Challenges and Triumphs: An Ausangate Trek Diary

Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing

PRICE FROM

$ 1250
$ 1100.00 USD

price per person in group service

Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing
Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing
Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing
Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing
Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing
Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing
Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing
Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing
Ausangate trek 7 days | Ice climbing

Ausangate trek 7 days (Ice climbing)

This is an impressive trek around the snow-capped Ausangate mountains (6,372m) which can be done by horse or walking. You will pass over 5,200 m where it is possible to see some vicunas and also many alpaca herds, which is the main income for the Andean people on this area. You can bathe in hot springs and see red and green lakes with Ducks, Pintails, Andean Coots, Puna Ibis, Andean Goose.and much more.

An unforgettable and challenging hike for lovers of mountain treks. The nights are cold but during the day it can be very hot. The APU AUSANGATE as it is called by the andean people, is a holy mountain, which still these days people prey on it asking for good agriculture, good life for their animals and good health for themselves. Every year in june there is an expedition of catolic religious people to the Senor of Qóylloriti which is a temple made up at 5200 masl to celebrate the catholic cross, the sun and the Apu Ausangate of the Inkas.

It is very important to mention that the religion of the peruvians nowadays is mixed: the cristian catholic belief and the believing of the ancestors: the Apus (mountains) and Pachamama (mother earth) .

Pacchanta | Tinqui | Cusco | Pallccapampa | Sinrenacocha | Mallma | Lagoa Singrenacocha
Duration of the trip:

7 Days 6 Nights

Total Distance
Physical Level:

Easy

Altitude:

4650 msnm

Type of Tour:

Adventure, Ice Climbing, Mountaineering

Group SIze:

Group Service

Highlights of the Ausangate trek 7 days Ice Climbing

  • Apu Ausangate (6,372 m) – Trek around one of the highest and most sacred snow-capped mountains in Peru.
  • High-altitude passes over 5,200 m with dramatic glacier and mountain views.
  • Ice climbing on Ausangate glaciers, a rare and thrilling experience for true mountain lovers.
  • Red and green glacial lakes surrounded by untouched Andean scenery and wildlife.
  • Wild vicuñas and alpaca herds, offering an authentic glimpse of Andean life.
  • Natural hot springs to relax after demanding trekking days.
  • Deep Andean spirituality, where ancestral beliefs, Pachamama, and Catholic traditions coexist.

DAY 1
Cusco / Mallma / Singrenacocha Lagoon+

DAY 2
Singrenacocha / Pallccapampa+

DAY 3
Pallccapampa / Pacchanta+

DAY 4
Pacchanta / Tinqui / Cusco+

Ausangate trek 7 days includes:

  • Private Tourist Transportation To Tinki. (We never share Bus service with other companies as most agencies do here to minimize costs)
  • English – Spanish speaking guide for 6 days of the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.(All our Guides work for us only)
  • All of them speak Fluent English.
  • Second Guide Over 08 people Group(Large Group Service)
  • Thermarest air-inflate Confortable sleeping Mattress (While others agencies are using foam mat) Thats why many of them run away from us. Because they dont want their passengers to see the Quality of our Camping equipment)
  • Cook and assistance of the Cook.(We have chosen the best cook/cheffs and all are trained by Quechuas
  • Expeditions every month)
  • Cooking equipment (We use New cooking equipment and change all every 3 months)
  • Snacks (Fruits, energy bars)
  • Daily tea service (Wake up Coca tea and afternoon tea time(Happy hour) with full of popcorn and special snacks made by our cooks)
  • Dining equipment including portable chairs and tables
  • Food service in the campsites (5 breakfast, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, 5 snacks) – nutritionally balanced menu:
  • Buffet style Plenty of food you will never be hungry with us! as well as Guinea Pig for free because we want you to taste all from Peru.
  • Vegetarian and free Gluten menu at no extra cost (Please let us know at the time of booking)
  • Two person tents (3-people capacity tent used as doubles – Kayla Doite) 4 season tent Aluminium poles Tents
  • Transportation From Ollantaytambo to cusco 3rd (For our Staff)
  • Horseman and Horses.(To carry our camping equipment, food and 7 kilos of your personal stuff like: sleeping bag and mat as well as cothes) We Never overload our Horses(well Animal Welfare). And we will Provide you a Duffel bag(at The Breifing Time) for all your personal stuff to be carried by horses.
  • Ausangate and Machupicchu entrance fees, valid for 6 days
  • Insurance policy of life for porters and cooks.
  • Visit to Machu Picchu on the 4th day (2 hours guide tour to explore the whole incan site)
  • Camping equipment and basic field equipment for our porters as well as adecuate clothing like: (Sleeping bag, Mat, Jacket, T-shirt, pant, rain poncho, shoes, hat, belts, proper backpack to carry the equipment and all of them are limited to carry 20kg only)
  • Tourist Expeditions Train from Ollantaytambo Between 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Return Tourist Expeditions train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Train time is at 6:20pm and this time will allow you to stay in machupicchu almost all day without rushing your Exploration. and if you upgrade to Vistadome the train will be at 3:48pm.
  • Private Transportation from the train station of Ollantaytambo to Cusco(2 hours drive) and drop off at the hotel.(we only use our Private Transportation. so you will never wait at the train station till the bus of 30 ppl gets full)
  • First-aid kit (Our Guide will carry while on the Inca Trail) Please, note all our Guides are trained every year in first-aid)
  • Emergency oxygen bottle (Our guide will carry while on the Inca Trail)
  • Rain waterproof cover for your day backpacks
  • Pre trek Orientation – briefing A day before we do the Trek. (Hotel or Office) Let us know once you are at the office or by email.
  • Single Tents upon request with no extra cost.
  • Water for Driking: we will supply with filtered and boiled water and your bottles will be filled at each meal time. Please, bring enough water for the 1st day.
  • Free “I survived ” T-shirt and certificate (only for PEOPLE who successfully complete the trek!!!)

