Peru · Mountain Exploration

6-Day Ausangate Climbing Tour from Cusco with Rainbow Mountain

6 Days Round trip from Cusco Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Ausangate, the highest peak in the Cusco region, at 6,384 meters
02 Explore seven beautiful lagoons with panoramic views of the Ausangate summit
03 Take in breathtaking scenery across the Vilcanota mountain range
04 Experience local life in the Pacchanta community, known for hot springs and alpaca farming
05 Tackle glacier, ice, and snow conditions on a technical summit ascent
06 Discover the colorful landscapes of Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain

Take on one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures in the Cusco region with this 6-day Ausangate climbing expedition. Starting in the Pacchanta community, you'll acclimatize among beautiful lagoons, cross high mountain passes, and climb to the 6,384-meter summit of Ausangate for breathtaking views over the Vilcanota mountain range. The journey combines technical glacier climbing, dramatic Andean scenery, and local culture, ending with the colorful landscapes of Rainbow Mountain. It is an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking an authentic high-altitude challenge in Peru.

After reaching the summit, descend using rappelling techniques over 50-meter cliffs back to Base Camp for a well-deserved rest and dinner.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Cusco, Ausangate

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Cusco to Pacchanta and the Ausangate Lagoons

Depart early in the morning at 4:30 AM from your hotel in Cusco. After a 3.5-hour drive, arrive in Pacchanta (4,334 meters), a picturesque community known for its hot springs and alpaca farming.
Enjoy a short acclimatization hike around the Ausangate Lagoons. You will explore seven beautiful lagoons while taking in panoramic views of the Ausangate summit.
Spend the night camping at Pacchaspata on the east side of Ausangate.

Day 02

Pachaspata to Ausangate Base Camp via Paso Jampa

After breakfast, continue hiking toward Paso Jampa (5,100 meters), one of the highest points on the trek. The climb can be demanding, but the views are incredible.
Descend to the Surapata campsite for a break before continuing on toward Base Camp.
Set up camp at Base Camp, enjoy views of Ausangate, and take a light hike to Chocolate Lake, famous for its distinct brown hue.

Day 03

Ausangate Base Camp to Morrine Camp

Wake up early at 11 PM to begin the 8-hour climb to Camp I at 5,800 meters.
This section is challenging, with steep, rocky paths and high altitude conditions.
As you ascend, enjoy stunning views before setting up your high-altitude camp at Morrine Camp (Camp I).

Day 04

Morrine Camp to the Ausangate Summit and Back

Begin another early start for the ascent to the Ausangate summit (6,384 meters). The route includes glacier climbing with ice and snow conditions. You will face technical climbing challenges, but the summit views over the Vilcanota mountain range are unforgettable.
After reaching the summit, descend using rappelling techniques over 50-meter cliffs back to Base Camp for a well-deserved rest and dinner.

Day 05

Base Camp to Ananta via Palomani Pass

Hike through valleys and past llamas as you make your way toward Rainbow Mountain, culminating in the ascent of Palomani Pass (5,200 meters).
After a rewarding descent, spend the night at Ananta Camp and relax beneath stunning night skies filled with stars.

Day 06

Ananta to Rainbow Mountain and Return to Cusco

Today, ascend to Huarmisaya Pass (4,977 meters), which offers incredible views of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain). The colorful terrain makes this final hike unforgettable.
After exploring the area, descend and travel back to Cusco, reflecting on an extraordinary adventure.

Where this trip takes you

Ausangate summit, Ausangate Lagoons, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Cusco 2 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Online advice: you will receive fully personalized advice through trusted platforms such as Meet, Zoom, or WhatsApp for expedition planning and to understand your interests in this destination.
Professional guide: professional high-mountain guides accredited by MINCETUR, with experience leading expeditions, knowledge of Ausangate routes, and training in first aid and high-mountain rescue. They are friendly and have deep knowledge of the local culture and experiences.
Muleteers: a team of muleteers trained in transporting camp logistics.
Cook: a professional chef for group meal preparation, trained to prepare special meals such as vegan, vegetarian, celiac, and others.
Private transportation: transportation for this expedition is private and will take you from your hotel in Cusco to the Pacchanta Community, then back from Rainbow Mountain. The transportation is safe and has all the necessary certifications for passenger transfer.
Lodge: access to a lodge restaurant where gastronomic activities are carried out, with a warm space that includes a kitchen, dining room, bar, and fireplace if you feel cold.
Entrance to the museum: the company has a museum of native potatoes and handicrafts from this locality of Ausangate.
Ausangate typical clothing: you will have the opportunity to dress in local Ausangate clothing and take the best souvenir photos in the beautiful places of the area.
Client camping equipment: adequate mountain equipment to spend the night at the camps and high-altitude camp of Ausangate. Included items for clients are a tent, sleeping bags, blanket, and mats.
Base camping equipment: logistical equipment such as a kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, chairs, tables, and a 7 kg luggage bag.
Climbing equipment: equipment provided for the Ausangate climb includes a harness, boots, crampons, ice axe, helmet, carabiner, ATC descender, and Deysi chain. Group equipment such as ropes, stakes, coordinos, express, ice screws, and others is also included.
Food: unique cuisine prepared with local ingredients, allowing you to taste the best dishes of Ausangate as well as representative national and international dishes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included.
Group toiletries: soap and towels are provided for washing your hands before and after tourist activities.
Emergency and first aid logistics: a first aid kit is carried in case of injury or headaches. Oxygen is carried during the trek to help with lack of oxygen. In case of serious emergencies, rescue stretchers and pneumatic splints are available to assist the patient.
Entrance tickets to Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain: entrance tickets for activities in the Ausangate park, Rainbow Mountain, and camps.

