Ausangate Lodge Trek To Machu Picchu

10 days Peru
  • Duration

    10 Days

  • From

    $3,350

  • Activity Level

    Challenging

  • Trip Type

    Trek

At a Glance

  • Total trekking days: 6
  • Level of Difficulty: Grade 4 (of 6)
  • Min/Max Altitude: ~7,000 ft (2,135 m) / ~16,900 ft (5,150 m)
  • Seasons: May–October
  • Accommodations: Hotels & Lodges
  • Group Size: 2–24 Participants
  • Age Limit: 12–70 Years

Highlights

  • Explore the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu with time to absorb its mystical atmosphere and architectural grandeur.
  • High-altitude lodge-to-lodge trekking through the remote Ausangate region, with warm beds and hot showers each night
  • Multiple mountain passes above 16,000 ft across more than 25 miles of challenging Andean terrain
  • Rare solitude in Peru’s high Andes, traveling far from crowds and deep into indigenous Quechua lands

Description

Prepare yourself for five days of jaw-dropping high-altitude trekking in a small but intense mountain range south of the Cusco region of Peru. You will feel completely enveloped in these Andean giants as you conquer multiple high passes over 16,000 ft, including one over 17,000 ft.

Traveling as the ancient Incas once did—with llamas assisting as pack animals—we wind our way in a sweeping arc around the base of Ausangate Mountain and its impressive glaciers. Our route introduces us to a series of towering massifs, vibrant mineral-rich valleys, and pristine alpine lakes, each day revealing a new perspective of the Andes. On this trek, we rarely sleep below 15,000 ft, which means cold nights—but also exceptionally clear air, untouched waterways, star-filled skies, and mountain panoramas that never seem to end.

To top it all off; we culminate our hiking experience with the famous Sun Gate hike to Machu Picchu. Traveling from the valley floor up into the traditional Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu, you will get to experience Machu Picchu in a way that most tourists never get a chance to see. Moreover, since you get to do a full visit of Machu Picchu the following day you will have the rare chance to visit the ancient site twice. By journey’s end, you’ll carry with you a deep sense of serenity and a lasting connection to Pachamama—Mother Earth.

Arrive in Cusco and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide, receive a brief orientation, and get recommendations for exploring the city at your own pace.

Explore Cusco’s most important temples, archaeological sites, and landmarks. Today serves as both a cultural introduction and a key acclimatization day at altitude.

Depart Cusco and travel southeast through the Vilcanota Valley. After a short hike from Molino Viejo, arrive at Chillca Tambo Lodge, where local musicians welcome you with coca tea. Enjoy your first night in an Andean mountain lodge with hot showers and comfortable rooms.

Trek through wide glacier valleys filled with alpacas and llamas. Pass waterfalls and glacial landscapes before reaching Machuraccay Tambo Lodge, where your bags arrive by llama caravan and a local family hosts the evening.

Cross your first major high pass with expansive panoramic views. Descend alongside glaciers and stop for lunch near Ausangate Cocha Lake. The landscape shifts dramatically to red sandstone formations as you continue to Anantapata Tambo Lodge.

Hike over another mountain pass and continue past colorful mountain lakes and dramatic glaciers. Reach Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), then circle around its quieter backside before descending through the striking Red Valley. Arrive at Huampococha Tambo, set beside a small alpine lake.

Ascend your final mountain pass and enjoy sweeping views before a long descent through unique limestone formations to the trail’s end. Celebrate with a farewell lunch before transferring to the Sacred Valley.

Travel by early train to Km 104 and begin the iconic trek along the Inca Trail. Climb through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna before continuing to the Sun Gate for your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu. Descend into the site and continue to Aguas Calientes.

Take a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its temples, terraces, and royal structures. Enjoy time for independent exploration before returning by train and private transport to Cusco.

Transfer for departure or onward travel.

Ausangate Trek in Peru
Review of Hiking the Ausangate Peru Trek
Webinar: Discover Peru's Best Hikes - Expert Advice on Altitude, Trails & Culture
Unforgettable Trek in the Peruvian Andes | Authentic Adventure with Local Guides

Above Costs Include:

  • ✓ All domestic airport transfers as per the program by private vehicle
  • ✓ All meals indicated on the daily itinerary
  • ✓ Hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley on a sharing basis
  • ✓ All meals and accommodations while on trek
  • ✓ Shuttle bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
  • ✓ Machu Picchu entrance tickets (1 day)
  • ✓ Inca Rail round trip tickets to/from Aguas Calientes
  • ✓ All meals indicated on the daily itinerary
  • ✓ Entrance fees to all historic sites and ruins

Cost Does Not Include:

  • ✘ International flights to/from Peru
  • ✘ Domestic flights to/from Cusco
  • ✘ International/domestic airport departure taxes
  • ✘ Gratuities for support staff
  • ✘ Activities not listed on the itinerary
  • ✘ Supplemental overseas travel/medical insurance
  • ✘ Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks)
  • ✘ Expenses of personal nature (tips for guide, porter and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.)
  • ✘ Any meals not indicated on the daily itinerary
  • ✘ Any airport transfers that fall outside of the arrival and departure dates on the itinerary
  • ✘ Tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
Real moments from the trail

Captured Adventures

Expert Local Guides

Travel with local experts who share their comprehensive years of experience, insight and passion.

All Accommodation

Fully supported camping, hotels or mountain lodges; we arrange it all.

Equipment

All main equipment for your expedition is provided, you just bring your personal gear

Artisan Meals

Our chefs are professionals with a ton of experience, passionate about blending taste and nutrition.

Authentic Unique Itineraries

We personally curate every destination, so you know your experience has been vetted by experts with years of experience.

Safety Is Our Priority

We operate under very specific safety parameters; with a network of evacuation plans, local doctors and clinics in case of emergency.

Flexible Payments

Reserve your spot with a small deposit and pay the balance later.

Insurance Support

Supplemental insurance is required - we provide support to guide you to the right policy.
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