Quechuas Expeditions Additional Things which are Included

  • Portables Tent & Biodegradable Toilet (toilet waste bags) Quechuas Expeditions allows you to bring the comforts of home along for an enjoyable trip.Having a toilet in your home away from home may be convenience at its finest. Camping. so you don’t have to go out into the woods in the middle of the night to do your business.
    – Quechuas Expeditions Detailed Page of Camping Equipment, Food and other imporntant things:
  • Responsible Tourism and Well-paid and well-treated porters(HOW YOU CAN HELP ENSURE PROPER TREATMENT)(Click here to see a detailed page)
  • We have Our Medical Emergency Equipped Rescue Mountain Car(This car will be available for all our passenger) and this will ready for any Emergency you need.

Quechuas Expeditions Bottle for free. Get one for free at the office.

Please help us to reduce or eliminate the generation of plastic waste by refilling this bottle in any of the water stations located throughout on the treks. This is part of our efforts towards a cleaner and healthier environment. Sponsored by Quechuas Expeditions (The Best Local Tour Operator)

Get one of this Bottle for Fee at our Office!!!
Quechuas Expeditions Water Bottles (Get one for Free)

AUSANGATE  TREK 7 DAYS – MACHUPICCHU TREK DOESNT INCLUDE: (Please, No hidden costs or surprises)

  • Extra expenses
  • Breakfast – Day 1
  • Lunch and dinner – Day 6
  • Pillows
  • Not detailed meals
  • Tips (optional)
  • Travel and health insurance.(bring copies with you please):Quechuas Expeditions highly recommend to get an insurance of trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your travel investment. Included with your pre-departure package, bring your travel insurance to cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss and delay, emergency medical evacuation insurance and emergency medical expense insurance.

ADDITIONAL THINGS AND UPGRADES:

  • Extra Horse to Carry extra things/12kg- US$100
  • Extra Horse To Ride /90kg-Weight Limit US$200  Day 1 & 2 and Includes an Horseman to control the horse.
  • Upgrade to first class Vistadome Train US$60
  • Upgrade to 3 stars Hotel US$40 per person.(Based on twin bed room)
  • Huaynapicchu Mountain Entrance ticket US$20(2 hours round trip) based on availability and book in advance
  • Extra Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes US$30 per person based on twin bed room with private bathroom (This is in case you need to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes town)
  • Walking sticks: it can be rented from us. (02 poles US$20 for the entire trip)
  • Sleeping bags: it can be rented from us.(US$30 for the entire trip)
  • Sleeping liners: it can be bought from us.(US$15)

WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO BRING AUSANGATE TREK 7 DAYS

  • Original passport and copies (and Student card (ISIC) green card if you are student ). Note ( you have to bring your student card to machu picchu because you are going to be required to show at the Machupicchu control point
  • Travel Insurance card is essential
  • Sleeping bag (not included)
  • hiking water proof boots (with ankle protectors )
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Sun hat and gloves
  • T-shirts / shirts
  • Comfortable hiking zip off trousers
  • Rain pants
  • Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
  • Sun protection cream ( factor 25 recommended )
  • Insect Repellent ( for mosquitos )15 % of deet at least
  • Water bottle.
  • Water purifying tablets (Micropur recommended)
  • Toilet paper and wet wipes
  • Personal medication
  • Camera and films
  • Torch with spare batteries (flashlight) we recommend headlights
  • Extra contribution suggested in soles money for tipping porters, cook and guide. and for any emergency.
  • Previous acclimatization in Cuzco city, for at least 2 days and general good health. Quechuas Expeditions offers easy one day and half day routes which can be completed before the main trek

