Ausangate Trek 5D/4N

Ausangate Trek 5d / 4n.

• Day 1: Cusco - Tinqui - Upis.

We leave Cusco very early in the morning, we pick you up from your hotel in the city of Cusco and we go to the south-east of the city, approximately three hours of travel in private transport to the small town of Tinqui (3800 meters / 12,464 feet). We pass through beautiful landscapes and various traditional towns such as Urcos, Cattca and Ocongate. After lunch in Tinqui, we will start the walk where the first 3 hours of the way will be an unforgettable experience as we will cross the mountains in the Cordillera del Vilcanota and from now on if the weather allows it we will be able to envision the snow-capped mountain or Apu Ausangate. We will walk for two more hours until we reach the hot springs in Upis (4,400 meters / 14,432 feet). We will camp here for the night (4-5 hours of trekking).

• Day 2: Upis - Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha.

In the morning we will cross the Arapa pass (4,850 meters / 15,908 feet), this being one of the highest points on the walk. From here, we continue for 3 and a half hours descending through the valley, passing through the green lagoon of Puqa Q'ocha until we reach the turquoise waters of the Jatun Puqa Q'ocha lagoon. Next, we will climb the second pass of Apuchata (4,900 meters / 16,072 feet), overlooking the impressive Ausangate Q'ocha lagoon and its turquoise blue waters. This lagoon is fed by the snow that melts from the snowy Ausangate. We will camp here the second night.

• Day 3: Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha - Qampa.

From the lagoon we ascend again towards the Palomani pass (5,200 meters / 17,056 feet) - the highest point of the hike. We follow the path towards the valley where we can rest and have lunch. In the afternoon we can appreciate the snowy Tres Picos and Punta Puca. We will continue through the wide green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the valley of the Q'ampa River. We will spend the third night in this area.

• Day 4: Q'ampa - Pacchanta.

Very early in the morning we will start with the walk where we will pass through the small community of Q'ampa, then we will head northwest to the last pass of this walk - Q'ampa pass (5,000 meters / 16,400 feet). Once again we will have the opportunity to observe many colored lagoons and we will have lunch near the Q'oma Q'ocha lagoon. We will walk for several hours before reaching the small town of Pacchanta. We can enjoy the hot 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 town. (You have the option of staying in a basic hostel tonight).

• Day 5: Pacchanta - Cusco.

It is a 3-hour walk back to Tinqui, where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean town before taking private mobility back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m., ending this amazing tour in Cusco to the snowy Ausangate.

• Transportation from the hotel to the city of Tinqui (Round Trip).
• Entrance to Ausangate park.
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
• High quality camping equipment (professional tents, Doite Cima 4 model, extra light / 4.5kgs for two people. Mats, dining tent with table and chairs, toilet service tent).
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks / vegetarian option).
• Cook and kitchen equipment.
• Muleteers and mules, for all our camping equipment and personal luggage (up to 8 kg.).
• Emergency horse (for a minimum of 2 people).
• First aid kit and oxygen bottle.

• Breakfast on the first day
• Sleeping bag (if you don't have a sleeping bag, you can rent one).

• Bring a backpack with a rain coat.
• Make sure you are well acclimatized, in good shape and healthy.
• Bring a sleeping bag.
• Bring clothing for hot and cold weather such as a waterproof jacket.
• Bring rain pants and light pants. Trekking shoes, slippers or sandals (for showers and thermal baths), wool or synthetic socks and a sweater.
• Bring a rain poncho and a hat. Swimsuit (for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes).
• Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, alcohol disinfectant gel, water bottle and sterilization tablets, toiletries and toilet paper.
• Bring a camera (wrapped in a plastic bag).
• Bring a flashlight and batteries.
• Bring some selected snacks such as a chocolate bar and dried fruits.
• Original passport, original ISIC student card (in case you are a student) and extra money in the local currency, Nuevo Soles.

Who can do this tour?

Everyone can do it from the age of 10 under the responsibility and supervision of their parents in the same way as adults but we recommend the minimum age of 16. For this type of tours a good physical condition is required.

What is the best time to visit Ausangate?

The best time to hike in this part of Peru is from May to December, during the dry season. Try to prioritize the months of June and August. Try to avoid traveling during the period January to March because it is quite rainy. Not only is it unpleasant to walk on a path that becomes slippery , it also increases the danger of landslides or falling stones.

Climate: The Ausangate trek is quite a hard route, it is not signposted and it goes to high altitudes, including a pass at 5200 meters above sea level. As with any high mountain route, weather conditions can change suddenly.

The experience you will live:

Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging.

Total walking distance-Total duration of the walk-Maximum altitude.

• Day 1: Total distance: 11 km -Estimated walking time: 4 to 5 hours --- Altitude: 4,400m.
• Day 2- Walking distance: 12 km- Estimated walking time: 7½ to 8 hours -Altitude: 4,900 m.
• Day 3: Total distance: 16 km- Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours -Altitude: 5,200m.
• Day 4: Total distance: 14 km- Estimated walking time: 7 to 8 hours-Altitude: 5,000m.
• Day 5: We do 3 hours of walking to Tinki and from there we take our mobility to Cusco.