Summit Ausangate – 4-Day
4 Days
Summit Ausangate – 4-Day
4 Days
4 Days from $ 1980.00
Overview
Experience the ultimate high-altitude adventure in the Peruvian Andes with the Summit Ausangate – 4-Day trek. This journey combines trekking, mountain climbing, and breathtaking scenery, including glaciers, turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and traditional Andean villages.
Over four days, you will acclimatize, hike through the Andes, and reach the summit of Ausangate (6,384 m), one of the highest peaks in Peru. Along the way, discover remote landscapes, high-altitude wildlife, and the rich culture of local Quechua communities.
This trek is a challenging but rewarding experience for adventurers seeking a true Andes summit expedition, offering unmatched views of glaciers, valleys, and the iconic Ausangate Mountain.
Highlights
- Summit Ausangate (6,384 m): Conquer one of Peru’s highest peaks
- High-Altitude Trekking: Challenge yourself across the Andes Mountains
- Glaciers & Snow-Capped Peaks: Stunning views of glacial landscapes
- Turquoise Lakes: Hike past high-altitude lakes with crystal-clear waters
- Andean Wildlife: Spot vicuñas, llamas, alpacas, and native birds
- Traditional Quechua Villages: Experience local culture and hospitality
- Remote Mountain Landscapes: Walk through pristine valleys, snowfields, and moraine trails
- Adventure & Challenge: Perfect for mountain lovers and high-altitude trekkers
Trip Details
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Location: Ausangate Mountain, Cusco Region, Peru
- Difficulty: Challenging – High Altitude
- Maximum Altitude: 6,384 m (Summit)
- Activity: High-altitude trekking, mountain climbing, adventure
- Accommodation: Camping & basic mountain lodges
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
- Transport: Private transport from/to Cusco
- Guide: Professional high-altitude mountain guide
- Highlights: Summit Ausangate, turquoise lakes, glaciers, Andean wildlife, remote mountain landscapes
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Checacupe - Chillca - Base Camp(Machuracay)
We depart early from Cusco and drive for about 2 hours to the traditional Andean town of Checacupe, where we visit the historic village church and explore the local culture.
Afterwards, we continue for another 2 hours to the village of Chillca, where we enjoy lunch and prepare for the trek. Here, our luggage is loaded onto pack horses, allowing us to hike light with daypacks.
We begin the high-altitude trek toward Machuracay Base Camp, covering rugged terrain with an elevation gain of approximately 500 m, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and Andean landscapes. Upon arrival at Machuracay (4,800 m), we set up camp and rest, preparing for the summit climb of Ausangate.
- Visit Checacupe village and church
- Explore Chillca village and local culture
- Begin high-altitude trek in the Andes
- Camp at Machuracay Base Camp (4,800 m)
Day 2: Base Camp - Advanced Camp
Today we begin the ascent from Machuracay Base Camp toward the Advanced Camp, a high-altitude trekking and climbing experience. The hike takes approximately 5 hours with a 600 m elevation gain, following a narrow trail along the mountain slope.
The route crosses moraine fields and rugged terrain, offering stunning views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and Andean landscapes. We reach a mountain ledge at the glacier exit (5,450 m), where the Advanced Camp is set for overnight rest. This camp prepares us for the summit climb of Ausangate, providing time to acclimatize at high altitude.
- Trek through Andean moraine systems
- Stunning views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks
- Set up Advanced Camp at 5,450 m
- Acclimatization for the summit climb
Day 3: Advanced Camp - Summit - Base Camp
We start very early from Advanced Camp (5,450 m) and begin the glacier crossing, navigating carefully between the giant seracs of the eastern slope. The route includes a challenging ice and snow wall of 200 m at 40°–65°, leading to 5,800 m.
From here, we continue the ascent across the South Plateau, reaching the summit ridge of Ausangate (6,384 m). At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Peruvian Andes, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and surrounding peaks — a truly unforgettable high-altitude experience.
After taking in the scenery and photos, we descend via the same route back to Machuracay Base Camp, completing the summit climb and high-altitude adventure.
- Glacier crossing between seracs and snowfields
- Climb challenging ice and snow walls
- Reach the summit of Ausangate (6,384 m)
- Panoramic views of glaciers, lakes, and Andes peaks
- Descent to Base Camp
Day 4: Base Camp - Chillca - Cusco
After breakfast at Machuracay Base Camp, we begin our descent through the Andean trails back to the village of Chillca. Along the way, enjoy the stunning high-altitude landscapes, glaciers, and Andean valleys one last time.
In Chillca, our private transport will be waiting to drive us back to Cusco, completing the 4-day high-altitude Ausangate adventure. Arrival in Cusco is expected in the afternoon or early evening, depending on conditions.
- Scenic descent through the Andes
- Return through remote highland villages
- Private transport back to Cusco
- Completion of the Summit Ausangate 4-Day trek
Notes Itinerario
- Trek requires high-altitude fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco
- Weather conditions may affect the route and schedule
- Summit success depends on physical condition and weather
- Glacier and snow sections require crampons, harness, and ice axe
- Itinerary may change for safety reasons
- Daily hiking time: 4–8 hours depending on terrain and altitude
- Altitude gain: 4,800 m base camp to 6,384 m summit
Included
- Professional mountain guide: One AGMP/UIAGM certified guide for every two clients
- Support team: Porters, muleteers, and cooks
- Pack animals: For transporting equipment and supplies
- Accommodation: Overnight in tents or optional base camp shelters
- Meals: All meals provided during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Technical climbing equipment: Collective ropes, snow and ice gear, and safety equipment
- Transportation: All transfers from and to Cusco
Recommendations:
- Acclimatize in Cusco or surrounding areas for at least 2–3 days before the trek
- Be in good physical condition for high-altitude trekking
- Stay hydrated and eat light, energy-rich meals
- Dress in layers suitable for cold, wind, and sun
- Bring sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen for high-altitude sun protection
- Follow all instructions from the mountain guide for safety
- Carry cash for small expenses in villages
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended
Not Included
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Personal trekking or climbing gear (optional)
- Trekking poles
- Drinks, snacks & personal expenses
- Tips for guides, porters, and staff
- Travel insurance
- Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary
What To Bring
- Footwear: Mountaineering boots, thick & trekking socks, camp booties
- Clothing – Upper Body: Thermal layers, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket, down jacket
- Clothing – Lower Body: Waterproof pants, trekking pants, thermal leggings, underwear
- Head & Hands: Warm hat, sun hat, buff, windproof & waterproof gloves, UV sunglasses
- Technical Gear: Crampons, harness, ice axe, helmet, carabiners, webbing, descender, backpack (45 L)
- Miscellaneous: Water bottle, sunscreen, headlamp with spare batteries
- Camping Gear: Sleeping pad, winter sleeping bag
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