Tours in Cusco: Ausangate

Description

The peak of Ausengate, situated in the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range, is one of the tallest mountains in Peru with a height of 6,398m above sea level. It is considered by many the most beautiful mountain in this part of the Andes. Though 5 hours drive from Cusco, its snowy massif is visible from many parts of the city.

This hike offers a true wilderness experience, and is the most challenging commercial hike on offer in the Cusco region. This is a great hike for nature lovers, with lots of wildlife to be seen. The scenery is stunning, white snow capped peaks and bright blue and green lagoons are just some of the scenic highlights. There s also a cultural element to the hike, as it passes through several isolated Andean communities where the way of life has changed little since the reign of the Incas.

Itinerario

FIRST DAY:
We will pick you up from Cusco at 1pm and begin the 5 hour drive to Tinke (3,900m), a small village where we will camp on our first night. On the way we’ll see small villages where the traditional Andean way of life can still be seen.

SECOND DAY:
07:00 A.M. We will walk from Tinke to Upis in about 6 hours. During this trail we will visit the community of Upis. Upis is situated 4,400 meters above sea level and there live approximately 5 or 6 families. This day we walk very closely to the mountain Nevada Ausangate. At the end of the day we will have our campsite.

THIRD DAY:
07:00 A.M. We begin our day with a breakfast in Upis. Afterwards we will go to Arapa, which is about 7 hours walking. We will arrive at the mountainpass Arapa from where we can enjoy a lovely view over a beautiful mountain chain and lakes surrounded by a formation of rocks. This place is situated at 4850 meters above sea level.

FOURTH DAY:
07:00 A.M. We will walk from mountain pass Arapa to the pass of Ausangate, which will take about 8 hours of hiking. During this part of the trail we will see the lake Yanaccocha and other impressing high mountains. This pass has an altitude 4750 meters above sea level.

FIFTH DAY:
Today we will walk from Ausangate to Huchuy Finaya, which is about 7 hours walking. At this part of the trek we will have a magical view over very high mountains like Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Parco Calle and Maria Huamantilla. All these mountains are at 6372 meters above sea level and have snow formations that look like caves.

SIXTH DAY:
From Huchuy Finaya we walk to Pacchanta. This walk will take around 7 hours and on our way we will visit the thermal baths of Pacchanta. An other attractive thing to do will be the Inca Trail, which is -like its name says- an union of brooks.

SEVENTH DAY:
This day we leave Pacchanta and walk to Tinke in 2 hours. In Tinke we will take a car back to Cusco and so we bring our crossing of Ausangate to an end.

click on the images to enlarge

Practical Information

Leaving:
please for fixed departure dates
Transport: By bus
Length: 7 DAYS, 6 NIGHTS
Price 2012:

Bring With You

Good sleeping bag;

plastic to cover your bag;

raincoat;

good hiking shoes;

2 pairs of clothes ( packed together in a plastic bag );

warm sweater;

jacket;

Waterbottles and tablets to purify the water (very important);

cap;

sunbloc;

insect repellent;

caramels;

chocolates;

dried fruit;

cookies.;

Included	Not Included
Pick up at your hotel; Return transport from Cusco to Tinke; Pack mules to carry personal belongings, food and camping equipment; Cook; Professional Bilingual English – Spanish Guide; Double occupancy tents (all new equipment!); Camping Equipment: kitchen tent, dining tent, chairs, tables and comfortable mattresses, toilet; First Aid Kit with oxygen; Meals.	Sleeping bag.