Ausangate Trek

The Ausangate (6398m/20991f) is considered to be one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Andes. The region around the mountain offers impressive scenery of mountains, glaciers, lagoons and streams. Furthermore the Andean people are very hospitable and preserve the respect for nature. The farmers have excellent knowledge in the raising of cattle such as the vicuña, the alpaca and the lama, which are all appreciated for their fine quality of wool and meat. The four hours drive from Cusco to Tinqui is an excellent preparation for the differences in temperature and altitude.

Information:

• Altitude: 3900 – 5200 m/12795 – 17060f
• High-season: May – November
• Duration: 5 Days – 4 Nights
• Level of difficulty: Middle

*A minimum of 2 persons is needed for this trek

Note: We will climb up to 5200m/17060f. Combined with extreme weather this trek can be hard work. We want you to remember this trek with a smile on your face, therefore, please ensure that you are well acclimatized, in good shape and healthy.

1st Day: Cusco – Urcos – Tinqui – Upis

We will leave Cusco early in the morning by bus. On our way to Tinqui (3900m/12795f) we will pass little farms and enjoy the beautiful landscape. After a little picnic in Tinqui we will start on foot towards the community of Upis (4400m/14436f). Along the way we will meet local families who will show us some examples of their textile work, created to honour nature and Andean symbols. We spend the night in Upis campsite, where we will also have the possibility to enjoy the Hot Springs.

• Transport time: 4 hours
• Hiking time: 5 hours

2nd Day: Upis – Arapa Pass – Yanacocha – Extreme Ausangate Pass – Ausangate Lake

After breakfast we will ascend towards the first pass called Arapa (4800m/15748f). Thereafter we will descend towards Yanacocha and have a picnic. Our route continues ascending towards the Extreme Ausangate Pass (4850m/15912f) and ends at the shore of the Ausangate Lake (4650m/15256f), where we will camp.

• Climate: cold
• Hiking time: 7 hours

3th Day: Ausangate Lake – Palomani Pass – Jampa

The third day is the most beautiful and also the most arduous one: we will first ascend towards the highest pass of this trek called the Palomani Pass (5200m/17060f). From here we will have an exceptional view of the mountains and glaciers of Ausangate. Thereafter we will descend to the valley of Finaya Pampa and we will finally arrive at our camping site called Jampa (4700m/15420f).

• Hiking time: 8 hours

4th Day: Jampa – Campa Pass – Pacchanta

The highlight of this day is definitely the spectacular ascend to the Campa Pass (5100m/16732f). Moreover we will pass several lovely lagoons on the way to our campsite in Pacchanta (4350m/14270f). Here we will visit the Hot Springs and we will have a typical dinner.

• Hiking time: approx. 8 hour

5th Day: Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco

After breakfast our trek continues towards the village Tinqui (3900m/12795f), from where we will take a bus back to Cusco. On the way we will visit either Tipón or Saylla and have a typical dish of the region, such as guinea-pig or chicharrón (grille pork) (Typical dish of the region included).

• Transport time: 4 hours
• Hiking time: 3 hours

Notes:

• We will climb up to 5200m/17060f. Combined with extreme weather this trek can be hard work. We want you to remember this trek with a smile on your face, therefore, please ensure that you are well acclimatized, in good shape and healthy.
• Since the weather can be very cold and moistly, your clothes – once gotten wet – won’t dry at night. So take some clothes to change.

Ausangate Trek 5 Days (Group Departure)

Included:

• Transport from the hotel to the town of Tinqui.
• Return transport from Tinqui to Cusco.
• Entrance fee to the Ausangate Park.
• Entrance to the Hot springs in Pacchanta.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• High quality camping equipment (professional tents, Doite model Cima 4, extra light/4,5kgs for two persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/option vegetarian).
• Cook and cooking equipment.
• Horseman and mules, for all our camping equipment and personal luggage (up to 7 kg).
• Emergency horse (for minimal 2 persons).
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Not included:

• Breakfast on the first day.
• Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one).

Ausangate Trek 5 Days (Private Departure)

Included:

• Transport from the hotel to the town of Tinqui.
• Return transport from Tinqui to Cusco.
• Entrance fee to the Ausangate Park.
• Entrance to the Hot springs in Pacchanta.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• High quality camping equipment (professional tents, Doite model Cima 4, extra light/4,5kgs for two persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/option vegetarian).
• Cook and cooking equipment.
• Horseman and mules, for all our camping equipment and personal luggage (up to 8 kg).
• Emergency horse (for minimal 2 persons).
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle.

Not included:

• Breakfast on the first day.
• Sleeping bag (if you do not have a sleeping bag, there is the possibility of renting one).

What do I need to bring?

• Backpack with rain shelter.
• Sleeping bag.
• Clothing for warm and cold climate like a waterproof jacket.
• Rain pants and lightweight pants.
• Trekking shoes.
• Slippers or sandals (for showers and Hot Springs).
• Woollen or synthetic socks and a sweater.
• Long- and short-sleeved polo’s/T-Shirts.
• Rain poncho and a hat.
• Bathing suit (for the Hot Springs in Upis).
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, disinfecting alcohol and gel, water bottle and sterilizing tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Camera (wrapped in plastic bag).
• Flash light and batteries.
• Some snacks like chocolate bars and dry fruit.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card and extra money in soles.