Book now with us

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sara D profile picture
Sara D
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10/10 Experience - Would Recommend! We had an amazing time on the Salkantay 5 Day Trek. Before the trip started, Quechuas had great communication and was very accommodating to our travel schedule, including adjusting our briefing time with our guide.The skydome accomodations were great (all fairly spacious, with exception of night 2, which was fine as we didn’t spend much time there), the food was delicious (a great variety and always more than enough to go around) and the trek itself was beautiful. Our guide Steven, as well as second guide Jorge, were very patient, knowledgeable and kind to us and the others in our group - not only did we get to see incredible scenery but we also learned a lot about the local landscape and culture.We rented sleeping bags, which we would highly recommend. We brought our own hiking poles but would recommend renting if you don’t bring your own.Overall, an amazing experience and we would highly recommend this company.
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Matthew W profile picture
Matthew W
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Seamless and Supportive Inca Trail Experience – Highly Recommend We recently completed the 4-day Classic Inca Trail trek with Quechuas Expeditions in June 2025, and overall had a fantastic experience that struck the perfect balance between physical challenge and logistical ease.Our guide, Fernando (“Nando”), was outstanding—passionate, deeply knowledgeable about the trail’s rich history, and highly supportive throughout. He kept our group motivated and informed, and managed different paces and needs with professionalism and care. His English was great, and he always made time to answer questions or share interesting stories along the way.The porter and chef team were phenomenal. Every meal was different, delicious, and plentiful—we were never hungry, and dietary needs (including vegan and vegetarian) were handled without issue. They even baked a custom cake on the trail for a couple’s anniversary, which speaks volumes about their care and capability. The porters themselves were friendly, warm, and constantly going above and beyond to support us.Quechuas provided tents, sleeping bags, a toilet tent, and hot water for face washing each morning, plus coca tea as a wake-up touch. The duffel service was useful, though we did find the weight limits a bit tighter than expected once you factor in the sleeping bag. In the end, we paid for an extra porter—which was easy to arrange but worth noting for those planning their packing. One thing we didn’t know in advance: the porter bags aren’t waterproof, so future trekkers may want to use dry bags or line the inside with plastic.Another small consideration: due to how campsites are assigned (by the government, not the tour company), some days ended up being longer than the traditional day-by-day breakdown you might read online. While not Quechuas’ fault, for myself, as much heads-up as possible would’ve helped with my own mental preparation.All said, Quechuas Expeditions delivered where it mattered most. The logistics were smooth, the staff was superb, and their support allowed us to focus on enjoying the trail and the breathtaking views without worrying about the rest. This is a company that knows what it’s doing.Would I recommend them? Absolutely—whether you’re a first-time trekker or experienced hiker, they make an unforgettable journey that much more seamless and enjoyable. If I ever do this again, I would book with them without question, and if possible, request the exact same team. Thank you Fernando and team for a trip of a lifetime and memories that will stay with me forever 🙏
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Arianna O profile picture
Arianna O
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Amazing trip on the Inca Trail with Quechuas Expeditions I never imagined that the Inca Trail could be so transformative. My partner and I decided to do the classic 4-day trek with Quechuas Expeditions and, honestly, it exceeded all our expectations. From the very first moment we felt very welcome. The service was impeccable, they were always attentive to our needs, solving all our doubts before and during the trek.The hike was not easy, but the views, the fresh mountain air and the energy of the group kept us going without thinking about how tiring it was. The meals at the campsites surprised us pleasantly, we really did not expect so much variety and flavor in the middle of the mountain. And the end, reaching Machu Picchu through the sun gate (Inti Punku) was simply magical, there are no words to describe that moment. It is definitely a unique experience that connects you with the history, culture and nature of Peru. Thank you Quechuas Expeditions for making this trip so special!
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naomiammar
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Hardest challenge of my life but worth it One of the hardest things I have ever done (definitely underestimate the difficulty level), and I don’t know if I would have made it if it wasn’t for our awesome guide Frenando and all the amazing staff we had. What a fantastic group of people. The porters are so hard working, it’s so humbling. The chef Taco was fantastic! I am vegan and he made me the most amazing food the entire time. I couldn’t believe it. And then our guide Fernando topped it all. Knowledgeable, professional yet fun, very personable, very patient (we were slow!) and very encouraging. If you are considering taking on this challenge, I highly recommend Quechua’s Expeditions and if you can request Fernando. E sure to do so. He’s been doing this for 19yrs!
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cade c profile picture
cade c
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Awesome trek We really enjoyed our trip. It was challenging and also rewarding. Beautiful views and even better food. I can’t rave enough about our cook Santiago! Food was unbelievable. Jose did a fantastic job leading us along the way. He did a good job of explaining what we are seeing! Looking for a physical challenge with beautiful views this is the trek for you.
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Lola U
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Demanding, enriching and unforgettable thanks to the human team I will always be grateful to the rich food and attentions of Santiago, the cook, the professionalism and good advice of José, the guide, the kindness of the helpers, who have made it possible to improve the experience.
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Julia C.
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Amazing trek, amazing guide and staff The Salkantay Trek was absolutely stunning, domes and the views were great with hot water available. What the trek made very special was our guide Nildo. Also, the chef Julian, horseman and second guide were incredible too. Nildo was knowledgeable, caring and passionate about everything he shared. I cannot imagine a better guide :-) Everything was very well organized.
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Emelie A profile picture
Emelie A
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Hike of a lifetime! We had the most amazing time! The different sceneries along the trek are just unbelievable and although being two fairly unfit persons we could enjoy it all the way. Fernando and Steven are terrific guides making sure we were all comfortable and happy at all times. The food and accommodations along the way were also a lot more luxurious than what we’d expected. Would 100% recommend this to anyone who’s up for a hike!!
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