7-Day Ausangate Trek to Sibinacocha Lake
A challenging high-altitude trek through the Vilcanota Mountain Range of southern Peru
7-Day Ausangate Trek to Sibinacocha Lake
A challenging high-altitude trek through the remote Vilcanota Mountain Range of Peru
The 7-Day Ausangate Trek to Sibinacocha Lake is a challenging high-altitude trekking adventure through one of the most remote landscapes near Cusco, Peru.
Following trails around the sacred Apu Ausangate, this journey crosses dramatic mountain passes, glacial valleys, turquoise alpine lakes and remote Andean communities. The route continues toward Sibinacocha Lake, one of the most spectacular high-altitude lakes in the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
Unlike shorter Ausangate trekking routes, this 7-day expedition gives you more time to experience the remote landscapes, traditional Andean communities and expansive mountain scenery of southern Peru.
You will hike at elevations of more than 4,000 meters, cross high mountain passes and camp in remote locations surrounded by the peaks of the Vilcanota range. Along the trail, you may encounter llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and high-Andean birds.
This trek is best suited to travelers with previous hiking experience who are prepared for long days at high altitude, cold temperatures and demanding mountain terrain.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Location: Cusco, Peru
Region: Vilcanota Mountain Range
Highest elevation: Up to approximately 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Starting point: Cusco
Ending point: Cusco.
Why Choose the Ausangate & Sibinacocha Trek?
A deeper Ausangate experience
The classic Ausangate routes are spectacular, but extending the journey toward Sibinacocha allows you to experience a more remote side of the Vilcanota Mountain Range.
Remote Andean landscapes
This trek takes you beyond the busiest tourist routes into a landscape of high valleys, glacial lakes, snow-covered peaks and vast open plains.
High-altitude adventure
With several passes reaching around or above 5,000 meters, this is a genuine high-altitude trekking experience for travelers looking for a demanding adventure in the Peruvian Andes.
Local knowledge
Our trekking team is based in Cusco and has extensive experience operating in the high Andes. Your professional guide provides support throughout the trek while sharing knowledge of local landscapes, communities and Andean traditions.
Small-group experience
We limit our groups to a maximum of 8 travelers, allowing for a more personalized trekking experience and better communication between trekkers and guides.
Responsible travel
We work with local staff, muleteers and communities whenever possible and aim to operate our treks responsibly while respecting the fragile high-Andean environment.
7-Day High Altitude Trekking Adventure in Peru — Ausangate & Sibinacocha
This is one of the most demanding days of the expedition.
We climb toward Yanaqocha and the high mountain passes, reaching elevations of more than 5,000 meters. The terrain reveals dramatic geological formations, colorful valleys and remote alpine lakes.
The effort is rewarded with expansive views across the Vilcanota range. We continue toward Condorpaso, where we establish camp for the night.
Hiking distance: Approximately 17 km / 10.5 mi
Hiking time: About 9 hours
Highest elevation: Approximately 5,100 m / 16,732 ft
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today's route continues deeper into the Vilcanota Mountain Range. The landscape becomes increasingly remote as we leave the more frequented sections of the Ausangate trekking area behind.
We continue toward Yanamayo, surrounded by high Andean valleys and dramatic mountain scenery.
Hiking distance: Approximately 11 km / 6.8 mi
Hiking time: About 7 hours
Highest elevation: Approximately 4,985 m / 16,355 ft
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Pacchanta
Day 4: Yanamayo – High Mountain Passes – Condorpaso
Day 5: Condorpaso – Mormorani – Sibinacocha Lake
Your Ausangate and Sibinacocha Trek begins with an early departure from Cusco. We travel southeast toward Tinqui, passing through the Andean towns of Urcos, Ccatcca and Ocongate before reaching the high-altitude community of Tinqui.
From Tinqui, we begin hiking toward Pacchanta, a traditional Andean community located beneath the imposing Ausangate massif.
Pacchanta is also known for its natural hot springs, where you can relax while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains.
Hiking distance: Approximately 10 km / 6.2 mi
Hiking time: 3.5–4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 3: Qomerqocha Lake – Yanamayo
After breakfast, we continue through the Pacchanta Valley, gradually gaining elevation while walking through an open high-Andean landscape.
