before the day tours from Cusco arrive. After your photo you can add the Red Valley. Then you head east to the Ausangate lagoon (about 4,630 m) and fall asleep right under the southern glacier.
Day 4 takes you to the roof of the trek. In 10 km you cross the Palomani pass (about 5,200 m), the highest point of the circuit, with Ausangate's glaciers beside you, and then walk down to your last camp.
Day 5 closes the loop. You cross the Q'ampa pass (5,070 m), your second pass above 5,000 m, and walk down past the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, in turquoise, blue and red, to Pacchanta. If you still have energy, you can stop at the village hot springs before the drive back to Cusco, where you arrive by about 6 PM.
Both treks sleep beside the Ausangate lagoon and reach Rainbow Mountain before the day tours. The 5-day trek closes the full circuit: it adds the Upis hot springs on night one and two passes above 5,000 m, Palomani and Q'ampa. The 4-day trek covers the west side and ends on Rainbow Mountain. Choose 5 days for the whole loop; choose 4 if you're one day short.
Ausangate
Ausangate
Ausangate
Ausangate05:00 AM
Pickup in Cusco's historic center. Dress warm; the drive south takes about 3 hours, the last stretch with Ausangate ahead.
08:00 AM
Breakfast in Pacchanta (4,330 m), the herding village where the circuit starts and ends.
08:45 AM
Easy walk to Upis, 6–7 km at an acclimatization pace, with the north face of Ausangate in front of you.
12:30 PM
Lunch at the Upis camp (about 4,400 m). Your tent is already up below the glacier.
02:00 PM
Free afternoon at the Upis hot springs, two natural pools at 40–50 °C, close to the camp area.
06:30 PM
Hot dinner and your first night under the stars of the high Andes.
06:00 AM
Wake-up and breakfast at camp.
07:00 AM
Start of a 13 km day. A steady climb toward the Arapa pass.
10:00 AM
Arapa pass (4,850 m). The landscape turns red and ochre, with high lagoons below.
12:30 PM
Lunch on the trail.
02:30 PM
Anantapata camp (about 4,700 m), facing the striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain.
06:30 PM
Dinner, with tomorrow's summit right outside your tent.
03:30 AM
Departure in the dark, with a headlamp.
05:30 AM
Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m) at sunrise, from the back side, before the day tours from Cusco.
06:30 AM
Optional Red Valley (S/ 30), a short detour among deep-red hills.
08:00 AM
Breakfast, then you head east toward the glaciers (about 16 km in total today).
12:30 PM
Lunch on the trail.
03:00 PM
Ausangate lagoon camp (about 4,630 m), right under the southern glacier.
06:30 PM
Dinner beside the lagoon.
06:00 AM
Breakfast with the glacier in view.
07:00 AM
Climb to the Palomani pass, a 10 km day.
10:00 AM
Palomani pass (about 5,200 m), the highest point of the circuit, with Ausangate's glaciers beside you.
12:30 PM
Lunch on the way down.
02:00 PM
Arrival at the last camp. Afternoon to rest.
06:30 PM
Last dinner on the trek with the crew.
06:00 AM
Breakfast and the start of a 15–16 km day.
09:30 AM
Q'ampa pass (5,070 m), your second pass above 5,000 m.
11:00 AM
Down past the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, in turquoise, blue and red.
01:00 PM
Lunch on the trail.
02:00 PM
Pacchanta. Optional hot springs before the drive (small fee).
06:00 PM
Back in Cusco, around 5–6 PM.
Times are approximate and depend on the group's pace and the weather on the passes.
The Ausangate Trek 5 Days circles the mountain: about 60 km (37 mi). Day 1: Pacchanta to the Upis hot springs (6–7 km). Day 2: Arapa pass to a camp facing Rainbow Mountain (13 km). Day 3: Rainbow Mountain at sunrise and the glacier lagoon (16 km). Day 4: Palomani pass (10 km). Day 5: Q'ampa and the 7 Lakes (15–16 km).
The highest point of the Ausangate circuit is the Palomani pass, about 5,200 m (17,060 ft), crossed on day 4 with Ausangate's glaciers beside you. Our 5-day trek also tops 5,000 m (16,400 ft) at Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m / 16,522 ft) on day 3 and the Q'ampa pass (5,070 m / 16,630 ft) on day 5.
