Ausangate Trek 5 Days
Trip Type: Hiking, adventure, history, culture and nature
Trip Length: 5 Days/4 Nights
Group Size: 2-12 Hikers
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging, but rewarding hike.
Weather: Dry season (Cold & sunny days) – Rainy season (Changeable weather)
Hiking Distance: 53 km
OVERVIEW
Discover Peru through the eyes of the Incas, hiking one of Cuzco’s most picturesque natural wonders. The Ausangate (6,398 m.a.s.l.) is considered to be one of the most beautiful and holiest snow-capped mountains of the Andes. This 5-day trekking expedition will take you at the base of Mt Ausangate. The region around the mountain offers impressive scenery of mountains, glaciers, secluded lagoons, streams and other ecological biodiversity. Furthermore, the Andean people are very hospitable and preserve the respect for nature. The farmers have excellent knowledge in the raising of cattle, vicuñas, alpacas and llamas, which are all valued for their fine quality wool and meat. Spend your days soaking in the massive peaks, and your evenings enjoying the Andean constellations.
In this adventure, you will need a good dose of adrenaline as you hike up a pass above 5,000 meters (17,000 feet). But take heart, the Inca Vision team will cater to your needs for your safety and comfort. The trip is supported by horses for your convenience and we provide you with top quality camping gears and a very balanced and energetic diet.
Would you like a remote experience in the Andes? If so, then go for it!
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Cuzco – Tinki- Upis
Early morning pick up from your hotel or accommodation at approx. 6:00 am in Cusco, then you will begin the 3-hour drive to the trail head in Tinqui (3900 m.a.s.l). You’ll pass through the small towns of Urcos-Ccatcca-Ocongate and continue to Tinki. Here, your trek will start on foot towards the community of Upis (4,400 m.a.s.l.), where you will get your first views of Ausangate peak and along the way, you will meet locals who will show you some examples of their textile work, created to honor nature and Andean symbols.
On the midpoint of the trail you will have your lunch. After enjoying your lunch and siesta you will carry on your journey to the campsite. Overall, you will hike approximately 5 to 6 hours along a steady gradual uphill and flat terrain. You will spend the night in Upis campsite, and there will be the possibility to enjoy hot springs.
Hiking Distance: 9 Km /5.5 miles (5 to 6 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 1: 4,400 m (14,435 ft)
Day 2: Upis –Arapa Pass- Puca Ccocha—Ausangate Lagoon
After an early breakfast, you will get ready to test your physical condition and your mind, because you will ascend towards the first pass, Arapa (4800 m.a.s.l), then you will take your time to appreciate the towering majesty of the glacier cap, some views of the Andes, and others mountain chains. After a well-deserved rest, you will descend the mountain slowly until you reach Puca Ccocha Lagoon and have lunch nearby here. Your route continues ascending towards the extreme Ausangate pass (4,850 m.a.s.l.). Over the course of the day, you will hike approximately 7 to 8 hours along a steady gradual uphill, steep uphill and downhill. Your day 2 will end at the shore of the Ausangate Lagoon (4,650 m.a.s.l) where you will camp.
Hiking Distance: 10 km/6.2 miles (7-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 2: 4,650 m (15,255 ft)
Day 3: Ausangate Lagoon— Palomani Pass-Suraypata camp
After a healthy breakfast, you will get ready for your big day, because today is the most arduous and challenging albeit rewarding trek, since your day will be the most wonderful and remarkable day as well. First you will hike up towards the dizzying highest pass of this trek called the Palomani pass (5,200 m.a.s.l.). From here, you will have an exceptional view of the mountains and glaciers of Ausangate then we descend to the valley of Finaya Pampa and finally arrive suraypata, (4,700 m.a.s.l.), where we will camp for the night. Remember you will hike between 7 to 8 hours all third day along a steady gradual uphill, steep uphill and downhill.