Along the route, you may see llamas and alpacas grazing near the trail. We continue toward Qomerqocha Lake, where we establish camp with views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Hiking distance: Approximately 11 km / 6.8 mi
Hiking time: About 5 hours
Highest elevation: Approximately 4,800 m / 15,748 ft
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2: Pacchanta – Qomerqocha Lake
Day 6: Sibinacocha Lake – Yayamari – Ccascara
Day 7: Ccascara – Phinaya – Cusco
we depart early to walk along the shores of the Sibinacocha Lagoon for 3 hours until we reach the Yayamari community. The village is next to the mountain of the same name, an impressive rocky peak overlooking the whole lagoon (5500 m/ 18040 ft). We then continue crossing a pampa where we will most probably see hundreds of llamas, alpacas and hopefully vicuñas. We continue our trek towards the Abra Ccascana at 5000 m/ 16400 ft, which will lead us to the lagoon of the same name. In this spot, we will set our last camp, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks such as Montura and Chumpi and inhabited by small rural communities. We may even have the chance to spot ¨Huallatas¨, Andean geese, or some flamingos.
Distance: 11 kilómetros / 6.84 millas.
Walking time: 5 1/2 horas aprox.
Low Altitude: 4,100 msnm. / 13,451 pies.
Hight Altitude: 5,070 msnm. / 16,634 pies.
Difficulty: Moderate 3 of 5
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Weather: Warm.
Today we continue toward the spectacular Sibinacocha Lake, one of the defining landscapes of this extended Ausangate trekking route.
The trail crosses remote high-Andean terrain where llamas and alpacas are commonly seen. As we approach Sibinacocha, the landscape opens into an immense glacial environment surrounded by mountain peaks.
We camp near the lake and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this remote section of the Vilcanota range.
Accommodation: Mountain camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After breakfast, we hike toward Phinaya, a remote Andean community surrounded by the mountains of the Vilcanota range.
After lunch, we begin the return journey by vehicle to Cusco. The drive takes several hours, giving us time to reflect on the landscapes and experiences of the past week.
Hiking time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Transportation: Private or scheduled ground transportation to Cusco
EXTRAS. Confort package usd 150.00
Sleeping Bag –per trek (It will be clean and warm)
Air Mattress –per trek (Therma rest mattresses)
Walking Poles - per pair per trek (Professional poles that can be extended)
Pillow per trek:Breakfast and lunch on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 7
Tips
Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
What you need to take
Original Passport
Walking boots
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
Warm jacket
Hat and gloves
T-shirts
Comfortable Trousers
Sun hat
Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
Insect repellant
Toiletries and hand sanitiser
Personal medication
Camera and film
Torch with spare batteries
WHY CHOOSE Inca land adventures?Inca land adventures is a family owned travel agency and a local tour operator based in Cusco with personal experience over many years of trekking. Inca land adventures is a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders.
Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering in PERSONALIZED and HIGH QUALITY SERVICE.
We take pride in our reputation as a RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE tour operator. Our staff are our extended family. We ensure they are supported financially by offering them a fair salary. We are so proud of our team! Without them, we wouldn’t be able to offer the best service and lifetime experiences to our clients.
Inca land adventures knows how important it is to trust in a reliable honest operator to create your adventure of a lifetime while in Peru.
Not Includes
Included
Professional English-speaking trekking guide
Assistant guide for groups of 9 or more, if applicable
Professional cook
Muleteers and pack animals for camping equipment
Personal porter/mule service for up to 10 kg, according to the service offered
Hotel pickup in Cusco
Transportation from Cusco to the trailhead
Transportation from Phinaya to Cusco
Camping equipment
Dining tent
Sleeping mattress
Meals during the trek
Drinking water according to the itinerary
First-aid kit
Emergency oxygen
Trekking poles
Cusco-to-Cusco transportation.
Price: Pricing 202 per person
1 people US$1365 per person
2 people US$900 per person
3 people US$850 per person
4 people US$800 per person
5 people US$750 per person
6 people US$700 per person
7+ people US$650 per person
Is the Ausangate & Sibinacocha Trek Difficult?
