A magnificient and less known trail, leads around the snow-covered sacred mountain Apu Ausangate, with its 6,372 m, the highest mountain in the Cusco region. The route leads over mountain passes, with a superb scenery, remote andean villages, hot springs and turquoise lakes. An unforgettable trek, recommended for fans of mountain treks, searching for intensive experiences in remote regions and wild nature.
1st day: Cusco – Upis
We will leave Cusco really early with our private van, driving along the highway Cusco-Puerto Maldonado towards Tinqui(3,800 m). On the roadtrip we already have amazing views on the surrounding landscape. In Tinqui we meet with our horsemen and their horses. We start our trek upwards, passing Puna, really dry highland with sparse vegetation and after more than 3 hours we will stop for lunch at a location with an amazing glimpse at Ausangate. Afterwards we continue our trek for 2 more hours to our campsite in Upis at 4,400 m. With the sunset in the background, we have a wonderful gaze at the snow-covered mountains, including Ausangate, directly in front of us.
2nd day: Upis – Ausangatecocha
After breakfast, we initate our day with a walk up to the La Arapa-pass at 4,850 m. Then we walk down for a while, passing an area with falcons and Vizcachas (an andean rodent similar than a chinchilla), three beautiful lakes (Pukaqocha, Hatunqocha and Qomerqocha), shimmering in red, green and turquoise colors, with spectacular views on the surrounding snow-covered mountain-peaks. After lunch and 2 more hours walking up a steep climb, we reach the second pass of the day, Abra de Apuchata at 4,900 m. Our campsite Ausangateqocha, at 4,400 m we reach shortly after.
3rd day: Ausangateqocha – Q´ampa
Early, we will initate our climb to reach Abra de Palomani at 5,200 m, the hightest point of our trek. This climb takes only 2 hours. Then we go downwards to Pampacancha at 4,050 m, accompanied by countless lamas, alpacas and vizcachas to Pampacancha. Then we follow an old inca-trail up to our campsite in Q´ampa at 4,300 m. You may also be lucky enough to see groups of vicuña, undoubtedly the most beautiful member of the llama family, with its slender neck, huge eyes and soft golden wool. In Q´ampa we have diner and stay for the night.
4th day: Q´ampa – Pacchanta
Our first climb today is up to 5,000 m, the Q´ampa pass. From the top you can see several different coloured lakes. One that we will pass by is the greeny turquoise lake called Q’oma Q’ocha. At the end we reach Pacchanta a small village with attractive hot springs, where we can relax, eat diner and sleep.
5th day: Pacchanta – Tinqui
We leave Pachhanta in the morning, walk for 2 hours to Tinqui, where we will be picked up and transferred to Cusco. We get to Cusco by sunset.
