Ausangate Climb 6 Days

6 Days

Ausangate Climb 6 Days

6 Days

6 Days from $ 2658.00

Overview

Experience the ultimate high-altitude adventure in the Peruvian Andes with the 6-Days Climb Ausangate. This challenging expedition takes you through glaciers, snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and remote Andean villages, offering an authentic mountaineering and trekking experience.

Over six days, you will acclimatize, trek through diverse high-altitude landscapes, and attempt the summit of Ausangate (6,384 m). Along the way, enjoy encounters with Andean wildlife, including vicuñas, llamas, and native birds, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Quechua communities.

Perfect for experienced trekkers and mountaineers, this expedition combines technical climbing, glacier travel, and breathtaking scenery for a truly unforgettable adventure in Peru.

Highlights

Summit Ausangate (6,384 m) – the highest peak of the Cusco region
Trek through high-altitude glaciers, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped mountains
Experience remote Andean villages and traditional Quechua culture
Witness Andean wildlife, including llamas, vicuñas, and native birds
Explore rugged moraines, glacier fields, and original Inca trails
Camp in high-altitude base and advanced camps surrounded by stunning landscapes
Enjoy panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes and sacred mountains
Professional AGMP/UIAGM mountain guide and full support team included

Trip Details

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Location: Ausangate Mountain, Cusco Region, Peru
Difficulty: Challenging – High Altitude
Maximum Altitude: 6,384 m (Summit)
Activity: High-altitude trekking, mountaineering, adventure
Accommodation: Camping & optional base/advanced camp shelters
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included during trek
Transportation: Private transport from/to Cusco
Guide: Professional AGMP/UIAGM certified mountain guide
Support Team: Porters, muleteers, and cooks
Highlights: Summit Ausangate, glaciers, turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, Andean wildlife, remote villages, and panoramic mountain views

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco, Pacchanta Community, Pachaspata

The Ausangate climbing expedition begins with a hotel pick-up in Cusco at 4:30 AM. We travel approximately 3.5 hours to reach the Andean village of Pacchanta (4,334 m / 14,222 ft), where our mountain guide, muleteers, and cook will be ready with a traditional Andean breakfast at the lodge.

After breakfast, we prepare personal and technical gear including mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, and other equipment essential for high-altitude trekking and climbing. This first hike focuses on acclimatization, gaining altitude, and connecting with the Andean environment.

The trek begins with an approach to the Ausangate lagoons, offering panoramic views of Pacchanta, famous for its hot springs and alpaca herding. After 1.5 hours of hiking, we reach the spectacular 7 Lagoons Circuit of Ausangate, visiting each colorful high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

During the hike, we will admire the northern face of Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,965 ft) and prepare for the upcoming high-altitude climb. The night is spent camping near the lagoons or at the base camp, ready for the next day of trekking.

Acclimatization hike at high altitude (4,334 m)
Visit the 7 Lagoons of Ausangate
Stunning views of Ausangate Summit and snow-capped peaks
Panoramic Andean landscapes, alpacas, and local villages
Preparation of mountaineering equipment for summit ascent

Day 2: Pachaspata, Ausangate Campo Base

We begin the trek early in the morning from Pachaspata Camp, heading towards the Jampa Pass (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), one of the highest points of the Ausangate trek. From the pass, we descend to Surapata Camp and then start the ascent to the Ausangate Base Camp, where we will enjoy breathtaking views of the imposing Ausangate summit (6,384 m / 20,965 ft).

In the afternoon, we take a short acclimatization hike to the Chocolate Lagoon, named for its unique brown color, surrounded by stunning high-altitude landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and Andean wildlife. This hike helps with further acclimatization and offers photographic opportunities of the Ausangate region.

Trek to Jampa Pass (5,100 m), one of the highest passes on the trail
Descent to Surapata Camp with panoramic mountain views
Arrival at Ausangate Base Camp with views of the summit
Acclimatization hike to Chocolate Lagoon
Opportunity to see Andean wildlife, alpacas, and high-altitude landscapes

Day 3: Ausangate Camp base, Ausangate Morrine Camp

After breakfast around 7:30 AM, we prepare for the ascent to Advanced Camp, organizing all climbing logistics and personal gear. This stage requires carrying essential mountaineering equipment for the summit push.

We start from Base Camp (4,800 m / 15,748 ft) and hike along a rocky trail towards Camp I (5,450 m / 17,881 ft), stopping at Moreno Camp along the way. From this vantage point, we can observe the initial section of the climbing route, including the 200-meter steep wall at 65°, a key technical feature of the ascent.

All meals (lunch and dinner) are prepared by our high-altitude cook, ensuring proper nutrition for the climb. After dinner, we rest early at 4:00 PM to wake up at 11:00 PM for the summit attempt.

In the afternoon, we double-check all climbing equipment, including crampons, harnesses, ice axes, headlamp batteries, and backpack essentials, ensuring everything is ready for a safe and successful summit.

