Ausangate Circuit 4 Days

Summary of the Ausangate Circuit 4 Days

Highlights of the Ausangate Circuit

• Hot springs of Upis and Pacchanta: A tourist attraction perfect for relaxing muscles at the beginning of the hike and at the end of the Ausangate circuit.
• High passes: Including Arapa, Jampa, Ausangate Lagoon, and the highest pass of the circuit, Palomani Pass at 5200 m.
• Impressive mountain landscapes: Wild nature and abundant wildlife, with wild ducks, vizcachas, and hundreds of alpacas and llamas.
• Turquoise-colored lagoons: Glacial sources of Ausangate that adorn the circuit around the Ausangate snow peak.
• Professional team: High-quality services in food, camping, and guiding.

Ausangate Circuit Itinerary – 4 Days 🏔️

The Ausangate Circuit is one of the most breathtaking treks in the Peruvian Andes. This 4-day trekking adventure takes you through snow-capped mountains, turquoise lagoons, high-altitude mountain passes, and natural hot springs, providing an unforgettable experience for hiking and nature enthusiasts.

Day 1: Cusco – Pacchanta – Upis

The adventure starts early with a pick-up from Cusco at 5:00 am, followed by a scenic drive to Pacchanta, a traditional Andean community located at 4,300 m (14,108 ft) and 126 km (78 mi) from Cusco. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, following the Interoceanic Highway, offering stunning views of the Andean highlands. Along the way, you will pass through Tinke, a key stop along the Ausangate Circuit, where trekkers can make last-minute purchases before entering the wilderness.

Upon arrival in Pacchanta, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Pacchanta Lodge, a rustic lodge with panoramic views of Nevado Ausangate. Afterward, the trek begins with a gradual ascent of 150 meters, passing through vast Andean valleys where alpacas and llamas roam freely. As you progress, you’ll get your first close-up views of the Ausangate mountain, its towering presence dominating the horizon, marking the start of one of the most spectacular hikes in Cusco.

📍 Highlights:
✔ Panoramic views of Nevado Ausangate from its northern face.
✔ Relaxing in the Upis hot springs.
✔ Optional hike to Upiscocha Lagoon (2 km).

✅ Distance: 6 km
✅ Maximum Altitude: 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
✅ Hiking Time: 3 hours

Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Pucacocha – Ausangate Lagoon

The trek starts at 7:00 am, with a steady ascent toward Arapa Pass (4,738 m / 15,541 ft), a climb that takes approximately 1.5 hours. As you gain altitude, the scenery transforms into expansive grasslands and rugged mountains, while the snow-capped peak of Ausangate looms in the distance. This vantage point offers a perfect spot for rest and panoramic photography before beginning the descent.

The trail gradually descends toward Yanacocha Lagoon, a dark-hued body of water reflecting the surrounding sky and peaks. Continuing along the path, you’ll reach Pucacocha, a stunning group of crystal-clear lagoons, encircled by rock formations and glacial peaks. Here, a scenic lunch stop offers a chance to soak in the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, the trek ascends toward Laguna Pass, where the landscape shifts dramatically, unveiling hanging glaciers and high-altitude lagoons, creating one of the most picturesque spots along the entire route.

📍 Highlights:
✔ Arapa Pass: A natural viewpoint with panoramic Andean landscapes.
✔ Pucacocha Lagoons: Stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.
✔ Ausangate Lagoon campsite: A peaceful overnight stay with breathtaking views.

✅ Distance: 13 km
✅ Maximum Altitude: 4,738 m (15,541 ft)
✅ Hiking Time: 7 hours

Day 3: Ausangate Lagoon – Palomani Pass – Surapata

This is the most challenging day of the Ausangate Circuit, as you reach the highest altitude of the trek. The day begins with an early morning ascent to Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft), the highest point on the circuit. The climb is demanding due to the thin air and rugged terrain, but the spectacular panoramic views from the summit make it all worthwhile. From this natural viewpoint, you can admire the imposing peak of Ausangate, the expansive glacial valleys, and, in the distance, the Rainbow Mountain with its unique colors.

