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
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
✔ 1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
✔ Transport private from Cusco to and Phinaya to cusco.
✔ Lunch
✔ Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
✔ Dinner
✔ First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
✔ Toilet tent
✔ Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
✔ Breakfast
✔ Pre trek briefing
✔ Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen
✔ Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food).
✔ Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
✔ Bi-lingual Guide
✖ Breakfast on the first morning.
✖ Sleeping bags
✖ Additional horses for passengers luggage.
Pickup Locations
1. Inka Club Hostel
2. San Agustin Plaza
3. San Agustin International Hotel
4. Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza
5. Atoq San Blas Hotel
6. Mister Inkas Hotels Inn
7. Hotel Arqueologo - Casa Peralta - Exclusive Selection
8. Tecte Guest House
9. Hotel Marqueses
10. Andean Wings Boutique Hotel
11. Hotel Taypikala Cusco
12. Qorikoyllur Hostal
13. Tupac Yupanqui Hotel
14. Hotel Royal Qosqo
15. Jw Marriott El Convento Cusco
16. Hotel Cusco Plaza III
17. Hospedaje Kiswarcancha
18. Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel
19. Kimsa Hotel
20. Inkaterra La Casona
Additional Info: We will be picking you up from your hotel within the historic centre of Cusco.
Please Note: This service doesn't include pick up in private residencies, example; Airbnb or hotels that are outside the historic centre.
Itinerary
Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
1
Nevado Ausangate
Your guide will meet you in Cusco early in the morning, and take you via private transportation to the starting point of our trek- Tinqui. Here you will meet with the rest of our team Cook & horse driver then starting our hike after 2 hours we will get to the lunch spot while your gear is being loaded onto pack horses. After lunch you will begin hiking to our first camp. This day we only hike for a few hours until we arrive at the village of Upis. Here you can take a soak in the hot springs, while enjoying coca tea, and relax your muscles until dinner.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 8km/ 3 miles
Elevation: 3800m- 4200m
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Camp: 4200m/ 13,780ft
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tents
Duration: 8 hours
Upis - Arapa Pass - Ausangate Q'ocha
1
Nevado Ausangate
During our morning's trek, we will cross our the Arapa pass (4,850 metres/ 15908 feet). From here, we continue 3½ hours down the valley, passing the green lake of PuqaQ'ocha until we reach the turquoise Lake JatunPuqaQ'ocha. We then ascend the second pass of Apacheta(4,900 metres/ 16 072 feet) with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna AusangateQ'ocha below. This lake is fed from the melting snow of Ausangate. We will camp here for the second night.
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 15km
Elevation: 4200m- 4930m- 4700m
Hiking time: 7 hours
Camp: 4700m/ 15,420ft
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tents
Duration: 8 hours
Ausangate Q'ocha - Palomani Pass - Qampa Pampa
1
Nevado Ausangate
Covering less kilometers today, as yesterday was a big day, we pass beautiful glacial tarns, lush green pampas, and follow the edge of the river. Today is a great day for spotting wildlife so keep an eye out for condors, and vicuñas.
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 17km (10.5 miles)
Elevation: 4650m - 5100m - 4600m
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Camp: 4600m/ 15,090ft
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tents (Camping)
Duration: 8 hours
Qampa Pampa - Qampa pass -Pacchanta
1
Nevado Ausangate
With only one pass to cross we will take our time today enjoying the deep blue lagoons, and alpine glacial colored lakes along the way. If your brave enough you can even jump in to cool off. Views of the massive Ausangate mountain are still visible, only today you will get to enjoy them from a new angle along with views of Pacchanta Valley. Our goal is the hot springs of Pacchanta where we will enjoy a nice soak and the views of the Ausangate Mountain above.
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 16k
Elevation: 4600m- 5050m - 4300m
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Camp: 4300m/ 14,110ft
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tents (Camping)
Duration: 8 hours
Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco
1
Nevado Ausangate
Today is another early morning as we make our way back to the starting point of Tinqui walking on flat ground and celebrating our accomplishments. Once we arrive at the village you will have your last lunch while everything is packed up in our private transportation to make our way back to Cusco where. You will be dropped off at your hotel arriving around 5pm.
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 16k
Elevation: 4300m (descending)
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
