If you are a high-altitude enthusiast seeking an extreme adventure in the Andes, climbing Ausangate (6,384 m) is the perfect challenge for you. Known as the highest peak in the Vilcanota Range, this expedition combines technical skills, endurance, and acclimatization, offering an unparalleled view of glaciers and Andean valleys from the summit.
The ascent begins in Pacchanta, a traditional community where you can immerse yourself in local culture before heading to base camp, a crucial point for acclimatization and preparation before the final push. Along the route, you will face a demanding ice wall and a snow-covered plateau, testing your ice climbing technique and mixed terrain skills.
Beyond the physical and technical challenge, this expedition takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including turquoise lagoons, towering glaciers, and the famous Rainbow Mountain on the return route. To ensure success, you will be guided by certified mountain experts, equipped with high-quality technical gear, and follow a strategic acclimatization plan for a safe and rewarding ascent.
If you're ready to take your mountaineering passion to the next level, join this once-in-a-lifetime expedition and conquer Ausangate.
Experience an extreme expedition in the Andes with the climbing Ausangate, the highest peak in Cusco. Over 6 days and 5 nights, you will traverse glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and high-altitude passes, facing technical challenges such as ice ascents with inclinations of up to 65°. The route begins in Pacchanta, passes through Base Camp and Moraine Camp, and culminates at 6,384 meters, offering panoramic views of the Vilcanota Range.
Join this epic adventure and conquer one of the most impressive peaks in Peru.
Climbing Ausangate, the highest peak in Cusco and the fifth highest in Peru, is an epic expedition that combines technical skills, endurance, and high-altitude acclimatization. This 6-day, 5-night journey takes you through spectacular landscapes, including glaciers, turquoise lagoons, high-mountain passes, and the iconic Rainbow Mountain. With the support of certified guides and top-quality mountaineering equipment, you’ll be ready to conquer one of the most demanding challenges in the Peruvian Andes.
Departure: 4:30 a.m. | Maximum Altitude: 4,700 m | Hiking Time: 6 hours
Our adventure begins early in the morning with pickup in Cusco and a 3.5-hour drive to Pacchanta (4,334 m), a traditional Andean village known for its hot springs and Quechua culture. Here, we meet the expedition team (guide, porters, and cook) and enjoy an energizing breakfast before organizing our technical gear (harnesses, crampons, ice axes, helmets).
The acclimatization trek starts with a visit to the 7 Lagoons Circuit, offering stunning first views of the Ausangate summit. After 6 hours of trekking, we reach Pachaspata Camp (4,700 m), where we spend the night under a spectacular starry sky.
Maximum Altitude: 5,100 m | Hiking Time: 7 hours
After breakfast, we begin the ascent to Jampa Pass (5,100 m), one of the highest points of the trek. From here, we enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and its glaciers.
We descend to Surapata, where we pause for lunch before continuing towards Ausangate Base Camp (5,100 m). Once at base camp, we set up our tents and explore the nearby Chocolate Lagoon, a unique dark-brown colored lake surrounded by glacial landscapes.
Maximum Altitude: 5,500 m | Hiking Time: 5 hours
The real climb begins. After an early breakfast, we embark on a challenging trek across glacial moraines and mixed terrain with slopes up to 60°. This 5-hour ascent leads us to Moraine Camp (5,500 m), where we set up our high-altitude camp.
Here, our certified mountain guides conduct a safety briefing, covering ice-climbing techniques, crampon use, and summit strategies. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and acclimatization before the big day.
Maximum Altitude: 6,384 m | Ascent Time: 10 hours | Descent Time: 6 hours
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the expedition. At 11:00 p.m., we wake up for a light breakfast and begin the night ascent.
After witnessing the sunrise from the summit, we begin the descent with ice rappels, returning to Base Camp in the afternoon for a well-deserved rest.
Maximum Altitude: 5,200 m | Hiking Time: 6 hours
We descend from Base Camp towards Palomani Pass (5,200 m), the highest trekking pass of the expedition. From here, we enjoy unmatched views of the snow-capped peaks of Ausangate and Mariposa.
The route continues through open valleys, where we encounter herds of alpacas and llamas, before arriving at Ananta Camp, where we enjoy a hot dinner under a sky full of stars.
Maximum Altitude: 4,977 m | Hiking Time: 5 hours
To end our expedition on a high note, we ascend to Warmisaya Pass (4,977 m) before reaching the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint (Vinicunca). Here, we take time to capture breathtaking photos before descending to Vinicunca Valley.
Finally, we take our transport back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 4:00 p.m., with an unforgettable 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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