Ausangate Peru hike | 7 Day Ausangate Trek
Description
Experience this Ausangate Peru hike with us as we take you to one of the most pristine landscapes in the country, visiting the most sacred and highest peaks of the Cusco´s region. The trek leads you to the Ausangate Mountain or Apu Ausangate; “apu” means a natural deity or Spirit of the mountain. It is considered the most sacred of the whole region. In the Inka´s mythology, male energy is born exactly from the mountain and the near lagoons to fertilize Pachamama (the Mother Earth).
The Ausangate reaching 6,372 m.a.s.l. is the fifth highest peak of Peru! It is situated about 100 kilometres south of the Cusco City in the Cordillera Vilcanota. It lies in the heartland of the Q'eros people, probably the only contemporary culture of the Inca´s culture that has survived until nowadays!!
On the way, you can observe stunning snowy peaks, turquoise mountain lagoons, numerous hot springs, herds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas (Andean cameloids) and vizcachas (a rodent specie belonging to the family of chinchillas), loads of species of birds such as the Andean Condor or the Andean Geese. We also meet native people of remote Andean communities wearing colorful traditional cloths.
What to Expect
This Ausangate Peru hike is probably the most challenging hike in Cusco! It is designated for those who have already experienced some hiking; it is not recommended to beginners. You need a sufficient dose of adrenaline as you hike up three passes above 4,500 meters above sea level (15,000 feet)! However, the trip is supported by horses for your convenience! To cope with extreme climatic conditions, we provide you with the most modern quality camping equipment and a very balanced and energetic diet.
If you like to follow a quite different trek in Cusco, then do not hesitate and join the trek! You will not pity!!
Quick Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco - Ocongate - Tinki
Day 02: Tinki - Upis - Hot Springs
Day 03: Hot Springs - Pucaqocha Lagoon
Day 04: Pucaqocha Lagoon - Palomani Pass - Jampa Valley
Day 05: Jampa Valley - Pachaspata - Qomercocha Lagoon
Day 06: Qomercocha Lagoon - Pacchanta
Day 07: Pacchanta - Tinki - Cusco
Highlights of the Ausangate Trek Peru:
- A 7 day hike to the most sacred mountain of the Cusco´s region - Ausangate
- A genuine outdoor adventure and the most adrenaline trek in Cusco
- Meeting people of the ancient Q'eros culture
- A trek with an experienced Tour Guide, a Cook, a Horseman and horses
- Enjoying spectacular mountain sceneries of high snowy peaks, glaciers, big turquoise lagoons and high passes over 5,000 metres
- The most pristine nature of Peru
- Bird-watching
- Observation of herds of Andean cameloids such as alpacas, lamas and vicuñas as well as vizcachas (a family of chinchillas)
- A refresh in many hot springs along the way
Is this tour for you?
Activity: Trekking/Hiking, Natural
During the 7 day hike to Ausangate, you will view the most beautiful mountains, local people and the most beautiful landscapes.
Service Level: Confort
Comfortable personal camping equipment (Sleeping bag, Air pillow, Air mattress, blanket, hiking poles, You can view our Trek camping equipment: personal double tents, Term-a-rest mattress, tables and chairs, a cooking tent with cooking equipment, dining and toilet tents, bottled gas) and private transportation.
Crew: A Tierras Vivas Representative in Cusco, professional Tour Guide, a Cook and a Muleteer.
Our guide and cook will accompanying during the hike to the Ausangate.
Physical Rating: 4 - Demanding
Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
Accommodation: Campsites (6 nights).
Our tents are of the brand MOUNTAIN PASS 3XTE designated for 4 seasons. We provide with 3 person capacity tents; however, just 2 trek participants use it!
Local Tour Operator: Tierras Vivas
Tierras Vivas is specialist in hiking/trekking since 2006.
Meals: 6x breakfast, 6x lunch, 6x dinner, 6x afternoon tea
Vegetarian, vegan or special menus are available at no extra cost. (Please allow USD 20 - 40 for meals not included).
Transportation: Transportation by private van as well as by a local bus.
Ausangate Mountain Altitude
Starting Altitude: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
Highest Altitude: 5,050 m (16,568 ft)
Itineray Details
Day 01: Cusco - Ocongate - Tinki
We board a private vehicle early in the morning (around 5 am) to set out in travelling to the Andean village of Tinki. First, we follow a road towards Puno passing the Wari´s culture ruins of Pikillaqta and later the colonial towns of Andahuaylillas and Huaro (we may spend some time visiting them). Then, we continue to the village of Urcos (a major bus road junction) where we stop for a while to appreciate a colourful local market. Afterwards, we turn on a dusty road (that leads to Puerto Maldonado) to continue uphill until we reach some highland small villages observing shepherds and weavers there. In the afternoon, we continue towards Ocongate, a capital of the district, passing some pitoresque villages along the Huatanay River and beautiful areas of cultivated fields. Finally, we get to our first campsite at Tinki (3,850 m) completing a 145 kilometre ride like that.
Estimated trekking time: 1 hour
Trekking distance: 1 km
Max. elevation: 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,399 m (11,152 ft)
Difficulty: Easy