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when you trek with apus peru 5% of your trek price is donated to Threads of Peru


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Without
a doubt the Ausangate trek offers some of the most wonderful scenery in
the whole of the Cusco area, with many birds and wildlife and also glaciers
and high alpine lakes. Its also one of the toughest in the region with
three high passes over 5,000 metres/ 16000 feet. On a clear day, Apu Ausangate
dominates Cusco's southern skyline. As we draw closer to this massive
massif (6,380 metres/ 20 926 feet) one becomes increasingly impressed
and understands fully why the ancient Incas held this spectacular mountain
in such high regard. During
the whole Ausangate cirucit we pass local villages where the people dress
in their typical attire - the women in beautiful flatboard hats with trimmings
- and llamas graze freely.
| Ausangate
trek 6 days - at a glance |
| highlight:
ausangate mountain, colourfully dressed locals. |
| location:
About 3 hours drive east of Cusco, leaves from village of tinqui.
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| duration:
6 days/ 5 nights (can also be done in 5 days for a faster pace, or 7 days if you want to visit Sibinacocha) |
| level: moderate - difficult if acclimatized |
| adventure
rating: this can be quite popular
in high season but is still challenging - particularly the cold! |
| inca
trail alternative: can be combined
with a day trip to machu picchu at the beginning or end of your trip.
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| departs: any day with two people. We
offer affordably priced tours for 2 people so that you can depart any days. To join a group tour, please see Trekkers
Wanted or form your own tour to be advertised on this
page. NOT RECOMMENDED in December, January or February (weather conditions). |
| combos: can be combined with our 'trek extensions' that include Lima and Cusco accomodation and transfers. |
| Full
itinerary |
| What's
included/What should I bring |
| Lowest price: $325 - see price list below |
| Testimonials
- what people who have done the trip say! |
| Reservations - to make a booking or enquire about availability, please read
our making a booking page and then email
us for reservation forms. You need to pay a deposit to confirm your booking. |
| advice:
we strongly recommend that you are acclimatised before starting
this trek.You should also be well prepared for very cold temperatures. For more information about altitude, see our page Trekking
thoughts |
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Ausangate
is an important "Apu" click here for an
explanation of the meaning of Apu

