This is one of the most attractive routes in the entire Cusco region. We’ll travel through the surroundings of the Vilcanota mountain range and enjoy diverse landscapes surrounded by beautiful crystal-clear lagoons such as Sibinacocha and Cascara. You’ll also witness fantastic views of the immense Quelccaya Glacier, also known as Qoyllur Puñuna, which means “where the stars rest.” If you love nature and want to experience the living culture of people who inhabit small, traditional communities, then this program is perfect for you.
This is one of the most attractive routes in the entire Cusco region. We’ll travel through the surroundings of the Vilcanota mountain range and enjoy diverse landscapes surrounded by beautiful crystal-clear lagoons such as Sibinacocha and Cascara. You’ll also witness fantastic views of the immense Quelccaya Glacier, also known as Qoyllur Puñuna, which means “where the stars rest.” If you love nature and want to experience the living culture of people who inhabit small, traditional communities, then this program is perfect for you.
We’ll start by heading in private transportation to the town of Pitumarca, where we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then, we’ll continue our journey toward the Chilca viewpoint and Sibinacocha Lagoon. Near the latter, we’ll have lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll head to our first campsite in Mormorani.
Next, we’ll hike toward the Yayamari estate and take in some incredible landscapes. After that, we’ll ascend to the pass of the same name, from where you’ll get a broader view that includes the Chumpe and Yayamari glaciers.
Later, we’ll make our way to our campsite near Cascara Lagoon. On the final day, we’ll cross the vast Phinaya valley until we reach our lunch spot, where we’ll witness the world’s largest tropical glacier: the famous Quelccaya. After taking in this magical place, we’ll return to camp and then head back to Cusco with unforgettable memories of our adventure.
We’ll pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and begin our adventure in the Andes. We’ll head in our private transport to the town of Pitumarca, where we’ll have breakfast at a local restaurant. Then, we’ll continue driving along a narrow road through the mountains until we reach the community of Chilca, a small village that will surprise us with its incredible view of the imposing Ausangate and the glaciers that surround it.
After taking a moment to enjoy the landscape, we’ll continue by car for two more hours until we reach Lake Sibinacocha, the starting point of our hike. This place is considered a natural paradise thanks to its breathtaking views and rich diversity of wild flora and fauna. While there, we’ll also witness its two glaciers: Chumpe and Yayamari.
After enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by our chef, we’ll walk along the shores of Lake Sibinacocha, accompanied by the muleteers, until we reach our campsite located in Mormorani—an ideal place to recharge and rest for the next day.
Today we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and head in our transport to the town of Pitumarca, where we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast. Then, we’ll continue the drive past the community of Chilca until we reach Lake Sibinacocha. Here, you’ll admire the diverse wild flora and fauna, as well as its two glaciers: Chumpe and Yayamari. After enjoying lunch, we’ll head to our campsite in Mormorani to spend the night.
We’ll wake up to the wonderful view of the lake and its beautiful surrounding landscapes. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll head toward the Yayamari estate, where we’ll have the chance to connect with Mother Nature and become privileged spectators of incredible scenery.
Then, we’ll go to the other side of the great Lake Sibinacocha, where Yayamari is located, and enjoy lunch prepared by the skilled hands of our chef. We’ll witness the beautiful mountains of the Peruvian Andes and the snow-capped Yayamari.
In the afternoon, we’ll gradually ascend until we reach the Yayamari Pass. Once at the top, you’ll take in the Vilcanota mountain range with its fantastic panoramic view of the Chumpe and Yayamari glaciers. We’ll then continue hiking for about three more hours until we reach our campsite, located very close to Lake Cascara.
Early this morning, we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in the stunning view of Lake Sibinacocha. Then, we’ll head to the Yayamari estate, where we’ll connect with nature and its incredible landscapes. After that, we’ll ascend to the Yayamari Pass, and once we reach it, you’ll be rewarded with the breathtaking scenery of the area, featuring the Chumpe and Yayamari glaciers. Finally, we’ll make our way to our campsite near Lake Cascara to spend the night.