What's Not Included

Transportation outside the expedition for the Ausangate climb
The last dinner of the expedition
Personal expenses
Extra drinks
Tips
Personal climbing clothes
Goggles or snow goggles
Headlamp and batteries
Trekking poles

What to bring

Climbing Ausangate is a demanding expedition, and being properly equipped is essential for safety, comfort, and success. Here is a list of recommended gear and essentials for your 6-day climbing adventure.

Clothing:

Base Layers: Moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt and pants (thermal)
Quick-drying underwear and socks
Mid Layer: Fleece jacket or insulated jacket for warmth
Lightweight down jacket for cold nights at high altitude
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
Lightweight shell jacket for protection against rain and snow
Headgear: Warm hat/beanie
Bandana or buff (to protect against the sun, wind, and dust)
Gloves: Lightweight gloves for trekking
Insulated gloves or mittens for the summit attempt
Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots (waterproof, well broken-in)
Gaiters to protect from snow or mud
Light sandals or shoes for camps
Sunglasses and Goggles: UV-protection sunglasses with side shields (high-altitude sun exposure)
Snow goggles for summit day (protect from snow glare and wind)
Socks: 3-4 pairs of high-quality, moisture-wicking socks (wool or synthetic)
2 pairs of liner socks to prevent blisters

Climbing Gear:

Crampons: High-quality mountaineering crampons (fit for your boots)
Ice Axe: Lightweight, technical ice axe for glacier climbing
Harness: Comfortable climbing harness (with gear loops)
Helmet: Mountaineering helmet for protection during the climb
Carabiners and Ropes: Locking carabiners (x2 or more)
Climbing rope (if not provided by your guide or company)
Climbing Gaiters: To protect against rocks, ice, and snow

Sleeping Gear:

Sleeping Bag: Down or synthetic sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F)
Sleeping Pad: Insulated sleeping pad for comfort and warmth during cold nights
Tent: High-quality, four-season tent (typically provided by your guide or company)

Personal Equipment:

Backpack: 30-40L daypack for trekking gear
50-70L duffel bag for base camp gear (usually carried by porters)
Water: Hydration system (Camelbak or similar)
Water bottles (2-3 liters total capacity)
Water purification tablets or filter (for refilling at campsites)
Food and Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and other lightweight snacks for high-energy days
Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, biodegradable soap
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and trowel for digging a latrine if necessary
First Aid Kit: Personal first aid kit (bandages, painkillers, blister treatment, etc.)
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High-SPF sunscreen (for face and hands)
Lip balm with sun protection
Headlamp and Batteries: A strong headlamp with extra batteries (essential for early mornings and late nights)

Extras:

Camera or Smartphone: For photos of the breathtaking views and memories
Ensure you bring a power bank for recharging
Cash: Local currency (soles) for any personal expenses or tips
Personal Identification: Passport or a copy (for trek registration)
Altitude Sickness Medication: Diamox (consult your doctor before taking it) to help prevent altitude sickness
Trekking Poles: Lightweight poles (helpful for reducing strain on knees while descending)
Notebook/Journal: To document your experience and reflections

Important Notes:

Altitude: The climb to Ausangate involves reaching high altitudes, so be prepared for altitude sickness. Make sure to allow for proper acclimatization and stay hydrated.
Weather: The weather on the mountain can be unpredictable, with rain, snow, and strong winds. Pack accordingly.
Local Regulations: Ensure you have all the necessary permits and are following local guidelines.

This packing list should help ensure you have everything needed for a successful and safe 6-day Ausangate climbing adventure. Always check with your guide or tour operator for any additional required gear.

Know before you go

The Mountain Ausangate

Location: Peru, Cusco

Altitude: 6,384 meters above sea level (20,944.88 feet)

Elevation of Base: 2,085 meters above sea level (6,840.56 feet)

Coordinates: 13°47'19"S, 71°13'52"O

Ausangate (in Quechua: Awsanqati) is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and the fifth-highest peak in Peru. This majestic mountain is located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco, nestled in the southern part of the Andes. Ausangate is revered as a sacred mountain (Apus) in the Andean cosmovision, playing a central role in local culture and spirituality.

The mountain is famous not only for its extraordinary natural beauty but also for its deep cultural significance. The sunrise and sunset views surrounding the mountain are nothing short of spectacular. Ausangate is also home to turquoise lagoons, which reflect the sky like giant mirrors, adding to the area's magical atmosphere.

Ausangate offers adventure sports opportunities, especially for trekkers and glacier climbers. Whether hiking the surrounding trails or summiting the peak, it promises memorable experiences for those seeking an authentic, challenging adventure in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes of the Andes.

Ausangate Climbing Guide

Link: The Andes: A Guide for Climbers (Ausangate)

This comprehensive guide provides essential information about the best routes, difficulty levels, and climbing techniques specific to Ausangate.

Ausangate Climbing Story

Link: THE SOUTH PERUVIAN ANDES AUSANGATE

Learn more about the history of climbing on Ausangate, including memorable stories and insights from those who have summited.

Last Climb to Ausangate (2022)

The last ascent of Ausangate in 2022 saw climbers face a challenging yet rewarding experience. The climb involved glacier routes and technical climbing, with excellent conditions for high-altitude trekkers.

This information should help those interested in climbing Ausangate better prepare for an adventure in this stunning part of Peru.

Logistics