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.

• Meals
• Lunch and Dinner

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.

• Meals
• Lunch and Dinner

* 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.

What does it include?

• Briefing prior to departure
• Pick up from the hotel in the morning and transfer by private transportation to Cachora, starting point of the trek.
• Entrance fee to the Choquequirao citadel for visitors and agency staff.
• Personal tents: 2 people in each tent 4 people capacity, to allow more comfort and a custody of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season tents very well maintained to ensure excellent performance in the field. Timberline Eureka Outfitter 4 tents are used when double accommodations are required and Eureka Timberline 2XT for single travelers.
• One inflatable sleeping bag per person
• One sleeping bag per person: our sleeping bags are prepared to conserve heat from an ambient temperature of -18ºc-Comfort (0ºF), mummy shaped and include a sleeping cover. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum use of 30 trips.
• One pillow per person
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• Bathroom tent with biodegradable toilet
• Professional and official tour guide (2 guides for groups of more than 8 people)
• Chef and cooking equipment
• Pack animals (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
• Pack animals to carry staff to be prepared at a maximum of 9kg per person (including sleeping bag and sleeping bag)
• 1 emergency horse for every 6 people
• Horsemen
• Lodging for all our staff
• Meals (03 Breakfasts, 04 Lunches, 03 Dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no additional cost.
• Bag of one textile snack per person, to avoid the use of plastic bags that pollute our environment.
• Filtered boiled water from lunch time on the 1st day onwards
• Bio-degradable personal hand soaps
• Bio-degradable dishwasher detergents used by our kitchen staff
• Other: water every morning and evening for hot washing purposes / boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and evening and at noon if requested with enough time ahead of time
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen cylinder
• Private transportation from Cachora to Cusco, including transfer to your hotel in Cusco
• 24 hour service: please ask for the emergency number available during your time of visit.

Not included

• Breakfast on the first day
• Dinner on the last day
• Tips

What should you bring?

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the entire trekking period.
• Raincoat or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, ideally trekking shoes or sports shoes
• Warm clothing including jacket, fleece and sweaters
• Flashlight and batteries
• Camera, film and batteries (batteries are consumed more quickly in cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
• Water bottle and sterilizing tablets (e.g. Micropur)
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs)
• Cash in soles and US$ (in case you need money we have ATMs in Aguas Calientes)
• Original passport
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber cases are required)

Day 1: Cusco to Qomerqocha Lagoon.

Very early we leave the city of Cusco in a private transport and head by the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado road towards Pacchanta (4100m / 13448ft). On the way we pass through Urcos, where we can see a beautiful lagoon with the same name, continue to Cattca, a farming and ranching community where we can appreciate the spectacular views of the region, Ocongate, capital of the district with the same name and finally, cross Tinki, a small community that already enjoys breathtaking views of Mount Ausangate, located just half an hour from our destination. After approximately 4.5 to 5 hours by car, we arrive at Pacchanta, a rural community that has some well-known hot springs where we can enjoy a nice bath with breathtaking views of the Ausangate faces. At this point, we meet our wranglers and horses and enjoy a first delicious lunch. In the afternoon we continue our hike through a slight ascent through the Pacchanta valley, having the opportunity to observe llamas and alpacas, until we reach the beautiful Qomercocha lagoon, where we camp and have dinner. Our camp will be located in a spectacular place with breathtaking views of Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Maria Huamantiqlla, Pucapunta and Colquecruz, snow-capped mountains. Meals: L, D

Day 2: Qomerqocha Lagoon to Yanamayo.

We leave around 7.00 am and continue to the first mountain pass of our trek, the Abra Q’ampa at 5000m / 16400ft, which we will reach after approximately 4h. We then descend to the Ticllaqocha lagoons, a beautiful group of small turquoise lagoons next to which we have lunch. In the afternoon we continue our hike for an additional 2-3 hours until we reach Yanamayo, where we set up camp in a stunning valley overlooking the impressive peaks of Tres Picos, Colquecruz and Pucapunta.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Yanamayo to Condorpaso.

We leave the camp and begin a gradual ascent to Yanaqocha or “Black Lagoon”, whose name is due to the dark color of its waters. In this area we can appreciate a soil of volcanic origin, its color turns dark red and black, as well as moraines, showing the previous presence of glaciers in this region. We will pass through the Yanaqocha pass (5050m / 16564ft) to then discover a surprisingly beautiful valley with an explosion of colorful mountains, three spectacular lagoons and the presence of llamas and alpacas, which we will cross to head towards our next mountain pass (5100m / 16728ft). From this point, an additional hour of hiking takes us to Condorpaso, our next campsite, located very close to the mountain pass of the same name, which will be our challenge for the following day.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Condorpaso to Laguna de Sibinacocha spring.

