Experience the thrill of reaching new heights with our 4-day Ausangate ascent package. Designed for experienced mountaineers acclimated to high altitudes, this journey will take you to conquer the majestic summit of Ausangate, standing at 6384 meters above sea level, ranking as the fifth highest peak in Peru and the gem of the Cusco region.
Since its first ascent in 1953 by the renowned Austrian climber Heinrich Harrer, Ausangate has been a coveted challenge for mountaineering enthusiasts in Cusco. Its imposing presence dominates the skyline and can be spotted from various points in the city.
Our package is tailored for those with experience in climbing mountains over 6000 meters. The standard route to the summit is technically moderate, requiring skills in wall climbing and navigating through snowy terrain. However, with the expert guidance of our experienced high mountain guides, reaching this iconic summit is entirely achievable.
Immerse yourself in this unique adventure, where you will push your physical and mental limits as you make your way to the top of Ausangate, an experience that will be etched in your memory forever.
An itinerary designed for experienced and well-acclimatized mountaineers seeking to conquer the summit of Ausangate. This 4-day route begins in Cusco and Surapampa. The expedition unfolds at the Ausangate base camp at 4800 m, with a Camp 1 at 5476 m from where the assault on the 6384-meter summit of Ausangate will be launched.
Total distance: 10 km on foot
Average walking time per day: 3 hours on foot (16 hours of climbing)
Route difficulty level: difficult
Maximum altitude: 6384 meters above sea level
Accommodation: camping tents
The expedition begins with a hotel pickup at 4:00 am, embarking on the Cusco-Puno highway until reaching the town of Checcacupe. From there, we'll head towards the town of Pitumarca, where our ascent commences. Our journey leads us to Chilca, the final village of this trek, and from there, we'll continue for about 20 minutes until reaching our destination at Surapampa.
At Surapampa, our chefs, guides, and muleteers await us, ready to accompany us on this expedition. After a nourishing breakfast, we'll prepare ourselves to head towards the base camp. The hike begins with a 3-kilometer ascent to reach the Ausangate base camp at 4800 meters above sea level. In the afternoon, we'll gear up for a hike towards the Mariposa mountain side to scout the route that awaits us the following day.
After enjoying a nutritious breakfast at 7:00 am, we'll be thrilled to embark on the true ascent of Ausangate. We'll depart for Camp 1 at 9:00 am, ascending 700 meters to Moraine Camp at 5476m. The hike is expected to last 3 to 4 hours, giving us ample time to rest before the climb.
On this day, we will wake up at 11:30 p.m. to have breakfast at midnight and leave the tent at 1:00 a.m. to start our ascent towards the summit. We will begin by crossing the crevassed glacier, facing a steep 200-meter wall of snow/ice at a 60-degree angle. After overcoming this obstacle, we will continue with a roughly 4-hour hike across the glacier, eventually reaching a final exposed ridge that leads to the summit, aiming to arrive between 7:30 and 8:00 in the morning.
For the descent, we will follow the same route, rappelling down the 200-meter wall in 60-meter sections. Once back at Base Camp, we will enjoy a light lunch, pack up our gear, and descend to Base Camp to spend the night.
This day, we'll rise at 7 am to have breakfast and pack up our camp before descending to Surapampa, where our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We anticipate arriving in Cusco between 2 to 3 pm.
Reservations are made in advance with a 30% payment of the total cost. The remaining balance is paid in cash in Cusco during the informational briefing.
Travel packages and programs include transaction fees for the 30% reservation payments.
Tour rescheduling is allowed with proper notice, except for Machu Picchu tours. Passenger no-shows will result in the total loss of the service. Cancellation or withdrawal from the service will not be eligible for a refund.
Yes. If you are an experienced mountaineer and are well acclimatized, it is possible to complete this expedition successfully. You will be familiar with climbing techniques such as rappelling, belaying, ice axe use, rope management, among others.
In the event that the passenger chooses to interrupt the journey, they will be responsible for any additional expenses that may arise, such as food or transportation. It is worth noting that no refunds will be provided in situations of delayed flights, train delays, adverse weather conditions, or other external factors such as withdrawal from the route.
For private tours, the following fees will apply for date changes:
If you encounter any issues regarding the tour, you can contact the following: