In the Andean culture, the “Apus”(Gods) are the spirits that protect life. Many are represented by mountains, such as the snow-capped Ausangate (6,372 meters/21,537 feet), one of the most impressive in the Peruvian Andes and the centerpiece of this inspiring trek.
This trail has been designed especially for families or people who prefer to cover short distances while leisurely exploring the beauty of Peru’s remote mountains with the opportunity to camp in them.
Crossing communities, lakes, agricultural fields, and cattle ranches of the Southern Valley, you arrive from Cusco at the small village of Tinki, where the local muleteers will give you a warm welcome. With their horses, they carry the equipment along the route. Their millenary beliefs and traditions will add a deeper connection to the places you will be exploring along this trail.
This route begins with a slight ascent within view of the snow-capped Ausangate, a sacred mountain for the inhabitants of this region. Among lakes surrounded by rock formations and the typical landscape of the Andean puna, you will reach Upis to camp and relax in the remoteness of the Andes.
While Ausangate is impressive, Azulcocha, the deep blue lake that rises from its thaws and reflects the splendor of the snow-capped mountain over its waters, is a gift for all the senses. To reach it, we will ascend a hillside to the Surpampa Pass.
Camp and spend a night under a thousand stars in one of the most beautiful and remote places in the Peruvian Andes.
There are few treks for which you camp two nights in the same place; and, in this case, Azulcocha is completely worth it, given its spectacular beauty.
We will leave the campsite to visit Pachaspata, a viewpoint from which we will have a spectacular view of the snow-capped peaks and surrounding mountains, which hide at their bases another beautiful lagoon.
Continue along a wide trail to Pacchanta, a small community that will allow you to observe the ancient customs and traditions of the Andean inhabitants and enjoy some relaxing time in the natural hot springs.
On the way, we will stop at one more viewpoint to say goodbye to the Apu Ausangate, the last spectacular view of this sacred mountain.
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To ensure the well-being and safety of our travelers and staff throughout our operational chain, Terra Explorer will comply with the health and safety measures and protocols established by the Peruvian Association of Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism (APTAE), and implement the Covid-19 health and safety guidelines for adventure tourism developed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).
Our experiences are designed considering the least possible exposure, where the final destinations are usually remote places. By their very nature, our adventure activities are considered to be low risk, mainly because they are performed outdoors where ventilation is constant and making it easy to achieve social distancing.
During these times we are working together with a small staff of honorable people who have been part of the Terra Explorer family for many years. They and their families are aligned with the established health and safety measures. Employing these staff members also seeks to reactivate the local economy.
We guarantee a safe, soul-fulfilling trip to all our travelers for whom we make these adventures possible.
Terra Explorer will strictly comply with the safety, cleaning, and hygiene protocols during our internal processes, third parties, and throughout your trip. This involves:
Follow the instructions related to health and safety given by the Terra Explorer team and your guide, before and during your trip.
Stay home if:
With the intention of delivering the most flexibility at the time of confirming your trip, we will determine the amount of the initial deposit individually and according to your itinerary characteristics.
Secure your trip with a deposit and pay the rest in one or more payments, at a time that suits you best. Please make sure you adhere to our policy and pay in full at least 31 days prior to your trip date.
If you need to cancel your trip, we will apply the following flexible policies.
For more detailed information on our terms and conditions and Covid-19 policies, please contact us at [email protected]
