Ausangate Trek 3 Days: Complete Guide to Peru’s Highest Trek (2026)
-
Availability Daily departures
-
Transport Hotel pickup
-
Languages Spanish, English
-
Service type Not specified
-
Cancellation policy Not specified
-
Maximum altitude 5,200m (17,060 ft) m.s.n.m.
About this activity
The Ausangate Trek is the most extreme and remote trekking circuit in the Cusco region — a full 60 km loop around the Nevado Ausangate (6,384m), the highest mountain in Cusco and the most sacred Apu in the Andean world. Unlike most “Ausangate” tours marketed to tourists, this is the real alpine circuit: three days at altitude averaging 4,700m, crossing the Paso Palomani at 5,200m (17,060 ft), camping beside glacial lagoons in six different colors, and bathing in natural hot springs at the foot of the glacier. Temperatures drop to -15°C at night. Vicuñas and Andean condors are guaranteed sightings. From $450 USD per person, fully supported with camping, food, and pack horses.
This is not the tourist combo. Most agencies sell an “Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain 3-day” tour (30 km) that ends at the main Vinicunca viewpoint. This tour is the authentic 60 km full circuit of the Ausangate — no bus crowds, no Instagram overlooks, no Machu Picchu ticket. Just glacier, altitude, and one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Upis hot springs (4,400m) — Day 1 reward
- Paso Palomani (5,200m) — highest point
- Ausangate Cocha — turquoise glacial lake (4,800m)
- Puca Cocha — red lagoon from iron minerals (4,800m)
- Nevado Ausangate (6,384m) — Peru’s sacred guardian mountain
- Vicuñas and Andean condors in the wild
Itinerary
Day 01
Itinerario
Itinerario
Ausangate Trek 3 Days from Cusco — Peru's Most Remote High-Altitude Circuit (2026)
- Departures on request (minimum 2 people)
- Shared and private service available
- Bilingual guide certified by MINCETUR
- Free cancellation (24 hours)
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- No permit required
The Ausangate Trek is the most extreme and remote trekking circuit in the Cusco region — a full 60 km loop around the Nevado Ausangate (6,384m), the highest mountain in Cusco and the most sacred Apu in the Andean world. Unlike most "Ausangate" tours marketed to tourists, this is the real alpine circuit: three days at altitude averaging 4,700m, crossing the Paso Palomani at 5,200m (17,060 ft), camping beside glacial lagoons in six different colors, and bathing in natural hot springs at the foot of the glacier. Temperatures drop to -15°C at night. Vicuñas and Andean condors are guaranteed sightings. From $450 USD per person, fully supported with camping, food, and pack horses.
This is not the tourist combo. Most agencies sell an "Ausangate + Rainbow Mountain 3-day" tour (30 km) that ends at the main Vinicunca viewpoint. This tour is the authentic 60 km full circuit of the Ausangate — no bus crowds, no Instagram overlooks, no Machu Picchu ticket. Just glacier, altitude, and one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
What's included
Inclusions
-
Meals
- 2 breakfasts + 3 lunches + 2 dinners (cooked on trail)
- Boiled water and coca tea
-
Guide
- Bilingual guide certified by MINCETUR (full 3 days)
-
Transportation
- Private transport Cusco → Tinki → Cusco
- Pack horses for group gear transport
-
Equipment
- Professional cook + kitchen equipment
- Full camping equipment (dome tents, sleeping mats, dining tent)
-
Other
- Emergency oxygen + first aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ausangate Trek harder than the Salkantay Trek?
Yes — significantly. The Ausangate's highest point is 5,200m vs. 4,600m for the Salkantay, and the average altitude over three days is approximately 4,700m, while Salkantay averages around 3,500m after the descent to the jungle. You spend two full nights above 4,400m on the Ausangate vs. one night above 4,000m on the Salkantay. Most trekkers who have done both describe the Ausangate as meaningfully harder.
