Ausangate Climbing Expedition (6,384 m) is a high-altitude mountaineering challenge in the Peruvian Andes, designed for experienced climbers seeking a technical ascent in the Vilcanota Range. As the highest peak in southern Peru, Mount Ausangate requires solid ice climbing skills, endurance, and proper acclimatization.
The expedition starts in Pacchanta, allowing climbers to acclimatize gradually before reaching base camp. The route includes a 200-meter ice wall, snow-covered plateaus, and exposed sections that demand confidence in crampon and ice axe techniques.
This Ausangate climb is not a trekking route; it is a true alpine expedition that combines physical endurance with technical mountaineering. From the summit at 6,384 meters, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of glaciers, high-altitude lagoons, and the vast Vilcanota Mountain Range.
The Ausangate Climbing Expedition (6,384 m) is a 6-day high-altitude mountaineering program designed for experienced climbers seeking a technical ascent in the Peruvian Andes. As the highest peak in the Vilcanota Range and one of the most challenging mountains in southern Peru, Mount Ausangate requires solid acclimatization, endurance, and advanced ice-climbing skills.
This expedition combines approach trekking, glacier travel, steep ice climbing, and alpine exposure, following a strategic acclimatization plan to maximize summit success and safety. The route crosses remote Andean landscapes, glaciers, high passes, and includes a controlled visit to Rainbow Mountain during the descent.
Departure: 4:30 a.m.
Maximum altitude: 4,700 m
Hiking time: ~6 hours
Day 1 of the Ausangate Climbing Expedition begins with an early departure from Cusco and a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Pacchanta (4,334 m), a traditional Andean village known for its hot springs and Quechua culture.
Upon arrival, we meet the expedition team (certified mountain guide, support staff, and cook) and enjoy breakfast while organizing technical mountaineering equipment, including harnesses, crampons, ice axes, helmets, and ropes.
The day focuses on acclimatization and approach hiking, not technical climbing. We hike through the Ausangate 7 Lagoons Circuit, gaining our first views of the Ausangate massif and surrounding glaciers. After approximately six hours of trekking, we reach Pachaspata Camp (4,700 m), where we spend the night under a clear high-altitude sky.
Maximum altitude: 5,100 m
Hiking time: ~7 hours
On Day 2 of the Ausangate Climbing itinerary, we begin a steady ascent toward Jampa Pass (5,100 m), one of the highest trekking passes of the expedition. From the pass, we enjoy expansive views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, glaciers, and high-altitude valleys.
After descending to Surapata for lunch, we continue toward Ausangate Base Camp (5,100 m). Upon arrival, we establish camp and take a short acclimatization walk to Chocolate Lagoon, a unique dark-colored glacial lake.
This day reinforces altitude adaptation and prepares the body for the technical stages ahead.
Maximum altitude: 5,500 m
Hiking time: ~5 hours
Day 3 marks the transition from trekking to technical mountaineering on Ausangate. After an early breakfast, we ascend across glacial moraines and mixed alpine terrain, encountering slopes of up to 60 degrees.
The ascent leads us to Moraine Camp (5,500 m), a high-altitude camp positioned for summit day. Upon arrival, the guides conduct a mandatory technical and safety briefing, reviewing:
Ice-climbing techniques
Proper use of crampons and ice axes
Rope systems and glacier safety
Summit-day strategy and timing
The afternoon is dedicated to rest, hydration, and final preparation.
Maximum altitude: 6,384 m
Ascent time: ~10 hours
Descent time: ~6 hours
Summit Day on Mount Ausangate is the most demanding and technical stage of the expedition.
At 11:00 p.m., we wake for a light meal and begin the night ascent, a key factor for safe glacier conditions. At the glacier base, we rope up and equip crampons, ice axes, and harnesses.
Steep glacier ascent under headlamp conditions
200-meter ice wall with slopes reaching 65 degrees, requiring rope-assisted ice climbing and mixed techniques
High-exposure snow plateau leading to the final summit push
Reaching the Ausangate Summit (6,384 m) at sunrise offers breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers, high-altitude lagoons, and the vast Andean landscape.
After a short summit stay, we descend using controlled ice rappels and return to Base Camp in the afternoon for a well-earned rest.
Maximum altitude: 5,200 m
Hiking time: ~6 hours
On Day 5 of the Ausangate Climbing Expedition, we descend from Base Camp toward Palomani Pass (5,200 m), the highest trekking pass of the route.
From the pass, we enjoy unobstructed views of Ausangate, Mariposa, and surrounding snow-capped peaks. The route continues through open Andean valleys, often populated by alpacas and llamas, before reaching Ananta Camp.
A hot dinner and a calm night mark the gradual return to lower elevations.
