Without a doubt the Ausangate trail offers some of the most wonderful scenery in the whole of the Cusco area, with many birds and wildlife and also glaciers and high alpine lakes. Its also one of the most challenging in the region with three high passes over 5,000 metres/ 16000 feet. On a clear day, Apu Ausangate dominates Cusco’s southern skyline.
As we draw closer to this massive massif (6,380 metres/ 20 926 feet) one becomes increasingly impressed and understands fully why the ancient Incas held this spectacular mountain in such high regard. During the whole Ausangate trek circuit we pass local villages where the people dress in their typical attire – the women in beautiful flatboard hats with trimmings – and llamas graze freely.
DAY ONE: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis
Departing Cusco early the morning, we’ll ride in private transport for three hours to the small village of Tinqui (3800m). As Tinqui is located on the new Inter-oceanic Highway, we can reach it much easier than before! After lunch in Tinqui, we’ll begin to hike along the trail for several hours until we reach the hot springs at Upis (4,400 m). We will camp here for the night.
DAY TWO: Upis – Lake Ausangate – Q’ocha
During the morning, we will cross our the Arapa pass (4,850m). From here, we’ll continue 3½ hours down into the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q’ocha until we reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q’ocha. We then ascend the second pass of Apuchata (4,900 m) with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna Ausangate Q’ocha below. This lake is fed from the melting snow of Ausangate. We will camp here for the second night.
DAY THREE: Lake Ausangate Q’ocha – Qampa
From the lake we’ll ascend to the Palomani Pass (5,200m); the highest point of the trek. From the pass we’ll follow the trail into the valley where we’ll rest and have lunch. During the afternoon we’ll have views of the snow-capped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q’ampa valley. We will spend our third night camping here.
DAY FOUR: Q’ampa – Pacchanta
After passing through the small community of Q’ampa, we will head northwest to the last pass of this hike- Q’ampa Pass (5000m). We will see several different colored lakes and lunch beside Q’oma Q’ocha. We’ll hike for several hours before arriving at the small village of Pacchanta. Here we can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours, and even have a well-deserved beer! We will set up camp near Pacchanta and you will have the whole afternoon to explore this interesting Andean village. You have the option of staying in a basic hostel on this night.
DAY FIVE: Pacchanta – Cusco
In the morning we’ll begin trekking back to Tinqui, which will take roughly three hours. You’ll have a little free time to explore this Andean village before our private car arrives to take us back to Cusco. Scheduled arrival time in Cusco is approximately 6:00pm.
ITINERARY NOTES: The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide. Lunch spots and campsites are subject to change. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
Temperatures are cold and can fall well below freezing at night. You should be well prepared for cold temperatures. This region has limited tourist infrastructure and this tour makes use of local facilities. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure! Visitors to Peru are encouraged to have an open mind and be open to the differences in the way things are done in another culture.
INCLUDED IN THE TREK
- Ceremony with your tour guide and locals
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of departure.
- Private transport from Cusco to Tinqui (the trailhead) and return at the end of the trek
- Entry fee to the Ausangate mountain.
- English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 8 people).
- Tents – 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
- Foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest)
- Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
- Toilet tent
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
- Horses (for equipment and personal items) and horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils.
- We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 7 kg/15lbs per person).
- Emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill
- Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
- Tents for our staff to sleep in, sleeping bags & mattresses plus a budget for their meals.
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Not Included:
- Breakfast on the first morning
- Tips for the guide, cook and porters. Tips are not mandatory but are a great gesture of gratitude.
- Additional horses for luggage
Trekker’s Packing List:
- A day pack with a change of clothes – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature.
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $ 2 in Cusco.
- Strong footwear– waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
- Sandals or flip-flops to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings
- Warm clothes: jacket, fleece, gloves, scarf and hat. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping. **
- This is a particularly cold trek, make sure you have very warm clothes!**
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera, films and batteries
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
- Toilet paper (pack in/ pack out)
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
- We advise bringing water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
- Small towel or sarong
- Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
- Cash – extra food, tips, and souvenirs.
- Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
- Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you)
Optional extras:
- Extra mule to carry your things
- Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it.
- Walking stick lightweight aluminum – Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
- Thermarest inflatable mattress
- Thermarest Inflatable pillow
- Comforting Camping trek upgrade – bigger tents, camp beds, includes sleeping bag, thermarest, and walking stick.
- Single tent supplement (if you don’t want to share a tent)
At Red Andes Peru, your comfort and safety are of our utmost concern. Therefore, we provide all necessary camping equipment for your trek. Included in prices are: sleeping tent, rollmat and pillow for your comfort. Please feel free to bring your own sleeping bag if you prefer.
Private Service Prices
2 people : US$650 per person
Discounts:
Student Discount: US$20 (Requires ISIC Card to qualify)
Under 18’s Discount: US$20
Optional Extras:
Sleeping Bag US$35
Inflatable Mattress US$30
Single Tent Supplement US$75
Mule to carry extra 7kg of personal items US$90
Extras:
Single tent: US$ 75
Personal mule (half) to carry extra 7kg of personal items: US$ 75
Full mule to carry 14kg of personal items: US$ 150
Walking Pole: US$ 20
