Ausangate Trek PAT Service
Day 1: Cusco to Upis
Very early in the morning we leave Cusco city in a private transport, and drive along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado road towards Tinki (3 800 m.a.s.l./ 12464ft). On the way we pass Urcos, where we can observe a beautiful lagoon with the same name.
We continue to Cattca, an agricultural and livestock community where we can appreciate the spectacular views of the region and finally cross Ocongate, capital of the district with the same name.
From this point we are only half an hour away from our destination. After approximately 4 hours by car, we arrive at Tinki, where we meet our muleteers and horses.
We begin our hike starting a slight climb through the puna (dry, high area with little vegetation) to then reach our lunch spot after a three hour hike. From here we already have beautiful views of the sacred peak of Ausangate (6 372 m.a.s.l./ 20900ft). After lunch, we continue walking for another hour and a half to reach our campsite at Upis (4 400 m.a.s.l./ 14432ft).
From this point, we can appreciate the fabulous views of all the snow-capped peaks in the area. We will camp and have dinner directly in front of Ausangate.
Day 2: Upis to Ausangatecocha
After breakfast, we continue our hike ascending for two hours to reach the pass of La Arapa (4 850 m.a.s.l. / 15 908ft). We then descend to our lunch spot, crossing an area of hawks, viscachas and Andean rodents. This area also has three beautiful lakes with shades of red, green and turquoise (Pukacocha, HatunPukacocha and Qomerqocha) and spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
After lunch, we continue a long and slow ascent that will take us, after approximately two hours, to the second mountain pass, the Abra de Apuchata (4 900 m.a.s.l. / 16 072ft). From here we descend for another half hour to our campsite at Ausangatecocha (4,440 m.a.s.l. / 14,563ft).
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Ausangateqocha to Q’ampa. third day of the exciting Ausangate trek !
Today we leave early to climb two hours to the third mountain pass, the Abra de Palomani (5 200 m.a.s.l. / 17056ft). This is the highest part of the entire trek, from which we descend for 2 more hours through an area of llamas, alpacas and vizcachas to reach Pampacancha (4 050m.a.s.l.).
From here we follow a trail uphill until it takes us to our campsite at Q’ampa (4 300m.a.s.l./ 14 104ft). Along this easy 3-hour climb, we may have the opportunity to spot llamas, alpacas, and even pumas. We will have dinner and overnight at the camp.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Q’ampa to Pacchanta
We climb for 2 hours until we reach the Q’ampa pass (5,000 m.a.s.l./16,404ft), where we will be able to observe the Andean deer. From here we descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon to finally reach Pacchanta (4 100 m.a.s.l./13 448ft) after approximately five hours of walking. Pacchanta is a small community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We will camp and spend the night in this place.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 Pacchanta to Tinki, the last day of the Ausangate trek.
We leave Pacchanta and start our way back to Tinki, which will take approximately 2 hours. Once in Tinki, we will board a private transport that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we estimate to arrive after sunset.
The Ausangate trek, nowadays is one of the most requested trips by national and foreign visitors. It is undoubtedly a wonderful adventure after tours such as: Salkantay to Machu Picchu, Inca Trail Machu Picchu, Inca Jungle and Lares Machu Picchu.
* Departure and arrival times are approximate.
** The camps are subject to change according to the criteria of our guide and the progress of the group.
Difficulty
Challenging: due to the altitude we recommend a period of at least 3 days for acclimatization in Cusco or in a place over 3 000 m.a.s.l. / 9 840ft.
Price per person 2022
Prices per person depend on the size of the group, the larger the group the lower the price per person.
Departures are daily and are available throughout the year, although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is from April to November.
All departure dates of the private service are adapted to your request.
