Ausangate Trek 2 Days 1 Night: Turquoise Lakes and Hot Springs Beneath the Sacred Apu

Cusco 2 Days / 1 Night

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Turquoise Glacial Lake Snow Capped Andes

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Availability Daily departures
Transport Hotel pickup
Languages Español, Inglés
Service type Not specified
Cancellation policy Not specified
Maximum altitude 4,400+ m (14,400+ ft) m.s.n.m.

Summary
Itinerary
Inclusions
Recommendations
FAQs
Reviews
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About this activity

If you’re short on time in Cusco but still want a real high-altitude trekking experience, the 2-day Ausangate trek is your best option. In just 48 hours you step off the classic tourist trail and into the territory of Ausangate, the 6,384 m (20,945 ft) snow-capped peak regarded as the most important Apu (sacred mountain) in the Cusco region.

This short route covers one section of the full Ausangate circuit: you’ll walk through high-altitude grasslands grazed by alpacas and llamas, camp near traditional alpaca-herding communities, and reach a cluster of glacier-fed lakes with striking turquoise water before finishing at the natural hot springs of Pacchanta, perfect for soothing tired muscles after the hike.

Unlike some of the more crowded Andean treks, here you’ll walk alongside only a handful of other travelers and see landscapes very few visitors ever experience: snowy peaks, viscachas, and, with a bit of luck, a condor soaring over the valley. It’s an intense but well-designed experience for anyone who wants high-altitude adventure without giving up several days of their Peru itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 01

Cusco – Tinqui – Upis

Your adventure begins between 5:30 and 6:00 AM with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We will then travel by private vehicle for approximately three hours to the village of Tinqui and continue to Upispampa, the trailhead located at around 4,180 m / 13,700 ft.

After arrival, we will enjoy breakfast before starting the trek. The first hike covers approximately 8 km and takes about three hours. The route follows a gentle uphill trail through Andean valleys, open grasslands, and impressive high-altitude landscapes.

We will arrive at the Upis campsite, located at approximately 4,430 m / 14,530 ft. Lunch will be served at the camp, followed by free time to rest or take an optional short walk to Upis Lagoon.

In the evening, you will enjoy dinner surrounded by the peaceful mountain scenery. Overnight accommodation will be provided in a mountain cabin or tent, depending on availability.

Day 02

Upis – Ausangate Lakes – Pacchanta Hot Springs – Cusco

The second day begins at approximately 5:00 AM with complimentary coca tea or coffee. After breakfast, we will begin our hike toward the spectacular glacier lakes of Ausangate.

The route covers approximately 15 km and takes between six and seven hours. Along the way, we will pass turquoise lakes fed by glacial meltwater and enjoy impressive close-up views of Ausangate Mountain.

After completing the main section of the trek, we will descend toward the community of Pacchanta. Here, you will have time to relax in the natural hot springs and recover after the hike.

Finally, we will travel back to Cusco by private transportation. The estimated arrival time is between 5:00 and 6:00 PM, marking the end of this two-day Ausangate adventure.

What's included

Inclusions

Included
- Round-trip private transportation from your hotel in Cusco
- Professional Spanish-speaking guide (English available on request)
- Cook and support staff along the route
- All meals listed in the itinerary (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)
- Overnight accommodation in a mountain cabin or tent on the first night
- Pack animals for camping equipment (limited personal baggage allowance — ask for details)
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank
- Entrance to the lakes area and Pacchanta hot springs

What's Not Included

Not included
- Sleeping bag and trekking pole rental (available on request for an extra fee)
- Additional personal riding horse rental
- Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen
- Travel insurance (recommended and required for high-altitude activities)
- Personal expenses and extra drinks

Recommendations

Difficulty level: moderate to challenging. No previous trekking experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness is important since you'll be hiking above 4,000 m (13,100 ft).
Acclimatization: we recommend spending at least 1-2 nights in Cusco (3,400 m) before this trek to lower the risk of altitude sickness.
What to pack: warm layered clothing (nights drop below freezing), a rain jacket or poncho, hat and gloves, high-SPF sunscreen, broken-in hiking boots, a reusable water bottle, and a camera.
Documents: bring your original passport or ID (required for access to community land and for insurance purposes).
Cash: carry Peruvian soles in cash for tips and personal expenses, as there are no ATMs along the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is altitude sickness a concern on the 2-day Ausangate trek?

The trek reaches elevations above 4,400 m (14,400 ft), so altitude sickness (soroche) is a real risk if you haven't acclimatized. We recommend arriving in Cusco at least one night early, staying well hydrated, avoiding alcohol the night before, and telling your guide right away about any symptoms. We carry emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit throughout the route.

What fitness level do I need for this trek?

No previous mountaineering experience is required, but a basic to moderate fitness level helps, since you'll be walking several hours a day on uneven, high-altitude terrain. If you exercise regularly (walking, jogging, cycling) you should be well prepared.

What should I pack for the 2 days?

Warm layered clothing, a rain jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking boots, a headlamp, and a water bottle. Camping gear (tents, sleeping pads) and all meals are already included in the tour.

What's the weather like around Ausangate?

Daytime sun at this altitude can feel intense, but nights are very cold, with temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F). The dry season (April to October) brings clear skies and is the most recommended time to go; the rainy season (November to March) can bring rain and make some sections harder.

What is this tour's cancellation policy?

You can cancel or reschedule your booking according to the timeframes outlined in our policy at the time of confirmation; the more advance notice you give, the more refund flexibility you have. If weather conditions make the hike unsafe, we offer a free reschedule or an equivalent alternative at no extra cost.

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