Ausangate Intro to Backpacking Course

Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Pacchanta – Hot Springs Campsite

​We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 am and drive for about 3 hours through picturesque Andean landscapes to the small village of Pacchanta (4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Along the way, we’ll stop at Tinqui to stretch our legs and enjoy a light breakfast. Pacchanta is known for its natural hot springs, offering a relaxing start to our backpacking adventure.

After meeting our horsemen and organizing our gear, we begin a gentle 3-hour hike toward our first campsite near the Pacchanta hot springs. The trail is mostly flat with mild ascents, making it a perfect introduction to trekking at high altitude. Upon arrival, a hearty lunch awaits, followed by the option to soak in the thermal baths while gazing at Ausangate’s snow-capped peaks. As night falls, enjoy a warm dinner under the Andean sky before settling into your tent for a peaceful night.

• Elevation gain: 250 m / 820 ft

• Elevation loss: 50 m / 165 ft

• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles

• Hiking time: 3 hours

• Campsite elevation: 4,450 m / 14,600 ft

• Highest point: 4,450 m / 14,600 ft

• Difficulty: Easy

• Accommodation: Tents

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Day 2: Pacchanta – Azul Cocha – Jampa Pass – Comercocha

Wake up at 6:00 am with a hot drink before enjoying a nutritious breakfast. The day’s trek begins with a gradual ascent toward Azul Cocha, a striking turquoise glacial lake. We’ll take a short break to admire the views and learn about the local flora and fauna before continuing toward Jampa Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 ft), the highest point of the day. The ascent is steady and rewarding, with breathtaking panoramic views of Ausangate and the surrounding peaks.

After crossing the pass, we descend gradually into a wide valley where llamas and alpacas roam freely. A well-earned lunch will be served near Comercocha Lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a short optional hike around the lake or simply relax in camp. Dinner will be served in a sheltered area, and as night falls, enjoy an unforgettable stargazing experience with clear views of the Milky Way.

• Elevation gain: 400 m / 1,312 ft

• Elevation loss: 300 m / 984 ft

• Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles

• Hiking time: 5–6 hours

• Campsite elevation: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft

• Highest point: 4,850 m / 15,912 ft

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Accommodation: Tents

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Day 3: Comercocha – Jampa Valley – Cusco

Begin the final day with an early breakfast before setting off on an easy downhill trek through the Jampa Valley. The route follows a scenic path alongside a glacial river, passing grazing herds of llamas and remote Andean villages. The last stretch of the trek is a gentle descent back to Pacchanta, where we’ll celebrate our adventure with a delicious lunch and one last dip in the hot springs.

After lunch, we’ll say farewell to our team and board our private transport back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon.

• Elevation gain: 100 m / 328 ft

• Elevation loss: 400 m / 1,312 ft

• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles

• Hiking time: 3–4 hours

• Trailhead elevation: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft

• Highest point: 4,700 m / 15,420 ft

• Difficulty: Easy

• Return to Cusco: Approximately 3 hours by van