The Ausangate lodge trek is a spectacular 5-day hiking route covering approximately 52 km (32 mi) through the Cordillera Vilcanota, located just southeast of Cusco, Peru. This challenging journey takes travelers deep into the Andes, circumventing the sacred Mount Ausangate along ancient herding trails that predate the Inca Empire. Hikers are constantly surrounded by the striking beauty of Peruvian landscapes, which range from rugged snow-capped peaks and vast glacier valleys to high-altitude lakes and vibrant red sandstone formations.
Throughout the expedition, hikers navigate significant elevations, spending every night above 4,300 meters. The trail reaches its maximum elevation on the third day at Palomani Pass, ascending to a demanding altitude of 5,150 meters to offer sweeping views over the surrounding peaks and glaciers. On the following day, the route leads directly to the colorful strata of Vinicunca, widely known as Rainbow Mountain, at 5,015 meters.
For comfort after long trekking days, guests stay in four different mountain lodges. These stone cabins feature cozy beds with thermal duvets, private hot-water bathrooms, and local meals. Operating off-grid with candle and solar lighting instead of electricity, they offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to fully disconnect.
Full itinerary: the colonial temple of Checacupe, the Phinaya glacier valley, the Pjachaj waterfall, Palomani Pass, Ausangatecocha Lake, the Warmisaya Pass, Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), the Huampoccasa Pass, and a limestone rock forest.
Cross Palomani Pass at 5,150 m (16,896 ft) on Day 3, the highest point of the trek, then walk down beside the glaciers to Ausangatecocha Lake for lunch.
Walk into Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,015 m) on Day 4, after three days in the mountains, and stop there for lunch and photos.
Walk among alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas ; look for condors and nesting Andean geese, while a llama caravan carries your duffel to the next lodge.
Travel with the communities that built the route: local musicians welcome you at the first lodge, and a local family runs the lodge at Machuracay.
Sleep in four stone mountain lodges, each a day’s walk from the next, with a bed, thermal duvets, and a private bathroom with hot water.
Activities guided by expert high-mountain trekking guides trained in wilderness first response, 1 guide per 6 guests plus an assistant.
All-inclusive experience: hotel pickup in Cusco and private transport, 4 nights in mountain lodges, full board from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 lunch, luggage carried by llamas, oxygen and a hyperbaric chamber, and expert guides.
Please note: Every night of this trek is spent between 4,350 m and 4,850 m (14,270–15,915 ft). You need at least 3 to 4 days at altitude in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before Day 1. Book those days before the trek, not after it.
Itinerary
Day 1
Cusco / Checacupe Colonial Temple / Pitumarca Valley / Hike to Chillca
HikeMolino → Chillca · 3.3 km (2.1 mi) · ~2h · 4,292 → 4,368 m
OvernightLodge at Chillca · ~4,350 m (14,272 ft)
The trek starts early, with a pickup at your hotel in Cusco. A private coach follows the Vilcanota River southeast to Checacupe, where you stop at the colonial temple to see the baroque art inside.
From Checacupe, the road leaves the Cusco–Puno highway, climbs the upper Pitumarca valley, and passes the herding community of Osefina. At Molino, you step out for the first walk—about 3.3 km to the hamlet of Chillca, a gentle start that also helps your body adjust to the altitude.
At the first Ausangate lodge, members of the community and local musicians playing Andean instruments welcome you with coca tea. You can spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the surroundings, followed by an evening performance of traditional music by local villagers.
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2
Phinaya Glacier Valley / Pjachaj Waterfall / Machuracay
GlaciersMt. Santa Catalina · Pjachaj waterfall · Picnic lunch
OvernightLodge at Machuracay · ~4,850 m (15,912 ft) · Highest night
After breakfast, the trail heads up the glacier valley of Phinaya, among hundreds of alpacas and llamas. Ascending toward the glaciers of Mt. Santa Catalina, the path leads past the Pjachaj waterfall, where a picnic lunch is served higher up.
The afternoon brings about 5 more hours among moraine walls, glaciers, and lakes. This is the longest day of the Ausangate Lodge Trek in distance, at 14.9 km.