The Ausangate Trek 5 Days is hard, mostly because of the altitude rather than the terrain. You sleep four nights at about 4,400–4,700 m (14,400–15,400 ft), walk 10–16 km (6–10 mi) on most days and cross two passes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft), where every step is slow. No climbing skills are needed, and horses carry your gear.
Give yourself 6 to 8 weeks of training before the Ausangate circuit, then at least 5 days in Cusco to acclimatize. Mix stairs or running with full-day hikes that climb for hours. Our local team recommends prior high-altitude experience: from the first night you sleep at about 4,400 m (14,400 ft) and wake to frost on your tent.
To prevent altitude sickness on the Ausangate trek, spend at least 5 days in Cusco first, walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Our 5-day trek starts gently: day 1 is only 6–7 km (4 mi) to Upis, where you can soak in the hot springs before your first night at about 4,400 m (14,400 ft). The guide carries oxygen.
The best time of year to hike the Ausangate circuit is May to September, the dry season, when mornings over the glaciers are more often clear. June to August brings the frostiest nights, below 0 °C (32 °F). From December to March, expect rain, hail or snow on the passes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft).
The Ausangate Trek 5 Days costs $500 per person (2026), covering transport from Cusco, your guide, tents, a sleeping bag, pack horses and 14 meals, with hot dinners at camp. On the trail you add only S/ 110 (about US$30) in community fees, in cash, plus tips, the optional Red Valley (S/ 30) and the Pacchanta hot springs.
A guided Ausangate circuit is the better choice unless you're an experienced, self-sufficient trekker. Self-guided, you carry a tent, stove and 5 days of food over passes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft), find the route yourself and have little or no phone signal. Guided, horses carry 7 kg (15 lb) of your gear and you walk with just a daypack.
No, the Ausangate circuit has no advance permit or daily quota to book, unlike the Inca Trail. The area is the Ausangate Regional Conservation Area (created in 2019), not a national park. On the trail you pay S/ 110 (2026) in cash in community fees to the Quechua villages whose alpaca pastures you walk through.
For the Ausangate circuit on our 5-day trek you need no camping gear: tents, a sleeping bag rated to −5 °C (23 °F) and pack horses are included. Bring warm layers with a down jacket for freezing nights, rain gear, broken-in boots, a headlamp for the climb to Rainbow Mountain at sunrise and a swimsuit for the Upis hot springs.
Yes, get travel insurance for the Ausangate circuit, and check that it covers trekking up to 5,200 m (17,060 ft), the Palomani pass, plus emergency evacuation. Many standard policies stop at lower altitudes. Insurance isn't included in our 5-day trek; on the trail, the guide carries oxygen and a first-aid kit over every pass.
Yes, the Ausangate Trek 5 Days is worth it if you want the whole mountain, not just one view. It's our only trek that closes the full circuit: hot springs on night one, Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, a night beside the glacier lagoon and two passes above 5,000 m (16,400 ft). Skip it if you can't acclimatize 5 days first.
Excellent
5.0695 reviews
Camée B
September 24, 2026
Excellent guide Inti
Notre guide Inti était très professionnel! Je me suis sentie en sécurité tout au long de ma randonnée de 5 jours à Ausangate. Il nous donnait des informations claires en espagnol et en anglais. La nourriture était bonne. La communication par Whatsapp avant le tour était bonne.
Catherine H
July 30, 2026
Magnificent trek and hard working trek team
We had a magnificent 5 day trek with Ausangate Guide and I would recommend this company to book your trek with. The company were well organised and accommodated our request to avoid rainbow mountain and complete the full circuit in 4 days. The trek team (Inti and Wilbert) get 5 stars for professionalism, skill and effort. Our guide Inti was very professional. He looked after us and ensured our needs were met. He passed on lots of his local knowledge about the mountains and the local wildlife which was interesting. We always felt safe and the pace of the trek was matched to our fitness levels. Our porter and chef worked incredibly hard to transport our gear and ensure we were well fed. The food was basic, but hearty with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and snacks. The only reason this is not a 5 star review overall is because the sleeping bags were a little small (we are not big people but couldn’t fully zip them up) which made us cold at night. Inti was able to provide extra blankets on one occasion which was much appreciated. The logistics on the final day could also have been better as we ended up waiting for 4 hours after lunch for a mini bus to take us back to Cusco. We had already visited the hot springs before lunch so a longer final walk or an afternoon activity would have been good. Overall though this was a great and budget friendly experience. I highly recommend this trek.