After breakfast, we continue on a gradual ascent up the valley that takes us to the Abra del Condor mountain pass (5200m / 17056ft) after a hike of approximately two hours. From the pass, the highest point of our hike, we can not only enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the Sibinacocha Lagoon, our next milestone, but we also expect to see wild vicuñas. Immediately, we continue our hike for an additional 3 hours, crossing another mountain pass on the way and then descend into the valley of the source of the Sibinacocha Lagoon. We will camp next to the lagoon and very close to its source, where an impressive glacier rises that feeds the lake with its turquoise waters that contrast with the dark blue color of the lagoon. The lagoon has a great biological diversity, most likely we will be able to spot Andean coots, “Huallatas” or Andean geese, as well as Andean ducks from our camp. Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Sibinacocha Lagoon Fountain to Ccascana.

Today, we will leave early to hike along the shores of the Sibinacocha Lagoon for 3 hours until we reach the Yayamari community, next to the mountain of the same name, an impressive rocky peak overlooking the lagoon (5500 m / 18040 ft). Then we continue through a pampa where we will probably see hundreds of llamas, alpacas and, with luck, vicuñas, to then continue to the Abra Ccascana at 5000 m / 16400 ft, which will take us to the lagoon of the same name, in which area we will set up our last camp. In this remote place, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks like Montura and Chumpi, and inhabited by small rural communities, we may have the chance to see “Huallatas” or Andean geese and maybe even flamingos.
Meals: B, L, D
group’s requirements.

Day 6: Ccascana to Phinaya and return to Cusco.

Day 6: Ccascana to Phinaya and back to Cusco After our breakfast, we leave Ccascana to walk for three and a half hours to Phinaya. This is a small Andean community with a beautiful little church and no vehicles except bicycles and horses, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we meet our private transportation that will take us back to Cusco, where we expect to arrive after sunset. Meals: B, L

Day 7 ACORDO

A very challenging day of hiking with breathtaking views of the beautiful lakes and the Cordillera Vilcanota and Carabaya. We will cross two more passes at 5,152 m / 16,900 ft and 5,256 m / 17,240 ft and camp in Acordo at 4,908 m / 16,100 ft.

– trekking program
– number of people on the trek
– departure date

Discounts available:

SAE: 5% off the total program price (valid South American Explorers Club membership card required). This discount may not be applicable in case a promotional price is offered.
Daily departures 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. To suit the requirements of the group.

What does it include?

• Transportation by vehicle to start and from the end of the hike to the city, tents for two people, including sleeping pads, pack animals, cooking equipment and commissary equipment with all meals included, as well as a bilingual guide on the hike, who will handle the first aid kit.
• Pre-departure briefing
• Pick up at your hotel in the morning and transfer by private transport to Pacchanta, the starting point of the trek.
• Tinki visitor’s fee – Camping fees
• camping
• Personal tents: 2 people in each tent with capacity for 4 people, to allow for comfort and security of backpacks. The tents used for treks around the Ausangate area are Eureka K2XT 4-season tents, very well maintained to ensure excellent performance in the field.
• One inflatable sleeping pad per person
• One sleeping bag per person if requested: our sleeping bags are -18ºC (0ºF), mummy shaped and include a sleeping liner. They are cleaned after each use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
• kitchen tent
• Toilet tent with biodegradable toilets.
• Meals (05B, 06L, 05D + daily morning snack + daily tea service, except on the last day). Vegetarian or special menus available at no additional cost.
• One bag of textile snack per person, to avoid the use of plastic bags that pollute our environment.
• Filtered boiled water from lunchtime on the first day.
• Biodegradable personal hand soaps
• Degradable dishwasher detergents used by our kitchen staff.
• Other: hot water every morning and evening for washing / boiled water to fill your water bottle every morning and evening, and at lunchtime if requested in good time
• First aid kit including an emergency oxygen bottle
• Private transportation from Phinaya to Cusco, including transfer to your hotel in Cusco

Not included

• Breakfast on the first day, dinner on the last day.
• Tips: please note that our agency’s staff is well paid, so feel free to tip or not as q

What should you bring?

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the entire trekking period.
• Raincoat or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, ideally trekking shoes or sports shoes
• Warm clothing including jacket, fleece and sweaters
• Flashlight and batteries
• Camera, film and batteries (batteries are consumed more quickly in cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain or cold
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: cookies, energy bars, chocolate, etc.
• Water bottle and sterilizing tablets (e.g. Micropur)
• Small towel
• Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs)
• Cash in soles and US$ (in case you need money we have ATMs in Aguas Calientes)
• Original passport
• Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber cases are required)

Ausangate Trek to Rainbow Mountain 4 Days

DAY 01: CUSCO – TINQUI VILLAGE – UPIS HOT SPRINGS

We leave Cusco early in the morning traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive Vilcanota mountain range and pass through several traditional Andean villages along the way and have time to stop for some photos. When we arrive at Tinqui (our trailhead), we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef. It is here that our muleteers will arrange all the group’s luggage and packs on the horses and our trek officially begins. We begin our walk through the farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for about 3 hours and then stop for lunch. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to bathe in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.

