Venture deep into one of Peru’s most remote and spiritually significant regions on this 8-day trek connecting the sacred sanctuary of Qoyllority with the towering peak of Ausangate. Passing through traditional Quero communities rarely visited by outsiders, this journey combines authentic cultural encounters with dramatic high-altitude scenery, glacial lakes, and one of the Andes’ most sacred mountains.
Built for experienced trekkers seeking true wilderness and cultural immersion far from crowded tourist routes, this itinerary rewards physical effort with genuine connection to Andean traditions still practiced today. From the pilgrimage site of Qoyllority to the natural hot springs beneath Ausangate, every day offers a deeper glimpse into a living Andean world.
Overview
The Qoyllority to Ausangate Trek is an 8-day remote expedition through one of the most culturally and spiritually significant regions of the Peruvian Andes. The route connects the sacred pilgrimage sanctuary of Qoyllority with Ausangate, one of the three highest and most revered mountains near Cusco, passing through traditional Quero communities that maintain customs largely unchanged for centuries.
Tour Itinerary Overview
Day 1 — Cusco to Chua Chua
- Early departure from Cusco by vehicle
- Stops at traditional communities and pre-Inca sites
- Introduction to the region's cultural history
- Overnight camp at Chua Chua after 4–5 hours of hiking
Day 2 — Trek to Hatun Quero
- Mostly uphill trekking day
- Arrival at the remote village of Hatun Quero
- Overnight camp at approximately 4,000 meters
- Around 5–6 hours of hiking
Day 3 — Trek to Cocha Moco
- Hike through remote highland terrain
- Arrival at Cocha Moco, known for its traditional Sunday market
- Opportunity to observe local trade and community life
- Overnight camp at 4,765 meters
Day 4 — Trek to Carhuayo
- Morning hike with expansive Andean views
- Time to enjoy scenic viewpoints
- Descent toward the Carhuayo campsite
- Overnight camp at 4,300 meters after approximately 7 hours
Day 5 — Trek to Qoyllority Sanctuary
- Ascent to Puka Aq'o Pass (4,916m)
- Gradual descent to the Qoyllority sanctuary
- Arrival at one of the Andes' most sacred pilgrimage sites
- Overnight camp at 4,648 meters after roughly 7 hours
Day 6 — Trek to Lake Singrinacocha
- Sunrise views of the ice-capped Sinacara mountain
- Hike through scenic hillsides and valleys
- Passage through the village of Mahuayani
- Ascent to Lake Singrinacocha
- Overnight camp beside the lake at 4,343 meters
Day 7 — Trek to Pacchanta
- Hike through rural villages near Ausangate mountain
- Crossing of a high pass at 4,777 meters
- Continued trek to Mamaranapaqui
- Final ascent to the campsite near Pacchanta
- Farewell celebration with the trekking crew after 8 hours
Day 8 — Pacchanta to Cusco
- Optional morning soak in natural hot springs
- Short hike to the village of Upis Bajo
- Farewell lunch with the trekking team
- Return transfer to Cusco
Why Choose This Tour
This trek is ideal for experienced adventurers seeking a genuinely remote experience far removed from the region's more heavily trafficked routes. Unlike shorter, more accessible treks, this itinerary offers deep cultural immersion in Quero communities, access to the significant Qoyllority pilgrimage site, and close proximity to Ausangate, a mountain considered sacred within Andean cosmology, all combined into a single demanding but deeply rewarding journey.
Tour Highlights
- Visits to traditional Quero communities rarely seen by outside travelers
- Multi-day trek through remote high-altitude terrain
- Arrival at the sacred sanctuary of Qoyllority, an important Andean pilgrimage site
- Crossing of Puka Aq'o Pass above 4,900 meters
- Sunrise views of the ice-capped Sinacara mountain
- Camping beside the shores of Lake Singrinacocha
- Trekking near the sacred peak of Ausangate
- Relaxing soak in natural hot springs at Pacchanta
Main Attractions
Chua Chua and Hatun Quero: Traditional villages offering early exposure to rural Andean life and pre-Inca archaeological sites.
Cocha Moco: A remote highland community known for its traditional Sunday market.
Qoyllority Sanctuary: A sacred pilgrimage site where Andean communities gather annually to honor the mountain deity, or Apu.
Sinacara and Lake Singrinacocha: Dramatic glacial scenery marking the trek's high-altitude core.
Ausangate: One of the three highest and most sacred mountains in the Cusco region.
Pacchanta Hot Springs: Natural thermal baths offering rest near the end of the trek.
