- Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Pukutuni School – Upis Village – Pucaccocha Camp
Your Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu adventure begins bright and early as the Alpaca Expeditions team picks you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. After a scenic three-hour drive through the Andean highlands, you’ll arrive at the Pukutuni School trailhead, where a delicious breakfast awaits. Here you’ll meet your dedicated Altitude crew, including your local chef, porters, and horsemen who will accompany you throughout this unforgettable journey.
The first section of your Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu takes you on a three-hour hike to Upis Village, located at the foot of the majestic Ausangate Mountain. After enjoying a freshly prepared lunch surrounded by stunning views, the trail ascends for about 1.5 hours to reach Vicuña Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft). From this breathtaking vantage point, you’ll witness panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and endless valleys.
Continuing your adventure, you’ll hike for approximately three more hours to reach your campsite at Pucaccocha, a serene spot nestled between glaciers and waterfalls. Upon arrival, your Alpaca Expeditions team will have everything ready — warm meals, cozy tents, and a peaceful setting to rest and take in the magic of the Andes.
This first day of the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu offers the perfect blend of challenge, beauty, and authentic Andean experience.
- Elevation: 3,867mts / 12,753ft
- Distance: 11 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Pucaccocha – Condor Pass – Alpaca Pass – Andean Campsite
After an early and nutritious breakfast prepared by your Altitude chef, you’ll continue your Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu with a steady two-hour ascent to Condor Pass (4,900 m / 16,076 ft). Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Ausangate Mountain, crystal-clear lagoons, and herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely in their natural habitat.
From the top of the pass, the trail descends gradually for about two hours until reaching your scenic lunch spot — the perfect place to relax and recharge surrounded by pure Andean beauty. After lunch, you’ll face a short uphill section to Alpaca Pass (4,950 m / 16,240 ft), where you’ll catch your first glimpse of the world-famous Rainbow Mountain in the distance.
The final stretch is a gentle one-hour downhill hike to your evening campsite. Upon arrival, your Altitude team will have everything ready for you — your tent, a warm drink, and a hearty dinner — so you can unwind and enjoy one of the most stunning night skies in the Andes.
This day on the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu perfectly combines challenge, tranquility, and breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Elevation: 4,300mts / 13,753ft
- Distance: 11 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Aguas Calientes
Spending the night in the Andes means you’ll be among the first travelers to reach the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain, one of the most iconic highlights of the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu. After a warm breakfast and hot drinks served by your Altitude team, you’ll begin a gradual two-hour hike uphill toward this spectacular natural wonder.
Along the way, you’ll likely encounter herds of vicuñas, one of the most elegant camelids native to the Peruvian Andes. Upon reaching Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), you’ll enjoy a peaceful moment to take stunning photographs and admire the brilliant layers of color that make this site so unique — all before the crowds arrive. Your expert guide will explain the geological formations and minerals that create the mountain’s dazzling palette.
Once you’ve taken in the views, it’s about a one-hour descent to the end of the trail. There, you’ll say goodbye to your dedicated Altitude trekking team and continue your journey with your Rainbow Mountain guide.
From the trailhead, enjoy a four-hour scenic drive to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have a relaxing dinner before boarding the 7:00 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes. After days of hiking through high mountain passes, you’ll finally unwind with a hot shower and a comfortable night’s rest at a local hotel — preparing for your final day at Machu Picchu.
- Elevation: 4,410mts / 14,455ft
- Distance: 12 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
The last day of your Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu is the most exciting — exploring the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
After an early breakfast in Aguas Calientes, you’ll take the first bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu for your guided tour (2.5–3 hours). Discover temples, terraces, and sacred Inca sites while enjoying breathtaking mountain views.
We recommend Circuit 2, which includes the iconic Watchtower viewpoint for the best panoramic photos. Travelers with Huayna Picchu tickets can also hike to its summit for a unique perspective.
Afterward, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your train back to Ollantaytambo and continuing to Cusco. This day marks the perfect ending to your unforgettable Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu.
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
- Included
- Professional guides: highly trained Local guides for the high mountains and the history of the Incas.
- Briefing: We will have an information session and briefing held in our office or hotel at 6:30 PM on the night before your trip starts. Briefings will last 20-30 minutes but we are always available for questions. You will receive a travel bag at this briefing, the contents of the bag must not exceed 13 lbs and must include a sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Permits: All permits are guaranteed according to availability. As soon as we receive your details and deposit, we will purchase your permits.
- Porters: We include a personal porter who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag.
- Transportation: Transportation is included in the entire journey, both bus and train, from the point of departure to the point of return. If you have any suggestions or preference for a train service, please let us know. Additionally, your bus ticket from Aguas Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes will be included.
- Equipment: We have excellent camping equipment, dining room, and two person dormitory tents.
- Hotel: This trek includes a one-night 3-star the third day hotel in Ollantaytambo. We have a selection of hotels, great service and accommodation (if you have any suggestions let us know).
- Food: Our meals are traditional and cooked by our staff cook, giving you a taste of typical Peruvian food. We respect all food restrictions, please just let us know ahead of time. All our meals are served in a family style. A snack will be provided each morning for you to enjoy along the hike. Your last meal with your chef will be after breakfast on third day. Lunch the last day is not included.
- Water: From your first day you will be provided with water for your journey. This water is boiled, and it is necessary to bring personal water bottles.
- Travel bags: Our travel bags will be delivered to you, where you will carry your clothes and other personal items, sleeping bags and a mat. With a maximum weight of 7 kilos.
- First Aid: Our team is trained in first aid. In case of emergency we follow an emergency plan to provide the fastest possible attention.
- Extras: We believe that personalized attention is a plus for us, so small details are very important. We are committed to creating the most authentic experience towards Machu Picchu.
- Satellite Phones: For us security is very important, and keeping our customers safe is our priority. We have satellite phones for emergencies or any situations that may require them.
- Taxes and Fees: All taxes and permit fees associated with this trek are included in the listed price.
- Taxes: Free roundtrip airport transportation.
- Not Included
- Huayna Picchu: The mountain that is next to Machu Picchu. This trek has a duration of about 50 minutes and is quite the walk. It has a cost of 75 USD, and for us to be able to get permission for this mountain, you must let us know a month in advance due to its popularity.
- Rentals: Every traveler needs to have their own sleeping bag when camping. Inflatable air mattresses and walking sticks are recommended. These items are not part of the tour package so if you do not wish to bring any of own the above items, you may rent them following these ratest: Inflatable air mattress : $ 15 Walking sticks: $ 10 Sleeping bag: $ 20
- Backpacks for the Day: the agency does not provide backpacks, so you must bring your own. Note; Machu Picchu does not allow backpacks over 25 lb.
- Flashlights (lamps): it is recommended to bring flashlights for the campsites or headlamps.
- Tips: Tips are always welcome, and should be based on your travel satisfaction (not mandatory).
- Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended, but not mandatory. Normally many people get sick with altitude sickness, so we recommend adapting 1 day or 2 days before starting a trek.
- Prices
Only group services are offered for the Ausangate Trek to Machu Picchu (from 2 persons). Then, we’ll open this service for you with a minimum of 2 people.
$550
Only Tours
- Student discount
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The student discount applies only to people who present their valid UNIVERSITY CARD. Children under 17 years of age or younger. To grant the discount we need you to send us a copy of the university card. For children 17 and under, we need a passport copy for booking.
Discount: $ 30 off per person - Additional Items
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Huayna Picchu Mountain: $ 75 per person
Vistadome Train (one way): $ 75 per person
