AUSANGATE
TREK
6 days/5 nights
These days trek through the Cordillera Vilcanota’s
rugged snow-capped peaks offers spectacular scenery and a unique encounter with
life in the Andean alitplano. Hiking completely around the mystical Mount
Ausangate (6,380 m.), we camp near hot springs and glacier-fed multicolored
lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean geese and the
magnificent Andean Condor.
We walk among herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages and
appreciate the colorful clothing and daily rhythm of the local inhabitants.
Sections of the high plains in this area also provide the natural habitats for
the marmot-like vizcacha and the rare vicuna, a wild relative of the alpaca and
llama. With three high passes over 5,000 m., spectacular glacial views, and
uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a superb trip for seasoned trekkers
who loves a true outdoor adventure.
Note: Daily departures are available along the year although due to
weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to October.
Itinerary:
Day 01 Cusco - Ocongate - Tinqui Community
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 stop in Urcos, where we may visit a beautiful lake with the same name. We
then go on to Cattca, an agricultural and cattle raising community where we can
appreciate the region’s spectacular views and finally pass through Ocongate,
capital of the district with the same name and only half an hour away from our
destination. After an approximated 6-hour drive, we arrive in Tinki, where we
sleep in a local lodge and start the trek the next morning.
Day 02 Tinki Community - Upis Hot Spring
We leave Tinki 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.
Day 03 Upis - Arapa Pass - Ausangateqocha
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).
Day 04 Ausangatecocha - Huchuy Phinaya
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. We will camp and dine at this place.
Day 05 Huchuy Phinaya - Qampa Pass - 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.
Day 06 Pacchanta - Tinqui - Cusco
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.
What is Included:
Collection from your hotel in the morning
Transportation by bus to the start of the trail (Ocongate - Tinqui)
English speaking professional guide
Igloo tents
2 persons in each 4-person capacity tent with plenty of space for your backpacks
Double thickness foam mattress
Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes (while hiking)
Accommodations: 5 nights camping
Cook and Cooking equipment
Excellent Meals (05B,5L,5D)
food includes pancakes, omelets, soups, fresh fruit, avocado, pasta, chicken,
fish, meat, rice, all rich in carbohydrates and suitable for trekking, hot
drinks including coca leaf tea which is excellent for the altitude
We supply boiled water to fill in your water bottle all the time, if requested
with enough time ahead (while hiking)
Teatime the first three days (tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn)
Horses days 1-5 (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
Dining tent with camp tables and chairs
Kitchen tent
Accommodation for our crew
First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Transfer from to your hotel.
What is Not Included:
Breakfast on the first morning.
Sleeping bags (4 season) can be hired in our office for US$25 for the 6 day trek.
Tips for the guide, cook and horse man
Personal equipment
What you need to bring/carry:
Backpack,
Sleeping bag 4 season suitable for temperatures down to -5C (can be hired from
our office for US$25 for the 6 day trek)
Sleeping mattress (we will provide you with this)
Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few
dollars)
Strong, comfortable footwear
One complete change of clothing (you can afford to carry more changes of
clothing if you hire a personal porters, see options below)
Sweater and jacket (something warm)
Water bottle, ideally non disposable canteen (boiled drinking water will be
provided)
Torch / Flashlight and batteries
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Sun block (sun protection cream)
Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
Selection of small snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits, energy bars etc,
Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries, cash in soles and US$
Optional: walking Poles /sticks (rubber covers necessary)
You also need to bring your original passport on the trail.
Price per person US$ 400.00 based on double occupancy tent.
Ask For Availability
Please fill out the below request form, we will contact as soon as possible generally within 24 hours (check also your junk box). If you would like to contact one of our previous customers please look at our
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