ausangate trek.

Program: 6 days / 5 nights

Day 1°: Cusco - Tinqui (3,800m)

We set off early from Cusco travelling by private bus for approximately 6 hours to reach the small village of Tinqui. We pass through several traditional Andean villages and take time to stop enroute to take some photo’s, have lunch and stretch our legs. We spend the first night in a small hostel in Tinqui. (Lunch, Dinner).

Day 2°: Tinqui - Urpis (4,400m)

After breakfast we meet our wranglers and arrange our equipment on mules and horses before setting off on our trek which is a gentle climb, crossing a large open plateau covered with ichu grass, the highland vegetation that is used to thatch roofs. After approximately 3 hours of walking we stop and have lunch. From here we take in the beautiful scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanote, with great views of Mt. Ausangate which spectacular 6,372m height and impressive glaciers inspired the locals to worship this mountain as a Sacred God. We continue walking for a around another hour and a half until we reach the hot springs of Urpis – a great place to camp for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3°: Urpis – Ausangate Cocha (4,440m)

We continue our hike today ascending for around two hours to reach the Arapa Pass (4,850m). From this vantage point we can see the contrast in landscapes – dry desert-like hills reach the glaciers of Mt. Ausangate, while below the valley is a bright green. If we are lucky we might even see a condor in the skies! This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pukacocha, Hatun Pukacocha, and Qomerqocha). We take lunch closeby and then continue onwards for approximately two hours over our second mountain pass, Abra de Apuchata (4,900m). From here we descend for around an hour and a half towards our campsite at Ausangate Cocha. During the night you may be kept awake by the dramatic sound of ice falling into the lake – don’t be concerned, it is quite safe! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4°: Ausangate Cocha – Qámpa (4,300m)

Today we depart early to ascend for two hours to our third mountain pass of Palomani (5,200m) which is the highest point on our trek. The silence of this remote wilderness is inspiring! From here we have an excellent view of the towering Santa Catalina peak (5,800m). Afer the pass we descend for another two hours through an area of llamas, alpacas and vicunas to reach Pampacancha (4,050m). From here we follow an uphill trail of approximately three hours that leads us to our campsite in Q´ampa (4300m). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5°: Qámpa – Pacchanta (4,300m)

After breakfast we ascend for around 2 hours until we reach the Q´ampa Mountain Pass (5,000m) where we may have the chance to spot the Andean deer. From here we descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon before arriving at Pacchanta after an approximated five hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We camp and spend the night here. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6°: Pacchanta – Tinqui - Cusco.

In the morning we leave Pacchanta and start to walk back to the village of Tinqui – our trek takes approximately two hours. Once in Tinqui, we board our transportation that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we estimate to arrive after nightfall. (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the tour.

What is included ?

• Pick from your hotel in Cusco.
• Private bus transportation.
• Professional English speaking Guide & All entrance fees.
• Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners (we provide generous amounts of nutritious meals and beverages and have vegetarian options available)
• Horses to carry 7kg of personal luggage.
• Personal duffle bags to put your luggage into.
• Spacious tents (we use 3-man tents, but only put 2 people per tent)
• Sleeping mats.
• Dining tent, kitchen tent, latrine tent / Tables and chairs for the group.
• Cook and cooking equipment.
• Horses to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.).
• Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit.

Departure Time:

05:00 h.

You need to bring:

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters.
• Sleeping bag - good ZERO DEGREE bag is required - can be hired from our office.
• Wet-Wipes to freshen up.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold.
• Sun block / Insect repellent / Toilet paper.
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
• Water bottle and sterilising tablets (e.g. Micropur)
• Small towel and Swimsuit for hot springs.
• Personal medical kit (although we do have our own first aid kit)

 

IMPORTANT: This trek goes to high elevations therefore cold nights should be expected.

Additional information:

• All your personal information is required at the moment of your booking.
• Confirmation of the excursion will be received at time of booking.
• All tours are operated in English unless otherwise stated.

Travel voucher:.

• You will receive an electronic voucher via e-mail once your booking is confirmed.
• For every confirmed booking you will be required to print your electronic voucher for presentation at the moment we start the excursion. The electronic voucher acts as a confirmation for all the services you request.

Local Operator Information:

• We will send you complete operator information, including phone numbers at your destination.
• Our Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.