The Ausangate (6,398 m./20,991 ft.) is considered to be one of the most beautiful snowcapped mountains of the Andes. The region around the mountain offers impressive scenery of mountains, glaciers, lagoons and icy streams. Furthermore, the Andean people are very hospitable and strongly believe in the respect and preservation of nature. The farmers have excellent knowledge in the raising of cattle such as the vicuña, alpaca & llama, which are all appreciated for their fine quality wool and meat. The 4-hour drive from Cusco to Tinqui is an excellent preparation for the difference in altitude and temperature.
Ausangate Trek 5-day Overview:
- Duration: 5 days/4 nights.
- Starting point: Cusco/Ocongate/Tinqui.
- Ending point: Ausangate/Tinqui/Cusco.
- Physical Demand Rating: Moderate/Challenging.
- Age Restriction: 12-years old and over.
- Trip Code: MTS - 008.
- Tour Type: Trekking, Cultural, Adventure.
- Accommodations: Camping/4 nights.
- Service Level: Standard - Deluxe.
- Guarantee: Departure is Guaranteed.
- Style: Personalized.
- Carbon Emissions: 350 CO2-E.
- Group Size: 2 Minimum, 10 Maximum.
- Transport: Horse, walk, Mini-Van.
- Price from: US $ (Please contact one of our Qeros Tours team members for more information)
Ausangate 5-day Trek itinerary:
1st Day: Cusco – Urcos – Tinqui - Upis
We will leave Cusco early in the morning by bus. On our way to Tinqui (3,900m/12,795ft) we will pass small farms and enjoy the beautiful landscape. After a picnic in Tinqui, we will start the trek towards the community of Upis (4,400m/14,436ft). Along the way, we will meet local families showing us some examples of their textile work, created to honor nature and Andean symbols. Upis will be our camping site, where you will also have the possibility to enjoy the hot springs.
- Transport time: 04 hours.
- Hiking time: 5 hours.
2nd Day: Upis - Arapa Pass - Yanacocha - Ausangate Pass - Lago Ausangate
After breakfast, we will ascend towards the first pass: Abra Arapa (4,800m/15,748ft). Thereafter, our descent will bring us to Yanacocha, to have a local picnic. Our route continues ascending towards the extreme Ausangate Pass (4,850m/15,912ft) and ending at the shores of the Ausangate Lake (4,650m/15,256ft) where we will pitch our camp.
- Climate: cold.
- Hiking time: 7 hours.
3th Day: Ausangate Lake – Palomani Pass – Q'ampa
The 4th day is both the most beautiful and the most arduous one; we will first ascend towards the highest pass of this trek, the Palomani Pass (5,200m/17,060ft). From here, we will have an exceptional view of the mountains & glaciers of the Ausangate. Thereafter, we will descend to the valley of Phinayapampa before finally arriving at our campingsite: Q'ampa (4,700m/15,420ft).
- Hiking time: 8 hours.
4th Day: Q'ampa – Q'ampa Pass – Pacchanta
The highlight of this day is definitely the spectacular ascend to the Q'ampa Pass (5,100m/16,732ft). Moreover, we will pass several lovely lagoons on the way to our camping site in Pacchanta (4,350m/14,270ft). Here, we will visit the hot springs and have a typical dinner.
- Hiking time: approx. 8 hours.
5th Day: Pacchanta - Tinqui - Cusco
After breakfast, our trek continues towards the village of Tinqui (3,900m/12,795ft) from where we will take a bus back to Cusco. On the way back, we will visit either Tipon or Saylla and have a typical regional dish, such as "Cuy Chactado"= Fried Cuy (guinea-pig) or Chicharrón (deep-fried pork).
- Hiking time: 3 hours.
- Transport time: 4 hours.
Trek includes:
- Transport from the hotel to the town of Tinqui.
- Return transport from Tinqui to Cusco.
- Entrance fee to the Ausangate Park.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish & English).
- High-quality camping equipment (Pro tents: Doite Cima 4, extralight-4,5kg. for 2 people), 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.
- Horseman & mules, for all our camping equipment & personal luggage (8 kg. max).
- Emergency horse (for 2 persons minimum).
- First-aid kit, Oxygen bottle and safety rope.
Not included:
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Sleeping bag (if you don't have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting/buying one).
Awareness-raising:
Most of the people living in the Ausangate region are VERY POOR, and live from agriculture. Qeros Tours believes in helping these communities. A voluntary donation can help them buy clothes or school supplies. These families will be very, very grateful.
Notes:
1. We will climb up to 5,200m/17,060ft. Combined with the extreme weather, this trek can be hard work. We want you to remember this trek with a smile on you face, therefore; please ensure that you are well-acclimatized, in a good shape and very healthy prior to heading off.
2. Since the weather can be very cold and moist, your clothes (once wet) will not dry at night. We strongly advise you take some change of clothes.
Lodging & Prices: Our team of travel consultants has 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.