One hundred kilometres from Cusco, far from the well-worn tourist circuit, rises Apu Ausangate — at 6,372 metres, the highest peak in the region and one of the most sacred mountains in Andean cosmology. For the Quechua communities living at its feet, Ausangate is not simply a mountain — it is a living being, a guardian, a spiritual presence that governs the seasons and protects the herds.
This 5-day trek completes a full circuit of Ausangate through landscapes that shift constantly: emerald glacial lakes, meadows crossed by alpaca herds, remote valleys where time seems to stand still. Four passes above 5,000 metres — including the Palomani Pass at 5,200 m — lead through a world few travellers have walked. Nights are spent camping in silence, under Andean skies dense with stars.
An experience for those who want to approach the Andes not as a tourist, but as a traveller.
Full circuit around Apu Ausangate (6,372 m), the most sacred peak of the Cusco region
Four high-altitude passes up to 5,200 m among glacial lakes and wildlife
Relax in natural hot springs after the most demanding days
Astounding camping nights in complete Andean silence, far from any artificial light
Day by day
Departure from Cusco in the early morning heading southeast through the Vilcanota Valley to the village of Tinqui (3,900 m). From here the trail begins toward Upis camp (4,400 m): a gradual walk through meadows grazed by alpacas and llamas, designed to let the body adjust to altitude. In the evening, the natural hot springs of Upis receive tired legs after the first kilometres on trail.
Alessio Zucchi The longest day in terms of elevation gain. The trail climbs to Arapa Pass (4,800 m) with the first close views of Ausangate's glacial walls. A descent to Yanacocha follows for a rest stop, before crossing the Extreme Ausangate Pass at 4,850 m. Camp beside Ausangate Lake — with the peak reflected on the water — is one of the most silent and powerful moments of the entire circuit.
Alessio Zucchi 
Alessio Zucchi The most demanding and most rewarding day. The climb to Palomani Pass (5,200 m) marks the highest point of the entire trek — from here, a panorama of glaciers, coloured lakes and valleys stretching to the horizon opens up. The descent leads to the Finaya Pampa valley and the Jampa campsite (4,700 m), in a landscape of complete stillness.
Campa Pass (5,100 m) opens onto one of the most unexpected landscapes of the circuit: the Seven Lakes of Ausangate, bodies of water in different colours set between the mountains, almost always empty. The descent to Pacchanta (4,350 m) runs between these lakes before reaching the final camp, where natural hot springs and a traditional Quechua dinner close the most beautiful day of the trek.
Alessio Zucchi The final morning descends toward Tinqui along trails offering the last views of Ausangate. The vehicle returns to Cusco with a final lunch of local cuisine as a farewell to the Andes.