Alexandra M
October 24, 2026
Ausangate Circuit 4D/3N
We did the Ausangate Circuit 4 Days/3 Night and we loved it! Our guide Inti showed us beautiful landscapes and told us a lot about the local culture. The food was amazing.
Francesca L
October 20, 2026
Ausangate 7 lagune
Ho fatto il trekking delle 7 lagune con questa agenzia, organizzato tutto molto bene, dal trasporto alla colazione e pranzo in loco. La nostra guida Inti è stata davvero brava
Noemi H
October 17, 2026
Maravilloso 7 Lagunas de Ausangate
Una experiencia maravillosa, de buenas historias por parte de nuestro guía Edmilson, buenísima persona . Si les gusta es el trekking , es una buena opción para que se aventure en esta ruta de naturaleza , montañas , lagos y lindos animales como llamas, caballo.
Franklin s
October 16, 2026
Excelente 👌 servicio tour 7 lagunas de ausangate
Excelente servicio, recomendado para realizar las 7 lagunas de ausangate tanto el transporte, alimentación y guía son muy buenos en su trabajo así que se los recomiendo al 100% amigos!
Nicole P
October 15, 2026
Visita 7 lagunas
El día de hoy recorrimos las 7 lagunas acompañadas de nuestro maravilloso guía Alex, quien la verdad nos brindó una experiencia amena, súper atenta y segura, agradecidas con el acompañamiento que nos brindó nuestro guía Alex, ya que hizo que el tour fuera más que perfecto ✨ Inclusive nos ayudó a tomarnos fotitos súper lindas y nos cuidó todo el camino 🙌🏻
Ramona P
October 14, 2026
Guía Alex en 7 lagunas
Visitamos con el guía Alex, las 7 lagunas en lo cual fue un camino placentero ya que siempre velaba por la seguridad del grupo y checaba como nos sentíamos todos.
Sunshine611595
October 12, 2026
Loved it
Loved the whole trip so much! Josué was really attentive and knowledgeable, he made the trip extra special! And the hike and the lakes are just unbelievable. Do account for a long day though!
Passenger59026318729
October 11, 2026
7 lagunas ausangate
Adoramos o trilho das 7 lagunas! É perfeito para amantes de pura Natureza ainda pouco turistico. Fomos acompanhado pelo guia Alex que foi impecável, demonstrou sempre bastante preocupação com o nosso bem-estar e demonstrou ter muito conhecimento sobre as 7 lagunas, super interessante!
Tânia M
October 11, 2026
Experiência nas 7 lagoas em Ausangate
Grande experiência, superamos 14km e vimos paisagens muito bonitas. O nosso guia Alex foi muito atencioso e prestável durante todo o percurso. Gostamos muito!
Joaquim Alves
October 11, 2026
7 Lagoas
O meu grupo foi acompanhado pelo guia Alex que foi muito atencioso e cuidadoso connosco, demonstrava saber muito sobre todo o percurso. Foi incrível!
Marcelo C
September 24, 2026
Experiência que vale a pena.
Fizemos o trekking de Ausangate de 3 dias, finalizando na Montanha Colorida, e a experiência foi excepcional. Desde o primeiro contato, a empresa se destacou pela organização e, principalmente, pela comunicação, que foi disparada a melhor entre todas as agências com quem conversei em Cusco. Tudo foi muito fácil de resolver, sempre com respostas rápidas e claras, além de um preço supercompetitivo. Durante o trekking, toda a equipe foi excelente. Nosso guia, Inti, foi muito bom e contribuiu muito para a experiência. A comida foi maravilhosa, muito acima do que esperávamos para um trekking desse tipo, e toda a estrutura e organização funcionaram perfeitamente. No final, ainda fomos surpreendidos com uma bolsa de presente, um cuidado a mais que fechou a experiência muito bem. Recomendo demais a empresa. Excelente custo-benefício, equipe muito boa, ótima organização e uma comunicação que realmente faz diferença.
Amir D
September 20, 2026
7 Lagoon day trip
We had a wonderful time touring the 7 lagoons with our guide Inti, he explained about the history of the area and was very fun to travel with! We were cared for from the moment we got picked up until our drop off!
Brayan V
September 17, 2026
100% recomendados
100% recomendado. Realicé el Ausangate Trek y fue una experiencia única e inolvidable. Desde el primer momento fueron muy atentos y me citaron en su oficina para explicarme todo el recorrido y resolver las dudas que tenía. Durante el trekking, el guía nos ayudó bastante, estuvo siempre pendiente de nosotros y respondió todas nuestras preguntas. Todo estuvo muy bien organizado y la experiencia fue realmente maravillosa, especialmente por los increíbles paisajes. Recomiendo bastante esta agencia para realizar el Ausangate Trek. Sin duda, fue una excelente experiencia y volvería a viajar con ellos. 🏔️🙌
Johann B
September 13, 2026
Perfect Andean experience with experienced guide
I can absolutely recommend this trip for an authentic Andean experience. I was with the group "Fantásticos" guided by Robenheo who took our group through the incredible landscape near the Ausangate massif and the 7 Lakes. Robenheo always made sure the group had a great time and the pictures he takes of you are the absolute best. Can totally recommend.
Pilar G
September 5, 2026
Visiting Ausangate lakes with Alex
The trekking was amazing and the guide Alex was excellent, his explanations about landscape were really interesting, the time management was perfect and he showed all the time a warm approach to all the group... I truly recommend the visit with him. It was a wonderful experience for me and my daughter. Pilar and Eva from Spain.
Martina F
August 29, 2026
Trekking Vinicunca e Ausangate
Abbiamo fatto il tour di due giorni e una notte facendo il trekking di Vinicunca e Ausangate. Le guide Marco e Inti sono state impeccabili! Super consigliato!
michal
August 17, 2026
A grate trek in Azangata
We had an amazing trek in Azangata with the lovely guide Intis. He took care of everything we needed throughout the trek, was attentive and pleasant.
susanna v
August 10, 2026
Amazing hike with an amazing guide Aldair
We did the one day hike to the 7 lakes and was amazing. The best thing was our guide, Aldair, very professional young man that make the expercience the best ever. He helped the sick people and waited for the others, make sure everything is under control. We felt really safe and he also took a really gorgeus picture of us! Really reccomended. Thanks a lot !!
xevi f
August 9, 2026
Agencia TOP
Trekking Ausangate fantástico, buen equipo de guía, cocinero y arriero. Recomendable 100% Gran atención de la agencia por la contratación del trek.
Lewis R
August 2, 2026
Great experience
I had an amazing experience hiking the 7 lagunas with my guide Inti. The experience was super smooth and organised. Breakfast and lunch were great. I made some new friends and got to see an incredible part of the world. Muchas gracias Inti and the team!!
Paradise29861869286
July 15, 2026
Trek 3jours Ausangate avec Inti
Merci beaucoup Inti pour ce trek autour de l'Ausangate,! Nous avons passé trois jours formidables, l'organisation était au top. Muchas gracias ! Et un grand merci à Jovenal et Esteban pour la cuisine et l'organisation du campement !
sherwin p
June 27, 2026
Amazing experience!
An unforgettable 3-day Ausangate trek! I had an incredible experience on the 3-day Ausangate trek with this company. Every day was filled with breathtaking scenery—from turquoise glacial lakes to stunning mountain landscapes. It was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Peru. Our guide, Inti, was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and made sure everyone felt safe and enjoyed the trek. You could tell he genuinely loves what he does and takes pride in sharing the beauty and history of the region. A huge thank you to our cook, Esteban. I honestly couldn’t believe the quality and quantity of the food we had while camping in the mountains. Every meal was delicious, and there was always plenty to eat. They also kept us well supplied with water and snacks throughout the trek, which made a big difference. The entire trip was extremely well organized. The logistics were seamless, allowing us to simply enjoy the adventure without worrying about anything. I would 100% recommend this company to anyone looking to hike Ausangate. It was a beautiful, unforgettable experience, and I would gladly book with them again. Thank you, Inti, Esteban, and the entire team for making this such an amazing adventure!
