We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 3 AM and drive to the community of Upis, located at the base of the Ausangate Mountain. The drive will take about 3.5 hours, starting on a paved road and transitioning to a scenic mountain road. Upis sits at around 4,200 meters above sea level and is home to traditional Andean families who live in harmony with the land. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a nutritious boxed breakfast to fuel our hike.

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After breakfast, we will begin our hike toward Upis Lake, nestled beneath the towering, glaciated slopes of Ausangate. The trail gradually climbs through open highland plains, with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks all around. Along the way, you’ll encounter herds of alpacas and llamas, as well as locals wearing traditional Andean clothing. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, we will reach the lake, a peaceful spot known for its mirror-like reflections and surrounding natural beauty.

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We’ll take time to relax at the lake, soak in the quiet majesty of the Andes, and take photos of the incredible views, including the imposing Ausangate Glacier. After enjoying this serene setting, we will return to the Upis community. If you’d like, you can also take a dip in the nearby natural hot springs before we have a hearty lunch. Once finished, we’ll begin the drive back to Cusco, ending this memorable day in the mountains.

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Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours.

Elevation Gain: 319 m / 1,047 ft.

Elevation Loss: 319 m / 1,047 ft.

Walking Distance: 10.4 km / 6.46 miles

Trailhead Elevation: 4200 m / 13,780 ft.

Highest Point: 4519 m / 14,826 ft.