Ausangate Trek

Ausangate Trek (6 days/5 nights)

Ausangate is one of the most exciting and challenging trails in Southern Peru, also an important mountain god for the Incas, and is still revered daily by local people. Seeing very few people on this hike, except for the occasional animal, you will experience something like no other. The Ausangate circuit explores the Cordillera Vilcanota, weaving around many peaks over 6000m. (Ausangate being the highest at 6,372 meters, 20,905 feet ). Difficulty of trek: Difficult Length of trek: 6 Days / 5 Nights Start point: Cusco End point: Cusco Type of trek: Archaeological, Cultural, Camping, Ecological, Hiking Day 1 Cusco to Tinqui Leaving Cusco at 8am we then have a 3 hour bus journey to a small village called Tinqui. Passing through beautiful country side and several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca and Oxangate, where we will have the opportunity to take some photos. Day 2 From Tinqui to Upis We will start trekking at around 9am today. In the first 3 hours the trail starts crossing the highland meadow approaching the base of Ausangate. We will have also seen magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, then after lunch it is only another 2 hours trek until we reach the hot springs where we will set up camp in Upis. Day 3 From Urpis to Lake Jatun Puga Q'ocha After breakfast at 8am we will hike the Aruba Pass (4850m) which will take 3 hours. From this pass we will continue 3 1/2 hours down the valley until we reach the Lake Jatun Paqa Q'ocha on the way. Here we will set up camp and you will have the opportunity to climb the small ridge north of the camp to see Lake Vin Q'ocha. You will see the surpurbe view of Ausangate, feeling so close up and dominating! While camping beside the Jatun Puqa Q'ocha, you wont miss the sound of the falling ice bergs into the lake! Day 4 From Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha to Pampacancha In the morning we will ascend the second pass of Apuchata (4900m) with the turquoise Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. The melting ice from Ausangate is what forms this lake. From the lake we cross Palomani pass (5200m) - the highesst pass for the trek. We continue down into the valley where we will eat lunch then head onto our campsite at at Pampacancha. Day 5 From Pampacancha to Q'omer Q'ocha During the morning you will see the snowy peaks of Tres Picos and Puca Punta. Continuing through the valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q;ampa valley. After passing through a small village of Q'ampa we will head to the last pass of this hike, the Q'ampa pass (5000m). We will see seaveral different coloured lakes, the final lake being Q'oma Q'ocha. We will camp beside this beautiful green turquoise lake. Day 6 From Qomer Q'ocha to Cusco Breakfast at 6.30 this morning, then after 2 1/2 hours of hiking we will arrive at the small village of Pacchanta. You will finally have the opportunity to have a drink and relax in the hot thermal springs. Afterwards its another 3 hour trek back to Tinqui where we'll say goodbye to our horsemen and take the bus back to Cusco, arriving late evening. INCLUDED: Transfers to and From Cusco Entrance fees Cooks for: 5 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners, 6 Lunch Snacks, coffee/ tea Bilingual guide Tents, sleeping matts, table(s) and chairs Oxygen   NOT INCLUDED: Sleeping bag Flashlight   WHAT TO BRING: Hiking shoes Backpack and/or Day pack Sleeping bag for up to -20 degrees Celsius Warm clothing (layers recommended) Thermals (woolen hat, socks and scarf are recommended) Toilet paper Flashlight Camera and film Batteries Sun protection (hat, sun screen, sun glasses) Insect repellent Rain jacket or Poncho Water proof back pack cover Water bottle Water purifying tablets Personal medical kit Passport and ISIC card if you are a student (originals required) Money for souvenirs, drinks and tips OPTIONAL (in us dollars): Single tent supplement: $15 per day

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