The snow-capped Ausangate is one of the highest snow-capped mountains in Peru located in the Vilcanota mountain range 130 kilometers from Cusco and reaches an altitude of (6,372 m / 20,905 ft) has several lagoons of a luminous green / blue color, presents a natural landscape of great beauty. To this chain of mountains covered with perpetual snow, several treks are made, one of them is the fervent pilgrimage to the snowy Ocongate that is made only once a year, in it is located the Lord of Qoyllur Riti (snowy shining) that each year attracts thousands of pilgrims. The trekking route to the slopes of Ausangate is one of the experiences that connects the visitor with nature.
Tour details
- Duration: 4 days.
- Includes: 3 nights camping, meals with professional chefs: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, tourist transportation, horse porters, professional guide, pick up and return to Cusco.
- Not included: sleeping bags, trekking poles.
- Payment: we accept most major credit and debit cards worldwide.
- Confirmation: immediate.
- Flexibility: cancellations are accepted under penalty.
- Entrance: To all tourist destinations including Vinicunca.
- Group: Up to 15 people maximum.
The Ausangate 4 days tour includes the visit to the 7 Colors Mountain, also known as the Vinicunca. This tourist destination is the second most visited in Cusco, only after Machu Picchu. It offers a unique landscape on the planet. It is at 5,200 meters above sea level.
Summary
| Difficulty |  |
| Total walking distance | 55 kilometers or 34.175 miles. |
| Maximum altitude | Vinicunca (5,200 meters above sea level). |
| Minimum altitude | Cusco (3,399 meters above sea level). |
| Maximum temperature | Tinki (from 12°C to 18°C). |
| Minimum temperature | Surine Cocha (from 4°C to 0°C). |
| Itinerary | |
Day 1 Tinki | UpispampaPick up from the hotel in Cusco, travel to the community of Tinki and start the hike for 10 kilometers on average passing by the Upis camp, a beautiful place where you camp under the stars. Day 2 Upispampa | PucacochaThe second day is spent walking through the high mountains until reaching the Arapa Pass, a high point with views of the snowy Ausangate mountain. Then we head to the Puca Cocha campsite at 4,100 meters above sea level. Day 3 Pucacocha | Surin CochaOn the third day, we hike to the Puca Cocha pass, at about 5,051 meters above sea level. There we will have the closest view of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. Then we walk to the Warmi Saya pass and camp in Surine Cocha. Day 4 Surin Cocha | Vinicunca | CuscoOn the fourth day, there is an early visit to the Rainbow Mountain, when there are hardly any visitors. Then, there is a walk to the Red Valley of Pitumarca and the return trip to the city of Cusco. | |
Itinerary
The Ausangate 4-day trek is one of the most challenging and memorable hiking routes in Cusco, as it covers the high Andean landscapes near the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, the highest in Cusco at 6,384 meters above sea level. The route covers a total of 55 kilometers on foot, most of it through mountain slopes at more than 4,000 meters above sea level. The tour includes camping in each of the places, always under the stars. It also offers food provided by professional chefs and the loading of part of the luggage on horseback.
Tinki | Upispampa
- On the first day of the tour, visitors will be picked up from their hotel in Cusco at 6 a.m. Afterwards, they will travel by tourist minivan to the town of Tinki.
- After a trip of 2 hours and 30 minutes on average, the group will get ready to begin the hike. The first section is along steep paths until arriving at the Upispampa camp.
- After a delicious lunch, the route continues for 2 more hours until arriving at the beautiful lake of Upis. There you can take beautiful photographs.
- Back at camp, it’s time to enjoy dinner and spend the night after a 10-kilometer walk in total.
Upispampa | Pucacocha
- After a nutritious breakfast, the hike begins again towards the Arapa Pass (at 4,850 meters above sea level). From this place, there is a beautiful view of the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
- The hike continues downhill along high mountain trails. At the Pucacocha campsite, visitors will have a well-deserved lunch and rest, in a beautiful landscape close to Ausangate.
- At this camp, visitors will also have time to dine and enjoy the high Andean geography. After dinner, they will rest at their camp located at 4,100 meters above sea level.
Pucacocha | Surin Cocha
- On the third day, after a delicious breakfast, the hike continues uphill until reaching the Pucacocha pass, the closest point to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain (at 4,930 meters above sea level).
- After some free time to get the best photos, the group continues descending to the Alccatauri camp where it is time to enjoy a delicious lunch.
- The route continues with ascents and descents until arriving at the Surine Cocha camp (4,800 meters above sea level) where the group will have dinner and spend the last night in the camp under the stars.
