This is an impressive trek around the snow-capped Ausangate mountains (6,372m) which can be done by horse or walking. You will pass over 5,200 m where it is possible to see some vicunas and also many alpaca herds, which is the main income for the Andean people on this area. You can bathe in hot springs and see red and green lakes with Ducks, Pintails, Andean Coots, Puna Ibis, Andean Goose.and much more. An unforgettable and challenging hike for lovers of mountain treks. The nights are cold but during the day it can be very hot. The APU AUSANGATE as it is called by the andean people, is a holy mountain, which still these days people prey on it asking for good agriculture, good life for their animals and good health for themselves. Every year in june there is an expedition of catolic religious people to the Senor of Qóylloriti which is a temple made up at 5200 masl to celebrate the catholic cross, the sun and the Apu Ausangate of the Inkas. It is very important to mention that the religion of the peruvians nowadays is mixed: the cristian catholic belief and the believing of the ancestors: the Apus (mountains) and Pachamama (mother earth).

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - Tinki - Upis

We leave at 5:00 am from Cusco in private bus, taking the road that goes to Puerto Maldonado. After 6 hours driving we arrive to Tinki at 3800 m asl. On the way from Cusco to Tinki we pass through many agricultural areas and beautifull landscapes.

From Tinki we start walking for 5 hours to Upis where we will have our first camp at 4200 masl .

Day 2: Upis to Jatun Pucaqocha

After an early breakfast will leave Upis and ascend for two hours to reach the La Arapa pass (4850 masl). On the trek we pass through areas with many vizcachas (relatives of the rabbits) also the view of the Ausangate is very impressive from the top, as we descend we see the beautifull lakes with green or turquoise colors. We wil set up the camp close the lake Jatun Pucaqocha (big red lake).

Day 3: Jatun Pucaqocha to Uchuy Finaya

On this day we will pass over two passes, the second pass of Apuchata in 4900m asl. And right after that the third pass the Palomani pass at 5200masl. Finally arriving to Uchuy Finaya where we will camp. Also from here the view is very spectacular because we can see the back side of the Ausangate mountain, also on the way we see many Alpaca herds.

Day 4: Huchuy Finaya to Pacchanta

On this day we have the fourth pass the Q´ampa pass 5000 m asl. The possibilities to observe vicunas are very good on this day, also for people who would like to see birds on the lakes or flying, eg. Crested Duck, Ground Tyrants and Puna Hawks.

The Viscachas are very common close to Pacchanta, place of the hot spring and camp.

Day 5: Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco

After an early breakfast ,we leave Pacchanta towards Tinki, which will take us approximately 2 hours. From Tinki we take our private bus back to Cusco city, arriving in the afternoon.

Note:

• Departure and arrival times are approximate.
  
• Campsites are subject to change according to our guide’s criteria and the evolution of the group.

Includes

• Pick up from your hotel and transfer in private bus to Tinki (starting point of the trek) and back to Cusco
• Double tents
• Mattress
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• English speaking professional guide
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
• Accommodation for our guides
• Cook and horsemen
• Meals (+ snack and teatime service every day)
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

What you need to bring

• A backpack with a change of clothes
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Trekking or sport shoes
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece and sweaters
• Sleeping bag (it can be hired for 10 US$ / 5 days)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Camera, films and batteries
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain or cold
• Sun block
• Insect repellent
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars etc.
• Water bottle
• Towel
• Swimsuit (for hot spring)