Experience
Travelers on this trek move through a landscape shaped as much by spirituality as by geography, passing through Quero communities where Andean cosmology remains deeply woven into daily life. Days combine sustained high-altitude hiking with moments of quiet reflection at the sacred Qoyllority sanctuary, camping beside glacial lakes, and walking in the shadow of Ausangate, a mountain still honored as a living deity. The journey concludes with a soothing soak in natural hot springs, offering welcome relief after days of demanding trekking.
What Makes This Tour Special
This itinerary stands apart for its genuine remoteness and cultural depth, traveling through Quero communities and sacred sites rarely encountered on more conventional Cusco-area treks. Combining the spiritual significance of Qoyllority with the physical grandeur of Ausangate offers a rare dual experience of Andean cosmology and dramatic wilderness scenery, appealing strongly to travelers seeking authenticity over convenience.
Recommended For
- Experienced Trekkers
- Adventure Travelers
- Culturally Curious Travelers
- Nature Lovers
- Photographers
- Solo Travelers
- Small Groups
- Travelers Seeking Remote Destinations
Useful Information
Altitude: Ranges from approximately 4,000 m at early campsites to nearly 4,920 m at Puka Aq'o Pass.
Climate: Cold, high-altitude Andean climate with significant temperature drops at night.
Recommended Season: The dry season, from May to September, offers the most stable trekking conditions.
Travel Time: Approximately 8 days from departure in Cusco to return.
Physical Level: Strenuous, with sustained high-altitude trekking on most days.
Recommendations: Arrive in Cusco several days early to acclimatize, train physically beforehand, and pack for consistently cold camping conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Chuachua
We leave Cuzco early in the morning and drive to the Chua Chua village. On the way we will pass a number of traditional communities and pre-Incan archaeological sites. We will make stops to learn the history of the traditional communities and the significance of the archaeological sites.
(Camp at Chua Chua. Estimated hiking – 4 to 5 hours)
Day 2: Chua Chua – Hatun Qero
We leave our camp to make our way to the outstanding village of Hatun Quero. This day is going to be mostly uphill.
(4,000m / 13,123 ft. Camp at Hatun Quero. Estimated hiking – 5 to 6 hours)
Day 3: Hatun Quero – Cochamoco
We will hike from our camp to Cocha Moco. On Sundays in Cocha Moco there is a market where the local people gather to buy and sell their products and to socialize with their distant neighbors.
(Camp at Cocha Moco. 4,765m / 15,633 ft. Estimated hiking – 5 hours)
Day 4: Cocha Mocco – Carhuayo
We leave early in the morning from our campsite in Cocha Moco to Carhuayo ( 4,765m / 15,633ft), where we will spend time enjoying the awesome views. Then we will hike down for another 2 hours enjoying stunning views of the Andes and camp at Carhuayo.
(4,300m / 14,107ft. Estimated hiking – 7 hours)
Day 5: Carhuayo Qoyllorrity
After two hours hiking we will get to the pass called Puka Aq’o (4,916m). Then we will gradually follow the path to the Sanctuary of Qoyllorrity, the place where the Andean people have gathered annually for generations to honor the Apu (deity) of this mountain.
(Camp at Qoyllorrity. 4,648m / 15,249 ft. Estimated hiking – 7 hours)
Day 6: Qoyllorrity Singrinacocha
After enjoying the sun rise over the ice capped mountain, Sinacara, we will walk through beautiful hillsides and valleys to the village of Mahuayani. Then we will climb about two hours to lake Singrinachocha, where we will camp on the shore of the lake.
(Camp at Singrinacocha (4,343m/14,248 feet))
Day 7: Singrinacocha Pacchanta
Today we will hike through rolling hills and rural villages near the sacred mountain, Ausangate (6,384m / 20,944ft), one of the three highest and most sacred mountains in the Cuzco area.
We will cross the pass (4,777m / 15,672ft) and continue to Mamaranapaqui. Then we will hike uphill to get to the campsite near Pacchanta. This is our last night with the staff and we will celebrate our successful journey with them.
(Estimated hiking – 8 hours)
Day 8: Pacchanta Cusco
This morning we can enjoy the hot springs before breakfast. Then we will hike to our wranglers’ village, Upis Bajo. We will have lunch before returning to Cuzco.
Includes
- Pre-trek briefing.
- Collection from your hotel on the morning of trek departure.
- Transport from Cuzco to the trailhead at the beginning of the trek in private vehicle.
- English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
- Tents – 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
- Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can rent you an inflatable mattress (e.g. Thermarest).
- Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups).
- Toilet tent.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the Western diet and also traditional diet.
- Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 7 kg/15 lbs. per person).
- 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower.
- Dining tent with camp tables and chairs and kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals.
- Tents for our staff to sleep.
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle.
What’s Not included
- Sleeping bags. If you haven’t got a sleeping bag or you don’t want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
- Gratuities for the staff.
- If you want to take more substantial items or backpacks, you will need to hire an additional mule. Also if you want your personal riding hourse let us know.
Packing List
Clothing
- Lightweight and moisture-wicking clothing for hiking
- Long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun and insect protection
- Warm layers for the cool evenings (fleece or down jacket)
- Waterproof jacket and pants (for rainy weather)
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Warm hat, gloves, and scarf for cold nights at higher altitudes
- Comfortable hiking boots (broken-in and waterproof)
- Comfortable camp shoes (sandals or lightweight shoes)
- Wool or synthetic socks (bring several pairs)
Essential Gear
- Daypack (25-30L) for carrying your personal items
- Large duffel bag for porters to carry (preferably waterproof)
- Sleeping bag (fiber-filled, as provided)
- Sleeping pad (if not provided, confirm with the tour organizer)
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Waterproof bags to protect electronics and clothing
- Reusable water bottle (at least 2L capacity)
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with sun protection
- Insect repellent (DEET-based recommended)
Personal Items
- Passport and copies (for entry into Machu Picchu)
- Travel insurance documents
- Credit card or cash (for personal expenses)
- Camera or phone (with extra memory cards and batteries)
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, etc.)
Optional Items
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
- Lightweight trekking poles (optional but recommended for the Inca Trail)
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Notebook or journal
- Small lock for your duffel bag
Important Notes
- Make sure all your gear is lightweight and waterproof, as weather can change quickly.
- Ensure you have proper hiking boots that are well-broken-in before the trek to avoid blisters.
- Pack light, as porters will carry your equipment, but there are weight restrictions for what can be carried.
Location the 8 Day Qoyllority to Ausangate
Travel Information
Sacred Expedition: Qoyllur Rit’i – Ausangate Trek (8 Days / 7 Nights) – A mystical journey through Cusco’s most powerful Andean sanctuaries, combining spiritual pilgrimage, living culture, and glacial landscapes.
What to Bring
This remote, high-altitude trek requires serious preparation. Essentials include sturdy, broken-in hiking boots, a four-season sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures, layered clothing for extreme daily temperature swings, a warm hat and gloves, sun protection, and a reliable headlamp. Trekking poles are strongly recommended given the sustained high-altitude terrain. Swimwear is useful for the hot springs at Pacchanta, and a well-stocked personal first-aid kit is advisable given the trek's remoteness.
Included
Most packages include professional guiding, horse or wrangler support for camping equipment, all trekking meals, camping gear, and private transportation to and from Cusco. Given the remote nature of this route, accommodation is entirely camping-based throughout the trek, with support staff managing logistics at each overnight stop.
Not Included
Typically excluded are international flights, travel insurance, tips for guides and support staff, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bag rental if not personally owned, and personal expenses. Since this is a fully self-contained camping trek, any additional comforts beyond standard trekking provisions should be arranged independently.
Physical Difficulty
This trek is rated strenuous and is intended for experienced trekkers with a strong level of fitness. Nearly every day involves sustained hiking at high altitude, often for five to eight hours, over remote and sometimes rugged terrain. This is not a beginner-friendly route, and prior multi-day trekking experience at altitude is highly recommended before attempting this itinerary.
Altitude Information
This trek maintains a consistently high altitude profile, ranging from approximately 4,000 meters at early campsites to nearly 4,920 meters at Puka Aq'o Pass. Given the sustained elevation throughout nearly the entire route, proper acclimatization in Cusco before departure is essential. Trekkers should be attentive to symptoms of altitude sickness and maintain a steady, well-paced hiking rhythm throughout the journey.
Weather
Weather in this high Andean region is characterized by intense sun during the day and freezing temperatures at night, particularly at the higher campsites near Qoyllority and Singrinacocha. The dry season offers more stable, predictable conditions, while the wet season increases the risk of rain, snow, and more challenging trail conditions at these elevations.
Transportation
Private vehicle transport connects Cusco with the trailhead at Chua Chua, and again from Pacchanta or Upis Bajo back to Cusco at the end of the trek. Throughout the multi-day trekking sections, wranglers with pack animals carry camping equipment and supplies between campsites.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from May to September, provides the most favorable trekking conditions, with clearer skies and more stable temperatures at high altitude. Some travelers time this trek around the traditional Qoyllority pilgrimage period, which typically occurs in late May or June, for a unique cultural dimension, though standard trekking conditions remain best throughout the broader dry season.
