Cusco – Tinki – Upis – Ausangatecocha – Hatunpampa - Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco.

5D/4N APU AUSANGATE TREK

Overview

Tour plan

Description

This amazing trek runs next to the spectacular snow-capped “Apu” of Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,900 ft) and takes you over mountain passes, awesome mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, hot springs and turquoise lakes. This alternative route to the classical circuit around Mount Ausangate still offers the most spectacular views of this sacred Andean mountain before it deviates towards the impressive Sibinacocha Lagoon, leaving tourist crowds behind and entering an almost uninhabited area in which one can almost feel as if they were in contact with nature. The hike ends in Phinaya, a small and remote Andean community with just horses and bicycles as the sole means of transportation. This is an unforgettable hike recommended for lovers of High Mountain trekking searching for an intense experience in still untouched areas and wild, extreme nature. This is also one of the only treks in the world that allows you to spot wild vicuñas in their natural habitat.

Day 1: Cuzco – Tinki – Upis

We will leave early in the morning via our private transport following the valley to the south out of the city of Cuzco.

We will then arrive to the town of Tinki, which is where we’ll start our trek. We leave the town of Tinki walking towards the south on a gentle gradient, with a magnificent view of the snow-capped peak of Apu Ausangate. This scenery around us is typical of the Puna region, where the ichu (local wild grass) and the wind will be our companions.

Afterwards, we’ll reach the pampas of Upis, where we will then advance towards the Apu Ausangate and set up our campsite with a spectacular view.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 4,447 masl / 14,589 ft.

Minimum Altitude: 3,778 masl / 12,395 ft.

Distance Travelled: 8 hours

Approximate Hiking Time: 10 km / 6.21 ml

Day 2:Upis – Abra Arapa – Ausangateqocha

We begin our walk uphill under the watchful gaze of the most important Apus of the Andean south. On our way we can appreciate how beautiful and powerful the geography is in this part of the southern Andes. Once we reach the abra (high-mountain pass) of Arapa, we will have a magnificent view of this mountain chain. Upon crossing the pass, we’ll walk towards Sonccococha, Pukacocha, Ccomercochas, all of which are beautiful high-Andean lakes.

After lunch, we will briefly climb uphill to cross the Ausangate pass and descend to our campsite on the beautiful Ausangatecocha.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Maximum Altitude: 4,650 masl / 15,255 ft.

Minimum Altitude: 4,447 masl / 14,589 ft.

Distance Travelled: 16 km / 9.94 ml

Approximate Hiking Time: 9 hrs.

Day 3:Ausangatecocha – Abra Palomani – Hatunpampa

Today is an important day as we will reach the first of the two high passes, abra Palomani. It is a short uphill walk from our campsite to the highest pass of our trek. We will enjoy unique scenery at 5,000 meters above sea level. Our descent will take us to the Huchuy Phinaya settlement where we will have lunch.
After a short rest, we will continue our trek on a gentle gradient towards our campsite at Hatunpampa. Once there, we will be able to enjoy a high Andean flat-land surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We will stay overnight.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 5,125 masl / 16,814 ft.

Minimum Altitude: 4,650 masl / 15,255 ft.

Distance Travelled: 16 km / 9.94 ml

Approximate Hiking Time: 9 hrs.

Day 4: Hatunpampa – Abra Janca – Pacchanta

Another challenge today: the second-high pass over 5,000 masl, the Janca abra. Beautiful Andean scenery where the Andean camelids live in harmony among the mountain peaks, watched over by the spectacular Colquecruz, a snow-capped peak. We follow the path downhill to our lunch spot, and then continue on to the town of Pacchanta and its relaxing thermal baths.

An excellent end to one of the hardest days on our trek.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 5,070 masl / 16,633 ft.

Minimum Altitude: 4,300 masl / 14,107 ft.

Distance Travelled: 14 km / 8.69 ml

Approximate Hiking Time: 8 hrs.

Day 5:Pacchanta – Tinki – Cuzco

We return to the town of Tinki where we enjoy a delicious Pachamanca, an Andean way of cooking. After a typical Andean lunch, we take our transport back to the city of Cuzco, where we will have transport ready to take us back to our respective hotels. End of our services.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 4,300 masl / 14,107 ft.

Minimum Altitude: 3,778 masl / 12,395 ft.

Distance Travelled: 10 km / 6.21 ml

Approximate Hiking Time: 5 hrs.

**END OF SERVICES**

SERVICE INCLUDES:

Pre – departure briefing.
Bilingual speaking guides (Spanish – English) with a Wilderness Advanced First Aid Certification for every 5 clients.
Chef and supporting staff.
Private transportation for the start and final point.
Full meals during the trek.
Filtered and boiled Water.
Whole Camping gear: The North Face Mountain 25, 4-Season Tent
Inflatable mattress Therm-a-rest
Dining tent, cook tent, bathroom tent and portable baths.
Kitchen dishes
Bio-degradable dishwashing detergents used by our kitchen staff
Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
Pack animals to carry personal gear up to a maximum of 9kg per person (sleeping bag)
1 emergency horse for every 6 people
Horsemen
First aid kit, oxygen.
Communication equipment: Short wave radios, Satellite phone.