The Ausangate trek is a stunning trek through the wildest and rarely visited areas in Peru. Traversing the Cordillera Vilcanota, the trek takes hikers over several high passes, down into low alpine valleys and through traditional Peruvian villages. You’ll see snow capped peaks, herds of llamas, glaciers and turquoise lakes, all set within an incredibly beautiful mountain range.
The Ausangate mountain (6398m/20991f) is considered one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Andes. The region around the mountain offers impressive scenery of mountains, glaciers, lagoons and streams. Furthermore, the Andean people are very hospitable and preserve the respect for nature. The farmers have excellent knowledge in the raising of cattle such as the vicuña, the alpaca and the lama, which are all appreciated for their fine quality of wool and meat. The four hours drive from Cusco to Tinqui is an excellent preparation for the differences in temperature and altitude.
Details:
Starting Altitude - 3900m / 12,795ft.
Highest Altitude - 5200m / 17,060ft.
Overall Difficulty - Difficult
2 Trekkers | 3 Trekkers | 4 Trekkers | 5 Trekkers | 6 Trekkers | 7 Trekkers | 8 Trekkers | 9 Trekkers | 10 Trekkers | 11 Trekkers | 12 Trekkers | 13 Trekkers |
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$850 each | $660 each | $600 each | $600 each | $500 each | $500 each | $450 each | $450 each | $450 each | $410 each | $410 each | $400 each |
The AUSANGATE CIRCUIT trek tour departs daily and it can be hiked year round. But like most trek in the region, the best time to do the Ausangate trek is in the dry months between May and September. Unlike other popular treks, the Ausangate trek is very quite, even in peak season. In the shoulder months of April and October weather is still pleasant and the trek is very possible. However, because of its altitude you’ll have to contend with freezing nights, even in the dry season.
The AUSANGATE CIRCUIT trek is rated difficult. We will climb up 5200m/17060f. Combined with extreme weather this trek can be hard work. We want you to remember this trek with a smile on you face, therefore, please ensure that you are well acclimatized, in good shape and healthy. It is important to feel comfortable walking for extended periods of time. Ensuring that you are well acclimatized is important. If arriving from sea level, plan to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco prior to commencing the trek. This should allow plenty of time for acclimatization and give you sufficient opportunity to visit the city of Cusco and nearby Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, as well as spending a day or two exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting the tradition market town of Pisac and the fascinating Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo
Because of the altitude and snow, the trek requires more preparation during the wetter colder season between November and February. Temperatures during the day in the dry months are usually quite mild and visibility is very high. Because of the height you’ll want to make sure you are wearing layers, especially for the colder nights.
Let’s start the adventure!!!!
We will leave Cusco early in the morning by bus. On our way to Tinqui (3900m/12795f), we will pass little farms and enjoy the beautiful landscape. After a little picnic in Tinqui, we will start on foot towards the community of Upis (4400m/14436f). Along the way, we will meet local families who will show us some examples of their textile work, created to honor the nature and Andean symbols. We spend the night in Upis camping site, also the possibility to enjoy hot springs.
Transport time: 04 hours Hiking time: 5 hours
Today is amazing!!!
After breakfast, we will ascend towards the first pass called Arapa (4800m/15748f). Thereafter, we will descend towards Yana cocha and have a picknick. Our route continues ascending towards the Extreme Ausangate pass (4850m/15912f) and ends at the shore of the Ausangate Lake (4650m/15256f) where we will camp.
Climate: cold
Hiking time: 7 hours
The area known as La Playa is our lunch place, here that the mosquitos and gnats start coming out in force, So the insect repellent will be our best best way to keep them away.
We continue to Lucmabamba our campsite. This is archaeological site, and will enjoy the pretty landscape.
Optional : Santa Teresa Hot Springs. We can take a local bus for an hour long bus ride wich will bring us to the town of Santa Teresa, which is the first actually town that you’ll encounter along the trek, and is also famous for the Santa Teresa hot spring that bubble up right outside of town.
After a heartwarming breakfast!!!
The 3rd day is both, the most beautiful and the most ardous one: we will first ascend towards the highest pass of this trek called the Palomani pass (5200m/17060f). From here, we will have an exceptional view of the mountains and glaciers of Ausangate. Thereafter, we will descend to the valley of Finaya Pampa and will finally arrive at our camping site called Jampa (4700m/15420f).
