AUSANGATE
7 DAYS AND 6 NIGHTS
This five-day trek through the Cordillera
Vilcanota's rugged snow-capped peaks offers
spectacular scenery and a unique encounter with life
in the Andean alitplano. Hiking completely around
the mystical Mount Ausangate (6,380 m.), we camp
near hot springs and glacier-fed multicolored lakes
inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean
geese and the magnificent Andean Condor. We walk
among herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native
Quechua villages and appreciate the colorful
clothing and daily rhythm of the local inhabitants.
Sections of the high plains in this area also
provide the natural habitats for the marmot-like
vizcacha and the rare vicuna, a wild relative of the
alpaca and llama. With three high passes over 5,000
m., spectacular glacial vistas, and uninterrupted
beauty and solitude, this is a superb trip for
seasoned trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Cusco/Tinqui:
We depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about
six hours to reach the small Andean village of
Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota range. Driving
through the beautiful countryside, we pass several
traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca, and
Ocangate, where we can stop for rests and lunch. Our
first night is spent at a lovely campsite in Tinqui.
DAY 2: Tinqui/Upis
Hot Springs:
We meet our pack animals and arrieros, or mule-drivers,
that will carry our equipment and backpacks. Our
trek begins crossing a pampa of grassy meadows below
the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,350
m.), the highest snow peak in Southern Peru . After
trekking approximately five hours, with time for
lunch and rest stops for pictures, we arrive to the
hot springs of Upis, our second campsite. From here,
we get marvelous views of Ausangate at the end of
the valley.
DAY 3: Upis/Lake
Pukacocha:
After trekking approximately 2.5 hours, we get to
our first pass, Arapa pass (4,850 m.) From the pass
we enjoy wonderful vistas not only of Ausangate
itself, but of many other nearby snow peaks. We
continue down the corridor past small, multi-colored
lagoons until we reach the larger Lake Vinococha ,
where we have lunch. A short walk in the afternoon
brings us to the red-colored Lake Pucacocha , our
campsite for the night. From here we get a dramatic,
close-up view of Mount Ausangate and may even hear
ice falling into the lake from its sides. Don't
worry. We are not in any danger
DAY 4: Pukacocha/Uchuy Finaya:
In the morning, we make a short ascent to our second
pass of Apuchata, (4,900 m.) with the aquamarine
Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. From here, we climb
to the Palomani pass (5,200 m.), the highest of our
journey. We can enjoy fantastic views of Ausangate
and the Vilcanota range from this point. After
approximately 2 hours of walking down into a valley,
we arrive to our incredibly beautiful campsite at
Uchuy Finaya.
DAY 5: Uchuy
Finaya/Lake Minaparayoc:
Leaving our campsite, we begin a winding ascent
along a widening stream until we reach the Valley of
the Viscachas, named for the dozens of these furry
animals that can be seen here. We pass through the
small community of Campa, from where we can see the
fabulous snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta and Tres
Picos. Upon reaching our final pass at Q'omer Q'ocha,
we have lunch among the wild vicunas and green lakes.
A short downhill walk brings us to the mystical Lake
Minaparayoc , where we will camp along the shore.
DAY 6: Lake Minaparayoc/Tinqui:
Hiking down through the valley, we pass many herds
of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to hot
springs of Pacchanta. Here we can rest, have lunch,
and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water.
Relaxed and refreshed, we continue hiking back to
the small village of Tinqui , where we spend our
last night.
DAY 7: Tinqui/Cusco:
Early in the morning, we take our private vehicle
back to Cusco to enjoy city life again and savor the
memories of a spectacular journey.
INCLUDED:
-
Private
transportation to head oPrivate transportation
to head of trail.
-
Professional,
Englishspeaking guide and camp staff
-
Plentiful,
nutritious meals (Vegetarian option available)
-
Doubleoccupancy tents and camping equipment (includes
dining tent, kitchen tent, and latrine tent)
-
Pack animals
to carry personal gear and equipment
-
Private
transport back to Cusco
WHAT YOU SHOULD
BRING:
