Ausangate Trek 5 Days

Duration:
5 Days

overview

The third highest mountain in Peru and the highest in the Cusco region has a maximum altitude of 6,372 meters above sea level. It is located about 100 km southeast of the city of Cusco, in the Andes mountain range known as the Vilcanota range. According to Inca mythology, it is considered the main protector or spirit (Apu) and represents the masculine energy that is born to fertilize Mother Earth, known as “Pachamama”.

Its main attractions include various lakes, magical mountains, and Andean wildlife.

This expedition starts and ends in the city of Cusco, so it is recommended to acclimatize a few days before visiting.

ITINERARY

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis.

We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and then travel for 2 and a half hours to reach the community of Tinki. Along the way, you will be able to observe different traditional landscapes with valleys and colorful villages. Upon arrival in Tinqui, we will have a short free time to make any last-minute purchases and stock up on water. Then, we will begin our hike. On this day, we will hike for approximately 2 to 3 hours until we reach Upis, where we will camp near a local family’s house.

Upis – Paso Arapa – Laguna Pucacocha.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our hike. On this day, we will witness the start of beautiful typical high-Andean landscapes. Along the route, we will encounter local people going about their daily activities, and we will also see a large number of llamas and alpacas, as these animals are essential for the livelihood of the locals. We will pass through the first high point of the route, Paso Arapa, at an altitude of 4755 meters above sea level. After descending a bit, we will stop for lunch to replenish our energy. Then, we will continue our hike until we reach Laguna Pucacocha, where we will rest for the night.

Laguna Pucacocha – Abra Palomani – Pampacancha.

After breakfast, we prepare to start the hike. This will be the most challenging day of the expedition as we reach the highest point of our journey. Before reaching this place, we will pass by a beautiful lagoon with a unique view, as it contains water from the melting snow of the Ausangate mountain. That’s why it is called Ausangate Cocha (cocha = lagoon). After a short rest and enjoying the unforgettable view of this place, we will begin ascending to Abra Palomani, located at 5200 meters above sea level. Upon reaching this point, we will appreciate a spectacular view of the mountain range in the Vilcanota cordillera. Then, we will descend and stop for lunch before continuing until we reach Pampacancha, where we will set up our camp and rest for the night.

Pampacancha – Paso Jampa – Qomercocha.

After breakfast, we will begin our hike, this time through a long valley where we will encounter local people dressed in colorful traditional costumes of the area. We will also see a variety of fauna, including alpacas, llamas, and sheep. Then, we will ascend to the last pass, Paso K’ampa or Jampa (4600m), to admire the beauty of the Ticllacocha lagoon. We will have lunch in this area. Afterward, we will continue through the Pachaspata plains, where we will camp on the edge of Qomercocha lagoon.

Laguna Qomercocha – Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco.

Accompanied by the breathtaking views of the Andes, we will descend to the community of Pacchanta. After the extraordinary hike through this Andean landscape, we will reach the village of Tinki once again. From there, we will board our transportation and return to the city of Cusco.

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Included

Tourist transportation from Cusco to Capuliyoc and back.
Professional guide.
Horses for carrying equipment.
7 kilograms per person transported by horses.
Meals.
Cook and kitchen equipment.
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats).
Entrance fee to the Choquequirao archaeological site.

Not Included

Sleeping bag.
Trekking poles.
First breakfast / Last lunch.