AUSANGATE TREK (6D/5N) –
Private Service

Introduction

This is a spectacular high altitude mountain trek, lesser known to most and intended only for connoisseurs and true initiates in the art. The hike around the snow capped mountain of Ausangate (elevation: 6,372 m/20,900ft above sea level) -Tutelary Spirit, or "Apu", of the Cusco region- leads one through truly impressive and at times awesome mountain scenery, over high passes , remote Andean villages, thermal springs, turquoise lakes teeming with abundant birdlife. This constitutes an unforgettable experience for those in search of something different and enlightening

Itinerary

Day 01 - Cusco to Tinki

Departure from Cusco on private transport. We drive southeast on the highway to Puno. In the town of Urcos, by the beautiful lake of the same name, we turn off and begin to ascend along the road heading east toward Puerto Maldonado and the jungle. We eventually reach the town of Ccathcca, agricultural and livestock center also known for its beautiful ikat woven textiles. From here we take in our first panoramic views of the cordillera Vilcanota, a densely packed succession of high snowcapped mountains of which Ausangate is the main one. We descend to the town of Ocongate, the local disrict capital. Another half hour of driving brings us to the community of Tinki which is also the trailhead. We sleep in a local lodge, ready to start out next day on our trek.
Meals: L,D

Day 02 Tinki to Upis

We set of from Tinki slightly ascending through the high, sparsely vegetated, tableland know as puna and arrive at our lunch spot after three hours of walking. Beyond and above us, the Apu Ausangate looms impressive. After lunch, we continue hiking for another half hour –curiously scrutinized by great  flocks of Alpacas- until reaching our second campsite in the vicinity of the village of Upis (elev.: 4400m/14432 ft a.s.l) in the vicinity of hot springs. We dine in the midst of this incomparable setting.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 03   Upis to Ausangatecocha

After breakfast, we continue on or hike around Ausangate which now lies constantly towering to our left. We ascend for two hours to the pass of La Arapa (elev.: 4850m/15908 ft. above sea level), followed by a descent into an area dotted with lakes and tarns. There is prolific birdlife: Andean Geese (Wayllata), Andean Cara-Cara and other members of the Falcon family, Varieties of Ducks and Ibis; as well as ground mammals such as the Viszcacha –a rodent which is the wild relative of the Chinchilla. Among the larger lakes strewn throughout this breathtaking landscape are Pukakocha, Hatun Pukakocha and Qomerkocha, their names indicating their varying hues and tones (red, green, turquoise, etc.) caused by the gradual precipitation of the mineral laden waters from the Ausangate glacier as they flow from pond to pond. We again partake of lunch in a truly magical setting. Following luch, we ascend slowly for about two hours up to the pass ("Abra, in Quechua") of Apuchata, or Apacheta (elev.: 4900m/1607ft above s.l.) After a welcome rest enjoying the great views, we descend steeply and reach our campsite in the vicinity of the glacial tarn of Ausangatecocha (elev. 4400m/14563ft).
Meals: B, L, D

Day 04  Ausangatecocha to Q'ampa

Today's departure from camp is an early one in order to have plenty of time available to climb our third high pass of the journey. This is the Abra of Palomani (elev. 5200m/17056ft above s.l.). This represents the section of highest elevation in the trek. From Palomani pass we descend a relatively dry yet eroded slope for a full two hours into a broad valley again characterized by the conspicuous presence of numerous flocks of Alpacas and Llamas as well as the ubiquitous Vizcacha hopping about the boulder fields in large numbers. We reach the valley bottom at the point known as Pampacancha (elev. 4050m/13284ft above s.l.). From here, an easy and mild 3 hour ascent will bring us to our campsite at Q'ampa (elev.: 4300m/14104ft above s.l.). Along the way, we will not only be in the company of large herds of Alpacas and Llamas but also catch views of their wild relatives, the famed Vicuñas, bopping among the scree slopes. Andean Deer are also present and there are reported sightings of Pumas for the alert eye to spot. Q'ampa lies in what is termed a glacial "cirque", surrounded on three sides by peaks in the 6,000 m/200000ft. above s.l. range of elevation. An awesome sight indeed. Great camp, hot dinner and cozy rest, all most welcome.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 05 -  Q'ampa to Pacchanta

From Q'ampa camp we climb to Q'ampa Pass (elev.: 5000m/16400ft) in the vicinity of which the close sighting of Andean Deer is not uncommon. From atop this pass we descend to the Qomercocha lagoon and eventually arrive at Pacchanta (elev.: 4100m/13448ft) after approximately 5 hours of hiking. Pacchanta is an attractive Andean community in the vicinity of thermal hot springs into which a certain amount of chandelling and masonry has been built in order to make them more accessible and comfortable for visitors. Accordingly, we shall enjoy a relaxing dip in them and proceed to camp overnight in the immediate area.
Meals: B, L, D

Day 06     Pacchanta to Tinki

We depart from Pacchanta, setting off on the final stretch of trekking to complete our loop around the Apu Ausangate, arriving at our original starting point at Tinki after only 2 hours of walking. One there, we board our faithful private transport back to the city of Cusco, arriving there shortly after nightfall.
Meals: B, L,

SEVICES INCLUDED

• Transfer on private Transport from Hotel in Cusco to Tinki Trailhead on Day 01 and return Transfer/Private Transport Tinki to Cusco on day 06.
  English-Speaking Professional Mountain Guide (additional guide for groups exceeding 08 Participants.
• Camping Infrastructure and Tentage:
  (a)  Twin person accommodations in large capacity 4-person tents in order to provide greater loft, space and comfort as well as ample storage space for personal belongings and gear.  Our tents are 3-season, with not more than 2 years of usage and well maintained for optimum field performance.
  (b)  One foam sleeping mat per person
  (c) Optional upon request: One comfortable -10°C temp. range mummy sleeping bag. These bags are dry cleaned after each use and possess a life/use of 30 trips after which they are retired.
  (d) Dining and Mess Tent, including camp tables and stools.
  (e) Separate Kitchen/Cooking Tent
  (f) Professional Trail Cook, Staff, and all Commissary facilities and appurtenances 
  (g) Toilet Tent
• Pack animals and muleteer/wranglers for transport of all camping and commissary baggage
  Horses for transport of  personal gear up to 9 kg. per passenger.
  One horse or steed (for emergency purposes) per every 06 participants.
  Separate accommodations and tents for Guides, Cooking staff and Muleteers
  All Meals and Commissary as stipulated ((05B, 06L, 05D + daily morning tea service except last day)
• Others:  Wake-up tea + Hot washing water every morning and every evening / water boiled to purification point for filling flasks and water bottles every morning and evening, as well as at lunchtime pending prior request.
  First aid support and oxygen

Services Not  Included

• Breakfast on Day 01
• Dinner on last day (Day 06)