Today we’ll wake up surrounded by the mountains and the lake that are part of this stunning landscape. After enjoying a nutritious breakfast, we’ll take a short descent to Lake Cascara, where we’ll observe a variety of native birds. Then, we’ll head to our lunch spot, passing through the vast Phinaya Valley; along the way, we’ll see South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue toward our campsite in Ruita. Near this area, we’ll admire Lake Blanca and the largest tropical glacier in the mountain range: Quelccaya. Afterward, we’ll walk for about 45 minutes to the Qori Kalis viewpoint. Once there, we’ll enjoy the sunset over the mountains and capture unforgettable moments in our photos. We’ll then return to our campsite to enjoy a comforting hot tea and a delicious dinner.
Today we’ll start the day with a nutritious breakfast while enjoying the site’s breathtaking view. Afterward, we’ll descend to Lake Cascara and observe typical birds of the area. Then, we’ll cross the vast Phinaya Valley until we reach our lunch spot. We’ll continue on to our campsite in Ruita and head to the Qori Kalis viewpoint to take in the incredible sunset over the mountains. Finally, we’ll return to Ruita, where we’ll spend the night and enjoy a restorative dinner.
We’ll wake up early and have a hearty breakfast. Then, we’ll begin the hike toward Quelccaya, considered the largest tropical glacier in the Cusco region and in the world. We’ll explore the surroundings of this magical place from beginning to end with our guide, who will be ready to share all the information to help us learn more about this wonder crafted by Mother Nature.
After witnessing such breathtaking landscapes, we’ll return to our campsite and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll say goodbye to this incredible place and head back to Cusco, taking with us unforgettable memories of this beautiful experience.
Today is the last day of our adventure! After having a hearty breakfast, we’ll take in the surroundings of Quelccaya and its beautiful landscapes from start to finish. After enjoying such breathtaking scenery, we’ll return to our campsite and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll say goodbye to this incredible place and head back to Cusco.
At Ausangate Peru, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may differ for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Your tour will be led by a trained and highly experienced professional with a very solid guiding background, years of hiking and wilderness experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into unforgettable adventures.
After a challenging trek we know how important a good hot meal can be to prepare your body and warm you up. That’s why on every trek with Salkantay Trekking we employ chefs with years of experience cooking on the trails so that they provide filling.
All of our hiking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola.
Our Horseman and his horses are in charge of all our gear and will always await us within the safe and comfortable camp sites.
So you are planning to trek the famous Ausangate?
his Ausangate Packing List will help you to prepare for your outdoor adventure in one of the most stunning regions of South America.
In it we have provided as much detail on every piece of kit you will need for a safe and successful trekking. The packing list includes personal recommendations on gear that we own and use. We believe these recommended items of gear provide the best value for money and deliver the best performance.
The "The Classic Trek to the Quelccaya Glacier 4 days" can leave any day of the week, from March through January. We do not run this trek in February because rainy season & maintenance.
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 8%, which we ask the client to cover since it's due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits so that you will pay the remaining in cash (the briefing day in Cusco) without charges.
lease, after your deposit, send us the transfer number to info@ausangateperu.com; only after that, we'll be able to confirm your deposit and reservation.
Extensions & Offers
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.
Additional Items
There are additional items you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of prices.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Our collection of the most fabulous hiking trails in Peru bring you up close and very personal with the region’s most jaw-dropping highlights: from the snow-peaked Andes to turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers that seem to hang as if by magic, as well as an abundance of wildlife spotting and a breathtaking, unforgettable adventure in nature.
We did the 2-day tour through Ausangate, the rainbow mountain, and the red valley. The tour was private, the guide Jimmy was very friendly and professional, the whole trip has well organized the food was delicious during the excursion.
I thank the travel agency for this beautiful experience, and I recommend it.
-- NICHOLAS A