Maely M
June 17, 2026
Ausangate 4j
J’ai réalisé le trek de 4 jours de l’Ausangate avec Saddain et Juvenal, et je ne peux que les recommander. Ils ont été extrêmement sympathiques, attentionnés et toujours disponibles tout au long de l’aventure. L’organisation était impeccable du début à la fin, ce qui m’a permis de profiter pleinement des paysages incroyables du trek. Les repas étaient excellents, variés et très appréciés après de longues journées de marche. Le matériel fourni était également de très bonne qualité, confortable et bien entretenu. Un grand merci à Saddain et Juvenal pour leur professionnalisme, leur gentillesse et leur bonne humeur. Cette expérience restera un très beau souvenir de mon voyage au Pérou ! Je recommande sans hésiter.
matan Yegnes
June 2026
Even before the trek my father and I got all our questions answered with personal attention. Our guide was amazing and the whole team including the horse man and cook were great. They were thoughtful and flexible and made sure the trek was what we wanted it to be. Beautiful views, highly recommend
Eliav L
May 12, 2026
Seven Lakes Trek
Aldair was amazing throughout the whole experience. Very kind, patient, and always willing to help with a smile. What stood out the most was his ability to really listen and make people feel comfortable and welcome. He was attentive, professional, and genuinely cared about giving a good experience. Highly recommended!
ivet R
March 3, 2026
Incredible Trek with an Outstanding Guide
We had such an incredible experience on the Ausangate tour! My friend and I enjoyed every moment. Teddy was a fantastic guide — charismatic, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the journey. Thank you for making this adventure so special. 100% recommended!
Mac Ok
October 2025
We did the 7 lake tour here and it was the best Tour I did around Cusco. I did it with a friend of mine and we had such an amazing time and an amazing tour guide called Tony. He prepared us very well with the information about the tour, the history, it was in general really fun with him and he took care of the whole group. We drive 3h there, had breakfast and then we got ready for an amazing 6h hike hahaha the views as you can see in the pictures were more than beautiful. The hike itself was nice but I would say on intermediate difficulty. I still recommend it to everyone if you can manage it. After the hike we ate lunch and to rest our muscles there was a thermal bath nearby 😎 enjoy.
Alejandra Delfin
October 2025
Hice el tour de Ausangate 7 lagunas con el guia Felipe Cano y el conductor elias y fue el mejor tour que he hecho!!!! Muy buena disposicion, paciencia, cada uno a su paso, nos facilitaron bastones para el trekking todo muy lindo!
Yuval G
September 12, 2025
Three day Ausangate trek with Saddain
My partner and I set out for a three day Ausangate trip after our trip was delayed because of unexpected sickness. Jonathan was kind enough to send us off a few days later at no extra charge!!! He took care of us while I was sick and made sure I was ok. Saddain, our guide, was nothing short of exceptional. He made sure we were always feeling well, and even insisted on taking an extra horse in case I wasn't strong enough for the tougher parts of the trail. He was very knowledgeable about the mountain and generally- telling us stories about the Inka, and different Peruvian folklore about the stars. He offered to start our final day extremely early (3 am) so we could get to rainbow mountain before the crowds- a very smart suggestion! We got to experience rainbow mountain nearly empty- something not many people get to experience. He made sure we were always feeling well and was overall a pleasure to be around. Our cook Angel prepared exceptional meals for us, always adding an extra touch of care (preparing hot water for us to wash our hands before each meal, or preparing two chicken dishes- one spicy and one not- in the same meal). Our horseman was also extremely kind and caring. Overall an exceptional experience- would recommend Saddain as a guide and Jonathan’s agency to anyone who is looking for an unforgettable experience in the mountains.
Eduardo V
August 21, 2025
Ausangate Guida es de lo mejor para planear tu viaje por Cusco y conocer los lugares más espectaculares!
Excelente experiencia con Ausangate Guide. Hicimos un trek espectacular de 4 días que nos organizaron en la agencia. Nos asignaron a nuestro guía, Sadaim, que fue muy amable, tiene mucha experiencia y una actitud muy positiva! Conocimos las lagunas de Ausangate, de ahí emprendimos un Trek por todo el Ausangate, con vistas espectaculares y acampamos en Ananta Pata, para al siguiente día llegar temprano a ver el amanecer en las montañas de colores y posteriormente el Valle Rojo. Adicionalmente, conocimos el Valle Sagrado de manera especial por la experiencia de Rosa, otra de las guías, con mucha experiencia del grupo. Muy recomendado!! Definitivamente Ausangate Guide es de lo mejor para planear tu viaje a Cusco y conocer los lugares más espectaculares. 100 en calificación! Muchas gracias por todo.
Soak in the Upis hot springs on night one, stand on Rainbow Mountain at sunrise, fall asleep by the glacier lagoon and cross two passes above 5,000 m. Tents, sleeping bags, pack horses and 14 meals, all arranged. From US$500 per person.
Free cancellation up to 7 days before · Minimum age 15
Price held for00h 00m 00s