Sky Dome Camp in Pacchanta, Ausangate

Escape the city and recharge your mind and spirit with a true connection to nature.

One of the best things about visiting Cusco is the opportunity to go hiking in the mountains. There are so many alternative trails that take you to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the region, where you can enjoy a true connection with nature. It is without a doubt one of the best ways to escape the city and recharge your mind and spirit.

A big part of these unforgettable experiences comes from the guides who lead us along the trails. The food, freshly prepared in the middle of the mountains, is another important part of the adventure. And finally, there are the places where we rest at night: the accommodations.

On popular treks such as the Salkantay Trail, travelers can enjoy glamping-style camps that make the journey even more memorable. But that’s not all. As trekking routes continue to evolve, so do the campsites. Today, you can also find this style of accommodation along the Ausangate Trek.

Pacchanta

The Ausangate route is known for its unique beauty and deep spiritual atmosphere. Unlike more crowded trails, Ausangate remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, and that is exactly what makes it so special. Most camps along the route offer stunning views of the mountains and the majestic Ausangate Peak. But why not add a little extra comfort to your nights under the stars?

Now you can!

Imagine combining nature, comfort, and responsible tourism in one incredible experience. Hiking around the Ausangate Mountain is now even more enjoyable, allowing you not only to admire the breathtaking landscapes but also to relax in comfort Sky Domes at Pacchanta before continuing on one of the most spectacular treks in Peru.

What is the camp like?

sky doem on the salknatay trekking

The panoramic Sky Domes are the perfect place to rest in the middle of the mountains. Located near the hot springs of Pacchanta, they offer incredible views of the majestic Ausangate Mountain right from your room.

This eco-friendly accommodation allows you to connect with nature while enjoying the comfort of a unique “thousand-star” glamping experience.

Amenities

  • Comfortable hotel-style beds inside your panoramic dome, complete with warm blankets for a cozy night’s sleep.
  •  Delicious meals served with spectacular views of Ausangate and the surrounding mountains.
  •  Relax in the natural hot spings after your hike — the perfect reward after a day on the trail.
  •  A great starting point for adventures such as the 7 Lakes of Ausangate Tour, the 4-Day Ausangate Trek, or simply a relaxing day away from the city.
  •  Enjoy freshly prepared meals made by our experienced chefs in a dining area with unforgettable mountain views. Need to stay connected? No problem. Fast Wi-Fi is available so you can enjoy the comfort of your dome while staying in touch with the world.

4 things to expect when hiking Ausangate route

The Ausangate trek is known worldwide for the beautiful colors and landscapes that has all over the trek. But, what to expect?

Beautiful landscapes

The route to the summit of Rainbow Mountain is a true spectacle. From cold highlands to incredible colorful mountains, without a doubt, this destination has a lot to offer you.

View of Rainbow Mountain & Ausangate

Did you know that this is the road to Ausangate? From the top of the imposing Vinicunca you will be able to observe in all its splendor the protective Apu of Cusco, the majestic Ausangate. It is the highest mountain in Cusco, and fifth largest in Peru. Not to mention the Rainbow Mountain, an impressive geological formation.

local people ausangate

The local people

The climb is magical. During the walk we will be able to observe the local people with their traditional clothing. Part of this culture is the chicharrón de alpaca, delicious pieces of alpaca meat cooked in an artisanal way.

trekking ausangate

Wildlife & Extreme adventure

Observe alpacas, llamas, horses and birds in their natural habitat. Despite being a one-day walk, we guarantee a unique experience. This short hike will make you know your limits. Your dreams are just a step away!

Best Time to Hike the Ausangate mt?

It is always a great idea to go hiking, and even better on the Ausangate route. In Cusco, the weather is very unpredictable because it changes constantly during the day. However, there are two main seasons:

Dry season (May to October)

This season is known for little or no rain, clear skies, and bright sunshine in the morning. Even though it can be warm during the day, clear skies in the mountains usually mean one thing: cold nights. The advantage of this season is that you can hike without rain and enjoy excellent views.

Rainy season (November to April)

During these months, you can expect rain during the day (not all day, but usually for a few hours). However, good equipment can make a big difference. The advantage is that you will see greener landscapes and fields.

In the end, it depends on the kind of trip you want. If you like green landscapes or do not mind a little rain, you can choose this season. If you prefer dry weather and clear views, the dry season is the best option.

Pacchanta community

Pacchanta Hot Springs

Right nest to our Sky Dome, in the small village of Pacchanta, you will find the perfect reward after your hike or simply the perfect excuse to relax while looking at the glaciers.

The Pacchanta hot springs have natural thermal pools that help your muscles relax after a long effort. If you are only looking for a peaceful moment, this is one of the best places to relax, leave your stress behind, and enjoy a drink while looking at the snowy mountains.

Cultural Place or Hike

One of the main questions when we travel and do not know where to start is: What am I looking for? A cultural place or a hiking experience? In the case of Ausangate and the amazing places around it, you can enjoy both:

Culture: You will see local life and learn about the economy based on farming and raising animals. Many local people rent their horses or mules to travelers who feel tired during the hike. They also prepare local food for visitors and sometimes rent their homes so travelers can rest. You will also see the native Quechua language, traditional clothing, and the rural way of life.

