Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the summit of Nevado Ausangate (6,384 m.a.s.l.), the highest mountain in Cusco and the fifth-highest in Peru. This 4-day ascent is designed for experienced mountaineers acclimated to high altitude and skilled in snow and ice climbing. Along the route, you'll traverse massive glaciers, technical slopes, and demanding terrain, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Peruvian Andes. The summit rewards climbers with an unparalleled panoramic view of the Vilcanota Range, a spectacle reserved for those daring enough to challenge extreme altitude.
Since its first ascent in 1953 by renowned climber Heinrich Harrer, Ausangate has been a top destination for elite mountaineers worldwide. The normal ascent route is moderate in technical difficulty but physically demanding, requiring solid fitness and prior experience in mountains over 6,000 meters. With the support of our certified high-altitude guides, top-tier equipment, and well-organized logistics, this climb transforms into an unforgettable experience of personal challenge and achievement.
Are you ready to push your limits and summit one of Peru’s most iconic peaks? Book your Ausangate Climb now and experience the thrill of high-altitude mountaineering in the Andes!
Our Ausangate Climb (6,384 m.a.s.l.) is a challenging expedition designed for mountaineers with experience above 6,000 meters. With a team of certified high-altitude guides, comprehensive logistics, and a strategic itinerary, we provide a safe and well-organized journey to the summit of one of Peru’s most iconic mountains.
Push your limits and conquer the Ausangate summit with us! Book now and experience Cusco’s ultimate mountaineering adventure.
Our climb to the Ausangate summit begins early in the morning. At 4:00 a.m., our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco to embark on a private transport journey along the Cusco-Puno highway, passing through stunning Andean landscapes until reaching the town of Checacupe. From here, we continue to Pitumarca, the gateway to the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
The route leads us to Chilca, the last town before our trek begins. A 20-minute drive takes us to Surapampa, where our cooks, guides, and muleteers will be waiting to welcome us. After a nutritious breakfast, we gear up and begin a 3-kilometer hike to reach Base Camp (4,800 m.a.s.l.), set at the foot of the Ausangate glacier. In the afternoon, we take an acclimatization hike towards Mariposa Mountain, exploring part of the route we’ll take in the coming days.
After a high-energy breakfast at 7:00 a.m., we prepare for our first major ascent. At 9:00 a.m., we start the challenging 700-meter climb across moraines and rocky terrain to reach Camp 1 (5,476 m.a.s.l.).
This ascent takes 3 to 4 hours, with strategic stops to rest and adapt to the altitude. From Camp 1, we enjoy breathtaking views of the towering glaciers and ice walls that await us the following day. After setting up camp, our mountain guides provide a technical briefing on the climbing gear, ensuring that everyone is prepared for the final summit push.
This is the most demanding day of our expedition. We wake up at 11:30 p.m. and have a light breakfast before starting our ascent at 1:00 a.m. using headlamps to guide the way.
The first stage of the climb leads us across a heavily crevassed glacier, requiring crampons and fixed ropes for safe progress. Soon, we reach the steepest section of the route—a 200-meter ice wall with a 60-degree incline, the most technical part of the ascent. After scaling the ice wall, we continue for four more hours over the glacier until reaching a final exposed ridge that leads us to the Ausangate summit.
We expect to reach the summit between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., where we are rewarded with unparalleled panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes, the Vilcanota Mountain Range, and the Rainbow Mountain. After celebrating our successful summit, we begin our descent via the same route, using rappels in 60-meter sections to descend the ice wall.
Upon arrival at Camp 1, we take a short rest before continuing down to Base Camp, where we enjoy a well-deserved lunch and recover from the expedition’s most physically demanding day.
After the monumental effort of reaching the Ausangate summit, we begin our last day with a hearty breakfast at 7:00 a.m.. We then dismantle camp and start the final descent back to Surapampa, where our private transport will be waiting.
During the drive back to Cusco, we reflect on our incredible achievement, retracing the Andean landscapes we crossed at the start of our journey. We arrive in Cusco between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., marking the end of an unforgettable high-altitude expedition.
To ensure a safe, well-organized, and high-level experience, our Ausangate climbing package includes everything you need for a successful and comfortable expedition in one of Peru’s most challenging high-altitude climbs.
