Ausangate Expedition 7d/6n

Code:	TE-112
Difficulty:	Easy moderate, Moderately difficult, Very difficult
Activities:	Hiking, Cultura, Ecological, Camping
Departures:	Daily
Locations:	Cusco Region

Introduction

This seven-day trek through the Cordillera Vilcanota’s rugged snow-capped peaks offers spectacular scenery and a unique encounter with life in the Andean altiplano. Hiking completely around the mystical Ausangate mount(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 vicuña, a wild relative of the alpaca and llama. With three high passes over 5,000m, spectacular glacial views, and unmolested beauty and solitude, this is a superb trip for seasoned trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.

Day 1: Cusco / Tinqui

Early in the morning we leave the city of Cusco in our transportation, and drive along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado highway toward Tinki (3800m/12464ft). On the way we will see  a beautiful lake,  agricultural and cattle raising communities where we can appreciate the region’s spectacular views and finally pass through Ocongate, capital of the district with the same name and only half an hour away from our destination. After an approximated 7-hour drive, we will arrive in Tinki, where we are going to have dinner and spend the night.

1. Meals provided:  Lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated bus time: 7 hours

Day 2: Tinqui / Upis

We'll set off on the trek at about 08.00. The first 3 hours, until lunch, will be a great introduction to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, with great views of the Ausangate mountain. After lunch it is only another 2 hours trek until we reach the hot springs at Urpis which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. This is, naturally, a great place to camp for the night.

1. Meals provided:  Breakfast, lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours

Day 3: Upis / Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha

During the 3 hours trek in the morning we will hike the first pass, the Arapa pass (4,850m). From this pass we continue 3½ hours down the valley until we reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha passing the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha on the way. We will set up camp here. From campsite you can climb the small ridge north of the camp to see Lake Vino Q'ocha The views of Ausangate are particularly close up and spectacular.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours

Day 4: Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha / Q’ampa

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.

1. Meals provided:  Breakfast, lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 5-6  hours

Day 5: Q’ampa / Pachaspata

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 Q’ampa, 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.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 6 hours

Day 6: Pachaspata  / Pacchanta

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 will  spend our last night.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch And dinner .
2. Estimated walking time: 5 hours

Day 7: Pacchanta / Tinki / Cusco

It's a 3 hours trek back to Tinqui where we'll say goodbye to our arrieros (horsemen) and take the bus back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.00. You'll have just enough time to have a hot shower and a meal before hitting the nightclubs!.

1. Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch
2. Estimated walking time: 3 hours

* The places where we’ll set up our camp sites can change depending on the guide.
* Departure and arrival times are approximated.

Group Size: 2 - 16 people

What is included:

• Transportation in and out: Cusco - Tinki - Cusco (private bus)
• Horsemen and horses: Carry tents, cooking equipment and also carry mattresses 
• Guide: Professional English and Spanish speaking guide; 2 guides for groups over 12 people
• Cook: In charge of meal preparation
• Emergency Horse: Just in case someone needs help
• Meals: 6 Breakfasts/6 Lunches/6 Dinners/Snacks and afternoon tea
• Equipment: tents (2 people in each, 3-person-capacity), sleeping pad, dinner tent, biodegradable toilet tent, kitchen tent, tables and chairs, table settings, first aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle

What is not included:

• Breakfast (day 1), usually the hotels offer this service
• Lunch day 7
• Sleeping bag
•  Tips for the guide, cook and porters

Extras:

• US$18 Sleeping bag rental(-10°C) for the whole trek
• US$22 Single tent accommodation

What you need to bring/carry: 

• Personal Sleeping Bag
• Flashlight
• Hat
• Sun block, sunglasses
• Warm clothes, Light clothes, 4 pairs of socks
• Insect repellent
• Chocolates, candies or other snacks
• Camera + Film/Video camera (optional)
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco for a few dollars)
• Water bottle and purification tablets (Micropur are recommended and can be bought in local pharmacies in Cusco)
• Toiletries, towel and toilet paper
• Camera, plenty of film and spare batteries
• You also need to bring your original passport on the trail

Looking for some other adventurous activities: Consider our range of rafting, mountain biking and horse riding tours in the Cusco area.

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