Ausangate Trek 3D - Fear Factor

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:00 a.m. and travel in our private vehicle for approximately 2 hours to the town of Tinki, where we will make a brief stop to stretch our legs. Here, you may see local residents dressed in traditional clothing and, if open, visit the local market. We then continue for about 1 hour along a bumpy dirt road until reaching Upis Pampa, where we will enjoy breakfast before beginning our hike toward Upis Camp.

The trail is mostly flat with a few uphill and downhill sections. It takes approximately 3 hours to reach camp.

Along the way, we will enjoy spectacular views, including the majestic Ausangate Mountain, and encounter local farmers wearing their traditional attire. Once we arrive at Upis Camp, we will have lunch. After our delicious meal, we will have the option to hike to Upis Lake or relax in the natural hot springs near our private camp. The hike to Upis Lake takes about 2 hours round trip. The first part of the trail is flat, with a gradual ascent toward the end. Once at the lake, you will enjoy close-up views of Ausangate and capture beautiful photos before returning to camp for dinner and rest inside our cozy cabins, with a stunning sunset reflecting on the Ausangate glacier.

Elevation Gain: 330 m / 1,082 ft
Elevation Loss: 56 m / 183 ft
Trekking Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
Hiking Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,179 m / 13,710 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Camp Elevation: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
Highest Point: 4,432 m / 14,540 ft
Accommodation: Cabins

Day 2: Upis – Puca Cocha – Ananta

We will wake you at 5:00 a.m. with a cup of coca tea or coffee delivered to your cabin, followed by a delicious breakfast to start the day. In the morning, we begin our hike toward the Arapa Pass, located at 4,989 m (16,567 ft), where we will enjoy breathtaking views of colorful mountain landscapes. We then descend toward Puca Cocha for lunch.

Throughout the day, we will see llamas, alpacas, and the imposing Ausangate Mountain to our left. Your English-speaking guide will share insights about the local flora, fauna, and landscapes. With luck, we may spot condors, chinchillas, or vicuñas.

After lunch, we ascend to the Puca Cocha Pass, where we will enjoy a magnificent view of Ausangate and three beautiful lakes below. We then descend to our Ananta campsite, where we will spend the night in mountain shelters. As always, our tents will be ready for changing, resting, and enjoying a dinner prepared by our professional chef.

Elevation Gain: 884 m / 2,900 ft
Elevation Loss: 567 m / 1,860 ft
Trekking Distance: 14 km / 8.68 miles
Hiking Duration: 8–9 hours
Starting Elevation: 4,400 m / 14,430 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Camp Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,400 ft
Accommodation: Mountain Shelters

Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Cusipata – Cusco

Today is the most anticipated day. We will wake you at 3:45 a.m. with a warm coca tea in your tent and begin the first ascent to Ananta Pass (4,500 m / 15,090 ft), from where we will get our first distant view of Rainbow Mountain. However, the hike continues. We descend around a lake and follow a mostly flat trail before beginning the final ascent to Rainbow Mountain.

Once there, we will enjoy a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes, with plenty of time for photos and exploration.

After visiting Rainbow Mountain, we will have the option to explore the Red Valley. We then descend for about 1 hour to the bus station, where we say farewell to our muleteers. Finally, we drive back to Cusco in our private vehicle for approximately 3 hours, arriving around 5:00 p.m.

Elevation Gain: 552 m / 1,811 ft
Elevation Loss: 602 m / 1,975 ft
Trekking Distance: 9 km / 5.59 miles
Hiking Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Difficulty: Challenging

Included / Not Included

Included

Satellite phone: Ausangate is a remote area with no signal. In emergencies, our guide uses a satellite phone.
Cabins for the first night and mountain shelters for the second night.
Native Spanish-speaking guide with radio communication.
Pre-departure briefing in our office one day before your trek.
Private portable toilet.
Dining tent with a sofa for resting after long hikes.
Professional chef.
Wake-up tea (coca tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or another herbal tea).
Mules to carry all trekking equipment.
Up to 7 kg of personal belongings transported by mule.
Large duffel bag provided for your 7 kg of personal items.
Boiled water provided daily to refill your bottle.
Happy Hour: hot tea served every afternoon with popcorn and cookies.
Cloth snack bag (we avoid plastic waste due to pollution found during our clean-up campaigns).
Daily snacks for the trek.
Access fees to private lands along the Ausangate route.
Large dining tent, table, stools, utensils, and kitchen tent.
Sleeping tents (triple tents used for two people for more comfort and space).
Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners with options for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten-free, or lactose-intolerant travelers.
Entrance fee to Red Valley.
Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco.
Foam sleeping pad.
First-aid kit (our guides receive annual training and carry medication for altitude sickness, wounds, stomach issues, and more).
Metal oxygen tank—carried by the guide at all times.
Hygiene supplies: water basin and paper towels at each camp.
Plastic rain poncho.
Rain cover for your backpack.

Not Included

Sleeping bag (available for rent: Mountain Hardwear bags for USD 20 for the whole trek).
Trekking poles (available for rent: Black Diamond poles for USD 20).
Personal riding horse (available for rent depending on personal or group needs).
Voluntary tips for guide, driver, and chef.
Travel insurance.

Price

What to Bring

Essentials

Passport: You may carry a photocopy to travel lighter, but bring the original if you want a special Rainbow Mountain stamp.
Backpack: A 21–35 L daypack is ideal for carrying essentials. Make sure it has compression straps for comfort.
Waterproof backpack cover: Protects your gear from rain and moisture.

Clothing

Underwear: Pack 3 breathable, sports-style pairs.
Swimsuit: Needed if you plan to enjoy the Upis hot springs.
Sports Bra (for women): For comfort and support.
Base Layer: Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms for warmth.
Trekking Shirts: Lightweight, quick-dry shirts (synthetic or merino wool).
Rain Jacket: Waterproof and windproof.
Insulated Jacket: Down or synthetic for cold mornings and nights.
Fleece Jacket: Mid-layer for added warmth.
Trekking Pants: Breathable, durable hiking pants; convertible pants recommended.
Pajamas: Comfortable sleepwear.
Gloves: Insulated gloves for cold weather.
Sun Hat: Wide-brimmed for strong UV exposure.
Headband or Beanie: For warmth at high altitude.
Neck Gaiter: Multifunctional protection from wind, sun, or cold.

Footwear

Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, broken-in boots with ankle support.
Camp Shoes: Lightweight shoes for relaxing at camp.
Hiking Socks: Moisture-wicking, preferably merino wool.
Gaiters: Protect from mud, water, and debris.
Sleeping Bag: High-quality, sub-zero rated bag.
Trekking Poles: Adjustable, lightweight poles.
Camping Pillow: Inflatable or compressible.

Accessories

Sunglasses: UV protection for high-altitude sun.
Headlamp: With extra batteries.
Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: At least 2 liters.
Camera: To capture stunning landscapes.
Quick-Dry Towel: For hygiene.
Cash: Small Peruvian soles for tips, snacks, or souvenirs.
Portable Battery: Power bank for electronics.
Dry Bag: For important items like electronics and documents.

Health & Hygiene

Personal Medication: Painkillers, anti-diarrheals, altitude pills, etc.
First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, blister care.
Blister Patches
Toiletries:
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Biodegradable Soap & Shampoo
Sunscreen (High SPF)
Lip Balm with SPF
Deodorant
Moisturizer
Wet Wipes
Toilet Paper
Hand Sanitizer
Feminine Hygiene Products (if applicable)
Small Quick-Dry Towel
Hairbrush or Comb
Mirror (optional)

Ausangate Trek 3 Days