Trek to Ausangate 5 Days

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Strenuous
The Apu Ausangate is the most important sacred mountain in the area surrounding the city of Cusco, indeed in all of the altiplano, which is also home to Lake Titicaca, the place of origin of the Incas. This sacred mountain is located to the south east of the city of Cusco. This trek offers spectacular and beautiful views of the puna region, where the glaciers surround us in all directions. We will walk on the shores of lakes, and Andean cameloids will accompany us on parts of our journey.

DAY 1: Cusco – Tinki - Upis
We will leave early in our private transportation following the valley to the south out of the city of Cuzco. Later we will arrive to the town of Tinki, where we will 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. The scenery which will surround us is typical of the puna region, where the ichu (local wild grass) and the wind will be our companions. We will reach the pampas of Upis, where we will advance towards the Apu Ausangate and set up our campsite (Altitude:4447 masl / 14589 ft) with an amazing view. (L, D)

• (6 miles hiking, 6 – 7 hours) – Camping

Day 2: Upis - Abra Arapa - Ausangateqocha
We begin our walk uphill under the watchful gaze of the most important Apu of the Andean south. On our way we can appreciate how beautiful and powerful the geography is in this part of the southern Andes. When we reach the abra Arapa pass (4650 masl / 15255 ft)we will have a magnificent view of this mountain chain. Crossing the pass, we walk towards Sonccococha, Pukacocha, Ccomercochas, beautiful high-Andean lakes. After lunch, we will climb uphill briefly to cross the Ausangate pass and descend to our campsite on the beautiful Ausangatecocha.
(B, L, D)

• (10 miles hiking, 9 – 10 hours) – Camping  

Day 3: Ausangatecocha – Abra Palomani – Hatunpampa
Today is an important day as we will reach the first of the two high passes, abra Palomani (5125 masl / 16814 ft.) It is a short uphill walk from our campsite to the highest pass of our trek. We will enjoy unique scenery above 5,000 meters above sea level. Our descent will take us to the settlement of Huchuy Phinaya where we will have lunch. After a short rest, we will continue our trek on a gentle gradient towards our campsite at Hatunpampa. We will enjoy a high Andean flat-land surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Overnight. (B, L, D)

• (10 miles hiking, 9 – 10 hours) – Camping 

Day 4: Hatunpampa – Abra Janca – Pacchanta
Another challenge today: the second high pass over 5,000masl, abra Janca. Beautiful Andean scenery where the cameloids live together with the mountain peaks, watched over by the spectacular Colquecruz 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 (B, L, D)

• (9 miles hiking, 8 – 9 hours) – Camping 

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 a transfer back to our respective hotels. (B, L)

• (6 miles hiking, 5 – 6 hours)

• Private transportation from your hotel to the start point of the trail, Tinki.
• Entrance fee to the park
• Professional English speaking Tour Guide
• Professional chef and assistant
• Horses/ mules, they carry all the equipment, food, cooking gear, etc.
• Mule-handlers (for our camping equipment)
• All the camping equipment: including dining tents, cooking tents, cooking stuff, sleeping tents, camping table with camping chairs and air mattresses.
• Complete meals during the trip (you’ll never be hungry!): 3 breakfasts, 4 snacks, 3 lunches, 3 happy hours, and 3 dinners. All of these meals are prepared by our cook and his assistant.
• Coca tea served each morning in your tent. When you wake up in the morning, you will be greeted at your tent with a selection of teas.
• Boiled water after breakfast, lunch and dinner to refill your water bottles.
• Snacks every morning.
• Oxygen tank and first aid kit.
• Vegetarian food and specialized diets on request at no extra cost.
• 2 people per tent (4 man tents, clean, waterproof)
• Transportation back to Cusco hotel

• First day breakfast.
• Sleeping Bag (you can rent from Chakana Adventure office)
• Trekking poles (you can rent from Chakana Adventure office)
• Tips for your field staff are appreciated