Fertur-Travel
Fertur-Travel
The Ausangate trek 5 days takes you through the snow-capped Ausangate mountain range, either on foot or with horse support. Book now here!
It is a challenging journey over mountain passes as high as 17,000 feet (5,200 meters), but well worth the effort.
You’ll get close to vicuñas and alpaca herds, see a variety of high Andean waterfowl on isolated emerald, turquoise and red-tinged lakes, and will have a chance to bathe in a natural hot springs.
Along the way, trekkers pass through small traditional villages like Pacchanta, where you can observe centuries-old weaving techniques and learn about the daily life of highland communities. The dramatic landscapes include rugged glaciers and the famous Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, with its striking, multicolored mineral layers.
This trek also offers an opportunity for personal reflection, as the solitude of the trail and the spiritual significance of the Ausangate peak—considered sacred by the local Quechua people—enhance the overall experience.
Prices available upon request
This five-day itinerary takes you to many of the locations and attractions that make Cusco the exciting place that it is.
We leave early, around dawn, from Cusco in a private van, for a six-hour journey toward the Amazon jungle city of Puerto Maldonado.
Along with way, we’ll pass through beautiful agricultural areas and vast, stunning landscapes, arriving before noon to Tinki at 3800 m.a.s.l. After a light picnic lunch, that we will start the trek, hiking for approximately 5 hours to the Ausangate glacier, making first camp at Upis at 4200 m.a.s.l. (L/D)
Following an early breakfast, we will make a two-hour ascent from Upis to reach La Arapa pass (4850 m.a.s.l).
Along the way, we’ll likely spot vizcachas (wild Andean hares). Ausangate, considered the most important “Apu” deity mountain, will loom ever larger.
On our descent, multi-colored glacial lakes will come into view below. We will set up camp close lake Jatun Puqa Q’ocha, which means “big red lake” in Quechua . (B/L/D)
We set out early for a short ascent to the Apuchata Pass in 4900 m.a.s.l. Below is the turquoise Ausangate Lagoon.
Then we push forward to the highest point of the journey, the Palomani Pass at 5200 m.a.s.l. From this vantage point, there are spectacular views of Mount Ausangate, as well as the Vilcanota mountain range.
It is a steady descent from there to the Q’ampa River valley, where we make camp, with a gorgeous view of Ausangate’s western massif. (B/L/D)
Today we complete the circuit around the base of Ausangate, and make our way over our final pass, 5000 m.a.s.l.
It is known as the Q´ampa Pass (although, there are various spellings). Take photos that you will proudly frame in your home, maybe even give as a gift. Those Andean rabbit creatures from before, the viscachas… they’re very common here, too, near our final destination, Pacchanta.
This is where we’re going to make camp. It’s also where you will be able to relax.
After coming so far, it may feel like the most sultry, medicinal, spiritual — fill in the blank — thermal bath in an Andean hot spring that Inca royalty once bathed in. (Your cry for help has been answered. Get over yourself.) It’s cake from here.
Remember, what you experienced over these past days is a prize that has to be earned. Don’t tell a soul, besides your most and truly loved ones. (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, we leave Pacchanta towards Tinki, which will take us approximately 3 hours. From Tinki we take our private bus back to Cusco city, arriving in the afternoon. (B/L)
Note: – Departure and arrival times are approximate.
(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
| Altitude | 12500 – 17060 f.a.s.l. / 3800 – 5200 m.a.s.l. |
| Season | May – November |
| Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Level of Difficulty | Difficult (depending on individual physical fitness and acclimatization) |
To book your vacation in Cusco now or consult with us, fill out the “Contact Us” form to the right and a Fertur Peru Travel coordinator will contact you within one working day with detailed information about your fully customizable trip. Fertur’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee a great vacation.
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