Full Ausangate Circuit - 5D/4N

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive for about 3 hours to the village of Tinki (3,800m). After organizing our gear with the horsemen, we begin our trek. The trail takes us through rolling pampas with the massive north face of Ausangate looming in the distance. We pass through small agricultural communities before arriving at our first campsite at Upis (4,400m). Here, you can soak in the natural thermal baths while watching the sunset hit the glaciers. • Trekking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles • Estimated Time: 5-6 hours • Starting Altitude: 3,800m / 12,467ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,400m / 14,435ft

Today we tackle our first high mountain pass. We leave Upis and ascend towards the Arapa Pass (4,850m). The landscape transforms into a dramatic, rocky alpine desert. From the pass, we have spectacular views of the Ausangate massif. We then begin a descent towards the Pucacocha valley, home to a series of stunning glacial lakes in varying shades of blue, green, and red. We set up camp right next to Pucacocha, a vibrant red lake located directly beneath towering hanging glaciers. • Trekking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,850m / 15,912ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,600m / 15,091ft

This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the expedition. We start with a steep climb up to the Apacheta pass, and then continue ascending to the highest point of our trek: the Palomani Pass at an incredible 5,200m (17,060ft). At the summit, you'll be surrounded by 360-degree views of the entire Vilcanota Cordillera. After taking in the views, we descend into a deep, green valley filled with grazing alpacas and vizcachas. We then make a short climb to our spectacular campsite at Ausangate Cocha. • Trekking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles • Estimated Time: 8-9 hours • Highest Altitude: 5,200m / 17,060ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,700m / 15,419ft

We wake up surrounded by ice and rock. Today we cross the final high pass of the circuit, the Jampa Pass (5,080m). The trail leads us through a valley of colorful moraines and towering peaks like Tres Picos. Keep an eye out for wild vicuñas and condors! After crossing the pass, we begin a long descent past the beautiful 7 Lakes of Ausangate. We finally arrive at the small community of Pacchanta (4,200m), where we can relieve our tired muscles in the fantastic natural hot springs. • Trekking Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 5,080m / 16,666ft • Campsite Altitude: 4,200m / 13,779ft

After a final breakfast surrounded by the mountains, you have the option of one last dip in the hot springs. We then begin an easy, 3-hour hike back to the village of Tinki (3,800m), completing our full circuit around Ausangate. The trail takes us through typical Andean pastoral landscapes. In Tinki, we enjoy a celebratory final lunch with our trekking team before taking our private transport back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. • Trekking Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles • Estimated Time: 3 hours • Highest Altitude: 4,200m / 13,779ft • Cusco Altitude: 3,400m / 11,154ft