The Ausangate Circuit is one of the best routes for hiking around the imposing Ausangate Mountain, which reaches an altitude of 6384 meters. This itinerary begins in the community of Pacchanta, situated at 4300 meters above sea level, and is known for offering a unique trekking experience in one of the most impressive landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
The route includes exclusive campsites with spectacular views of Ausangate, as well as valleys inhabited by alpacas and various wild animals, including birds, vizcachas, and ducks. Throughout the hike, trekkers can enjoy majestic wild mountain and high mountain landscapes, facing elevated passes ranging from 4700 to 5200 meters.
This circuit is ideal for those who enjoy high-altitude hikes and wish to circle the Ausangate Mountain. Along the way, there are numerous vibrant and turquoise-colored lagoons that adorn the landscape. Additionally, magnificent glaciers dress the mountain, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding fields.
The Ausangate Circuit also offers a unique cultural immersion. Visitors can meet the Andean communities that inhabit the region and are dedicated to raising alpacas in the highlands of Cusco. These communities preserve their ancestral traditions and offer travelers the opportunity to learn about their way of life, their craftsmanship, and their relationship with nature.
Pickup of clients is at 5:00 am from the hotel to head towards the community of Pacchanta, located approximately 126 km away, a journey that takes about 3 hours by car along the Interoceanic South Highway that goes towards Puerto Maldonado. The last town before entering the Ausangate valley is the village of Tinke, an old village that initially was the starting point for expeditions to Ausangate. It is the place where you can make any last-minute purchases if needed. From Tinke to Pacchanta, it is 12 km along a dirt road, a journey that takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. In Pacchanta, breakfast will be served at Pacchanta Lodge before heading towards the Upis camp. The first part of the hike is an ascent of about 150 meters in elevation, taking approximately 1 hour. From this point, you can observe Ausangate from the north side until reaching the Upis camp for lunch. This day you have the afternoon free to visit the Upis hot springs or the Upiscocha lagoon, about 2 km from the camp.
After breakfast, the hike begins at 7:30 am to reach the first pass, called Paso Arapa (4738 m), in approximately 1.5 hours. From this pass, you can see the Ausangate valleys and the summit of Ausangate. Then the descent begins, reaching Yanacocha lagoon and then the Pucacocha lagoons, where lunch will be taken. In the afternoon, the hike continues until passing through the Pucacocha valley, one of the most beautiful places of the hike. The last pass of this day is Paso Laguna, which marks the end of the Pucacocha valley. After crossing this pass, there is a vertical descent until reaching the Ausangate Lagoon camp, where the night will be spent.
This is the most strenuous day because we will ascend to the highest pass of the Ausangate circuit in approximately 1.4 hours from the camp. Palomani Pass (5200 m) is one of the highest points of the circuit, from where you can see the summit of Ausangate and the Rainbow Mountain. After walking for a while at the pass, the descent begins until reaching the village of Huchuy Phinaya and the small river that comes from Ausangate. From this point, a regular ascent starts until reaching the Surapata camp, following the river from Tres Picos mountain. During this journey, you can see many alpacas and vizcachas grazing in the fields of this valley. The team of cooks and muleteers will be waiting for you at the camp with lunch. This day, you have the afternoon free to rest and wash some items.
On the last day of the circuit, breakfast is very early to cover the 16 km that separate the camp from the community of Pacchanta. The hike starts at 7:00 am with the ascent to the last pass, called Jampa Pass (5052 m), from where you can see the mountains of Jampa, Pucapunta, Caracol, among others. From the pass, the descent begins, passing by the circuit of the 7 Ausangate lagoons, which are colorful views from the viewpoint. You will reach the lodge at 12:00 pm for lunch and to visit the hot springs of Pacchanta. Departure to Cusco is at 3:00 pm, arriving in Cusco at 6:30 pm.
Note: Our camping equipment is guaranteed and cleaned after each trip.
Jampa Climbing 5500 m: This service costs USD 60.00 per person. Add to the expedition cost.
Additional Horse: If you encounter problems or are not prepared for the pace of the expedition, you can hire this service for USD 20.00 per day needed.
Personal Tent: If you require your own personal tent, you can hire one for $5.00 per night, totaling $20.00 for 4 nights.
The Ausangate circuit is available on any date that is most convenient for you, provided we have a minimum of 2 hikers!
Group Tour: US$ 370.00 per person
A minimum of 2 people is required to open a new group: solo hikers can join an existing group.
If you would like a more specific calculation or prefer to travel solo, please contact us.
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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.
Bookings are made in advance with a 30% payment of the total cost. The remaining balance is paid in cash in Pacchanta.
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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