Travel Tips
Arrive in Cusco at least three to four days before departure to properly acclimatize to the altitude, given the consistently high elevations maintained throughout this trek. Physical training in the weeks beforehand, particularly cardiovascular conditioning, is strongly recommended. Pack conservatively but thoroughly, as this route offers limited opportunities to purchase additional gear once the trek begins.
Important Notes
This trek passes through extremely remote terrain with limited to no access to medical facilities or emergency services, making comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking essential. Travelers with pre-existing health conditions should consult a physician before booking. Given the sustained high altitude and physical demands, this itinerary is best suited to trekkers with prior experience at elevation.
Frecuendly asked questions
Qoyllority, also spelled Qoyllorriti, is a significant Andean pilgrimage centered on a sanctuary near the sacred Sinacara mountain, where communities gather annually to honor the Apu, or mountain deity, believed to inhabit the peak. The event blends Catholic and pre-Columbian Andean spiritual traditions, drawing thousands of pilgrims from surrounding regions each year. Treks that include the Qoyllority sanctuary offer travelers a rare opportunity to visit this deeply significant site and understand its enduring role in Andean cosmology and community life.
This trek is rated strenuous and is best suited to experienced trekkers with a strong level of fitness. Nearly every day involves five to eight hours of hiking at consistently high altitude, often above 4,000 meters, over remote and sometimes rugged terrain. Unlike more accessible routes in the Cusco region, this itinerary offers little respite from elevation throughout its duration, making prior high-altitude trekking experience highly beneficial before attempting this route.
This itinerary typically spans 8 days, beginning with an early departure from Cusco and progressing through a series of remote Quero communities before reaching the Qoyllority sanctuary and continuing toward Ausangate mountain. The trek concludes with a relaxing stop at natural hot springs near Pacchanta before the return transfer to Cusco, offering a complete remote wilderness and cultural experience within a compact but demanding week-long window.
Ausangate is one of the three highest and most revered mountains in the Cusco region, standing at over 6,300 meters. Within Andean cosmology, it is considered an Apu, a powerful mountain deity believed to protect and provide for surrounding communities. This spiritual significance has shaped local traditions and pilgrimage practices for centuries, making treks that pass near its base a meaningful way to engage with living Andean beliefs alongside dramatic high-altitude scenery.
No, this trek is not recommended for beginners due to its consistently high altitude, remote location, and demanding daily hiking hours, often reaching seven to eight hours per day. The lack of easy exit points and limited access to services along much of the route make prior high-altitude, multi-day trekking experience essential. Travelers considering this itinerary should have completed shorter treks at elevation before attempting this challenging expedition.
The dry season, from May to September, offers the most stable and favorable trekking conditions, with clearer skies and more predictable temperatures at high altitude. Some travelers choose to time their trek around the traditional Qoyllority pilgrimage period, typically occurring in late May or June, for added cultural significance, though the broader dry season remains the most reliable window for trekking safety and comfort.
This trek maintains a consistently high elevation profile throughout its duration, ranging from approximately 4,000 meters at earlier campsites to nearly 4,920 meters at Puka Aq’o Pass, the trek’s highest point. Given this sustained altitude, proper acclimatization in Cusco before departure is essential, and trekkers should remain attentive to symptoms of altitude sickness throughout the journey, particularly during the demanding pass crossings.
This remote route passes through several traditional Quero communities, including Hatun Quero and Cocha Moco, where visitors can observe daily Andean life, including traditional markets and pastoral herding of llamas and alpacas. The high-altitude terrain also supports native Andean wildlife, and trekkers may spot free-ranging livestock alongside opportunities to witness centuries-old cultural practices that remain largely unchanged in these isolated mountain villages.
Yes, this itinerary includes a stop at natural hot springs near Pacchanta, located close to the base of Ausangate mountain, typically enjoyed on the final morning of trekking before the return to Cusco. After days of demanding high-altitude hiking, this soak offers welcome relief for tired muscles and serves as a relaxing conclusion to the physically intensive journey through this remote Andean region.
Unlike more popular routes such as the Inca Trail or Salkantay trek, the Qoyllority to Ausangate trek ventures through genuinely remote terrain rarely visited by international travelers, passing through traditional Quero communities and the significant Qoyllority pilgrimage sanctuary. This combination of deep cultural immersion, sustained high-altitude wilderness trekking, and proximity to the sacred peak of Ausangate offers an experience focused on authenticity and remoteness rather than iconic archaeological sites.
