AUSANGATE CIRCUIT 7 DAY

WThis five-day trek through the Cordillera Vilcanota’s rugged snow-capped peaks offers spectacular scenery and a unique encounter with life in the Andean altiplano. Hiking completely around the mystical Mount Ausangate (6,380 m.), we camp near hot springs and glacier-fed multicolored lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean geese and the magnificent Andean Condor. We walk among herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages and appreciate the colorful clothing and daily rhythm of the local inhabitants. Sections of the high plains in this area also provide the natural habitats for the marmot-like vizcacha and the rare vicuna, a wild relative of the alpaca and llama. With three high passes over 5,000 m., spectacular glacial vistas, and uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a superb trip for seasoned trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.

Daily Itinerary, Services, Information, and Prices
Trek rating: Moderate to Rigorous

Day 1
Cusco to Tinqui - We depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about six hours to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota range. Driving through the beautiful countryside, we pass several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate, where we can stop for rests and lunch. Our first night is spent at a lovely campsite in Tinqui. L,D

Day 2
Tinqui to Upis Hot Springs – We meet our pack animals and arrieros, or mule-drivers, that will carry our equipment and backpacks. Our trek begins crossing a pampa of grassy meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,350 m.), the highest snow peak in Southern Peru. After trekking approximately five hours, with time for lunch and rest stops for pictures, we arrive to the hot springs of Upis, our second campsite. From here, we get marvelous views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. B,L,D

Day3
Upis to Lake Pukacocha – After trekking approximately 2.5 hours, we get to our first pass, Arapa pass (4,850 m.) From the pass we enjoy wonderful vistas not only of Ausangate itself, but of many other nearby snow peaks. We continue down the corridor past small, multi-colored lagoons until we reach the larger Lake Vinococha, where we have lunch. A short walk in the afternoon brings us to the red-colored Lake Pucacocha, our campsite for the night. From here we get a dramatic, close-up view of Mount Ausangate and may even hear ice falling into the lake from its sides. Don’t worry. We are not in any danger. B,L,D

Day 4
Pukacocha to Uchuy Finaya – In the morning, we make a short ascent to our second pass of Apuchata, (4,900 m.) with the aquamarine Laguna Ausangate Q’ocha below. From here, we climb to the Palomani pass (5,200 m.), the highest of our journey. We can enjoy fantastic views of Ausangate and the Vilcanota range from this point. After approximately 2 hours of walking down into a valley, we arrive to our incredibly beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya. B,L,D

Day 5
Uchuy Finaya to Lake Minaparayoc – Leaving our campsite, we begin a winding ascent along a widening stream until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, named for the dozens of these furry animals that can be seen here. We pass through the small community of Campa, from where we can see the fabulous snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta and Tres Picos. Upon reaching our final pass at Q’omer Q’ocha, we have lunch among the wild vicunas and green lakes. A short downhill walk brings us to the mystical Lake Minaparayoc, where we will camp along the shore. B,L,D

Day6
Lake Minaparayoc to Tinqui – Hiking down through the valley, we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to hot springs of Pacchanta. Here we can rest, have lunch, and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water. Relaxed and refreshed, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui, where we spend our last night.
B,L,D

Day 7
Tinqui to Cusco – Early in the morning, we take our private vehicle back to Cusco to enjoy city life again and savor the memories of a spectacular journey. B,L.

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