AUSANGATE MOUNTAIN TREK

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

RECOMMENDATIONS

This part of the trek is different from the other days. Whereas Ausangate is quite warm, hikers should be ready for an ascent and the higher altitude and colder climate when getting to the mountain pass. Hikers should have spent at least 2 to 3 days acclimatizing to the higher altitudes in the Cusco region prior to embarking on this trek.

 Day 1 Cusco –Tinqui – Upis Hot Springs
We depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about six hours to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota range.
Driving through the beautiful countryside, we pass several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate and continue to Tinki.
We meet our pack animals and arrieros, or mule-drivers, that will carry our equipment and backpacks. Our trek begins crossing a pampa of grassy meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,350 m.), the highest snow peak in Southern Peru. After trekking approximately five hours, with time for lunch and rest stops for pictures, we arrive to the hot springs of Upis, our first  campsite. From here, we get marvelous views of Ausangate at the end of the valley.

Day 2 Upis - Lake Pukacocha
After trekking approximately 2.5 hours, we get to our first pass, Arapa pass (4,850 m.) From the pass we enjoy wonderful vistas not only of Ausangate itself, but of many other nearby snow peaks. We continue down the corridor past small, multi-colored lagoons until we reach the larger Lake Vinococha, where we have lunch. A short walk in the afternoon brings us to the red-colored Lake Pucacocha, our campsite for the night. From here we get a dramatic, close-up view of Mount Ausangate and may even hear ice falling into the lake from its sides. Don’t worry. We are not in any danger.

Day 3 Pukacocha - Uchuy Finaya
In the morning, we make a short ascent to our second pass of Apuchata, (4,900 m.) with the aquamarine Laguna Ausangate Q’ocha below. From here, we climb to the Palomani pass (5,200 m.), the highest of our journey. We can enjoy fantastic views of Ausangate and the Vilcanota range from this point. After approximately 2 hours of walking down into a valley, we arrive to our incredibly beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya.

Day 4 Uchuy Finaya - Lake Minaparayoc
Leaving our campsite, we begin a winding ascent along a widening stream until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, named for the dozens of these furry animals that can be seen here. We pass through the small community of Campa, from where we can see the fabulous snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta and Tres Picos. Upon reaching our final pass at Q’omer Q’ocha, we have lunch among the wild vicunas and green lakes. A short downhill walk brings us to the mystical Lake Minaparayoc, where we will camp along the shore.

Day  5 Lake Minaparayoc- Hot Springs Pacchanta
Hiking down through the valley, we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to hot springs of Pacchanta. Here we can rest, have lunch, and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water. Relaxed and refreshed.  our  campsite.

Day 6 Hot  Springs Pacchanta - Cusco

Early in the morning, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui after  we take our private vehicle back to Cusco to enjoy city life again and savor the memories of a spectacular journey.

THE SERVICES INCLUDES:

• An Expert Guide with expert knowledge of the area and its customs.
• Assistant guide depending on the numbers of passengers greater than 8 passengers
• Warm meals during the trip. Meal schedule is as follows:
• Breakfast, snack, lunch, tea, dinner
• Personal tents. (with double floor)
• Bath tent
• Kitchen tent
• Water boiled after the second day
• Dining tent
• Cooks and kitchen personnel
• Tables
• Benches
• Private bus   to Tinki
• Private  bus  Tinki to Cusco  Packhorses  (to carry the tents, food and cooking equipment)
• Entrance ticket to trek Ausangate  
• Packhorses for your personal equipment personal
• Riding horses
• First-aid kit
• Oxygen
• Duffel bag  
• Radio communications  
• Satellite Phone
• Mattress  air thermarest

DOESN`T INCLUDES:

• Tips
• Dinner  6th day

WE RECOMMEND TO TAKE 

• Sleeping bag
• Rain Coat (plastic)
• Thick Jumper
• Coat (parka)
• Cream protector against the sun
• Cap or hat
• Glasses for the sun
• You bounce or slipper for walk
• T Shirts
• Wool stockings or sport
• Canteen or bottle of water
• Lantern
• Photographic camera
• Personal medications suggested by their doctor.

Options:
We can rent

• Hire walking sticks for US $2.50 per day.
• Goose down sleeping bag (good up to 18 degrees below zero) for US $5 per day.

Private Service
Any day of the week

Trek Grade: moderate - difficult

Hiking Season

From March to November
The months of December, January, February are not recommended because it is the wet season.

Conditions for your reservation