AUSANGATE MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT 5d/4N

Trekking Ausangate Circuit is one of the most beautiful treks in Cusco. The Cordillera Vilcanota is an impressive range of mountains which include the massive Ausangate snow capped mountain (6,372m) and three others over 6000m. You will see spectacular mountains, scenery and highland. Unsurprisingly, the circuit has become a popular hike, one that is possible to complete in a week or as little time as six days.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui – Upis.- We start with a transfer from your hotel to the bus stop, and depart to Tinqui by bus and travel about six hours to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui. Driving through beautiful countryside, we pass several villages including Urcos, Ccatcca, Ocongate until finally we will arrive at Tinqui, and stop for lunch. After lunch we will trek crossing grassy meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Ausangate Mountain 6,350 m, the second highest snow peak in Peru. After approximately five hours, we will arrive at the hot springs at Upis and camp for the night.

Day 2: Upis – Arapa Pass - Jatun Pucacocha.- After an early and nutritious breakfast, we hike to cross our first pass, (Arapa Pass). Beautiful landscapes are seen along the way and further on we climb a rock-strewn area, and through the whole passage we will see the majestic Ausangate Mountain. Finally we arrive at the pass,from where we enjoy wonderful views. We continue down and have the opportunity to see beautiful lakes, multi-coloured lagoons and reach the larger Yanacocha lake (black lake) where we have our lunch, then continue our hike to the camp site near the Jatun Pucacocha.

Day 3: Jatun Pucacocha - Palomani Pass - Uchuy Finaya.- In the morning, we make a short ascent to our second pass of Apacheta, (4,850 m,15,908 ft ) then down hill until Laguna Ausangate Cocha and stop for lunch. After walking up to the highest point of the trek Palomani Pass(5300m), we will enjoy fantastic views of Ausangate and the Vilcanota range from this point. After approximately 2 hours of walking down into a valley, we will arrive at our incredibly beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya.

Day 4: Uchuy Finaya - Qampa Pass (5050 m, 16,564 ft.) - Qomercocha.- We depart early in the morning to climb for two hours towards the third mountain pass, the Abra de Palomani (5200m/17056ft). This is the highest part of the entire hike, from which we then descend for another 2 hours. Along the way we may see llamas, alpacas, vizcachas and then reach Pampacancha (4050m / 13284 ft). We then follow an up-hill trail until our campsite in Q´ampa (4300m/14104ft). Along this easy 3 hour climb we may have the chance to spot llamas, alpacas, and maybe even pumas. We will camp here for the night.

Day 5: Q´ampa – Pacchanta.- We climb for 2 hours until we reach Q´ampa Pass (5000m/16400ft), where we may have the chance to spot Andean deer. From here we descend towards the Qomerqocha Lagoon to finally arrive at Pacchanta (4100m/13448ft) after an approximated five hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We camp and spend the night at this place.

Day 6: Pacchanta to Tinki.- We leave Pacchanta and start to walk our way back to Tinki, which will take us approximately 2 hours. Once in Tinki, we board our bus to came back to Cusco.

Note: Departures are available throughout the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is from April to November.

INCLUDES:

• Transfer from hotel to bus stop, and transport to Tinki.
• Tents.
• Sleeping bag.
• Dining tables and chairs, kitchen tent , toilet tent.
• English/spanish speaking official guide.
• Cook, horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food, cooking equipment).
• 3 meals a day plus snacks.
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Return transport-Tinki to Cusco.
  
  
  
• Tips: please beware that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip according to your wish.

YOU SHOULD BRING:

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco).
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping. A down jacket is especially recommended for this trek since it runs at high altitude and temperatures may easily drop below zero in the evening.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries go flat more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat.
• Sun block .
• Handkerchiefs.
• Toilet paper .
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Small towel.
• Swimming suit-for the hot springs.
• Cash in soles and/or $US.

Price 2009:
- Price per person: $US 490 ( minimum of 2 people )