• Minimum altitude: 3,800 m / 12, 464 ft
• Maximum altitude: 4,400 m / 14,432 ft
• Distance hiked: 12 km / 7 ½ miles
• Approximate hiking time: 6 – 7 hours.

DAY 02: UPIS – ARAPA PASS – PUCACOCHA

After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and start our trek. We will climb to Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From this viewpoint we will enjoy the contrast between the dry desert like hills and the impressive snow covered views of Ausangate and Pucacocha. This area also has three beautiful lakes with shades of red, green and turquoise (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha and Qomercocha). Our second camp is near the Ausangate glacier.

• Altura mínima: 4,100 m / 13,448 ft
• Altura máxima: 4,850 m / 15,908 ft
• Distancia caminando: 12 km / 7 ½ millas
• Tiempo aproximado de caminata: 6 – 7 horas.

DAY 03: PUCACOCHA – AUSANGATE – MINASNIYUQ – SURINE COCHA

This day, you will be awakened with “room service” (a hot cup of coca tea). This will be one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the rainbow mountains. Also on today’s trip, we will pass through the village of Alccatauri. This is where we will see their traditional village life. There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are very enterprising and make their mud adobe houses.
The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb to reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see red mountains and also have the opportunity to see vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas.
After enjoying the pass and the beautiful views, we will descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the village of Alccatauri (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). During our time in the village, in exchange for their generous hospitality, we will give them offerings of coca leaves. This is very valuable because this Peruvian staple cannot be grown in this climate.
After this incomparable experience, we will make an additional 30-minute hike uphill to our lunch spot in a rustic lodge.
After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our journey uphill to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow the Llama trail to the Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft.). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
The remainder of the day’s trek is a one-hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft.). The camp is on the shores of the magnificent Surine Lake.

• Altura mínima: 4,400 m /14,435 ft
• Altura máxima: 5,023 m / 16,479 ft
• Distancia recorrida: 12 km / 7 ½ millas
• Tiempo aproximado de caminata: 7 – 8 horas.

DAY 04: SURINE COCHA – VINICUNCA – QUESIUNO VILLAGE – CUSCO

After breakfast, we hike gradually for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will take you to the best places to get the perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most impressive places in Peru and South America, these types of mountains are only seen in one other country in the world, China.
After taking pictures and enjoying the view, we will continue on the hike until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 1½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
Our private transportation will be waiting for us after lunch. The trip will be 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. The approximate time of arrival is 4 PM.

• Altura máxima: 5.020 m / 16.469 pies
• Distancia recorrida: 8 km
• Distancia aproximada a pie: 4 – 5 horas

What does it include?

• Professional guide.
• Briefing at your hotel 1 or 2 days before your trek.
• Private transportation from your hotel in Cusco to Tinqui.
• Private transportation from Quesiuno Village to your Cusco hotel.
• Camping equipment: three-person tent for every 2 people, Thermarest inflatable mattress, cooking tent,
• professional chef and kitchen assistant, dining tent with tables and chairs, toilet tent and portable toilet.
• Horseman and horses to carry all equipment (food, tents, chairs, table).
• Emergency horse to ride.
• 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches and 03 dinners.
• Boiled water and cold water to fill the water bottles.
• Emergency oxygen tank and medical equipment.
• Entrance ticket to the rainbow mountain.

Not included

• Sleeping bag (can be rented at our office $20)
• Trekking poles (can be rented at our office $ 15)
• Tips
• Last dinner

What should you bring?

• Bring original passport “With expiration date not less than 7 months”.
• Sleeping bag (can be rented at the agency).
• Hiking boots and sandals (very important).
• Trekking poles (can be rented at the agency).
• Warm clothing: layers for varying temperatures, especially at night. Thermals / gloves / scarves: wool socks /
• wool hat for cold nights, T-shirts for the entire hike.
• Headlamp (very important).
• Camera and spare batteries.
• Sunscreen / hat and sunglasses.
• Personal medical kit.
• Rain gear: a good raincoat and rain pants and a plastic rain poncho.
• Toilet paper.
• Small towel.
• Extra money for drinks and tips, souvenirs, etc (soles or dollars).
• Water bottle (1 liter recommended).