Ausangate Trek
Description
Nevado Ausangate, situated in the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range, is one of the tallest mountains in Peru with a height of 6,398m above sea level. It is considered by many the most beautiful mountain in this part of the Andes of Peru. Though roughly a 4 hours drive from the Cusco, its snowy massif is visible from many parts of the city.
The Ausangate Trek offers a true wilderness experience. Many call it the most challenging hike on offer in the Cusco region. The Ausangate Trek is a great hike for nature lovers, with lots of wildlife to be seen. The scenery is stunning, white snow-capped peaks and bright blue and green lagoons are just some of the scenic highlights. There is also a cultural element to this trek, as it passes through several isolated Andean communities where the way of life has changed little since the reign of the Incas.
The Ausangate Trek is not as popular as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, but certainly a great option for the more experienced hiker with special interested in nature and culture.
The popular Rainbow Mountain is part of the Ausangate Trek and it is on the foot of the Ausangate, where the Qoyllur R'iti Festival takes places.
Itinerary
Day 1
At around 5 am you will be picked up and transported to Tinke, 2 hours away and at 3,900masl. From there we have to walk around 4 hours until the lunch and another 3 hours to our camp in Upis. En-route we will see many small villages where you can see the stresses and strains of traditional rural life.
Day 2
Today we will trek for around 6 hours to Ananta. Lunch will be next to the Pucaccocha lake. On route, we will see other lakes, birds, alpacas, condors, and a lot of other animals. In Ananta we make camp and spent the night.
Day 3
We start our day with breakfast in Ananta. Today we will walk until the famous Rainbow Mountain. After enjoying the view from Vinicunca, we go back and have lunch. We will continue to Ausangate Qocha.
Day 4
Today we will have some parts to go up, but also walking down. We will pass another beautiful brown colored lake. If you want to, there is also the opportunity to climb the Ausangate glacier. After lunch we walk to our new base camp called Phinaya.
Day 5
After a good rest in a very quiet area, we will wake up at 6 am to enjoy our breakfast at 7 am. We will go over a pass today of 5200 meters above sea-level until we see the Jampa Glacier. We will go until the top to enjoy the amazing views on lakes and small villages. Before getting to our camp, we will have lunch close to the lake. It is around 5 hours walking in the morning. After lunch we walk around 2 hours more to reach Pacchanta. In this small village, there is the option to stay the night at a local hostal for an extra cost if you prefer the hostal over your tent.
Day 6
After the breakfast in town, we will walk back to Tinke. The path is only used for walking and motorbikes, especially by local people to get around. It is around 4 hours walking to Tinke where you can buy a typical lunch (not included). In the afternoon our driver will take you back to Cusco where you will arrive in the early evening.
Photos
Practical Information
Transport: By bus
Price: Contact us
Others: Please note that all itineraries are subject to change
Bring With You
- Back Pack
- Sturdy Hiking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Rain jacket or a Poncho, waterproof trousers (especially for rainy season Nov-March)
- Plastic bags to store your spare clothes
- Sleeping Bag (can be rented with Dos Manos)
- Flashlight and batteries, pocket knife, matches
- Camera
- Water Bottle (preferably metal so it is more heat-resistant)
- Hat and / or beanie to protect you from the sun and the cold
- High factor sun block & insect repellent
- Toilet paper and personal toiletries
- Some extra snacks
- Towel
- Personal medical kit
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish)
- Cook
- Transport
- Horses to carry the food, camping equipment and your personal belongings (max. 5 kg).
- Double occupancy tents (all new equipment!) with foam mattresses
- All meals, snacks and coffee/tea breaks (except breakfast on day 1 and dinner on the last day)
- First Aid Kit with oxygen
- Camping Equipment
- Pre-departure orientation meeting
- Radios for communication in case of emergencies
Not Included
- Sleeping bag can be rented with Dos Manos
- Breakfast on Day 1 and Dinner on the last day
- Possibly the most important thing to consider: TIPS for porters, guides, cooks
Additional Options
Special Discounts apply on fixed departure dates - Click here to check special departure dates.
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