5 Days
Daily Tour
9 people
English, Espanol, Francais
The 5-day Ausangate trek offers an unforgettable adventure through stunning high-altitude landscapes. This journey will immerse you in breathtaking views of colorful mountains, vibrant lakes, and the unique Andean wildlife in its natural habitat, including llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.
As we traverse through this majestic terrain, you’ll experience the charm of native communities and their traditional ways of life. The trek showcases a variety of scenic vistas, from snow-capped peaks and striking rainbow-colored hills to serene, multicolored lagoons.
Throughout the trek, you’ll witness the diverse beauty of the Andean region, from high-altitude passes to lush valleys. This trek not only highlights the natural wonders of the region but also provides an opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the local indigenous people.
We begin our adventure early in the morning with a pickup from your hotel, followed by a private transfer to Tinki, a quaint rural village that marks the start of our trek. Upon arrival in Tinki, we will meet our team of muleteers and their sturdy horses, who will carry our camping gear and provisions. As we journey through picturesque small towns such as Urcos, we will be immersed in the vibrant local culture, observing traditional attire and customs. Continuing on, we pass through Catca and then Ausangate, where the local people maintain their rich cultural heritage. The route to Tinki offers stunning views of the majestic mountains, promising a truly memorable trekking experience. Along the way, we will encounter herds of llamas and alpacas, which are vital to the local community for transporting crops and belongings. Our day concludes as we reach Upis, where we will set up camp for the night. The stunning natural beauty of the region, combined with the traditional lifestyle of its inhabitants, will make for an unforgettable adventure.
We depart from Upis early in the morning and begin our trek across the grassy plains of Ichu. Our path ascends steadily towards the Arapa Pass, reaching an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,076 feet). As we climb, we will be surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Ausangate mountain range and the stunning natural beauty of Queullacocha.
The trek continues along the flanks of the imposing Ausangate mountain, offering spectacular vistas of the rugged landscape. After taking in these awe-inspiring views, we will descend towards the picturesque Hatun Pucaccocha Lake.
Our journey then leads us to the second major pass of the day, Pucapunta Pass, situated at 5,000 meters (16,404 feet). Following this challenging ascent, we will enjoy a short descent to our campsite near the tranquil Ausangate Cocha Lake. Here, we will set up camp and rest, surrounded by the serene beauty of the high-altitude lake and its dramatic alpine surroundings.
Today promises to be an exhilarating journey as we reach the highest point of our trek, the Palomino Pass, standing at 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). At this lofty elevation, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys.
After taking in the stunning scenery, we will begin our descent towards the historic agricultural region of Finaya. This traditional area is known for its vibrant farming practices, where locals tend to their llamas and alpacas, essential to their daily lives. As we traverse this region, we will have the opportunity to observe native crops and interact with local families, gaining insight into their traditional way of life.
Our trek continues with a short hike through the picturesque landscape until we reach our campsite in the community of Hampa. Here, amidst the scenic beauty of the Andes, we will set up camp and unwind, reflecting on the day's adventures.
On this day, we will ascend to the final pass of our trek, the Hampa Pass. Before making our descent, we’ll pass through an area known for its mountain chinchillas (Andean rabbits). As we continue our hike, we will traverse alongside the scenic Querococha Lagoon, a stunning spot nestled within the mountainous terrain.
Our trek will lead us to our campsite in the vibrant rural community of Pacchanta, where the locals live in harmony with the surrounding nature. In Pacchanta, you'll find natural hot springs where you can unwind and soothe your muscles, a well-deserved treat after a long day of trekking.
This day combines breathtaking views, encounters with unique wildlife, and the opportunity to relax in therapeutic hot springs, making it a memorable end to our adventure.
We begin our journey early from our campsite and make our way towards Tinki. As we descend, we traverse lush pastures and vibrant agricultural zones where we’ll encounter native crops such as potatoes, oxalis, fava beans, and quinoa. This historic Inca trail meanders through several charming communities, where the friendly locals will greet us in their native Quechua language.
Upon reaching Tinki, our vehicle will be ready to transport us back to Cusco. From there, we’ll transfer to your hotel, marking the end of our unforgettable trek through the Andes. This final day offers a wonderful chance to reflect on the stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences we've encountered throughout the journey.
The Ausangate trek is a 5-day adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
The Ausangate trek is considered moderately challenging. A good level of fitness is recommended, as you will be trekking at high altitudes and encountering steep ascents and descents.
During the trek, you will stay in camping tents. We provide a three-person tent for every two people, along with sleeping mats, a dining tent with tables and chairs, and a portable toilet.
The trek includes 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. Our chef will prepare nutritious meals to keep you energized throughout the trek.
You should bring your own sleeping bag (available for rent at our office for $40 for the entire trip) and trekking poles (available for rent at $15 for the entire trip). We provide camping gear, including tents and cooking equipment.
The highest point on the trek is 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) at the Palomino Pass. To prepare for high altitude, it's important to acclimatize before the trek, stay hydrated, and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
Pack layers of warm clothing, including a rain jacket, gloves, and a hat. Also, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a water bottle. Don’t forget personal items like toiletries and a camera.
Yes, there is a risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, inform your guide immediately. It's crucial to rest, hydrate, and take necessary precautions.
Yes, a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish will accompany you throughout the trek to ensure your safety, provide information about the region, and assist with any issues that may arise.
In case of severe weather conditions, the trek may be adjusted or canceled for safety reasons. We will provide alternative arrangements or a refund depending on the situation. Always check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
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