After a short break to take in the scenery, the trail descends sharply toward Huchuy Phinaya, a small Andean settlement where you’ll often see herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely. Here, the air becomes richer in oxygen, making the hike more manageable. The final section of the day includes a gradual ascent along a glacial stream, leading to the Surapata campsite, a serene valley surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains. Spending the night here offers an unforgettable experience under a clear, star-filled sky.

📍 Highlights:
✔ Palomani Pass (5,200 m): The highest point of the trek with spectacular views.
✔ Huchuy Phinaya: Andean village where alpacas roam freely.
✔ Surapata campsite: A peaceful night surrounded by Andean peaks.

✅ Distance: 14 km
✅ Maximum Altitude: 5,200 m (17,060 ft)
✅ Hiking Time: 8 hours

Day 4: Surapata – Jampa Pass – 7 Lakes – Pacchanta – Cusco

The final day of the Ausangate Circuit 4-day trek starts with a challenging ascent to Jampa Pass (5,052 m / 16,575 ft), the last high-altitude mountain pass of the journey. From the summit, you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Jampa, Pucapunta, and Caracol peaks, creating an awe-inspiring alpine landscape. This section provides some of the best photography opportunities of the Vilcanota mountain range.

Crossing the pass, the trail descends into the 7 Lakes circuit, a stunning area featuring a collection of colorful lagoons, ranging from deep turquoise to vivid blue, mirroring the sky and surrounding glaciers. After the final stretch of hiking, you will arrive in Pacchanta around midday, where you can soak in the natural hot springs and enjoy a well-earned lunch at Pacchanta Lodge. Finally, the return to Cusco departs at 3:00 pm, arriving back in the city by 6:30 pm, marking the end of an unforgettable trekking experience in the Peruvian Andes.

📍 Highlights:
✔ Jampa Pass: The last high-altitude mountain pass with epic views.
✔ Ausangate 7 Lakes Circuit: Stunning turquoise and blue lagoons.
✔ Pacchanta Hot Springs: Relaxation before returning to Cusco.

✅ Distance: 16 km
✅ Maximum Altitude: 5,052 m (16,575 ft)
✅ Hiking Time: 7 hours

Ausangate Circuit Includes

• Virtual briefing through a trusted platform.
• Professional guide with experience.
• Private round-trip transportation.
• Camping logistics (kitchen tent, dining tent, client tent, sleeping bag, mats, blankets).
• Horses for logistics transportation.
• Muleteer team for horse management.
• Professional cook for food preparation.
• 7 kg duffle bag for the client's personal gear.
• Full meals (breakfast, snack, lunch, appetizers, and dinner).
• Group hygiene items (soap, hand sanitizer, towels).
• Emergency and first aid logistics (first aid kit, medicinal oxygen).
• Entrance tickets and camp fees.

Note: Our camping equipment is guaranteed and cleaned after each trip.

Ausangate Circuit 4-Day Price

The Ausangate circuit is available on any date that is most convenient for you, provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers!

PRICES:

• Group Tour: US$ 370.00 per person

A minimum of 2 people is required to open a new group: solo hikers can join an existing group.

PRIVATE TOUR:

• 2 hikers: US$ 616.00 per person
• 3 - 4 hikers: US$ 482.00 per person
• 5 - 6 hikers: US$ 450.00 per person

INQUIRIES

If you would like a more specific calculation or prefer to travel solo, please contact us.

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Available Dates

Our trekking routes are available in two types of services:

Group Service: Variable availability, departures only if there are 6 or more people.

Private Service: Immediate availability on any date of the year. From 2 people.

Booking Policies

Bookings are made in advance with a 30% payment of the total cost. The remaining balance is paid in cash in Pacchanta.

Payment Methods

• PayPal (credit or debit card payment)
• Bank Transfer
• Transaction Fees: Travel packages and programs include transaction expenses for the 30% booking payments.

Change and Cancellation Policies

Tour rescheduling is accepted with sufficient advance notice, except for Machu Picchu tours. Failure to show up by the passenger will result in the total loss of service. Cancellation or withdrawal from the service does not entitle to a refund.

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