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Difficulty | moderate/difficult |
| Aproximate distance hiked per day: | 8 Kms. | |
| Highest point: | 5200 m/ 17056 ft. a.s.l. | |
| Acclimatation suggested: | 2 days |
Ausangate
Day 01 - Cusco to Tinki
Departure from Cusco by 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, an 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 first day of trekking.
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 flocks of Alpacas- until reaching our second campsite near the village of Upis (elev.: 4400m/14432 ft a.s.l) with nearby hot springs. We dine in the midst of this iincredible setting.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 03 Upis to Ausangatecocha
After breakfast we continue our 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), followed by a descent into an area dotted with lakes. 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 lunch, we ascend slowly for about two hours up to the pass ("Abra, in Quechua") of Apuchata, or Apacheta (elev.: 4900m/1607ft.) 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.). This will be our highest elevation of the trek! From Palomani pass we descend a relatively dry, eroded slope for a full two hours into a broad valley characterized by 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.) and then ascend an easy and mild 3 hours to bring us to our campsite at Q'ampa (elev.: 4300m/14104ft). 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, among the scree slopes. Andean Deer are also present and there may be a sighting of a puma 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. range. An awesome location for camp, a hot dinner and cozy rest.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 05 - Q'ampa to Pacchanta
From Q'ampa camp we climb to Q'ampa Pass (elev.: 5000m/16400ft) where the 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 that have been built in order to make them more accessible and comfortable for visitors. Accordingly, we shall enjoy a relaxing dip and proceed to camp overnight. Meals: B, L, D
Day 06 Pacchanta to Tinki
We depart from Pacchanta, setting off on the final stretch of our trek to complete the loop around the Apu Ausangate, arriving at our original starting point at Tinki after only 2 hours of walking. Once there, we board our private transport back to the city of Cusco, arriving shortly after nightfall.
Meals: B, L
