Ausangate trek

We depart Cusco early the morning ( 5:30am ) for a long three hours ride in private van to the small village of Tinqui (3800 masl./ 12 464 feet). As Tinqui is located on the new Interoceanic highway we can now arrive here much more quickly that in previous years. We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca and Ocangate. After a short rest in Tinqui we will start walking, the first 2 hours on the trail are are wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, where we get to the lunch spot with great views of Ausangate. We will trek for 3 hours more 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).

Walking Distance: 13km / 8.45 miles
Starting Elevation: 3850 meters / 12,618 feet
Highest Elevation: 4400 meters / 14,435 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4400 meters / 14,435 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping (tent)
Adventure: Absolutely, completely satisfactory ...more ...less

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 PuqaQ'ocha until we reach the turquoise Lake JatunPuqaQ'ocha. We then ascend the second pass of Apacheta(4,900 metres/ 16 072 feet) with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna AusangateQ'ocha below. This lake is fed from the melting snow of Ausangate. We will camp here for the second night.
Walking Distance: 18 km / 11.1 miles
Starting Elevation: 4400 meters / 14,435 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4250 meters / 13,943 feet
Maximum Altitude: 4900 meters / 16,072feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Snack and afternoon tea)
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely

From the lake we ascend to the Palomani pass (5,200 metres/ 17 056 feet); the highest point of the trek where our tour guide will do a ceremony for the Pachamama (Mother Earth). 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 TresPicos and Puca Punta. 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

Walking Distance: 18km / 11.1 miles
Starting Elevation:4250 meters / 13,943 feet
Campsite Elevation: 4510 meters / 14,796 feet
Maximum Altitude: 5200 meters / 17,056 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Adventure: Absolutely

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'omaQ'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 and you will have the afternoon free to explore this interesting Andean village. (You have the option of staying in a basic hostel this night)


Walking Distance:15km / 9.2 miles
Starting Elevation:4510 meters / 14,796 feet
Campsite Elevation:4200 meters / 13,779 feet
Maximum Altitude: 5000 meters / 16,404 feet
Difficulty:Challenging
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:Camping
Adventure:Absolutely, hot spring

It's 3 hours trek back to Tinqui where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking our private van back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.00.

Walking Distance: 3km/ 1.8miles
Starting Elevation: 4200 meters / 13,779 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Adventure: Absolutely