Maximum altitude: 4,977 m
Hiking time: ~5 hours
The final day of the Ausangate Climbing itinerary includes an early ascent to Warmisaya Pass (4,977 m), followed by a visit to the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) viewpoint during a low-traffic time window.
After descending through Vinicunca Valley, we meet our private transportation and return to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 p.m., concluding the expedition with a strong sense of achievement.
Our expedition is designed to ensure safety, comfort, and an unforgettable experience on one of the most impressive mountains in the Peruvian Andes.
This expedition ensures safety, comfort, and an unparalleled experience on the most challenging peak in Cusco. Get ready to conquer Ausangate!
For greater transparency in planning your expedition, we detail the services and equipment not included in the package:
If you require extra comfort or assistance during the expedition, you can request the following additional services:
Additional horse: If at any point you feel unable to keep up with the expedition pace, you can rent a horse for USD 20.00 per day.
Personal tent: If you prefer an individual tent, you can book this service for USD 5.00 per night, totaling USD 20.00 for 4 nights.
Mountaineering boots: Available in sizes 36 to 42 (US 6 to 9). The cost is USD 20.00 per day or USD 120.00 for the entire expedition. Larger sizes are not available.
Sleeping bag: Available for rent at USD 5.00 per day or USD 30.00 for the entire expedition.
If you need any of these additional services, we recommend reserving them in advance to ensure availability.
The Ausangate Climbing Expedition is available exclusively during the months of June and July, in group and private modalities.
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people.
Prices do not include VAT (18%) and are in U.S. dollars, with the possibility of conversion to other currencies.
Contact us to receive a personalized quote based on group size and season.
If you wish to confirm a specific date, contact us in advance to check availability.
Book in advance and review the conditions before confirming your participation in this unique Ausangate expedition.
To help you plan your expedition, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about climbing Ausangate. Here, you'll find information about difficulty, equipment, acclimatization, costs, and more.
Ausangate is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range in the Cusco region, Peru. It is the highest mountain in Cusco and the fifth highest in Peru, standing at 6,384 meters above sea level. It is famous for its glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and technical climbing route, considered one of the most challenging in the country.
The expedition lasts 6 days and 5 nights, including acclimatization, technical ascent, and descent.
The Ausangate climb is technical and challenging, recommended for mountaineers with experience in ice climbing and high-altitude expeditions. Skills in using crampons, ice axes, rope belaying, and endurance for extreme conditions are required.
The best season to climb is between May and August, when the weather is drier and more stable, reducing the risk of avalanches and snowstorms.
Yes, previous experience in high-altitude mountaineering and ice climbing is recommended. This expedition is not for beginners, as it includes glacier ascents with inclines of up to 65 degrees.
The expedition ranges between 4,300 and 6,384 meters, so altitude sickness is a risk. To minimize its effects:
Our guides carry oxygen and a first aid kit for any emergency.
The technical mandatory equipment includes:
If you don’t have this equipment, we offer rental services for specialized gear.
Yes, we offer rental services for:
Prices do not include IGV (18%).
Reservations must be made at least 2 months in advance. A 30% deposit is required to confirm the booking, and the remaining balance must be paid 1 month before departure.
Weather in high-altitude mountains is unpredictable. If conditions make the ascent unsafe, the guide will evaluate the best decision. Safety is our priority, and the route may be adjusted based on conditions.
There are no showers in high-altitude camps. We recommend bringing wet wipes for personal hygiene.
Yes, at the end of the climb, you can choose to visit the Pacchanta hot springs. The entrance fee is not included in the package and must be paid on-site.
Ausangate is a less crowded expedition with a higher technical level than Alpamayo or Huascarán. It is ideal for mountaineers seeking an extreme high-altitude challenge in the Andes with fewer tourists.
Preparing with the right gear is key to a successful expedition to Ausangate. Due to extreme altitude, temperature changes, and challenging terrain, having the right technical clothing, climbing equipment, and essential accessories is crucial to ensuring safety, comfort, and performance in the mountains.
Here is the complete recommended packing list for the Ausangate climb, optimized to provide cold protection, camp comfort, and efficiency for ice and snow climbing.
To ensure a safe and well-organized expedition, we have established the following policies and conditions. We recommend reading them carefully before making your reservation.
To confirm your reservation, a 30% payment of the total expedition cost is required.
If you need to cancel your reservation, the following conditions apply:
Important: In case of cancellation, administrative and banking fees are non-refundable.
If you need to reschedule your expedition (only valid for private tours), the following conditions apply:
Date changes are subject to availability.
If you need more information about the Ausangate Climbing Expedition, feel free to contact us:
We recommend reviewing these policies before booking to avoid any inconvenience. We are here to help you plan your ascent to Ausangate and make this expedition an unforgettable experience.
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