Ausangate Trek (5 Days)

Ausangate Trek (5 Days)

Without a doubt the Ausangate trail offers some of the most wonderful scenery in the whole of the Cusco area, with many birds and wildlife and also glaciers and high alpine lakes. Its also one of the most challenging in the region with three high passes over 5,000 metres/ 16000 feet. On a clear day, Apu Ausangate dominates Cusco's southern skyline. As we draw closer to this massive massif (6,380 metres/ 20 926 feet) one becomes increasingly impressed and understands fully why the ancient Incas held this spectacular mountain in such high regard. During the whole Ausangate trek circuit we pass local villages where the people dress in their typical attire - the women in beautiful flatboard hats with trimmings - and llamas graze freely

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Tinqui - Upis

Stop At: Ausangate, Cusco 08002 Peru
Your guide will meet you in Cusco early in the morning, and take you via private transportation to the starting point of our trek- Tinqui. Here you will meet with the rest of our team Cook & horse driver then starting our hike after 2 hours we will get to the lunch spot while your gear is being loaded onto pack horses. After lunch you will begin hiking to our first camp. This day we only hike for a few hours until we arrive at the village of Upis. Here you can take a soak in the hot springs, while enjoying coca tea, and relax your muscles until dinner.

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 8km/ 3 miles

Elevation: 3800m- 4200m

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Camp: 4200m/ 13,780ft

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tents
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Camping

Day 2: Upis - Arapa Pass - Ausangate Q'ocha

Stop At: Ausangate, Cusco 08002 Peru
During our morning's trek, we will cross our the Arapa pass (4,850 metres/ 15908 feet). From here, we continue 3½ hours down the valley, passing the green lake of PuqaQ'ocha until we reach the turquoise Lake JatunPuqaQ'ocha. We then ascend the second pass of Apacheta(4,900 metres/ 16 072 feet) with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna AusangateQ'ocha below. This lake is fed from the melting snow of Ausangate. We will camp here for the second night.

Duration: 8 hours

Distance: 15km

Elevation: 4200m- 4930m- 4700m

Hiking time: 7 hours

Camp: 4700m/ 15,420ft

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tents
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Camping

Day 3: Ausangate Q'ocha - Palomani Pass - Qampa Pampa

Stop At: Ausangate, Cusco 08002 Peru
Covering less kilometers today, as yesterday was a big day, we pass beautiful glacial tarns, lush green pampas, and follow the edge of the river. Today is a great day for spotting wildlife so keep an eye out for condors, and vicuñas.

Duration: 7 hours

Distance: 17km (10.5 miles)

Elevation: 4650m - 5100m - 4600m

Hiking time: 7-8 hours

Camp: 4600m/ 15,090ft

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tents (Camping)
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Camping

Day 4: Qampa Pampa - Qampa pass -Pacchanta

Stop At: Ausangate, Cusco 08002 Peru
With only one pass to cross we will take our time today enjoying the deep blue lagoons, and alpine glacial colored lakes along the way. If your brave enough you can even jump in to cool off. Views of the massive Ausangate mountain are still visible, only today you will get to enjoy them from a new angle along with views of Pacchanta Valley. Our goal is the hot springs of Pacchanta where we will enjoy a nice soak and the views of the Ausangate Mountain above.

Duration: 8 hours

Distance: 16k

Elevation: 4600m- 5050m - 4300m

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Camp: 4300m/ 14,110ft

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tents (Camping)
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Camping

Day 5: Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco

Stop At: Ausangate, Cusco 08002 Peru
Today is another early morning as we make our way back to the starting point of Tinqui walking on flat ground and celebrating our accomplishments. Once we arrive at the village you will have your last lunch while everything is packed up in our private transportation to make our way back to Cusco where. You will be dropped off at your hotel arriving around 5pm.

Duration: 3 hours

Distance: 16k

Elevation: 4300m (descending)

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.