Overview
This amazing trek runs next to the spectacular snow-capped “Apu” of Ausangate (6.372m/20900ft) and takes you over mountain passes, awesome mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, hot springs and turquoise lakes. This is an unforgettable hike recommended for lovers of high mountain trekking searching for an intense experience in still untouched areas and wild, extreme nature. This is also one of the very few treks in the world, which allows to spot wild vicuñas in its natural habitat. It is a fantastic and lesser-known trek around the sacred snow-capped mountain (“Apu”) of Ausangate (6,384 masl / 20,945 fasl) that takes you to mountain passes, breathtaking mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, hot springs and turquoise lakes. Ausangate, a five-day trek, is an unforgettable trek recommended for mountain lovers looking for an intense experience in remote areas and wild nature.
Summary
CUSCO – QOMERCOCHA LAGOON
Leaving Cusco, we drive past communities, enjoy Pacchanta hot springs, meet our horses, and hike to Qomercocha lagoon, camping with Ausangate views.
QOMERCOCHA LAGOON – YANAMAYO
We leave at 7:00, cross Abra Q’ampa (5000m), lunch by turquoise lagoons, and camp at Yanamayo.
YANAMAYO – CONDORPASO
We ascend to Black Lagoon, cross two volcanic passes (5050m and 5100m), traverse a colorful valley, and camp at Condorpaso.
CONDORPASO – SIBINACOCHA LAGOON
We climb to Abra del Cóndor (5200m), the highest point, descend to Sibinacocha Lagoon, and camp next to its nourishing glacier.
SIBINACOCHA LAGOON – CCASCANA
We walk along Sibinacocha Lagoon, pass Yayamari community, cross a plain, and ascend Ccascana Pass to our final camp.
CCASCANA – PHINAYA – CUSCO
After breakfast, we walk three and a half hours to Phinaya community for lunch, then take private transport back to Cusco.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – QOMERCOCHA LAGOON
Early we leave the city of Cusco in a private transport, and drive along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado highway in the direction of Pacchanta (4100m/13448ft). On the way we pass through Urcos, where we may spot a beautiful lagoon with the same name, continue on to Cattca, an agricultural and cattle raising community where we can appreciate the region’s spectacular views, Ocongate, capital of the district with the same name and finally cross Tinki, a small community already enjoying impressive views of Mount Ausangate, located only half an hour away from our destination. After an approximated 4,5 to 5-hour drive, we arrive in Pacchanta, a rural community that boasts some well known hot springs where we can enjoy a nice dip with awesome views of the faces of Ausangate. At this point we meet our wranglers and horses and enjoy a first delicious lunch. In the afternoon we follow our hike through a slight climb up the Pacchanta valley, having the chance to spot llamas and alpacas, until we reach the beautiful Qomercocha lagoon where we set our camp and have dinner. Our campsite will be set in a spectacular spot with amazing views of Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Maria Huamantiqlla, Pucapunta and Colquecruz snow-capped mountains.
DAY 2: QOMERCOCHA LAGOON – YANAMAYO
We leave at around 7.00 am and continue on towards the first mountain pass of our trek, the Abra Q´ampa at 5000m/16400ft, which we will reach after about 4h. We then descend towards the Ticllaqocha Lagoons, a beautiful group of little turquoise lagoons next to which we have lunch. In the afternoon we continue our hike for an additional 2 3h until we reach Yanamayo where we set our camp in an impressive valley overlooked by the stunning Tres Picos, Colquecruz and Pucapunta peaks.
DAY 3: YANAMAYO – CONDORPASO
Breakfast and on this day, we will ascend to Runkurakay at 3,860 m.s.n.m., contrary to the previous days our walk will be two hours more we will be able to visit another small complex, Sayacmarca and appreciate the valleys and snow-capped mountains, further on we will stop to visit the complex of Phuyupatamarca, and then descend 3 kilometers until we arrive to a place called Winawayna where we will visit its complex, finally at Intipata we will camp.
DAY 4: CONDORPASO – SIBINACOCHA LAGOON
Early morning breakfast, after we will walk to Intipunku called Door of Sun where we will be able to observe the impressive Lost City of Machupicchu, walk to the Sanctuary and guided tour. At a suitable hour we will walk down to the station and take the return train to Cusco, reception and transfer to hotel.
IMPORTANT: Government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist in the 500 people a day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the inca trail you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking. Original passport must be carried on the trail. All times noted are approximate.
DAY 5: SIBINACOCHA LAGOON – CCASCANA
Early morning breakfast, after we will walk to Intipunku called Door of Sun where we will be able to observe the impressive Lost City of Machupicchu, walk to the Sanctuary and guided tour. At a suitable hour we will walk down to the station and take the return train to Cusco, reception and transfer to hotel.
IMPORTANT: Government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist in the 500 people a day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the inca trail you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking. Original passport must be carried on the trail. All times noted are approximate.
DAY 5: CCASCANA – PHINAYA – CUSCO
Early morning breakfast, after we will walk to Intipunku called Door of Sun where we will be able to observe the impressive Lost City of Machupicchu, walk to the Sanctuary and guided tour. At a suitable hour we will walk down to the station and take the return train to Cusco, reception and transfer to hotel.
IMPORTANT: Government regulations will not allow reservations to be made unless accompanied by full passport details of the client and full payment of the entrance fee to the Sanctuary. This is to assist in the 500 people a day rule. Therefore, to guarantee your place on the inca trail you must provide a scanned copy of your passport and a non-refundable deposit. Your reservation will only be confirmed when we have your entrance ticket in our hands. In case of passport number change this information must be relayed to us or you will lose your booking. Original passport must be carried on the trail. All times noted are approximate.
Details
What Trip Includes
What Trip Excludes
Packing List
What to bring?
Additional articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Route Map
Contact Us
Destinations
Montañas de Colores in Peru: The Ultimate Guide to the Most Spectacular Rainbow Landscapes in the Andes
Peru is a land of dramatic contrasts, ancient civilizations, and breathtaking scenery. Among its most…
OUR DEALS
inti raymi ancestral sun ritual inti raymi ancestral sun ritual: a living celebration of andean…
Pet Friendly Trip
Pet friendly trip in Peru: travel, explore, and connect together with crossover Peru. Travel is…
Extensions Perú
Extensions peru: enrich your journey with unique add on experiences by crossover Peru. Traveling to…