+51 984 751 486 perutravelcompany@gmail.com Cuesta Santa Ana N° 701 and siete cuartones Nº 245

Price

From$390

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Length

5 Days / 4 Nights

Group

Trip Style

Trekking Tours

Grading

3, 4

Tour Details

Locations Visited: Ausangate mountain

Frequency: Every day

Inclusions

Pick up from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
Transport from Cusco to Tinke (the trailhead) and return at the end of the trek
Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your briefing for your personal items (up to 7 kg/15lbs per person).
1 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower

Excludes

Breakfast on the first morning.
Sleeping bags
Tent & matress
Tips for the guide, cook and porters

Recommended to carry

A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature.
Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho
Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping. ** This is a particularly cold trek, you should make sure you have a lot of very warm clothes.
Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
Small towel or sarong
Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
Cash – sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
Binoculars (if you have them)

Itinerary

DAY 1:Cusco – Tinqui – Upis

We depart Cusco early the morning for our three hours transport to the small village of Tinke (3800 metres/ 12 464 feet). As Tinqui is located on the new Interoceanic highway we can now arrive here much more quickly that in previous years.
Here we start our trek for three hours until we reach the hot springs at Upis (4,400 metres/ 14432 feet) which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. We will camp here for the night. (total trekking time 4-5 hours)

DAY 02: Upis – Lake Puka Q’ocha

During our morning’s trek, we will cross our the Arapa pass (4,850 metres/ 15908 feet). From here, we continue 3½ hours down the valley, passing the green lake of Lake Jatun Puqa Q’ocha were we gonna have our lunch. By the afternoon we reach the turquoise Puqa Q’ocha. We will camp here for the second night.

DAY 3:Lake Puka Q’ocha – Qampa

From the lake we ascend to the Palomani pass (5,200 metres/ 17 056 feet); the highest point of the trek. From the pass we follow the trail into the valley where we’ll rest and have lunch. During the afternoon we can enjoy views of the snowcapped and Puca Punta or RAINBOW MOUNTAIN. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q’ampa valley. We will spent night 3 in this vicinity to sorococha lagoon.

DAY 4:Q’ampa – Pacchanta

After passing through the small community of Q’ampa we will head North west to the last pass of this hike, the Q’ampa pass (5000 metres/ 16400 feet). We will see several different coloured lakes and lunch beside Q’oma Q’ocha. We hike for several hours before arriving at the small village of Pacchanta. We can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours, and even have a well-deserved beer!
We will set up camp near Pacchanta (Family house) and you will have the afternoon free to explore this interesting Andean village. (You have the option of staying in a basic hostal this night)

DAY 05: Pacchanta to Cusco

It’s 3 hours trek back to Tinke where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking our car back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.0

Photos

Gallery

FAQs

1.What is Ausangate, and where is it located?

Ausangate is a majestic mountain in the Andes of Peru, standing at 6,384 meters (20,945 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Cusco region, southeast of the city of Cusco. Ausangate is considered a sacred mountain by the local Quechua people and is a significant site for both trekking and cultural tourism.

2.What is the best time to visit Ausangate?

The best time to visit Ausangate is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this period, the weather is generally clear, making it ideal for trekking and enjoying the stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape. However, be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night.

3.What is the Ausangate Trek, and how difficult is it?

The Ausangate Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek that typically takes 5 to 6 days to complete. The trek circles around the Ausangate mountain, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, colorful lakes, and traditional Andean villages. Due to the high altitudes, reaching over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) at certain points, the trek is considered difficult and is recommended for experienced hikers who are well-acclimated to the altitude.

4.Are there any cultural or spiritual practices associated with Ausangate?

Yes, Ausangate is considered a sacred mountain (Apu) by the local Quechua people. It is an important site for traditional Andean spiritual practices, including offerings and rituals. The mountain is also associated with the annual Qoyllur Rit’i festival, which is one of the most significant religious festivals in Peru, combining Catholic and indigenous beliefs. Pilgrims often journey to Ausangate as part of their spiritual devotion.

5.What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on the Ausangate Trek?

The Ausangate region is home to diverse wildlife, adapted to the high-altitude environment. Trekkers may encounter animals such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and Andean condors. In some areas, you might also spot foxes or vizcachas (a type of Andean rodent). The region’s lakes are often home to waterfowl, including Andean geese and crested ducks.

1 Review

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Isaac N.

Solo Traveller

The scenery is otherworldly—think towering snow-capped peaks, vibrant turquoise lakes, and expansive valleys that make you feel like you’re in a nature documentary. Every day brings a new kind of beauty, and the sense of isolation adds to the magic.

August 29, 2024

Ausangate Trek 5 Days