Trekking in Cusco The Ausangate Trekking Tour

resting near Pacchanta Cordillera Vilcanota - Aventura Quechua Journeys

Hike the trail with Quechua-speaking herdsmen around Mt. Ausangate (6,374 m) which is the sacred summit of the Vilcanota Range - a region of towering peaks and sparkling lakes. You hike carrying only a daypack while horses carry all our camping gear. The Vilcanota area remains true to cultural traditions stretching back into history. The age-old methods of alpaca herding which sustains the population are everywhere in evidence. Tightly-knit Quechua communities maintain extensive, complex, irrigation systems - delivering glacial water to the valleys for the constant moisture required to sustain the alpacas' favorite forage crops.

Itinerary

Day 1 CUSCO - TINQUI - UPIS

near Tinqui Cordillera Vilcanota - Aventura Quechua Journeys

Leaving Cusco very early in a private vehicle, we head south towards Urcos. From there, we start our winding ascent to the Urcos Pass (4270m) from where we can spot Mt. Ausangate - the highest in Cuzco at 6380m. We continue through small villages and remote communities to reach Ocongate. We start the day hiking through small villages where the families work in their fields and we can see their community way-of-life. Then we continue across wide open spaces above small settlements of herders and weavers. As we approach the northern face of Mt. Ausangate, we will run into herds of alpacas. We will be accompanied by a crew of packhorses and "arrieros" - Donkey Drivers. We make camp at Upis (4480m), right below the snowcapped mountains. (Trekking: 5 - 6 hours)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - B, L, D

Accommodation
Tents
Meals
L, D

Day 2 UPIS AUSANGATECOCHA

Our campsite is left below us as we slowly ascend up Upispampa, getting closer to the north face of Ausangate. An ascent up the Inkapampa valley brings us to the Arapa Pass at 4750m. We border and traverse the arid rolling landscape to then slowly descend to the small lakes. We pass through the valley of Samacancha to arrive at Lake Pucacocha below one of the Ausangate glaciers - a beautiful place to enjoy lunch. If we are lucky we will hear and see an ice fall. Above the lakes the rocky spire of Mt. Sorimana will stand guard.. Leaving the lunch spot, a slow ascent will bring us to the Alcatani Pass (4830m). From here, we begin our descent to Ausangatecocha (4720m)- a beautiful blue lake formed by the melt-off from the glacier - with a view of the southern face of Ausangate. Camp (Trekking 8 hours)

Accommodation
Tents
Meals
B, L, D

Day 3 AUSANGATECOCHA PASO PALOMANI - JAMPA

From Ausangatecocha we start a steep ascent to the Palomani Pass at 5150m. As we cross into the valley of Machuraqay we are rewarded with beautiful views of Mt. Mariposa with its cone peak. We descend to Chillcaphinaya (4400m), a valley filled with grazing llamas and alpacas. The surrounding ridges of the Cordillera Vilcanota have varying hues of rock, sand and reddish earth. We ascend to the large plateau of Jatunpampa where we camp at 4,730m. (Trekking 7 - 8 hours)
ACCOM - Tent / Meals - B, L, D

Accommodation
Tents
Meals
B, L, D

Day 4 JAMPA - PACCHANTA

We begin our ascent to the Jampa Pass - Mt. Callangate, with its jagged spires covered in ice, dominates our trek as we hike over the pass at 5080m. We have lunch at Pachapata. The ridge above offers a view of the lakes of Qomercocha and Harmacocha. We traverse the ridge and enter the watershed of Mt. Ninaparayoc with its lake below. We follow this valley with Mt. Ausangate behind us - we have now completed almost a full circle around the mountain. Rolling hills extend below us as we hike into Pacchanta for a chance to visit the hot-springs. Camp at 4350m. (Trekking 6- 7 hours)

Accommodation
Tents
Meals
B, L, D

Day 5 PACCHANTA - TINQUI - CUSCO

We start descending to Tinqui, crossing the vast hills and fields that are occupied by local farmers. We reach Tinqui at midday and after a good lunch we get in our vehicle to return to Cusco.

Meals
B, L

What is Included:

  • Private Transfers Cusco-Tinqui-Cusco
  • 2-Person Tents
  • Mattresses
  • Dining Tent
  • Camp Tables & Chairs
  • Cooking Tent
  • Cooking & Eating Utensils
  • Toilet Tent
  • Guide
  • Cook
  • Assistant Cook (for 7+ PAX)
  • Horse Drivers
  • Horses
  • Emergency Horse with Saddle
  • All Food from Lunch on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 5
  • First Aid Kit

What is not Included:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Tips to Staff
  • Hotels & Food in Cusco
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Laundry and any other Personal Expenses

We recommend that you bring

  • Duffel bag, large (to hold all gear and store extra clothes/souvenirs at hotel while trekking)
    Duffel bag, medium (to hold gear and sleeping bag during trek)
    2 large plastic trash bags to line duffel bag if it rains
    Rain cover or 2 large plastic trash bags for your pack
    Daypack, 2000-2500 cu. in. to carry lunch, camera, water bottles, etc.
    Camping Gear Sleeping bag with stuff sack (rated to -10°C)
    Clothing
    Midweight fleece or wool sweater
    Midweight fleece pants
    Midweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
    Hiking pants, lightweight, synthetic and loose-fitting
    Hiking shorts, synthetic and quick-drying
    Long-sleeve shirt(s)
    T-shirts
    Underwear
    Hiking socks
    Liner socks
    Casual socks
    Clothing Accessories Sun hat
    Wool or fleece hat
    Wool or fleece gloves
    Thin liner gloves
    Outerwear Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
    Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable
  • side-zip pants are highly recommended
    Insulated parka/ski jacket, down or synthetic, able to accommodate your sweater underneath
    Footwear     Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
    Camp shoes (tennis shoes or sandals)
    Gaiters, ankle-high
    Travel Accessories 2 one-quart water bottles or hydration system
    Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries/bulb
    Pocket knife or pocket tool
    1 roll toilet paper
    Water purification tablets or filter
    Bic lighter
    Sunglasses and retainer strap
    Small washcloth and small bath towel
    Baby Wipes or hand sanitizer gel
    Personal first-aid kit (including Moleskin and Band-Aids)
    Insect repellent
    Optional Field Gear
    Altimeter
    Whistle
    Small freestanding flashlight/lantern for use inside tent
    Knee supports
    Trekking poles

Please note

  • Pencils for children

Design by Gissel Enriquez - Development by Jeronimo Design DDS