AUSANGATE TREK

DAY 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis (Hot Springs)

We depart Cusco early in the morning for a scenic three-hour drive through the Andean highlands, passing traditional villages such as Urcos, Cattca, and Ocongate before reaching Tinqui (3,800 m). After enjoying lunch, we begin our hike through open valleys framed by breathtaking views of Ausangate, the sacred mountain of the region.
A gentle four-hour walk brings us to Upis (4,400 m), home to natural hot springs where we relax before dinner and settle into our first campsite.

DAY 2: Upis – Arapa Pass – Lake Ausangate Q’ocha

Following breakfast, we ascend toward Abra Arapa (4,850 m), our first high pass of the trek. After crossing, we enjoy lunch with mountain vistas all around.
We then descend through valleys filled with Andean wildlife and reach the vibrant Puqa Q’ocha lagoon, continuing until the deep turquoise waters of Jatun Puqa Q’ocha appear ahead.
A final ascent takes us to Apuchata Pass (4,900 m), overlooking the spectacular Ausangate Q’ocha, where we establish our second campsite beside the lake.

DAY 3: Lake Ausangate Q’ocha – Palomani Pass – Qampa

After breakfast, we begin our push toward the highest point of the entire journey: Abra Palomani (5,200 m). The climb is demanding yet deeply rewarding, offering dramatic views of the ice-clad Ausangate range.
Once over the pass, we descend to our lunch spot, resting in the shadow of the peaks Tres Picos and Punta Puca.
The afternoon brings us across the expansive green plains of Pampa Jutunpata, eventually reaching Q’ampa, our peaceful campsite for the night.

DAY 4: Q’ampa – Q’ampa Pass – Pacchanta (Hot Springs)

We begin with a visit to the small high-Andean community of Q’ampa, then ascend steadily to Abra Q’ampa (5,000 m). This region is dotted with a chain of multicolored lagoons—each a different shade shaped by mineral-rich waters.
After descending to Q’oma Q’ocha for lunch, we continue toward Pacchanta, a welcoming village known for its restorative hot springs.
Here we set up camp near the community, with time in the afternoon to soak in the springs, explore the village, or enjoy a well-earned cold beer.
(A basic hostel stay is available upon request.)

DAY 5: Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco

After breakfast, we begin our final three-hour walk back to Tinqui, retracing our steps through gentle valleys and farmlands.
Once in Tinqui, we have time to explore this traditional Andean town before boarding our private transport back to Cusco.
We arrive in the city at approximately 6:00 PM, completing an unforgettable high-mountain journey.