This Ausangate trek is every trekker's dream: spectacular mountain landscapes, snowy peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas and alpacas, picturesque villages populated of descendants of the Inca people preserving their traditions of colourful clothes, preservation and respect of the nature around them, which gives them everything they have ever needed to live, farm and raise their llamas and alpacas.
In the Andean cosmovision, the Ausangate is the most important sacred mountain around Cusco and the Altiplano. This is why it gives the name of Apu Ausangate (APU is the name given to the sacred in the Andean mountains).
The Ausangate trek is a splendid tour. Almost all the trek is located at altitudes above 3,700 meters, which means having a good physical condition and especially high altitudes acclimatization is a must.
Ausangate Trek Overview:
- Duration: 6 days/5 nights.
- Starting point: Cusco/Ocongate/Tinqui.
- Ending point: Ausangate/Tinqui/Cusco.
- Physical Demand Rating: Moderate/Challenging.
- Age Restriction: 12-years old children.
- Trip Code: MTS - 007.
- Tour Type: Trekking, Cultural, Adventure.
- Accommodations: Camping/5 nights.
- Service Level: Standard - Deluxe.
- Guarantee: Satisfaction guaranteed.
- Style: Personalized.
- Carbon Emissions: 350 CO2-E.
- Group Size: 2 Minimum, 10 Maximum.
- Transport: Horse, walk, Mini-Van.
- Please contact us for more information
Ausangate Trek itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
Your journey begins as you leave Cusco at around 6am. We take our private bus to the village of Tinqui (3,850m), on the way passing through beautiful landscapes and several traditional villages including Urcos, Ccatcca & Ocongate. We take our lunch in Tinqui while our luggage is being arranged on the mules, before heading towards the hot springs of Upis (4,200m). This represents about 5 hours of trekking in total. On the route we can enjoy to see the majestic Cordillera Vilcanota and the beautiful Ausangate mountain getting closer. In the Upis valley we can see the very traditional lifestyle of the Quechua-speaking population.
Day 2: Upis - Jatun Q'ocha
After a solid breakfast, we will start the walk towards the first crest, the Arapa Pass (4,850m), enjoying an amazing Ausangate view. From here, we have a somewhat difficult descent course to the mountain base and new views of the green lake of Pukacocha appear. Later, we reach the turquoise lake of Jatun Pukacocha, by which we pitch camp. From the campsite we will make the climb up to see the lakes Vinococha & Ausangate close by.
Day 3: From Jatun Puqa Q'ocha to Phinaya
In the morning, we walk up to the second pass of Apuchata (4,900m) with the turquoise lake Ausangatecocha below. Passing by the lake we have a short but steep ascent to the Palomani Pass at the amazing altitude of 5,200m. Surrounded by flocks of llamas & alpacas, we walk down from the pass towards the village of Phinayapampa, our camp for the night.
Day 4: From Phinaya to Q'omercocha
We cross green swampy areas in the valley of Phinayapampa and later start walking up the valley of rio Q'ampa on our 4th day. From the valley we have great views of the snow-covered peaks of Tres Picos & Puca Punta. From the small community of Q'ampa and onwards to the pass of the same name at 5,000m. We have good chances of seeing the small vicuñas, famed for their valuable fleece. After making a small "apacheta" at the pass, we walk down to our camp site: the turquoise lake of Q'omercocha (4,580m).
Day 5: From Q'omercocha to Pacchanta
We get up early in the morning, enjoying the view while having breakfast, and starting our trek to the village of Pacchanta. On the route, observe the small settlements and the long-tailed vizcachas – a cousin of the rabbit. After lunch, a trip to the hot thermal springs will relax our tired muscles.
Day 6: Pacchanta - Tinqui - Cusco
We leave our last campsite and the village of Pacchanta walking about 3 hours back to the village of Tinqui. Here our transport back to Cusco will be waiting for us.
Ausangate Trek includes:
- Transport from the hotel to Tinki (starting point of trek).
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English).
- High-quality camping equipment (Pro tents; Doite Cima 4, extralight-4,5kg for 2 persons), mattresses, eating tent with table & chairs, bathroom tent.
- Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks/Vegetarian option at no cost).
- Cook and cooking equipment.
- Horsemen & mules for all camping & personal equipment (up to 7 kg).
- Emergency horse (minimum 2 persons).
- First-aid kit, including Oxygen bottle and safety rope.
Ausangate Trek Not including:
- Breakfast on the first day and last day lunch.
- Sleeping bag (we rent them).
- Lodging in Cusco.
- Tips.
What do I need to bring ?
Backpack with rain cover, sleeping bag, clothing for warm and cold weather and a waterproof jacket, rain pants and lightweight pants, trekking shoes, slippers/sandals (for showers and hot springs), woolen/synthetic socks, a sweater, long- & short-sleeved T-shirts, a rain poncho, a hat, bathing suit for hot springs, sunscreen, disinfecting alcohol & Gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries & toilet paper, camera (wrapped in plastic bag), a flashlight & extra batteries, some snacks like chocolate bars & dry fruits, original passport, original ISIC-card and extra money in Soles.
Notes:
1. We will climb up to 5,200m/17,060ft. Combined with the extreme weather, the Ausangate trek can be very difficult. In order to enjoy this hike, you must acclimatize at least 2 to 3 days in Cusco. We recommend the Cusco City tour, the Sacred Valley Tour and more while you get used to the altitude.
2. Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes (once wet) won't dry at night. We strongly advise you take some extra clothes to change.
Lodging & Prices: Our team of travel consultants have carefully selected the Hotels based on their excellent value and high standards. (Lower Prices + Top Service = Best Value). We can book any hotel for you at competitive rates, but published prices are based on the Qeros Tours Peru Top Hotel Picks.
Prices may vary according to season, availability & client preferences. Certain transport costs may not be included. Please contact one of our expert Travel Consultants for more information.