Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour Cusco
TRIP SUMMARY
Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour from Cusco Overview
The Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour Cusco is a full-day high-altitude adventure designed for travelers who want to explore remote Andean landscapes without completing a long mountain trek. Travel from Cusco to the Ausangate region, ride an ATV through dramatic valleys and mountain roads, and enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, snow-covered peaks and turquoise lagoons.
Located in the Vilcanota mountain range, the Ausangate area offers some of the most impressive natural scenery in southern Peru. This experience combines scenic transportation, an ATV ride, a short high-altitude hike and time at natural viewpoints overlooking the mountain and its surrounding lagoons.
The tour includes hotel pickup from central Cusco, tourist transportation, breakfast, buffet lunch, a professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide, ATV equipment, oxygen and a first aid kit. It is an excellent option for adventure travelers looking for an alternative to the traditional Rainbow Mountain routes.
Why Choose This Ausangate ATV Tour?
This Ausangate ATV tour from Cusco combines adventure, nature and high-mountain scenery in one organized full-day experience.
- Ride an ATV through remote high-Andean landscapes.
- Admire panoramic views of the Ausangate glaciers.
- Visit turquoise lagoons and natural mountain viewpoints.
- Complete only a short hike instead of a long trekking route.
- Travel with a professional bilingual guide.
- Enjoy breakfast and buffet lunch during the excursion.
- Receive assistance from a local Cusco-based tour operator.
- Travel with oxygen and a first aid kit available during the tour.
Travelers who prefer to explore the region without driving an ATV can consider our 1-Day Ausangate Glaciers Tour from Cusco, an alternative focused on mountain landscapes and glacier viewpoints.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins with pickup from your hotel or accommodation in central Cusco at approximately 4:00 a.m. You will travel by tourist transportation toward the Cusipata area, passing local communities, valleys and high-Andean landscapes along the way.
Because pickup times may vary according to your hotel location and the day’s operating conditions, the exact time will be confirmed before departure.
Upon arrival in the Cusipata area, you will enjoy an Andean breakfast before continuing to the ATV starting point.
Your guide will then provide a safety briefing and explain how to operate the ATV, how to follow the group and what rules must be observed along the route. You will also have time to become familiar with the vehicle before beginning the ride.
The ATV adventure continues along mountain roads surrounded by valleys, rocky formations and snow-covered peaks. During the ride, you may see alpacas, llamas and other animals commonly found in the high Andes.
Several scenic sections provide views of the Ausangate mountain range and opportunities to stop for photographs. The guide will control the group’s pace according to the route, visibility and weather conditions.
After completing the ATV section, you will continue with a short hike toward the natural viewpoints and lagoons near the Ausangate glaciers.
The walk takes place at high altitude and may feel more demanding than a similar walk at lower elevations. Once at the viewpoint, you will have time to admire the glaciers, turquoise lagoons and surrounding mountain scenery.
The ATV does not travel directly over the glacier or ice. The final viewpoints are reached on foot from the designated parking area.
After visiting the viewpoints, you will walk back to the ATV area and begin the return ride. Tourist transportation will then take you to a local restaurant, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch.
Following lunch, you will return to Cusco. Arrival time may vary according to traffic, weather, route conditions and the pace of the group.
Included
- Hotel pickup from the city center.
- Professional guide in Spanish and English.
- Tourist transportation.
- Breakfast.
- Lunch.
- ATV and safety equipment.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank.
Not Included
- Entrance ticket: 30.00 PEN.
- Professional trekking poles: extra cost of 5.00 USD.
- Services not mentioned.
- Water and snacks.
- Tips.
Recommendations
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING FOR THE AUSANGATE GLACIERS TOUR:
- Entrance ticket: not included in the price; you can purchase it along the route. Bring cash.
- Valid passport or identity document.
- Small backpack with a water bottle, snacks, and other essentials.
- Extra cash in Peruvian soles to buy souvenirs, optional.
- Sun hat or cap and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen, SPF 35+.
- Light and warm clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially during the rainy season from November to March.
- Camera and extra batteries.
Alpacas: photos with locals and animals are available for a tip of approximately 5 soles, about $2 USD.
Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
The experience lasts a full day. Pickup is normally scheduled early in the morning, and the return to Cusco takes place in the afternoon or evening. The exact duration depends on traffic, weather and route conditions.
The tour reaches approximately 5,020 meters or 16,470 feet above sea level. Prior acclimatization in Cusco is strongly recommended.
Previous experience is not generally necessary. Before the ride, the guide provides an operating demonstration, safety briefing and time to become familiar with the ATV.
The ATV reaches a designated area near the mountain viewpoints. From there, participants complete a short hike to see the glaciers and surrounding lagoons. The ATVs do not travel directly over the ice.
Single and shared double ATVs may be available. The selected option should be confirmed during booking because availability and passenger restrictions may vary.
No. The local entrance fee is currently listed separately and must normally be paid along the route in Peruvian soles. Confirm the current amount before departure.
Yes. The regular service includes breakfast and buffet lunch. Travelers with dietary restrictions should provide this information before the tour.
Wear warm layers, comfortable outdoor shoes, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a hat and sun protection. Temperatures and weather conditions can change considerably during the day.
The ATV section reduces the amount of walking, but the altitude can make the short hike demanding. The tour is considered moderate to challenging and is best suited to properly acclimatized travelers. Those looking for an ATV experience at a lower altitude may prefer our Maras Moray ATV Tour from Cusco.
The drier months generally offer better opportunities for clear views. However, mountain weather remains unpredictable, and the itinerary may be adjusted for safety or operating conditions.
Kantu Peru Tours is a local Cusco-based tour operator that provides organized transportation, professional guides, operational assistance and essential high-altitude safety equipment. Booking directly also allows travelers to receive personalized information before their excursion.
Final
Ride through one of Cusco’s most impressive high-altitude landscapes and discover the Ausangate glaciers, turquoise lagoons and remote Andean valleys on a full-day ATV adventure.
Book your Ausangate Glaciers ATV Tour Cusco experience with Kantu Peru Tours and receive personalized assistance with availability, pickup information, ATV options and preparation recommendations.
