• 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Rigorous
  • 52km
  • 5,200m

The Lodge to Lodge Ausangate Trek is a breathtaking trek through the Vilcanota Cordillera and in close proximity to the highest sacred mountain in all of Cusco, on a route we call the “Camino del Apu Ausangate”. The Apu Ausangate (Ausangate Mountain) is considered the mountain spirit that watches over life one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world.  This trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses, owned by shepherds of the nearby community of Chillca, who will carry the gear. This hike also features unique tambos or lodges, where daily meals are prepared by experienced, local chefs, who will introduce you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian dishes. To liven up some of the evenings, there will be authentic music played by local musicians.

Lodge to Lodge Ausangate Trek route

  • Day 1
    Cusco to Chillca
    3 km

    In a comfortable vehicle, you will drive along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe and then head to the upper valley of Pitumarca. At Japura you will trek a short distance to Chillca. Locals and musicians playing Andean instruments will greet you in Chillca Tambo (4,368m/14,331ft), your first lodge, where you can relax and enjoy some coca tea. We recommend you try tasty and nutritious local cuisine, such as alpaca meat, but vegetarian or other preferences are also available. Your total trek today will cover approximately 3 kilometres (2 miles), which is about one and a half hours of hiking.

    Overnight in Chillca Tambo

  • Day 2
    Chillca to Machuracay
    14.9 km

    After breakfast you will trek alongside hundreds of alpacas and llamas in the glacial valley of Phinaya. On the way to more glaciers at Santa Catalina, you will climb by the awe-inspiring Pjachaj waterfalls. Above the falls your picnic lunch awaits. Then, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers and lagoons, you will walk about five hours to Machuracay Tambo (4,805m/ 15,764ft), where you will rest for the evening. Your bags, which will be carried by a llama caravan, will be at the lodge when you arrive. Your total trek today will cover approximately 14.9 kilometres (9.3 miles), which is about eight hours of hiking.

    Overnight in Machuracay Tambo

  • Day 3
    Machuracay to Anantapata
    11.6 km

    Today you will take in your first mountain pass (5,150m/16,896ft) with its spectacular panoramic views. Descending alongside the glaciers, continue to hike to the Ausangate Cocha Lake for lunch. There you will be surrounded by the red sandstone sediment formations – a wonderful sensory experience. You’ll spot graceful vicuñas roaming and with luck, condors circling overhead. After a day of great hiking, you arrive at the third lodge at Anantapata (4,700m/15,420ft) to relax and enjoy the comfort and food. Your total trek today will cover approximately 11.6 kilometres (7.2 miles), which is about seven to eight hours of hiking.

    Overnight in Anantapata Tambo

  • Day 4
    Anantapata to Huampococha
    11.6 km

    After breakfast you will follow the trail to another high mountain pass (4,980m/16,339ft). As you descend, hike past Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks with views of the valley below. Striations of color are embedded in the hillsides. Then, continue on to Cerro Laya Grande past the massive glacier, taking in the striking colorful sediments of Yauricunca. You will lunch here in this unique landscape. On the way to the fourth lodge, you will spot hundreds of Andean geese nesting in the cliffs of Anta, and then, you’ll pass the flatiron formations of Apu Labrayani near Huampococha Tambo (4,818m/15,807ft), where you will spend the night. Your total trek today will cover approximately 11.6 kilometres (7.2 miles), which is about seven to eight hours of hiking.

    Overnight in Huampococha Tambo

  • Day 5
    Huampococha to Cusco
    10.5 km

    Walking uphill with a great view of the mountains, you will ascend to the final pass (4,908m/16,102ft). From there it’s all downhill, and you’ll encounter some of the most fascinating shapes of limestone formations of the Cretaceous period. Continue hiking until Trapiche, where you will have lunch and then return by bus to Cusco. Your total trek today will cover approximately 10.5 kilometres (6.5 miles), which is about seven hours of hiking.

    Camping Overnight

Please keep in mind that distances, altitudes and chosen campsites are subject to minor variations as the route undertaken may vary slightly. In addition, trekking time can vary for each hiker and any times detailed in the description below are averages.