Ausangate trek
5 DAYS AND 4 NIGHTS
The 5-day Ausangate trek is an adventure experience that traverses the stunning landscapes of the Andes, offering impressive glaciers, lagoons, and streams. During the journey, we will also have the opportunity to meet the local inhabitants, who have a great respect for nature. This hike is ideal for individuals in good physical condition.
Program
We depart from Cusco at 6:00 am for the 5-day Ausangate journey in a private vehicle towards the town of Urcos. During the route, we travel through the district of Urcos until we reach Tinqui Ocongate. We will begin our expedition from the town of Quinsapucyu and arrive at Upis Huarmisaya, enjoying incredible views, including the impressive Ausangate Mountain. Along the way, we can observe local farmers in their traditional attire. Once we arrive at the campsite, our chef will have a delicious lunch prepared for us. In the afternoon, we will have free time to rest at the campsite.
On the second day, we will wake up early at 5:00 am and coca tea will be brought to your tent. Then, we pack quickly, enjoy a light breakfast, and begin walking towards the Arapa Pass, which is at an altitude of 4958 meters above sea level. We will descend gently until we reach our lunch spot near Pucacocha Lake. After enjoying a delicious meal, we will continue walking uphill towards the second pass called Pucacocha (5000 meters above sea level). Then, we will descend for two more hours until we reach our campsite called Ananta. Along the way, we can appreciate different glacier peaks, rivers, small lakes, alpacas, local shepherds, and llamas. Of course, you will always be accompanied by your guide, who will provide you with information about the area.
On the third day, we will also wake up early at 3:00 am and coca tea will be brought to your tent. Then, we will enjoy breakfast and immediately begin walking towards the Surini Pass, which is at an altitude of 5051 meters above sea level. From this point, we can see the impressive Rainbow Mountain in the distance. Then, we will descend towards the circular lake and continue walking uphill until we reach the rainbow mountain, where we will enjoy the incredible colorful mountains and their surroundings. Afterwards, we will return and descend towards our next campsite called Alqatari, where we will have lunch and have the entire afternoon free to rest and prepare for the following day.
We will wake up at 5:00 am and coca tea will be brought to your tent. Then, we will enjoy a quick breakfast and immediately begin walking towards the highest point of the Ausangate trail on our journey, Palomani Pass, at an altitude of 5300 meters above sea level. You will feel like you are in the sky, higher than any other hike in the entire Cusco region. You can appreciate the impressive canyons and valleys of the Andes, and keep in mind that you might spot condors flying nearby. You will be right at the foot of Ausangate Mountain, considered sacred by the locals. Along the way, we can appreciate different glacier peaks, bubbling streams, rivers, small lakes, chinchillas, alpacas, local shepherds, and llamas. Then, we will descend and pass through the villages of Huchuy Phinaya, where we will have lunch. After lunch, we will continue our hike towards our campsite called Jampa, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
As on every day, we will wake up early at 5:30 am and coca tea will be brought to your tent. Then, we will begin walking uphill for approximately 3 hours to reach the last pass at 4900 meters above sea level. From here, we can appreciate more glacier peaks and lakes, and then we will descend towards the 7 lagoons, where we will enjoy the beautiful landscape offered by the majestic Ausangate. After enjoying the scenery of the 7 lagoons, we will continue walking to our lunch spot called Pacchanta, where our chef and muleteers will prepare our final lunch. Here, there are charming natural hot springs in the middle of the mountain, so after 5 days of hiking, you will love taking a bath in the hot springs and enjoying a beer. You will also have the opportunity to buy handicrafts made by the locals. After saying goodbye to our muleteer, we will take our private vehicle and return for 3 hours to Cusco, where we will take you back to your hotel. We will arrive in Cusco approximately at 7 pm.
Inclusions
Includes
- Certified Tourism Guide.
- Experienced chef and horse guide.
- Horses equipped with group supplies.
- All meals during the hike, covering traditional Peruvian cuisine, modern fusion cuisine, and various dietary requirements.
- Drinking water and snacks.
- Entrance fees to private areas.
- Spacious dining tent with table and cutlery, as well as an equipped kitchen.
- Overnight tents: We will provide tents with capacity for three people for groups of two, ensuring adequate space for personal equipment.
- Complete first aid equipment, including an oxygen tank.
- Pre-trek briefing one day before your trip.
- Entrance to the famous Rainbow Mountain.
- Private round-trip transportation from Cusco.
- You can bring up to 7 kilograms of your personal belongings.
- An emergency horse is available if needed.
- We also provide a protector for your backpack.
Does Not Include
- Sleeping bags.
- Trekking poles.
- Tips for the staff.
Recommendations
Recommendations for your trip:
- Pack as lightly as possible, as there are no porters on this hike.
- Bring your important documents with you, such as passport, valid student ID (if applicable), and migration card.
- Bring a small, lightweight backpack for the trip.
- Remember to bring a water container, such as Camelbags, with a capacity of at least 2-3 liters.
- Use comfortable and lightweight hiking boots with good soles.
- Do not forget to include hygiene items on your list, such as sunscreen, facial moisturizer, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, personal medication, and a first aid kit.
- Keep in mind the backpack size restrictions inside Machu Picchu; backpacks larger than 25 liters will not be permitted.
- Do not forget to bring a hat for the sun, rain gear, wool hat, camera, music, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and a small plastic bag for waste.
- Bring extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
- Consider bringing earplugs for better rest during the trip.