At roughly 4,850 m above sea level, the lodge at Machuracay serves as the highest overnight accommodation on the entire journey. Here, a welcoming local family hosts the group, while your luggage arrives ahead via llama caravan.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
Palomani Pass / Ausangatecocha Lake / Anantapata
Palomani Pass· 5,150 m (16,896 ft) · Highest point of the trek
OvernightLodge at Anantapata · 5,100 m (16,587 ft)
The day starts with the climb to the first mountain pass of the trek, Palomani, about 2 hours from the lodge. At 5,150 m, it is the highest point you reach on foot, with views over the glaciers and peaks of the Cordillera Vilcanota.
The descent follows the glaciers down to Ausangatecocha, a lake at 4,650 m (15,256 ft), where you stop for lunch. In the afternoon, the landscape changes to red sandstone formations. Look for vicuñas on the slopes and, with luck, a condor overhead.
After about 4 more hours on the trail, you reach the third lodge, at Anantapata.
OvernightLodge at Huampococha · 4,815 m (15,797 ft)
After breakfast, climb to the Warmisaya Pass (4,954 m; 16,253 ft) and descend past Lake Kayrawiri, ringed by rugged peaks above a wide valley. Bands of colored soil start to appear on the hillsides.
The trail continues to Laya Grande Hill and past the massive Glacier del Inca to the colored strata of Vinicunca, the peak known as Rainbow Mountain. This is the day that makes the route a Rainbow Mountain trek: you have lunch here, with time for photos and rest.
As you trek toward the fourth lodge, look for vast colonies of Andean geese nesting along the cliffs of Anta, while passing the striking, flatiron stone structures of Mt. Apu Labrayani.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Huampoccasa Pass / Limestone Rock Forest / Return to Cusco
HikeHuampococha → Huampoccasa pass → End of the trail · 10.5 km (6.5 mi) · ~5h · 4,960 → 3,930 m
DriveEnd of the trail Trapiche → Cusco · 126 km · ~3h
The last morning starts with a 1-hour climb to the Huampoccasa Pass, at 4,960 m (16,273 ft), with a final view over the mountains. From there, it is downhill all the way.
The trail drops about 1,000 m and winds through a karst limestone rock forest, with strange shapes carved in Cretaceous stone. The walk ends around midday at about 3,930 m (12,894 ft), where you have lunch and say goodbye to the team.
A bus then drives you back to Cusco, about 3 hours away. The hotel in Cusco that night is not included.
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
What is Included
Round-trip transfer (Cusco hotel ⇌ Molino trailhead, and the end of the trail ⇌ Cusco) by private transport
4-night stay in four mountain lodges, one night in each, in a double room with a private bathroom
Meals (full board, Day 1 dinner to Day 5 lunch): breakfast and dinner at the lodges, lunches and snacks on the trail
Pre-departure briefing in Cusco with a welcome kit (duffel bag, buff, and map)
Luggage carried by llamas and horses between the lodges, in waterproof bags
Emergency horse (one per 6 guests)
First-aid kit, oxygen, a portable hyperbaric chamber, and a satellite phone
Slippers, candles, solar lamps, and power banks at the lodges, and tea at any time
Carbon offset of the trip’s emissions
Guided tours (Checacupe temple, the Phinaya valley, Palomani Pass, Ausangatecocha lake, Rainbow Mountain, the Huampoccasa Pass, and the limestone rock forest)
Expert high-mountain trekking guides, 1 per 6 guests plus an assistant (English, Spanish, French, or Dutch)
Not included
Flight tickets
Hotel nights in Cusco before and after the trek
Acclimatization days before the trek
Personal travel insurance
Tips for the staff
Single room
Additional support horse and other extras
Any transport before or after the program
The Ausangate Lodge Trek includes a 4-night stay in four different accommodations, one night in each, set a day’s walk apart along the route. They sit between 4,350 m and 4,960 m (14,270–15,915 ft), all facing the snow peaks and glaciers of the Vilcanota range and Mount Ausangate. In the Inca road network, resting places like these stood a day apart for travelers.