Surin Cocha | Vinicunca | Cusco
- On the fourth and final day the group will have an early breakfast and say goodbye to the group of cooks and porters who accompanied us on the adventure.
- Very early in the morning, we will visit the Mountain of 7 Colors, the famous Vinicunca. There, tourists will enjoy its beautiful landscape of colors almost alone, as there are few visitors who go there so early.
- The route then continues towards the Red Valley of Pitumarca, a tourist attraction with beautiful red slopes located just 1 kilometre from Vinicunca.
- After enjoying two of the best tourist attractions in Cusco, the hike continues to the Phulawasipata campsite. There, you board a tourist transport for the return trip to Cusco.
- Before, in the town of Cusipata, you will enjoy a tourist lunch at a local restaurant. Continuing the trip, you will arrive in the city of Cusco at approximately 5 pm, where the tour ends.
Important details about the Ausangate trek 4 days tour
The Ausangate snow-capped mountain belongs to the Vilcanota mountain range. It is the highest in Cusco, standing at 6,384 meters above sea level. The 4-day Ausangate tour offers a visit to the most beautiful landscapes of this mountain range, including the famous 7-Color Mountain, also called Vinicunca. Learn more about this adventure!
| What’s included? | What’s not included? | Altitudes | What to bring? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick up from your hotel and full transportation. | Pick up from the airport. | Tinki on day 1 (3,950 masl). | Clothing for cold weather. |
| Entrance to all tourist attractions. | Hiking poles. | Upis on day 1 (4,400 masl). | Waterproof poncho. |
| Food: 3 lunches, 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners. | Snacks during the tour. | Arapa Pass on day 2 (4,850 masl). | Clothes or swimsuit, towels and sandals. |
| First aid kit and oxygen tank. | Breakfast on the first day 1. | Pucacocha Pass on day 3 (4,930 masl). | Durable trekking shoes. |
| 3 nights of camping. | Dinner on the fourth day. | Surine Cocha on day 3 (4,800 masl). | Sleeping bag and trekking pole. |
| Porters on horseback. | Sleeping bags and trekking poles. | Vinicunca on day 4 (5,200 meters above sea level). | Cash and identification document. |
Frequently asked questions about the Ausangate trek 4 days tour
Are you interested in taking the 4-day Ausangate trek tour? Find out the most frequently asked questions and answers about this service that also includes a visit to the famous Rainbow Mountain.
1. How many kilometers in total do you walk on the 4-day Ausangate trek tour?
The tour is carried out on foot, covering an average of 55 kilometers through Andean landscapes.
2. Does the Ausangate trek tour include a visit to the Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the 7 Colors Mountain, also known as Vinicunca (on day 4 in the morning).
3. What is the maximum and minimum altitude of the 4-day Ausangate trek tour?
The Ausangate 4-day tour reaches a maximum height at the Mountain of 7 Colors (at 5,200 meters above sea level). The minimum height during the tour is in the city of Cusco (3,399 meters above sea level) where the tour begins.
4. Is the trek safe on the Ausangate trek 4 days tour?
Yes, the hike is safe as it is done on wide trails. It is only recommended that you be in good physical condition and health, especially without heart problems.
5. What services does the 4-day Ausangate trek tour include?
The tour includes hotel pick-up in Cusco, tourist transportation, professional guide, all entrance fees, 3 nights of camping and meals. Trekking poles and sleeping bags are not included.
6. Does the 4-day Ausangate trek tour include food?
Yes, the tour offers meals prepared by cooks: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners, as well as tea time with snacks in the afternoons. All meals are made with very nutritious and delicious Andean ingredients. Vegetarian or vegan meals are also available.
7. Does the Ausangate trek 4-day tour include sleeping bags?
No, the tour does not include personal items such as sleeping bags. It also does not include trekking poles.
8. Can I change the date of the 4-day Ausangate trek tour?
Yes, you can request a change of date or the number of people on the tour. To do so, you must send a request by email to info@machupicchuterra.com. Remember that you must send the request at least 5 days in advance. Changes have a penalty of 10% of the tour value.
9. Is the 4-day Ausangate trek tour available every day of the year?
Yes, this tour is available every day of the year. However, it is recommended during the dry season: from April to October.
10. Can I cancel the purchased service?
Yes, you can request the cancellation of the tour. To do so, you must send a request by email to info@machupicchuterra.com. Remember that you must send the request with a deadline of 5 days in advance. Cancellation has a penalty of 25% of the tour value.
We are part of MACHUPICCHU TERRA, Travel agency and tour operator authorized to operate the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in Cusco. Our authorization code is "CI1578".
We have the certificate CALTUR, which recognizes the application of good management practices for the service of travel and tourism agencies. We offer a proven quality service!
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