Stage 2 of the Ausangate Circuit covers 9.5 km from Upis to Pucacocha, with 504 m of ascent and 299 m of descent. The highest point is 4,741 m. Allow about 4.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Campsite below Hatun Pucacocha lake at about 4,600 m, about 180 m from the trail, with small stone and A-frame shelters used by tour groups. Hikers report that the shelters near Pucacocha belong to a Cusco operator and that a fee is charged; carry a tent and expect to pay S/10-15.
Flat grassy camp spot on the trail about 3 km before Hatun Pucacocha, after the descent from Arapa pass (4,850 m). A fallback if the group camps are full or you are slow on the first pass; no facilities.
Wild campsite on the shore of the first Pucacocha lake, right on the trail about 2 km before Hatun Pucacocha, at about 4,550 m. No facilities: treat lake and stream water, which is shared with alpacas.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in hiker reports but could not be checked on an official page. Between Upis and Pacchanta there are only campsites at 4,400-4,700 m, so carry a 4-season tent and a warm sleeping bag. Local families often charge a small fee to camp: pay in cash, in soles.
Emergency: call 105 (police) or 106 (ambulance). Carry a satellite messenger. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.