Hiking: Without a doubt, this is the strongest point of Ausangate. The mountain and nearby areas are all about hiking to reach the best views. Along the way, you will enjoy nature and discover hidden gems such as beautiful glaciers and lakes.

How to get to Pacchanta?

The starting point of the hike is Pacchanta, located at the foot of Ausangate Mountain, about 3 hours from Cusco. Here are the options:

Full tour :Travel agencies offer all-inclusive tours to the Seven Lakes of Ausangate and nearby attractions. These tours usually include a stop in Pacchanta.

Getting to Pacchanta on your own

  1. Go to Hermanos Ayar Street: Google Maps. Take a bus going to Tinki (approx. 25 soles / USD 8). The trip is about 2.5 hours.
  2. In Tinki, take a shared taxi (collectivo) going to Pacchanta (approx. 10 soles / USD 4). The trip is about 30 minutes.

In Pacchanta, you can: Start the Seven Lakes Hike, Begin the Ausangate Trek, or Spend a night in the beautiful Pacchanta domes.

How about the 7 Lakes Hike? Is it worth it?

What do you know about the Seven Lakes Hike? Let us tell you a little more. This is an alternative route to Humantay Lake or Rainbow Mountain that will surely impress you.

The hike is almost 16 kilometers long and takes you past several beautiful lakes. The highest point of the hike is 4,800 meters above sea level. The altitude may sound challenging, but do not worry—the views are worth it.

The regular tour starts in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. After a 3-hour trip to Pacchanta and breakfast, the 5-hour hike begins with amazing views of the impressive Ausangate Glacier.

Lakes you will see:

  • Comercocha Lake
  • Alqacocha Lakes
  • Patacocha Lakes
  • China Otorongo Lake
  • Orco Otorongo Lake
  • Azulcocha Lake

Why is it worth it?

  • Beautiful nature without large tourist crowds.
  • Amazing colorful lakes that are perfect for photos.
  • The chance to connect with nature in peace and quiet.
  • Fresh and clean air, far from city noise and industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pacchanta is a typical Andean area, with classic cold weather and surrounded by mountains, offering a beautiful distant view of Ausangate. You will find some rocky paths, green vegetation, and many camelids that will welcome you.

Since this area is not as popular as other trekking routes such as Salkantay or the Inca Trail, here you can find for the first time an innovative campsite. The Sky Domes are a new option that allows you to spend a night under the stars from the comfort of a hotel-style bed. From here, the view of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain is impressive, and you can start hikes around the protective Apu Ausangate.

Yes, it is now possible to access electricity in the area to charge cameras, cell phones, and any equipment we need with us. Comfort has never been so close.

There is cell phone signal in the area, so if you have roaming activated, you will not need to worry. In addition, at the exclusive SKY Domes you can enjoy satellite internet via Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected with your loved ones and the rest of the world.

Yes, the new accommodations in the area will include hotel-style beds, private bathrooms, and hot showers to relax. A true luxury while resting in the highlands. All these amenities are within your reach!

Yes, absolutely! Visiting this charming place is totally worth it. Here you will find living local culture, dreamlike landscapes, and animals that will be part of your journey and your company.

From here you can find different options such as:
• The mystical Ausangate Trek, which can take between 3 and 4 days and will take you around the protective Apu and the impressive glacier.
• Rainbow Mountain Trek with an overnight stay in the area: You can hike to Rainbow Mountain starting from the area, with the possibility of camping near the glacier.
• The 7 Lakes of Ausangate: After relaxing in the domes, you can head towards the viewpoint of the 7 Lakes of Ausangate, visiting places such as:
◦ Comercocha Lake
◦ Alqacocha Lakes
◦ Patacocha Lakes
◦ China Otorongo Lake
◦ Orco Otorongo Lake
◦ Azulcocha Lake

To access the attractions in the area, here are the costs:

  • Hot Springs: You can relax in the thermal medicinal baths of Pacchanta for approximately USD 7. There is no time limit, so you only need to focus on enjoying yourself.
  • Entrance to the 7 Lakes of Ausangate: This circuit costs approximately USD 7 and allows you to hike to a beautiful viewpoint and admire the colorful lakes of the area.

Yes, there are small local places that offer local food at very affordable prices, ranging from USD 7 to USD 15 depending on what you would like. Meals include hot soups, Peruvian-style main dishes, and hot drinks such as muña tea or chamomile tea. If you stay in the exclusive skydomes, your meals will be included in your warm and comfortable dome experience.

To reserve a night in the panoramic domes, you can book through our website or through our WhatsApp number +. Through these channels, you can access the perfect stay in the comfort of the domes in Pacchanta.

If your interest is to stay overnight in the area and enjoy hiking, we can offer both! Contact us and you will enjoy both experiences with our specialized team.

What Defines Us !