Acclimatization and preparation for high-altitude summit climb
Hike from Base Camp (4,800 m) to Camp I (5,450 m)
Observe the technical climbing route and steep 200 m wall
Meals prepared by high-altitude cook
Equipment check: crampons, harness, ice axe, headlamps, backpacks

Day 4: Ausangate moraine camp, Summit (6,384m/20,939f), Base Camp

The summit attempt begins at 11:00 PM with a light breakfast. We start the climb at 12:00 AM, trekking towards the glacier leg, where we put on crampons and ropes to begin the glacier ascent.

Next, we tackle the first technical obstacle: the 200 m steep wall, which takes approximately 2 hours to overcome. After the wall, we continue ascending the glacier plateau towards the summit pass, about 50 meters from the peak, requiring roughly 3 hours.

We are expected to reach the Ausangate summit (6,384 m / 20,965 ft) between 8:00 – 9:00 AM, where we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range, turquoise lakes, and Andean peaks.

After 30 minutes at the summit, we begin the descent, rappelling the wall in 4 sections of 50 meters until reaching the glacier foot. We continue down to Moraine Camp by approximately 3:00 PM and return to Base Camp around 5:00 PM for dinner and rest, celebrating the successful summit.

Summit of Ausangate (6,384 m) – highest peak in the region
Glacier climbing and technical wall ascent
Panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range
Rappelling and high-altitude descent
Dinner and rest at Base Camp after a challenging day

Day 5: Base Camp, Ananta

Today we begin the trek to the famous Montaña de Colores (Rainbow Mountain), crossing the highest pass of the Ausangate trek, Paso Palomani (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). From this vantage point, we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, high-altitude lakes, and Andean landscapes.

After the pass, we start the descent towards Laguna Ausangate Camp, trekking through Andean puna, glacial valleys, and high-altitude plateaus. Our journey continues until we reach Ananta Camp, where we will rest and spend the night, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and native wildlife.

Trek to Montaña de Colores (Rainbow Mountain)
Cross the highest pass of the trek – Paso Palomani (5,200 m)
Descend to Laguna Ausangate Camp
Overnight at Ananta Camp with panoramic mountain views

Day 6: Ananta Camp, Rainbow Mountain, Cusco

On the final day of the Ausangate trek, we start early with breakfast and hike towards Huarmisaya Pass (4,977 m / 16,323 ft), enjoying spectacular high-altitude landscapes, glacial valleys, and snow-capped peaks.

From the pass, we descend into the Vinicunca Valley, trekking for about 2 hours until we reach the iconic Rainbow Mountain (Montaña de Colores), one of the most breathtaking attractions in the Cusco Andes. After enjoying the views and taking photos, we continue the descent for 40 minutes to Kayrahuiri field, where our private transport will be waiting.

We travel back to Cusco, stopping for lunch along the way, and arrive in the city at approximately 3:00 PM, concluding this unforgettable high-altitude expedition in the Peruvian Andes.

Hike to Huarmisaya Pass (4,977 m) with panoramic Andean views
Trek through Vinicunca Valley to the famous Rainbow Mountain
Descent to Kayrahuiri field and transport to Cusco
Stop for lunch on the way and return to Cusco
End of the 6-Day high-altitude Ausangate adventure

Notes Itinerario

Included

Certified Mountain Guide: AGMP / UIAGM guide for every 2 participants, bilingual if requested.
Support Team: porters, muleteers, and high-altitude cook to assist with meals and logistics.
Transportation: round-trip from Cusco to the trek starting point and return.
Pack Animals: horses or mules to carry camping gear and heavy equipment.
Accommodation: 2-person tents for camping; optional base camp shelter available.
Meals: full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), prepared by an experienced high-altitude cook.
Shared Technical Equipment: ropes, ice and snow protection, rock anchors, and safety gear for glacier and summit sections.
Kitchen & Dining Equipment: tables, chairs, cooking tools, utensils, and potable water for meal preparation.
Camping Essentials: sleeping pads and setup assistance for base and advanced camps.
Acclimatization Hikes & Trek Assistance: guidance for safe trekking at high altitude, route marking, and supervision during all stages.
Safety Measures: first aid kit, oxygen for emergencies, and continuous guide monitoring.
Environmental Responsibility: biodegradable soap and waste management during the trek.

Not Included

Tips and gratuities for guides, muleteers, and cook (optional but appreciated)
Personal travel insurance (mandatory for high-altitude trekking)
Flights to/from Cusco and other personal transportation outside the trek
Extra nights in Cusco before or after the trek
Snacks, drinks, or personal beverages not included in the main meals
Optional activities (e.g., hot springs visits, additional photography or sightseeing)
Personal climbing gear if not rented or provided (helmets, harnesses, crampons, ice axes)
Sleeping bags (unless requested/rented through the operator)
Any other personal expenses or items not mentioned in the included section

What To Bring

Clothing: trekking boots, thermal layers, waterproof jacket & pants, down jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses, buff
Technical Gear: crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, carabiners, backpack (45L+)
Camping & Essentials: sleeping bag, insulated pad, water bottle, sunscreen, headlamp, toiletries, medication
Optional: trekking poles, camera, snacks, small daypack, power bank