AUSANGATE TREKKING

Day 1: Cusco to Upis

Very early we leave the city of Cusco in a private transport, and drive along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado highway in the direction of Tinki (3800m/12464ft). On the way we pass through Urcos, where we may spot a beautiful lagoon with the same name, continue on to Cattca, an agricultural and cattle raising community where we can appreciate the region’s spectacular views and finally cross Ocongate, capital of the district with the same name and only half an hour away from our destination. After an approximated 4-hour drive, we arrive in Tinki, where we meet our wranglers and horses. We start our trek initiating a slight climb that crosses through puna (dry, high area with little vegetation) to then arrive at our lunch spot after a three-hour walk. From here we already have beautiful views of the sacred Ausangate peak (6372m/20900ft). After lunch, we continue walking for another hour and a half to reach our campsite in Upis at 4400m/14432ft. From this point, we may appreciate fabulous views of all the snow peaks in the area. We camp and dine directly in front of Ausangate. Meals: L, D

Day 2: Upis to Ausangatecocha

After breakfast, we continue our hike ascending for two hours to reach La Arapa pass (4850m/15908ft). We then descend to our lunch spot, crossing an area of falcons and ¨vizcachas¨ or Andean rodents. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pukacocha, HatunPukacocha, and Qomerqocha) and spectacular views of the surrounding snow peaks. After lunch, we continue on a long and slow ascent that will take us, after about two hours, to the second mountain pass, the Abra de Apuchata (4900m/16072ft), from which we descend, for another half an hour, towards our campsite at Ausangatecocha (4440m/14563ft). Meals: B, L, D.

Day 3: Ausangateqocha to Q´ampa

Today, we depart early to climb for two hours towards the third mountain pass, the Abra de Palomani (5200m/17056ft). This is the highest part of the entire hike, from which we then descend for another 2h through an area of llamas, alpacas and ¨vizcachas¨ to reach Pampacancha (4050m/13284ft). From here we follow an uphill trail until that leads us to our campsite in Q´ampa (4300m/14104ft). Along this easy 3-hour climb we may have the chance to spot llamas, alpacas, and maybe even pumas. Dinner and overnight at camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Q´ampa to Pacchanta

We climb for 2 hours until we reach Q´ampa mountain pass (5000m/16400ft), where we may have the chance to spot the Andean deer. From here we descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon to finally arrive at Pacchanta (4100m/13448ft) 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 at this place. Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Pacchanta to Tinki

We leave Pacchanta and start to walk our way back to Tinki, which will take approximately 2 hours. Once in Tinki, we board a private transport that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we estimate to arrive after nightfall. Meals: B, L

What is included
» Pre-departure briefing
» Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private transport to Tinki, starting point of the trek
» Tinki visitor fee
» Campsite fees
» Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field
» One inflatable sleeping pad per person
» One sleeping bag per person: our sleeping bags are -18ºC-comfort (0ºF), mummy form and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips
» One pillow per person
» Dining tent with tables and chairs
» Kitchen tent
» Toilet tent with biodegradable toilet facilities
» English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
» Chef and cooking equipment
» Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
» Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag)
» 1 emergency horse every 6 persons
» Wranglers
» Accommodation for all our staff
» Meals (04B, 05L, 04D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
» Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
» First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
» Private transport from Tinki to Cusco, including transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

What is not included
» Breakfast on the first day
» Dinner on the last day
» Tips: please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish