Overview
Ausangate, at 6,384 m, is the highest peak in the Cusco region and has long been revered as an apu, a mountain spirit. The trek around it takes four to six days at an altitude that rarely drops below 4,000 m, crossing passes above 5,000 m.
The landscape is wild and colourful, with glaciers, turquoise lakes, red and yellow mineral slopes and herds of alpacas and llamas tended by Quechua herders. Hot springs at Upis give a welcome soak, and a side trip leads to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). It is far quieter than the Inca Trail, but also harder, with colder nights.
Highlights
- Views of the Ausangate massif from every side
- Turquoise lakes and mineral-coloured slopes
- Hot springs at Upis
- A side trip to Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca
Best time to visit
May to September is the dry season, with the clearest weather and the coldest nights. June and July are the busiest. The wet season, November to March, brings snow and rain at altitude, and the trek is difficult.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Good
- OctOctober: Not ideal
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Cusco (CUZ), then drive about three to four hours to the village of Tinki or Pacchanta, the usual starting points. Trekking operators in Cusco provide guides, horses, camping gear and meals. The trek takes four to six days.
What to expect
Challenging. Nights are well below freezing, and passes exceed 5,000 m. You need acclimatisation, warm clothing and good boots. Rescue is difficult, so use an experienced operator.
Practical tips
- Spend several days in Cusco and the Sacred Valley to acclimatise first.
- Take a very warm sleeping bag and thermal layers.
- Choose an operator that treats local communities and muleteers fairly.
- Respect local customs and sacred sites, and carry out your rubbish.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Ausangate trek?
Usually four to six days, depending on the route and whether you add Rainbow Mountain.
Can I see Rainbow Mountain on the trek?
Yes, some routes include a side trip or end at Vinicunca.
Is it harder than the Inca Trail?
Yes. It is higher, colder and more remote.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Petr Meissner (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