Hiking Distance: 15 km/ 9 miles (7-9 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 3: 4,700 m (15,419 ft)
Day 4: Suraypata Camp- Jampa Pass-Pacchanta Hot Spring)
Like previous mornings, after your delicious breakfast you will be ready to enjoy your day four and your highlight will be definitely the spectacular ascend to the Campa pass (5,100 m.a.s.l.). Following, you will pass by several lovely lagoons on the way to our camping site in Pacchanta (4,350 m.a.s.l.) where we will visit and enjoy your bath in hot springs and have a typical dinner before to go to sleep. Your hiking time in all day will be approximately 7-8.5 hours.
Hiking Distance: 14km /8.5 miles (7-8 hours)
Campsites Altitude: Night 4: 4,350 m (14,251 ft)
DAY 5: Pacchanta-Tinqui. Return to Cuzco
After breakfast, your trek will continue for 3.5 hours more towards the village of Tinqui (3,900 m.a.s.l.) that is surrounded by landscapes of farmlands and local houses. Here, you will have lunch. Right now, it is time to say good bye the most appreciated Mt Ausangate. Once you get to Tinqui you will take a bus to back to Cusco, following the Interoceanic windy highway and you will arrive back to Cusco at 18.00 pm approx.
Hiking Distance: 10 km/ 6.2 miles (3-5 hours)
Options: If you think you are not able to hike to Tinki Village because you feel sick or worn out then you can take one private car from Pacchanta to Tinki, but it will be an extra cost.
Important note:
- Total distance: 53 km very challenge because of the altitude but the journey is also extremely enjoyable; enough reason to take our notice to get all of the recommendations previous to do this trek with Inca Vision Tours.
- We will climb up to 5,200 m.a.s.l. and as it is combined with extreme or bleak weather, this trek is really hard work. We want you to remember this trek with a smile on your face, therefore, please ensure that you are well acclimatized, in good shape and healthy.
- Ausangate trek is considered to be the highest trek in all the region of Cusco and they say that Ausangate Mountain is to be the “Guardian Spirit and realm of Cusco city.
- Relish every single day with the visit to the absolutely crystalline lagoons nestled at the base of Apu Ausangate Mountain (Days 2, 3 and 4).
- Hike along the winding Ausangate trail with the mountain’s tallest peak right before your eyes (Days 1, 2, 3 and 4).
- Enjoy your trekking through the panoramic view of the valleys, countless llamas, Alpcacas, Vicuñas and Andean birds such as Andean geese, Andean flickers and so on ( Days1,2,3,4, and 5).
- You will enjoy as much as possible your bath in Pacchanta hot spring (Day 5).
Included
- Pre-departure briefing in our office or your hotel. Time to be determined by the company.
- Private Accommodation: 4 nights camping on the Ausangate trek.
- Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, Portable toilet tent, tables, chairs, and cooking gears (all carried by the horses).
- Inflatable mattress: Thermarest air mattresses that are 3 inches thick and add a lot of comfort to sleep and rest.
- Pillow, rain ponchos and duffel bag.
- Transportation: You will be provided with all transportation for this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 6:00 A.M, and brought to the trail head. When you arrive back to the end of your trek, our van will take you back to your hotel in Cuzco (Day 5).
- Professional Guides: English speaking, professionally educated guides. All of our guides studied English and tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up in the Cusco region, and are committed to teaching others about their heritage. They are fun yet professional and will ensure you are safe and sound and happy so you can enjoy your time worry-free!
- Trekking Chef: A chef and his assistant, specialized in cooking on the trail, will prepare all of your delicious meals to replenish your energy along the trail.
- Cargo Mules: On days 1, 2, 3 and 4 cargo mules will carry all camping equipment and your personal baggage allowance (7 kgs/15.4 lbs). On days 1 and 5 your duffel bags will be carried by car to your destination.
- 1 Saddle-horse or emergency horse: This service will only be available on the hard sections of the trek, as those are the most challenging ones.
- Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), 5 Snacks, 4 happy hours. All these meals are prepared by our Chef.
