Description
AUSANGATE TREK CLASSIC 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS
Visit the Inca culture and explore the magnificent Ausangate
ITINERARY
Ausangate is the ultimate trekking destination in the Cusco area. This beautiful snow-capped peak is one of the main features of the Cusco skyline but very few people actually ever see it up close. The area around Ausangate is full of natural beauty; with azure lakes and the majestic snow-capped peak ever present, trekking here is truly amazing. The 5 day Ausangate trek really allows you to see a part of Peru few ever visit, this unforgettable trail is perfect for people who love to get away from it all.
By booking the Ausangate Trek with Haku Travel you are choosing the best. Don’t believe us? Check out our reviews on Tripadvisor.
DAY 1: CUSCO TO UPIS
You will be collected by our transportation from your Cusco hotel at 6:00am and begin our 3-hour journey towards the small Andean village Tinqui (2513ft) located at the base of Vilcanota range. The drive will take you through the beautiful countryside and we will pass many traditional villages such as Urcos, Ccatcca and Ocongate. We will rest for a while after reaching Tinqui while our horses are being prepared/laden with our supplies for the trek which will begin around 10:00. We start the trek by crossing the bridge and green meadows underneath Ausangate Mountain’s uneven stone flanks. We will reach the hot springs of Upis (14432ft) after 6 hours, a wonderful place to camp for the night.
DAY 2: UPIS TO AUSANGATECOCHA
The second day begins right after breakfast as we move ahead with our hike and head for the La Arapa pass (15908ft) where we arrive within 2 hours. We move down to our lunch site after crossing a region known for falcons and “vizcachas” or Andean rodents. Here you can see three magnificent lakes (Pukacocha, HatunPukacocha, and Qomerqocha) with hues of reds, greens, and turquoises, with the beautiful backdrop of snowy peaks. Once we have had lunch, we will carry on our slow & lengthy 2-hour climb to the second mountain pass the Abra de Apuchata (16072ft). From there we will climb down to reach our campsite at Ausangatecocha (14563ft).
DAY 3: AUSANGATEQOCHA TO Q´AMPA
The third day begins early morning when we start our 2-hour ascend to the third mountain pass, the Abra de Palomani (17056ft) which is the hike’s highest point. We then begin another 2-hour descent towards Pampacancha (13284ft) which is a site of llamas, alpacas and ¨vizcachas¨. The third day’s final destination will be our campsite in Q´ampa (14104ft). We will reach the camping area after climbing for 3 hours during which time you might see llamas, alpacas, and perhaps even pumas. You can sleep in the camp after dinner to end day.
DAY 4: Q´AMPA TO PACCHANTA
After having breakfast we leave the campsite and tenderly ascend the Qampa side valley, going zigzag through a stream and through ancient rock falls where you can see big rabbit-like rodents, the Andean vizcachas, jump across the boulders. Since this area is less populated we have a better chance of witnessing wildlife such as condors skimming the slopes and rare vicuñas on ridge tops. We then pass through Ausangate’s lush side from where you can see icy crags of Collque Cruz (Silver Cross) and Tres Picos (Three Peaks) on your right while moving up towards Qampa pass (16400ft) which is our 4th and last crossing. The high point is distinguished by the cairns made by the countless travelers through the years. We then climb down to Qomercocha where you can see lonesome lakes of varying depths and shades lie below soaring peaks. You can sense why this strong yet tranquil place became a ceremonial site for Quechua shamans of the Region. We then follow a series of progressing ridge in grassy outdoors, meeting child shepherds and women hand-spinning wool along the way to our trek’s largest settlement, the village of Pacchanta (13448ft). Here you can enjoy the wonderful hot springs while taking in the panoramic view of snow-capped Ausangate.
DAY 5: PACCHANTA TO CUSCO
We begin our 3-hour walk from Pacchanta to Tinqui. From Tinqui we hop on private transport for our return journey to the city of Cusco, where we will probably reach after nightfall.
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