The mountain chain of the Ausangate is situated in the Cordillera Vilcanota in the department of Cusco. It is one of the most remote high Andean zones of Peru and offers a spectacular trekking circuit along snow-capped peaks, lagoons, ice caverns, and thermal waters. Furthermore, it represents a thousand-year-old culture.
Day 01: Cusco – Urcos – Tinqui - Upis
Day 02: Upis – Arapa pass – Yana cocha – Extreme Ausangate pass – Ausangate Lake
Day 03: Ausangate Lake – Palomani pass – Jampa
Day 04: Jampa – Campa pass – Pacchanta
Day 05: Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco
Day 01: Cusco – Urcos – Tinqui - Upis
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
Day 02: Upis – Arapa pass – Yana cocha – Extreme Ausangate pass – Ausangate Lake
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
Day 03: Ausangate Lake – Palomani pass – Jampa
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).
Hiking time: 8 hours
Day 04: Jampa – Campa pass – Pacchanta
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
Day 05: Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco
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