- Water: We will provide you water for your morning hike every day and again during lunch. We suggest to bring your camel bag and extra energy drinks for this trek, because being well hydrated is the key to feeling great in the mountains.
- Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel, soap and hand sanitizer before each meal to clean your hands.
- Entry ticket to Ausangate trail.
- Entry fee to the Hot Springs in Pacchanta
- First-Aid Kit: Our guides have received training in first aid from physicians. Our guides will bring an emergency oxygen bottle, as well.
Not Included
- Sleeping Bags:You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips. (Cost: USD $20).
- Walking Sticks:You can rent a set from our company if you would like (Cost: USD $15/pair).
- Last Day: Dinner in Cusco.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for our staff:Tipping is of course 100% voluntary and should only be done if you feel like your guide, porters, horse men and Chef have done an amazing job for you.
- Option:If you feel tired and sick after your previous days trek, then from Pacchanta, you have the option to take a local car to Tinki (Cost: USD $20.00).
- Additional costsor delays out of control of the management (landslides, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, altitude sickness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.).
This Ausangate trek is available all year around since the geographic terrain of the route enable to do this tour/ expedition. On the other hand, Peru usually celebrates annual festivities, special events, special occasions and activities such as: The Feast of the Sun, Easter Sunday procession, Folkloric Parade, Carnival, Christmas Day, Bullfighting, and so on, occasionally, unforeseen events such as: Solar and Lunar eclipses would be a surprising experience for you. For this reasons, Inca Vision will guarantee your departure dates if you book it in weeks or months in advance and right time. Book now! Only your confirmation is needed.
Check your availability for Annual Festivities, Special Events, Ausangate trek & Machu Picchu.
Availability Dates: All year around, except (February)
January 1st.
February or March (Variable Sunday)
March or April 1st to 8th.
June 24th
July 28th and 29th.
October 31st.
November 1ST and 2nd.
December 24th and 25th.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: For this trek you will need one hold-all or duffel bag, which we will provide. However, you will be carrying your small day pack while hiking. Please pack as light as possible. A light backpack is key to feeling great!
- Passport (very important)
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
- Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L Camelbaks or water bottles
- Water for the beginning of your hike. We will resupply you at lunch.
- Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles) and sandals. (very important)
- 5 Wicking/Hiking T-Shirts & and 2 hiking pants
- Nice T-shirt and pants for Ausangate Mountain day – remember you will always treasure these photos, wear something you love
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho, warm jacket, down jacket, fleece or sweater, scarf, wool hat, sunglasses, gloves and 5 pairs of socks
- Bathing suits & small towel for the hot springs in Conoc ( It is optional )
- Sun protection cream and sun hat (very important)
- Insect Repellent
- Camera/ Cellphone with extra Power Bank
- iPhone/iPod for music
- Flashlight or head lamp with spare batteries (very important)
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: Band aids, moleskin, etc
We require a deposit of 50% of the total price per person for any tours or treks. The deposit can be made via PayPal or Western Union. If you rent camping and hiking gear, upgrade tours or receive a discount of the total price our sales team will email you the updated remaining balance payable at our Cusco office.
For shared service (Group Tour)
- $ 540 USD per person (3 people minimum)
For private service (Private Tour) are based on group size:
- 2 People: $ 890 USD per person
- 3 People: $ 650 per person
- 4 People: $ 600 USD per person
- 5 People: $ 570 USD per person
- 6 People: $ 540 USD per person
Note.
- If you book this tour for more than 2 people, ask for it and get a discount for this tour.
- 17 years old or less, the discount is $20 USD
According to Peruvian Law, you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu to qualify for a discount.
Note: If you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of booking to receive the student discount. Email us a copy at: incavisiontours@gmail.com
Pay with PayPal
Please note that PayPal charge a fee of 5.5 % (only for online deposits) which the client is responsible for. The fee is for the use of PayPal’s secure payment gateway. Please send your deposit to incavisiontours@gmail.com and notify us after payment has made through PayPal.