Each lodge is a solid stone building made with local materials. Rooms are decorated with native textiles and local mahogany furniture, beds have thermal duvets, and every room has a private bathroom with hot and cold running water from nearby springs. Each Ausangate lodge has 8 double rooms and 2 single rooms; double rooms can be twin beds pushed together.
Although power banks are provided, there is no electricity at any of the lodges; rooms are lit by candles and solar lamps. Consequently, hot water (heated by propane) is available only in the afternoon. All lodges are equipped with satellite and radio communication for emergencies.
Accommodations open and close according to the specific group; staff members sleep in separate quarters just a few meters away.
Chillca Lodge
Night 1. At about 4,350 m (14,272 ft), in the hamlet of Chillca, home to one of the two herding communities that co-own the company. Local musicians welcome the group here on Day 1.
Machuracay Lodge
Night 2. At about 4,850 m (15,912 ft), the highest lodge of the route and the highest night of the trek. A local family runs it.
Anantapata Lodge
Night 3. At 4,750 m (15,584 ft), reached after Palomani Pass and Ausangatecocha lake, in a landscape of red sandstone.
Huampococha Lodge
Night 4. At 4,815 m (15,797 ft), the last night, after the day at Rainbow Mountain.
Meals run from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. At each Ausangate lodge, breakfast and dinner are served in the main dining hall, while mid-day meals are enjoyed as scenic trailside picnics accompanied by hiking snacks.
Expert cooks prepare authentic Peruvian cuisine using fresh local ingredients, including specialties like alpaca steak. Complimentary coca tea awaits your arrival on Day 1; hot tea remains available throughout your stay. Filtered water is available at every lodge to refill your bottle, and a bottle of wine is served at the farewell dinner on Day 4.
Dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free or allergy-related needs, can be accommodated. You can specify these, along with any allergies, on the pre-trip registration form.
FAQ
Reviews
“An absolutely fantastic experience!We are five Italian young travelers and we had an unforgettable experience. The scenery was breathtaking, the organization was flawless, and the food was excellent. Every member of the staff was professional, courteous, and incredibly attentive.Our guide, Erick, was patient, friendly, and always available to help. He shared so many fascinating stories and interesting facts with us throughout the journey, making the experience even more special.We truly enjoyed a five-star level of service at 5,000 meters above sea level. The lodges were incredibly comfortable, with soft bed linens, warm blankets, and all the comforts we needed.The attention to guests was exceptional from beginning to end. We felt truly cared for at every moment.A huge thank you to Erick and the entire team for making this adventure so memorable. We highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable journey!”
— Federico.Troiano
“It was a wonderful experience. The lodges have an incredible location with truly unique landscapes. The hike is relaxed and lets you enjoy the views without crowds. Our guide was very attentive at all times, as was all the staff at the lodges. Being in a lodge in a remote area, with hot water, a fireplace, excellent food, … I think there's no other place in the world that can offer you such a magical experience. You need to go prepared with the right gear and do a bit of acclimatization to enjoy the experience at 100%.
You have to live it, and it leaves a mark on your memories.”
— albert xifra simon
“Everyone was so kind and made our entire trip exceptional... from the booking, the briefing, our guides, the people who helped us with our luggage, to the excellent and delicious food. The lodges were very comfortable and had excellent facilities. Thank you for such a wonderful experience, you have a beautiful country and we would definitely like to return. The agency is recommendable 200%”
— Ana Lilia P
“I've long thought that a picture is worth a thousand words. However, this time it isn't enough to have one or many photos, because you can't capture the whole path, nature, experiences and emotions lived on the Camino del Apu Ausangate. It's better that you live it and enjoy it yourselves. I recommend it 100 percent, for the attention to detail of all the staff so that you enjoy every moment, the views along the way (nature) and the luxury lodges where you enjoy a hot shower, delicious food and sleep in very comfortable beds after the arduous daily hike. Last photo taken by our guide Erick during the hike.”