The path up to Llactapata is actually on a segment of an old Inca trail .It leads first through some old villages of coffee and coca plantations, and citrus tree orchards before reaching some beautiful high altitude grasslands and then entering into an old forest near the top. The scenery on the way up is by far the most diverse and beautiful so far on the entire Salcantay trek.
Hiking time: 8 hours
Today we see lagoons!
The highlight of this day is definitely the spectacular ascend to the Campa pass (5100m/16732f). Moreover, we will pass several lovely lagoons on the way to our camping site in Pacchanta (4350m/14270f). Here, we will visit the hot springs and will have a typical dinner.
Hiking time: approx. 8 hours
Our last day!
After breakfast, our trek continues towards the village Tinqui (3900m/12795f), from where we will take a bus back to Cusco. On the way we will visit either Tipon or Saylla and have a typical dish of the region, such as guinea-pig or chicharrón (grilled pork). (Typical dish of the region included)
Hiking time: 3 hours
Transport time: 4 hours
• Pre trek briefing
• Transport from the hotel to the town of Tinqui
• Return transport from Tinqui to Cusco
• Entrance to the Ausangate park
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• High quality camping equipment (professional tents, Doite model Cima 4, extra light/4,5kgs for two persons. Mattresses, eating tent with table and chairs, bathroom tent).
• Meals during the excursion (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/option vegetarian)
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horseman and mules, for all our camping equipment and personal luggage (Up to 8 kg.)
• Emergency horse (for minimal 2 persons)
• First-aid kit and oxygen bottle
• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature.
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
• Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping. ** This is a particularly cold trek, you should make sure you have a lot of very warm clothes.
• Sleeping bag (we can rent these to you)
• Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk has been reported
• Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
• We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
• Cash - sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can rent these to you.)
• Binoculars (if you have them)
• Breakfast on the first morning.
• Dinner on the last night.
• Sleeping bags - If you don't have a sleeping bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru with you, then we have sleeping bags for rent.
• Tips for the guide, cook and porters
• Additional horses for passengers luggage.
• Extra mule to carry YOUR things - $10.00 per trip day
• Extra riding mule and muleteer to lead it - $18 per trip day
• Sleeping Bag suitable for – 10deg $4.00 per trip day
• Deluxe Sleeping Bag suitable for -15deg. $5.00 per trip day)
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($2.00 per day, per stick) Two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.
• Thermarest inflatable mattress - $4 per trip day
• Inflatable pillow - $2 per trip day
• Comforting Camping trek upgrade $40.00 per trip day
• Single tent supplement (ie you don’t want to share a tent) $25.00 per person
• The Ausangate Trek is non-transferable, non-reimbursable and the participant cannot change the date of departure.
• If during the length of the program the traveler abandons the excursion due to altitude, health, or for any other reason, no reimbursement will be made and no claim will be accepted. MACHUPICCHU.CENTER does not cover the expenses made by the traveler due to abandonement such as meals, hotel, return transportation, medical expenses, etc.
• Certain Services might be interrupted or even cancelled due to weather conditions, natural disasters or other disturbances such as civil unrest, worker strikes, etc. These are out of the control of hotels, Service suppliers, MACHUPICCHU.CENTER or its partners and therefore, no refund will be given.
• In case of force majeur, when a trek or tour cannot start or be completed, MACHUPICCHU.CENTER will find an alternative. If this alternative is of lower value than the originally booked tour, MACHUPICCHU.CENTER will refund the difference.
• It is compulsory that all clients have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accidents, medical expenses, loss of effects and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage or injury occurring to the client. MACHUPICCHU.CENTER cannot be considered responsible for any accident or loss of personal belongings the customer caused by his/her acts
The Client may cancel this tour package at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to cancelations@machupicchu.center in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below calculated from the day written notification is received by cancelations@machupicchu.center. All reservations cancelled are subject to a cancellation fee:
Cancelation Notice Received | Cancelation Penalty % |
---|---|
16+ Days advanced notice | $20 Penalty |
10-15 Days advanced notice | 60% Penalty of total booking paid |
7-9 Days advanced notice | 80% Penalty of total booking paid |
0-6 Days advanced notice | 100% Penalty of total booking paid |