The Ausangate & Sibinacocha Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek and is best suited to travelers with good physical fitness and previous experience hiking in mountainous environments.
The main challenge is not only the distance. Much of the route is above 4,000 meters, and several mountain passes reach approximately 5,000 meters or higher.
You should be prepared for:
Long hiking days
High elevation
Cold nights
Rapid weather changes
Steep ascents and descents
Rocky and uneven terrain
Remote camping conditions
Acclimatization is essential
We strongly recommend spending several days in Cusco or another high-altitude destination before beginning the trek. Proper acclimatization can help your body adjust to reduced oxygen levels before undertaking strenuous hiking at higher elevations.
If you develop symptoms of altitude sickness during the trek, inform your guide immediately. Your guide can assess the situation and determine the safest course of action.
This is not a beginner-level hiking tour. Travelers should honestly evaluate their fitness, previous trekking experience and ability to spend several consecutive days at high altitude.
Best Time to Hike the Ausangate & Sibinacocha Trek
The best time to hike the Ausangate & Sibinacocha Trek is generally during Peru’s dry season, from May to September, when conditions are typically more favorable for trekking and mountain photography.
Dry Season
May to September usually offers drier conditions, clearer skies, and better mountain visibility, making it an excellent period for trekking in the high Andes.
Weather
Weather at high altitude can change quickly. Even during the dry season, hikers should be prepared for strong sun, cold temperatures, wind, and occasional precipitation.
Rainy Season
From approximately October to April, rain and cloud cover become more frequent. Trails can be wetter and mountain visibility less predictable.
Temperatures
Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night. Cold nights and freezing conditions are possible at high elevations, so warm and weather-resistant clothing is essential.
High-Altitude Conditions
Ausangate and Sibinacocha involve very high elevations, where cold, wind, intense sunlight, and lower oxygen levels can make trekking more demanding.
Visibility
The dry season generally provides better opportunities for clear views of Ausangate, Sibinacocha Lake, glaciers, and surrounding high-Andean landscapes.
Trekking Preparation
Allow enough time for acclimatization in Cusco or another high-altitude location before starting the trek. Proper clothing, hydration, physical preparation, and suitable trekking equipment are essential.
What to Pack for the Ausangate & Sibinacocha Trek
Ausangate Trek packing list
high-altitude trekking gear
thermal layers
waterproof jacket
trekking boots
gloves
sleeping bag
trekking poles
sunscreen
sunglasses
headlamp
personal medication
water bottle.
Ausangate & Sibinacocha Trek FAQ
How difficult is the Ausangate and Sibinacocha Trek?
The trek is challenging, mainly because of the high altitude, long walking days, steep ascents, and rugged Andean terrain. Good fitness and acclimatization are essential.
How high is the Ausangate and Sibinacocha Trek?
The trek reaches high-altitude mountain passes above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), with much of the route taking place above 4,000 meters.
How many days is the Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek?
The trek is available as a 7-day adventure, combining Ausangate’s spectacular mountain scenery with the remote landscapes around Sibinacocha Lake.
What is the best month to hike Ausangate and Sibinacocha?
The dry season from May to September generally offers the best trekking conditions, with clearer skies and less rainfall.
Do I need previous high-altitude trekking experience?
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is recommended but not essential. Strong fitness, proper acclimatization, and preparation for cold conditions are important.
How cold does it get during the trek?
Temperatures can drop significantly at night, particularly at high camps. Sub-zero temperatures are possible, so warm, technical clothing and a suitable sleeping bag are essential.
What wildlife can I see on the Ausangate Trek?
The area is home to alpacas, llamas, vicuñas, Andean geese, vizcachas, and other high-Andean wildlife. Wildlife sightings depend on the season and conditions.
Can I do the Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek as a private trek?
Yes. The Ausangate & Sibinacocha Trek can be arranged as a private trek, allowing greater flexibility with the pace, photography stops, camping arrangements, and itinerary.
Experience the high Andes beyond the crowded trekking routes.
Contact
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