Apu Ausangate Trail

• Day 1: Cusco - Tinki - Upis
• Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel to head to the town of Tinki (3,800 m / 12,467 ft). On our way, we visit the towns of Urcos and Ocongate. In Tinki, our trek begins. We descend from Tinki southward along a gentle slope that offers an excellent view of the snow-capped Apu Ausangate peak. The surrounding scenery is typical of the puna region, where ichu (Andean grass) and the wind are our companions until we reach our campsite with a spectacular landscape.

• Campsite: Upis.
• Travel Time: 08:00 hours.
• Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles.
• Highest Point: 4,447 m / 14,589 ft.
• Lowest Point: 3,778 m / 12,395 ft.
• Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 2: Upis - Abra Arapa - Ausangate Qocha
• After breakfast, we leave Upis and begin the ascent under the watchful gaze of the most important Apu in the southern Andes. Along the way, we can appreciate the stunning and powerful geography of this part of the southern Andes. Upon reaching Abra Arapa, we will have a spectacular view of this mountain range. After crossing the pass, we head toward the charming Andean lagoons of Sonccococha, Pukacocha, and Ccomercochas. After lunch, we ascend slightly to cross the Ausangate pass and descend to our day’s campsite.

• Campsite: Ausangate Qocha Lake.
• Travel Time: 09:00 hours.
• Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles.
• Highest Point: 4,447 m / 14,589 ft.
• Lowest Point: 3,778 m / 12,395 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 3: Ausangate Qocha - Abra Palomani - Hatunpampa
• After recharging with our delicious breakfast, we continue our journey along an ascending path and cross the highest pass, Palomani. Today is a significant day as we enjoy a unique setting at 5,000 MASL. Then, we descend to the village of Huchuy Phinaya, where we will have lunch. After a short rest, we continue descending along a gentle slope to reach the next campsite. Here, we will enjoy a high Andean plain surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

• Campsite: Hatunpampa.
• Travel Time: 09:00 hours.
• Distance: 16 km / 9.94 miles.
• Highest Point: 5,125 m / 16,814 ft.
• Lowest Point: 4,650 m / 15,255 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 4: Hatunpampa - Abra Janca - Pacchanta
• We start another day of adventure early, have breakfast, and begin our trek, which will be quite a challenge. We cross the Janca Pass, the second highest at over 5,000 meters. Here, we will enjoy a beautiful Andean landscape and its camelids living among the high mountains, watched over by the spectacular Colquecruz snow-capped peak. Then, we continue downhill to the lunch spot and proceed to the village of Pacchanta, where relaxing hot springs await us. A perfect ending for one of the most demanding days of the trek.

• Campsite: Pacchanta Village.
• Travel Time: 08:00 hours.
• Distance: 14 km / 8.69 miles.
• Highest Point: 5,070 m / 16,633 ft.
• Lowest Point: 4,300 m / 14,107 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• Day 5: Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco
• On our final day of adventure, we have breakfast and continue descending to the village of Tinki, bidding farewell to the Andean flora and fauna. After a typical lunch, we take our transport back to the Puma City - Cusco.

• Travel Time: 05:00 hours.
• Distance: 10 km / 6.21 miles.
• Highest Point: 3,778 m / 12,395 ft.
• Lowest Point: 4,300 m / 14,107 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

The Tour Includes:

• Briefing, one day before the trek.
• Pick-up from the hotel in Cusco.
• Round-trip transportation (Cusco - Tinki).
• Professional, bilingual guide.
• Entrance ticket to Apu Ausangate.
• 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, hot drinks, cookies, and popcorn. If you have dietary requests such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
• Dining tent with tables and chairs, and a cook.
• Camping equipment (tents + mattresses).
• Sleeping mattresses.
• Horseman and horses (carrying kitchen and camping equipment).
• Extra oxygen.
• First aid kit.
• Toilet tent.

The Tour Does Not Include:

• Water (for the first few hours; after that, our team will provide it).
• Travel insurance: It is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of your trip.
• Airfare.
• Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages not mentioned in the program.
• Extra expenses and laundry.
• Services not mentioned in the program.

Optional (we can provide these):

• Sleeping bag and trekking poles.

Recommendations:

• Drink coca leaf tea to prevent altitude sickness.
• Stay hydrated during your tours.

Everything you should wear and carry in a lightweight backpack:

• Original passport or documents used for your reservation.
• Sleeping bag (not included but can be rented from us).
• Hiking boots.
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
• Wool jacket for warmth, hat, and gloves.
• T-shirts and comfortable long pants.
• Sun hat.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 35 recommended).
• Reusable plastic or metal water container.
• Insect repellent.
• Personal hygiene items.
• Altitude sickness pills.
• Personal medications and/or personal items.
• Binoculars, camera, or video camera.
• Keep small denominations of dollars, euros, or soles on hand.