Best of Ausangate Trek

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Ausangate
Amid the snow-covered peaks near Cusco, the Ausangate Trek takes in spectacular scenery and draws a fraction of the visitors of the better-known Inca Trail. There’s no better way to experience the rugged beauty of the Andean highlands while hiking past shimmering alpine lakes, chiseled mountains and grazing herds of alpaca. The journey through this pristine wilderness can transport you back in time when ancient Inca pilgrims hiked to Ausangate to pay homage to the empire’s highest Apu (sacred mountain) in hopes of receiving good fortune in return.

The area offers multiple hikes of varying lengths and traverses some high mountain passes ranging from 15,750ft (4800m) to 17,060ft (5200m). Previous kimkim travelers have enjoyed the magnificent vistas of mountain-backed grasslands, glaciers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes such as Ausangatecocha. The evening brings its own rewards, with camping in tranquil settings as the sky fills up with stars. There’s also the possibility of soaking in hot springs after a day’s hike.
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A lone llama in front of Ausangate peak
Cusco & Ausangate Camping Trek - 8 Days

If you’re looking for a beautiful and more remote trek in Peru, the Ausangate trek may be perfect for you. This itinerary gives you some time to explore the ancient Incan capital of Cusco before embarking on this 5-day trek. During the trek, you’ll discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amidst herds of alpacas.

A herd of llamas in front of Ausangate mountain
Machu Picchu & Ausangate Camping Trek - 10 Days

The Ausangate trek is beautiful and remote, a great option for travelers keen on avoiding the crowds of the Inca Trail. With this itinerary, you'll start with history and culture in the ancient Incan capital of Cusco. From here, embark on your five-day trek and discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region—glacial lakes, herds of alpacas, and pretty mountain views. Cap off your trek with a day of exploration at Machu Picchu, Peru's most iconic ruins.

Apu Ausangate
Map of Peruvian Trekking Excursion: Ausangate, Colca Canyon & Lake Titicaca - 21 Days
Peruvian Trekking Excursion: Ausangate, Colca Canyon & Lake Titicaca - 21 Days

This 21-day trip is ideal for avid hikers looking for a unique adventure. Explore the ancient Inca capital of Cusco before embarking on the Ausangate off-the-beaten-path trek to Machu Picchu. You'll discover the rugged highlands of the region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amid herds of alpacas. After, venture to Machu Picchu to explore Peru's most iconic ruins and then set out to explore colonial Arequipa. Next, travel to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, followed by a few days to hike, kayak, and explore Lake Titicaca's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. 

Other popular travel destinations in Peru
Sacred Valley · Lima · Cusco · Aguas Calientes/ Machu Picchu · Machu Picchu · The Amazon · Southern Peru · Puno · Northern Peru · Arequipa & Colca Canyon · Paracas · Arequipa · Inca Trail · Iquitos · Trujillo · Chachapoyas · Colca Canyon · Chiclayo · Nazca · Tambopata · Ica · Mancora · Ayacucho