Do I need prior trekking experience for the Ausangate Trek?
Prior multi-day trekking experience is strongly recommended, ideally at altitude. If you've never hiked for 8+ hours at altitude, we suggest starting with the Salkantay Trek 5 Days or Humantay Lake Full Day as a test. Both prepare you for the Ausangate.
How cold does it get at night?
Camp temperatures range from -5°C to -15°C depending on the season. July is the coldest month (dry season coincides with the coldest nights). This is why we require a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C. A -5°C bag is insufficient for Jampa camp (4,800m) in winter months.
Are there hot springs at Ausangate?
Yes — the Upis hot springs at 4,400m are a genuine natural thermal spring (approximately 38°C) available at the Day 1 campsite. A small entry fee (~S/.10) goes to the local Quechua community. This is not a hotel spa — it's an open-air pool of geothermal water beside a glacial river. One of the most memorable moments of the trek.
Can I see Rainbow Mountain on this trek?
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,200m) is not on this circuit. The Ausangate route goes to Paso Palomani and the multicolored lagoons — a completely different (and less crowded) landscape. If you want both, we recommend doing the Rainbow Mountain Full Day as a day trip from Cusco before or after this trek.
What wildlife will I see?
Day 2 through the high pampas between the lagoons offers the best large wildlife viewing in the Cusco region: wild vicuñas in herds of 30-80+, Andean condors soaring above the glacier, mountain viscachas on rocky outcrops, and occasionally Andean flamingos in the colored lagoons. These are not guaranteed animal encounters in a reserve with feeding programs — these are wild animals in their habitat. Sightings vary but vicuñas and viscachas are consistently present.
Is there a circuit for fit beginners who want Ausangate?
We offer the 7 Ausangate Lagoons Full Day — a one-day tour to the seven lagoons from the Cusco side, reaching approximately 5,000m. This is the accessible version for those who want to see the Ausangate landscape without the full 3-day circuit commitment.
What is the maximum group size?
12 people maximum for the full circuit. Small groups are intentional — the campsites on the remote circuit have limited space, and our cook and guides provide better attention with smaller groups. Private departures available for groups of 2-12.
Do I need altitude medication?
Altitude medication is not required but often helps. Sorojchi Pills (aspirin + caffeine compound, sold OTC in Cusco pharmacies at ~S/.5) help many trekkers manage headaches. Acetazolamide (Diamox) requires a prescription but is more effective as a preventive measure — consult your doctor before arrival. Our guide carries emergency supplemental oxygen and is trained in altitude sickness assessment.
Can I combine Ausangate Trek with Machu Picchu?
Not on this specific tour — the circuit returns to Cusco, not Aguas Calientes. However, we offer a combined itinerary: do the Ausangate Trek on Days 1-3, rest in Cusco on Days 4-5, then take a Machu Picchu Full Day or train-based 2-day tour to Machu Picchu. Ask us about combined booking discounts.
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Get in touch with the experts at Travel Peru Tours for your inquiry.
Ask a questionTraveler reviews
Did you take this tour?
Share your experience with other travelers
Let our local experts help you plan your perfect adventure in Peru.
Write to us and we'll reply within 24 hours.
Related Tours
Related trips you might be interested in
Short Inca Trail 2 Days to Machu Picchu: Wiñay Wayna & Sun Gate (2026)
From
Huchuy Qosqo Trek + Machu Picchu 3 Days: The Perfect Inca Combination (2026)
From
Salkantay Trek 4 Days to Machu Picchu 2026: Complete Guide
From
Salkantay Trek 4 Días a Machu Picchu 2026: Alternativa Rápida al Camino Inca
From
Salkantay Trek 5 Days from Cusco: Guide + Tour 2026
From
Salkantay Trek 5 Días 2026: Nevado Salkantay a Machu Picchu
From
From
$450 USD
Official endorsement
Associations & Certifications
We operate under the regulations and standards of Peru's leading tourism entities.
