About the Tour
Ausangate Mountain is located in the Vilcanota mountain range and is the highest peak in Cusco, reaching up to 6,385 meters above sea level. In this trek, we will not reach the summit, but we will circle around this great mountain, reaching elevations up to 5,000 meters, with spectacular views of lagoons and snow-capped peaks. This route is less frequented by tourists, which allows for the observation of many animals such as alpacas and llamas, as well as local people living in the nearby communities, wearing their traditional clothing.
Itinerary
Día 01 | Cusco - Ocongate - Tinqui - Upis
Today the adventure begins! This morning, the driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco for a 2.5-hour drive towards the community of Tinqui. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Urubamba River on the south side. Once in Tinqui, we will stock up on water and stretch our legs while taking in the first Andean landscapes, then begin a 2-3 hour hike to the community of Upis, where we will camp the first night. After dinner, we will rest to recharge and wake up early the next morning.
Day 02 | Upis – Abra Arapa – Laguna Pucacocha
After a good breakfast, we will start the second day of the trek. The route will take us up to 4,755 meters above sea level as we reach the Arapa pass (abra). Then we will begin a long descent that will lead us to Laguna Pucacocha, where our camp will be set up. Just like the previous night, we will have dinner and rest under the light of the moon and stars, which from that point might be shining brighter than ever!
Day 03 | Lake Pucacocha – Abra Palomani – Pampacancha
The hike will start very early, after breakfast. This will be the most challenging day as we will reach up to 5,200 meters above sea level at the Abra Palomani pass. It’s a tough and long ascent, but full of rewards with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lagoons formed by the meltwater of the Ausangate glacier (which we will pass very close to). After resting at one of the lagoons, we will continue the route downhill, and after a lunch break, we will proceed to Pampacancha, where we will camp for our third and penultimate night.
Day 04 | Pampacancha – Paso Qampa – Qomercocha
Our 4th day on the trail! It’s hard to top the views from Day 3, but today will be very interesting as we’ll see many locals dressed in traditional clothing from the area, along with a great variety of Andean camelids (alpacas, llamas), and of course, many sheep. First, we will descend, then reach the Paso Qampa pass at 4,600 meters above sea level. From there, we’ll admire the beautiful Ticllacocha Lagoon, where we’ll take a break and enjoy lunch. After resting and stretching our legs a bit, we’ll continue the route, descending through the Pachaspata pampas until we reach Qomercocha Lagoon, where our last campsite will be located. With stunning views of the lagoon and the stars, we’ll have a good night’s rest to recharge for our final day of trekking.
Day 05 | Laguna Qomercocha – Pacchanta – Tinqui – Cusco
We have reached the last day of the trek. Tired but happy! This will be the grand farewell to the southern area of Cusco — a magical place, and fortunately still little explored, that will surely remain in your memory forever. We will start the day descending to the village of Pacchanta. Then, surrounded by beautiful Andean landscapes, we will reach the village of Tinqui, where we began the hike on Day 1. From there, we will board the van to return to your hotel in Cusco.
The tour includes:
- Private ground transportation on Days 1 and 5.
- Professional guide throughout the entire trip.
- Route briefing the day before (in Cusco).
- Entrance fees to the communities surrounding Ausangate.
- Camping equipment: tents and sleeping mats. Each passenger must bring their own sleeping bag.
- Horses: will carry camping equipment, food, and up to 5 kilos per passenger.
- Meals: breakfasts and lunches for all 5 days, and dinners every day except Day 5.
- Cook and muleteer.
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