This 5 day trek offers some of the most wonderful scenery in the whole of the Cusco area with an abundant wildlife, birdlife and glaciers. The Ausangate trail will take you on a journey through local villages and high altitude peaks, ultimately showcasing the story of why ancient Incas held this spectacular mountain in such high regard.
Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
We depart Cusco early the morning for our three hour ride in private transport to the small village of Tinqui (3800m). We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca and Ocangate. After lunch in Tinqui, the first 3 hours on the trail are a wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, with great views of Ausangate. We will trek for two hours more until we reach the hot springs at Upis (4,400m), which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley.
Total walking time: 3 hours
Minimum altitude: 2700m
Maximum altitude: 4400m
Campsite: Upis (4400m)
Altitude of camp: 4400m
Approx. night temperature: 10-degrees celcius
Lunch and Dinner included.
Upis - Ausangate Q'ocha
After a hearty breakfast to fuel our morning's hike, we start walking across the Arapa pass (4,850m). From here, we continue 3½ hours down the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha until we reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha. We then ascend the second pass of Apuchata (4,900m) with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. This lake is fed from the melting snow of Ausangate. This stunning lake is fed from the meltin snow of Ausangate. We will camp here tonight, under a million stars.
Total walking distance: 11kms
Minimum altitude: 3100m
Maximum altitude: 4900m
Campsite: Lake Ausangate Q'ocha
Altitude of camp: 4900m
Approx. night temperature: 6-degrees celcius
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Ausangate Q'ocha - Q'ampa
Today we fix our gaze upwards as our morning trek takes up to the Palomani Pass (5,200m); the highest point of the trek. From the Pass we follow the trail into the valley where we'll rest and have lunch. During the afternoon we can enjoy views of the snow-capped Tres Picos ("3 Peaks) and Puca Punta ("Red Point"). We will then continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q'ampa valley, where we will spend the night.
Total walking distance: 12kms
Minimum altitude: 2670m
Maximum altitude: 5200m
Campsite: Rio Q'ampa Valley
Altitude of camp: 2670m
Approx. night temperature: 12-degrees celcius
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Q'ampa - Pacchanta
We begin today passing through the small community of Q'ampa. From here we will head north-west to the last pass of this hike, the Q'ampa Pass (5000m). Along the way we will see several different coloured lakes and lunch beside the beautiful blue-green Lake Q'oma Q'ocha (4704 m).
After lunch we will continue for several hours, arriving at the small village of Pacchanta in the afternoon. Indulge yourself as you soak in the hot springs for a couple of hours, and even enjoy a well-deserved beer! WE will set up camp near Pacchanta and you will have the rest of the day free to explore this interesting Andean village.
Total walking distance: 12kms
Minimum altitude: 2670m
Maximum altitude: 5000m
Campsite: Pacchanta
Altitude of camp: 2670m
Approx. night temperature: 12-degrees celcius
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Pacchanta - Cusco
Our last day on the Ausangate trek, it's time to take it easy. After a good night's sleep and another great breakfast, it's a 3-hour trek back to Tinqui and the trailhead where our journey began. Here, take the time to enjoy this traditional Andean village before we jump back in our private vehicle for the trip home to Cusco, arriving back to your hotel around 6pm.
Total walking distance: 12kms
Minimum altitude: 2670m
Maximum altitude: 5000m
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Minimum age: 10
Maximum people: 12
*Altitude & Acclimatisation
We strongly recommend that our guests spend at least three days in Cusco prior to departure. This helps with acclimating to the altitude and also provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cusco.
Training
Everyone’s tolerance to altitude differs and we encourage our guests to make exercise and a healthy diet a part of their training program before their trip.
Packing Recommendations
Clothing
Equipment
**Optional extras
You are welcome to hire our range of hiking equipment and camping gear. Please consult our team for a detailed list and the current rates.
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