The Ausangate trek is a high altitude 70km hike in Peruvian mountains near Cusco with an average altitude of over 4000m. Unlike most other hikes in the region Ausangate is not about Inca ruins, it's all about beautiful scenery; snow peaks, glaciers, colorful mountain lakes, and the Sacred Mountain.
The Ausangate (6398m/20991f) is considered one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Andes. The areas surrounding this mountain offer extraordinary sceneries of mountains, glaciers and lagoons. Moreover, the Andean people are very welcoming and friendly and preserve the respect for the nature. They also have an excellent knowledge of farming vicuñas, alpacas and lamas, being the first two appreciated for their fine quality of wool and alpaca for its meat. We will drive for 4 hours from Cusco and get prepared for a cold temperature and high altitude.
Altitude: 4050 – 5100 m. / 13287ft – 16732ft
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco - Tinke - Upis
Day 1: Cusco - Tinke - Upis
Total distance: 10 km (6.21 miles) Estimated walking time: 5 to 6 hours Maximum altitude point: 4 447 m (14 589 ft.) Campsite altitude: 4 400 m (14 435 ft.)
Private transportation from Cusco. The road goes toward Puno, past the Wari site of Pikillacta ruins and the colonial towns of Andahuaylillas and Huaro (we may spend some time visiting them) afterwards a road starts winding its way up hill until we reach small villages with shepherds and weavers in the highland puna. In the afternoon the Vilcanota Range will loom in the distance with Ausangateand Qolqe Cruz mountains dominating the landscape.
The trail starts crossing the puna or highland meadow approaching the base of the impressive Ausangate with amazing views of the rolling landscape. Continuing the hike, the trail takes you up through the Andean villages still traditional in many of their customs and habits. Camp at Upis with a chance to enjoy the thermal baths.
Map - Day 1: Cusco - Tinke - Upis
Day 2: Upis - Arapa Pass - Lake Ausangate
Day 2: Upis - Arapa Pass - Lake Ausangate
Total distance: 16 km (9.94 miles) Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours Maximum altitude point: 4 750 m (15 583 ft.) Campsite altitude: 4 447 m (14 589 ft.)
Ascending the slopes, we cross over the pass at 4,500 mts. (14,760ft) and make our way to lake Pucacocha for lunch with the western ice-fall of Ausangate mountain dominating the view of this campsite. After lunch we head up to Apacheta pass 4700mts (and afterwards make our way down to Ausangate lake. From tonight camp you can appreciate just why Ausangate has for centuries commanded so much reverence for the local people.
Map - Day 2: Upis - Arapa Pass - Lake Ausangate
Day 3: Lake Ausangate - Palomani Pass - Huchuy Phinaya
Day 3: Lake Ausangate - Palomani Pass - Huchuy Phinaya
Total distance: 16 km (9.94 miles) Estimated walking time: 8 to 9 hours Maximum altitude point: 5 200 m (16 060 ft.) Campsite altitude: 4 600 m (15 091 ft.)
We cross the highest pass on our trip at Palomani (4,800mts) (15,744ft), with a spectacular view of the southeastern ridge of Mount Ausangate. Camp at Soraycucho.
Map - Day 3: Lake Ausangate - Palomani Pass - Huchuy Phinaya
End of our Services
INCLUDES
Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your Ausangate Trek” guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. At this time, we will provide you with the duffle bags which will be carried by our Porters. The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before the trip begins. In case you can’t come at this time “please let us know” to coordinate another time.
Touristic Transport: You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Tinki Village the starting point of the trek to Ausangate trail.
Adventure Experienced Ausangate trek Tour Guide: English speaking, professionally educated, and official tour guide with tourism certification. They all grew up in this region and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. Your guide will explain the culture and surroundings along the entire route, including leading your group in ancient ceremonies! He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time along the Inca path and will ensure you are safe and happy.
Private campsites: Each campsite is carefully choosed for having a very local experience.
