8 Days
Daily Tour
8 people
English
Cusco & Ausangate: If you’re looking for a beautiful and more remote trek in Peru, the Ausangate trek may be perfect for you. This itinerary gives you some time to explore the ancient Incan capital of Cusco before embarking on this 5-day trek.
The Ausangate Region is a special place, it’s far enough outside of Cusco to be considered remote but it’s also near enough to be accessible for a wonderful adventure. Often you will encounter small poblados (small local communities); with many farming llamas for their way of life. Many children will greet you, often after ‘dulces’ (sweets) to savour. Also a lot of the houses & shelters in the area don’t have basic utilities such as electricity, gas, tap water; things we take for granted in more developed countries.
This is a remote region to trek in, but close enough to Cusco to be accessible. You’ll trek close to the Ausangate Nevada along with taking in Rainbow Mountain (Mt. Vinicunca) and Red Valley. Whilst circumnavigating the Ausangate nevada you’ll hit many high mountain passes, getting up to around 5,200m.
For more information about the Ausangate region you can read our article
On arrival to Lima you’ll transfer directly to Cusco, by domestic flight. If it’s a late arrival into Lima then you can overnight here and transfer to Cusco the following morning.
Accommodation: Cusco 3* Hotel
Arrival to Cusco and transfer to your hotel. Cusco: This ancient city is the former capital of the Inca empire, which reigned from the 13th to 16th centuries after conquering the Killke settlement on the same location. Remember: you will be 11,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, so take it easy and remember to drink lots of water. Since Cusco was designed by the Incas as a city for walking, start your exploration of the narrow stone alleyways on foot. Take a walk through the plaza — if the weather is beautiful, it’s a perfect place to sit on a balcony and have a cup of coca tea while adjusting to the elevation.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Cusco 3* Hotel
You’ll depart from your hotel in Cusco early this morning for a scenic 3-hour drive to the village of Tinqui (3,800 m), located at the base of the Bilcanota mountain range. Along the way, you’ll observe local farmers and herders with their alpaca flocks. In Tinqui, you’ll meet your crew of mules and their handlers, and start your trek by heading towards your campsite in Upis (4,400 m). The first day of trekking is relatively smooth and passes through hilly grasslands where you may encounter vizcachas (chinchilla-like rodents), condors, and foxes. Once you arrive in Upis, you will be rewarded with views of the Ausangate glaciers rising above the site. End the day with a refreshing soak in the nearby hot springs.
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Upis
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get ready for a day of more intense trekking. From your campsite in Upis, you will climb through the Arapa pass (4,800 m) before reaching Uchuy Pucacocha (“little red lake”), one of the several dazzling mountain lakes in the region. Marvel at its waterfalls, and continue onwards to Jatun Pucacocha (“big red lake”), where you will camp along its shores.
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Jatun Paucacocha
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a healthy breakfast in Jatun Pucacocha, you’ll start your journey to Ausangate Base Camp. You will cross two different passes today. The Apuchata pass (4,900 m) comes first, followed by a descent to the turquoise Laguna Ausangate Q’ocha. After taking some time to rest and enjoy the scenery, you will continue up Palomani pass. At 5,200 m, this is the highest pass of the trek. The ascent is challenging and steep, but well worth it. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the snowcapped peaks of Tres Picos and Puka Punta. Now, you’ll start the descent toward Ausangate Base Camp (4,510 m). Here, amidst the highlands meadows and icy moraines, you’ll set up camp for the night.
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Ausangate Base Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The last day of pass crossing begins with a tranquil hike from Ausangate Base Camp to Lake Ticllacocha. Along the way, more vizcachas and perhaps even rare camel-like vicuñas may be roaming the green grasses of the valley. Then, rise up for your final challenge: Q’ampa pass (5,050 m). You’ll see some strikingly beautiful glaciers as you tread over the snowy scree to summit the pass. Once you reach the top, you can see the towering Apu Salkantay. After descending the pass, you’ll set up camp for the last time at Pacchanta (4,360 m), and rest in the soothing waters of the site’s hot springs.
Accommodation: Camping
Overnight: Pacchanta
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, enjoy an easy 3 to 4-hour hike downhill from Pacchanta back to the village of Tinqui (4,237 m) where you’ll eat lunch. After lunch, bid farewell to the muleteers, and transfer to your hotel in Cusco for some well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Cusco 3* Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is your last day in Peru! You will be met at your hotel for a transfer to Cusco Airport, where you will transfer to your international departure. ¡Buen viaje!
Meals included: Breakfast
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