Prepare for an extreme and safe adventure in the Nevado Ausangate!
To ensure proper planning for your high-altitude expedition, please note that the following services are not included in the standard package:
If you need specialized mountaineering equipment, we offer optional rental services for added convenience:
High-altitude sleeping bag – Mummy-style, rated for temperatures as low as -18°C (0°F).
Cost: $5 USD per night ($15 USD for 3 nights).
Mountaineering boots – High-performance models such as La Sportiva or similar.
Cost: $20 USD per day (Available in sizes EU 38 to 42).
For a fully equipped expedition, please contact us in advance to ensure availability of additional gear.
The Ausangate Ascent (4 Days) is available year-round, although we recommend doing it between April and September, when the weather is more stable, and mountain conditions are optimal.
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people.
Prices do not include VAT (18%).
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 and secure your spot.
Book in advance and secure your spot on this challenging expedition. Experience the thrill of conquering the majestic Ausangate and pushing your limits on this unique adventure in the Peruvian Andes!
To ensure you are well-informed before your expedition, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions from our clients who have completed this route.
The Ausangate climb is a high-altitude mountaineering route that requires prior experience in summits above 5,000 meters. You should be familiar with the use of crampons, ice axe, rope, and basic ice climbing techniques. If you are a beginner, we recommend first attempting less technical peaks such as Nevado Chachani (6,057 m) or Vallunaraju (5,686 m) before tackling Ausangate.
The best climbing season is from May to September, when the weather is most stable, with less precipitation and better glacier conditions.
Rainy season (November to March) can make the ascent more challenging due to deep snow and electrical storms.
The Ausangate climb lasts 4 days and 3 nights, with the following itinerary:
The itinerary is designed for gradual acclimatization before the summit push.
Temperatures on Ausangate can be extreme and unpredictable:
Essential gear: Thermal clothing, waterproof jacket and pants, insulated gloves, and a sleeping bag rated for -18°C or lower.
The biggest challenges include:
We highly recommend a training plan 2 to 3 months before the expedition, including:
Pre-acclimatization hikes in Cusco (such as Ausangate Trek or Rainbow Mountain) are recommended before attempting the climb.
The required climbing equipment includes:
If you don’t have some of these items, we offer rental options upon request.
Altitude sickness can affect climbers, so we recommend:
Our team carries portable oxygen and a first aid kit in case of emergencies.
Yes, we offer rental options for essential gear, including:
It is recommended to book your rental equipment in advance to ensure availability.
The standard route takes 4 days, but experienced mountaineers can complete it in 3 days on a private expedition. However, reducing the time is not recommended due to the high altitude and risk of altitude sickness.
If a participant feels unwell or cannot continue:
Safety is our priority, and our guides will ensure the best decision for your well-being.
Our cancellation policy:
Rescheduling: Available only for private tours with at least 5 days' notice, subject to availability.
To book your spot, contact us via:
We accept the following payment methods:
A 30% deposit is required to confirm your reservation.
Are you ready to take on one of the most challenging and rewarding climbs in Peru? Book now and conquer the majestic Ausangate!
To ensure a safe and comfortable experience on this high-altitude expedition, it is essential to have the right equipment. Here is a complete list of what you need to bring:
Note: Some of this technical equipment is included in the expedition, but if you have your own, you are welcome to bring it.
Important: Technical gear like crampons, ice axes, and harnesses are included in the package. However, if you have your own, feel free to bring it.
Ready to conquer the mighty Ausangate? Prepare well and enjoy an unforgettable high-altitude adventure!
If a participant chooses to interrupt the expedition for personal reasons, they will be responsible for any additional costs incurred, such as meals, transportation, or accommodation. No refunds will be issued in the following cases:
If you need to cancel your reservation, the following conditions will apply:
Important: Administrative and banking fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
If you wish to modify the date of your ascent (only valid for private tours), the following conditions apply:
All date changes are subject to availability.
If you need more information or have any questions about the Ausangate Climb, feel free to contact us:
We recommend reviewing these policies before booking to avoid any inconvenience. We’re here to help you plan your ascent to the summit of Ausangate
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