Night 1: Enjoy the 1st night in Upis campsite on the route Ausangate trek sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
Night 2: Enjoy the 2nd night in Ausangate Cocha campsite on the route Ausangate trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
Night 3: Enjoy the 3rd night in Huchuy Phinaya campsite on the route Ausangate trek and sleep in our 4 season Pro Aconcagua Doite tents. All our tents are 4-man tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
Note: It is not usual that the campsites, lodges or hotels change after the confirmation, however it can vary per government regulations and authorization, also for bad weather conditions and maybe because physical condition of our visitors: any changes in this matter ITEP travel will be informing you previously and as soon as possible.
Camping equipment: Dining and kitchen tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment (all carried by our porters and horses).
Entry ticket to the Ausangate trail
1 Duffle Bag: You can put your personal luggage, up to 5 kgs (11.02 lbs.), including your sleeping bag; this bag will be carried by our horses during the 4 days.
Professional Trekking Chef: A professional chef specialized in cooking on the trail, with an assistant, will prepare all of your delicious meals along our journey on the Trail to replenish your energy every day. You will never go hungry!
Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners (Vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost) Please be in mind (1st breakfast and last lunch is not included”
Boiled Water: Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, Inka Trail Expeditions will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing. You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
Wake up tea: Every morning at the campsite, you will wake up with a cup of coca tea! Our staff will bring the tea to your tent so that you will be warmed from inside out before you start your day.
Tea time daily during the Trek: Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide our tea time with popcorn, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you will not have to wait until dinner to relax, warm up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Products for hygiene: You will be provided with a small towel before each meal to clean your hands and every morning will be also a bucket with warm water for washes your personal hygiene.
Medical kit and Oxygen bottle: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
Transfer back to Cusco: Private touristic transport from Paqchanta Village to your hotel in Cusco (Day 4)
24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping Bags: You can rent one from our company if you do not have your own. Our sleeping bags are effective and durable to protect from temperatures as low as -18ºC (0ºF). They are mummy form and include a sleeping liner. The bags are cleaned after every use.
Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
Day 1: Breakfast: Approx. Usd5 to usd 10.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes. Approx. Usd 20 to 25.00, Price can vary according your selection.
Personal clothing and gear
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff: Please note that our agency staff is well paid so please feel free to tip or not as you wish “Recommendation usd 6 to usd 8 per day per traveler for all the trek staff”- Once again it is optional and can vary according your satisfaction.
Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)
YOU NEED
Original Passport
Day Pack
Full rain gear or poncho
Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves)
Trekking pants
Breathable dry fit top-wear
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Hiking socks
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Bathing suit
Comfortable shoes/flip-flops
Cold-weather jacket
Long-sleeve fleece/sweater Wool hat
Hiking boots
Baseball cap, sombrero and bandana
Casual mountains wear for evenings
Photo/video cameras and chargers
Binoculars
Refillable water bottle (hydration bags are recommended)
RESERVATIONS
For availability of spaces for this service, please contact us info@salkantaytrek.org and we`ll send you detailed information, prices, terms and conditions.
Please keep in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups. All our tours are fully guaranteed, departure every day. Contact us for more information for the tour that you are choosing, or to begin customizing your own itinerary. recommendations:
"ITEP Eco Travel is a tour operator travel agency in Peru and the city of Cusco, We really know what we do and offer, We are well managed, with several offices in Peru and a long list of travel destinations, offering all travel alternatives in Perú, from family trips, honeymoon trips and luxury travel, including adventure tours and exploring trips to the jungle, for almost any budget”
NOTE: ITEP Eco Travel, specializes in organizing the ideal travel plan to Peru, with hotels and destinations that you choose, because we have all confidential and promotional rates. For guidance on how to organize your custom package. Please write us.
We trekked through the mountains with a fantastic guide who looked after us and showed us all the details we would have otherwise missed. From the ruins themselves to the flora and fauna our guide Henrry took us back in time hundreds of years with ease. He will be remembered for his personal touch...
A great experience. Very well organized. It is my third time in Peru and second time visiting Machu Picchu. I felt comfortable and safe with Primo. He did a good job and he has a wealth of knowledge of the region. 5 stars and maximum recommendations. Very professional, cordial and punctual....
This was the Royal Inca Trail one-day hike, starting at KM 104 and finishing at Machu Picchu.
Our guide was Henrry Chauca, and he is excellent. I was twice the age of the other six hikers, and therefore the slowest. Henrry made sure that I was always safe, kept encouraging me, told me to take my...
5/5 stars