— Boris
“It is a very unique experience. Each day and high pass brought new and amazing views, varied scenery and wildlife - from viscachas hopping around the rocks to a condor soaring above the clouds. Our guide Mathias deserves a special mention - he was patient, caring and very knowledgeable both in terms of the area and its people and customs (excellent English was appreciated too!). He also gave us some useful tips on Andean hiking style and use of hiking poles so now we are great converts. The rest of the team - the cook, the housekeeper, and lama and horse carers were all from local population and looked wonderfully after us as well, nothing was ever too much trouble. In terms of practical advice for others that may be considering the trek:The terrain is suitable for most levels, only moderate fitness is required, poles are helpful but not essential (we found them useful on downhills but also generally in keeping the walking rhythm), good hiking shoes and the usual hiking layers, hat, sunglasses are a must. The weather in July was nice and sunny, you can sometimes hike in just a base layer, but the wind can be chilly going over the passes. At night it gets cold (down to -5 degC), so if you like to do a bit of star gazing make sure you have a padded jacket, hats, gloves etc. (the stars are nothing short of spectacular!). The altitude is a concern (you are mostly at 4500-4800m above sea level with a few passes at ca. 5000m), so do take aclimatization seriously, spend a few days in and around Cusco beforehand (there is plenty to do!), and consider bringing with you altitude sickness medication in case you experience headache and loss of appetite. There will be plenty of food and snacks provided so there is no need to take additional provisions with you. And away from a few practical observations - this trip is simply amazing, if you love the mountains don't overthink it, just go!”
— Sherpa57215337362
“The trek of Apu Ausangate is an absolutely incredible, breathtaking (sometimes, literally!) experience. Traversing plains and valleys dotted with llama and alpaca, skirting around lakes, then up and over high passes, the natural landscape is so unique and varied. And the colors! Layers upon layers of rich, multi-colored earth tones, framed by glacial peaks-- just stunning. Many thanks to our guide Manuel, who looked after us all so well and keep us motivated and moving-- his seemingly endless energy and love of the highlands was inspiring! I am so appreciative of the team that supported us. Everyone went above and beyond in their level of service. The food was fantastic (thanks to our excellent chef, Juan Carlos), everything was so well-organized and ran so smoothly (thank you María, Julían, Jorge, and Roberto). This is an amazing group of people; I can't thank them enough for welcoming me to Peru, for their kindness and dedication. Phenomenal experience, highly recommend!!”
— Emma
“Their level of service is excellent, and they made my experience wonderful. On my trek, I had Manu (guide), Esteban (cook), Alejandro (llamas), Santos (horses), Cruz (emergency horse) and Rebecca (housekeeper). Each and every one of them were wonderful. You can tell when people are simply going through the motions, but not this crew. If you are looking for a trek that is not crowded with tourists, but really enjoy beautiful views and solitude, this is the company and trek for you. Highly recommend.”
— Brett R
“Guide JOSE is incredible. My friend and I booked with a dodgy tour company who made us feel unsafe, then we stumbled upon Jose with his group who immediately helped us. We hiked the remainder of the day with Jose and his group and got a ride back to Cusco with them so we didn’t have to be stuck with our guide who was in incompetent and disrespectful.”
— Jill
“Highly recommended. We booked the Alto Palomani trail and it was a unique experience; both the landscapes and the people of the Andes are incredible. Our guide was Jose Rodriguez, a very kind, helpful, attentive and objective person. He gave us very good recommendations to avoid altitude sickness and was looking out for us the whole time. It's absolutely worth it. I'm in love with Peru, but the Andean region was the best. The team, like the cooks, the muleteer, the cleaning lady... Everyone was very kind and made our experience very pleasant.”
— Ximena G
“La experiencia fue única, el camino del Apu Ausangate, una caminata de 5 días entre los 4800 y 5200 m sobre el nivel del mar. Los paisajes, las vistas increíbles. Nada se compara con estar allí y verlo directamente. La atención de nuestro guía Dimas muy buena. Felicitaciones por su gran calidad de atención al cliente. El resto del equipo también muy bueno, Juan Carlos nuestro cocinero y todo el equipo nos atendieron muy bien. Lo recomiendo”