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Itinerary
Ausangate trek / Ausangate trail
Itinerary -6 day trek around Ausangate mountain.
General itinerary note about 6 day trek: The 6 day Ausangate trek is a remnant of when it took 8 hours to reach Tinqui on a long bus ride. Now that you can reach Tinqui in 3 hours, the 6 day trek can be perceived as 'too long' for many people, as you hike for only 4-5 hours per day and the rest of the day is spent in camp, or making side excursions. For longer hours of trekking (and less sitting around) you might want to consider the 5 day Ausangate trek.
Day 1 Cusco - Tinqui - Upis
We depart Cusco early the morning (approx 7am) 3 hour ride in our private transport to the small village of Tinqui (3800 metres/ 12 464 feet). As Tinqui is located on the new Interoceanic highway we can now arrive here much more quickly that in previous years. We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca and Ocangate. After lunch in Tinqui the first 3 hours are are wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, with great views of Ausangate. We will trek for two hours more until we reach the hot springs at Upis (4,400 metres/ 14432 feet) which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. We will camp here for the night. (total trekking time 4-5 hours)
Day 2 From Upis to Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha
During our morning's trek, we will cross our the Arapa pass (4,850 metres/ 15908 feet). From here, we continue 3½ hours down the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha until we reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha. We will set up camp here. The views of Ausangate are particularly close and spectacular. During the night you can hear ice falls into the lake - intimidating but nothing to worry about!
Day 3 From Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha to Pampacancha
In the morning we ascend the second pass of Apuchata (4,900 metres/ 16 072 feet) with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. This lake is fed from the melting snow of Ausangate. From the lake we ascend to the Palomani pass (5,200 metres/ 17 056 feet); the highest point of the trek. From the pass we follow the trail into the valley where we'll rest and have lunch. A short hike in the afternoon brings us to our camp at Pampacancha.
Day 4 From Pampacancha to Q'omer Q'ocha
During this morning we can enjoy views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q'ampa valley. After passing through the small community of Q'ampa we will North west to the last pass of this hike, the Q'ampa pass (5000 metres/ 16400 feet). We will see several different coloured lakes and camp beside Q'oma Q'ocha.
Day 5 From Qomer Q'ocha to Pacchanta:
This is the easiest day of the trek, with lots of time to relax and bathe in the shadow of the great Ausangate. We hike for several hours before arriving at the small village of Pacchanta. We can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours, and even have a well-deserved beer! We will set up camp near Pacchanta and you will have the afternoon free to explore this interesting Andean village. (You have the option of staying in a basic hostal this night)
Day 6 From Pacchanta to Cusco
It's 3 hours trek back to Tinqui where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking our private transport back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.00.
this is an itinerary with a relaxed pace and there might be opportunities for afternoon activities like trout fishing or side hikes. If you have a particular interest in one of these activities, you should clarify BEFORE departure.
Itinerary
Notes
- The times
cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the
group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending
on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route
and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
- The Ausangate region is very high, plus you are close to a snow covered massif. Temperatures are cold, and can fall well below freezing in the nights. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Hire/or carry sleeping bags for temperatures less than freezing (minus 10 celsius or more).
- If
required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at
a reasonable daily rate.
What's
included?
For
complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs
page!
- Pre Trek Briefing
- Collection
from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Private
transport from Cusco to Tinqui (the trailhead)
- Private transport at the end of the trek (this means no waiting around and getting back to Cusco in good time).
- Entry
fee to the Ausangate mountain.
- English/Quechua/Spanish
speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups
over 6 people).
- Tents
- 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and
also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
- Basic
foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can
hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day.
- Cook
and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
Toilet tent
- Meals
as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). Our professional
cooks prepare meals that incorporate elements of the western diet and
also traditional Peruvian delicacies. (Please communicate with your
guide/cook during the trek if you have a preference for certain types
of dishes). Salads, if served, are washed in boiled water.
- Horses
(for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping
equipment, food and kitchen utensils. We provide duffel bags at your
briefing for your personal items (up to 7 kg per person). If you wish
to take more, you can hire an extra mule at a cost of $8 per day.
- 1
emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are
a little slower
- Dining
tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to
prepare meals
- Tents
for our staff to sleep in
- First
aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
What
is not included?
- Breakfast
on the first morning.
- Sleeping
bags (can be hired from us for US$5 per day) If you haven't got a sleeping
bag or you don't want the hassle of bringing one all the way to Peru
with you, then we have sleeping bags for hire.
- Tips
for the guide, cook and porters
- Additional
horses for passengers luggage. If there are any substantial items or
backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule at a cost
of $8US per day.
- Bus
down from Machu Picchu - cost $6US. We give you the option to hike if
you wish.
You should
bring:
- A light
day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek -
prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
- Rain
gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos
can be bought for about $1 in Cusco.
- Strong
footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
- Sandals
or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to
breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
- Warm
clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal
clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
- Sleeping
bag (we can hire these to you)
- Torch/
Flashlight and spare batteries
- Camera,
films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or
cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun
cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect
repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - although no malaria risk
has been reported
- Toilet
paper, pack in & pack out
- Snacks:
biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
- Non-disposable
canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect
water from streams.
- Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
- Small
towel or sarong
- Bathers/swimsuit
(if you intend on swimming in hot springs)
- Cash
- sufficient for your final lunch in Aguas Calientes, tips and souvenirs.
- Original
passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have
one.
- Walking
sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal
tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your
hotel on the final day)
- Binoculars
(if you have them)
optional
extras We
can hire the following.
- Sleeping
Bag suitable for -5deg. ($4.00 per day)
- Deluxe
Sleeping Bag suitable for -10deg. ($6.00 per day) RECOMMENDED FOR THIS TREK!!!
- Walking
stick lightweight aluminum ($1.00 per day)
- Inflatable
mattress (eg. Thermarest) ($5.00 per day)
- Two sticks
are recommended for tough hikes.
- Mule
- $9.00 per day Most people carry their own day pack with
up to 5-10kg of their things - a change of clothes and wet weather gear
etc. However, if you think that you will have much luggage and you want
a very light day pack (eg. just camera and water) then its advisable
that you hire an extra mule .
- Single supplement for tent - prices for these treks are calculated on a share basis. If you would like a tent to yourself you need to pay a single supplement - $25 for the whole trek.
LIST OF GROUP TREKS - Want to join with others to reduce price? TREKKERS WANTED |
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Popular cook Herbert in front of the Ausangate range.








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Testimonials
from people who have done the Ausangate trek |
ALL NEW : scans of recent trip reports. Click on the link to view the pdf. After you have viewed it, click on back to return to this page.
31 july 09 report
24 may (5 day trek) report 1/report 2/ report 3/ report 4 26 april 2009 report 1/ 26 april 2009 report 2
| How would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10 |
| How would you rate your guide? 10 (Mayra) Very informative, but not too much. Very pleasant and sweet. |
| Did the trip meet your expectations? Yes. |
| How were your meals? 10 Gabriel. Great variation, culturall new, also very pleasant. |
| What did you think of the route? (Ausangate 6 days) Moderate to difficult. Definately a challenge and "thank god" for the emergency horse. |
| What was the highlight of your trip? Overall experience, the night sky, the beauty of the place, the friendliness of the people. |
| What is the ONE thing that could be done to improve your Apus Peru experience? Everything met our expectations. |
| Matias & Jennifer, USA, June 2008 |
How
would you rate your overall enjoyment of your trip? 10
How would you rate your guide? 8 Felix paced the walk well and
gave excellent comment on glacial (natural) elements, cultural and political
which gave an informative experience.
Did
trip meet your expectations/was the trip well described on the website?
I knew it would be hard, but the spectacular scenery made it
easy.
What
did you think of the route? Without acclimatization the trek
would have been more difficult.
What
was the highlight of your trip? Climbing up to the Glacial Lakes/Glacier
on the southern side of Ausangate. the quiet disturbed only by the song
of ancient ice, and vision dazzled by sunlight on dancing water.
Any
other comments? Spend time to learn about Apu Ausangate, and
go for it! Thanks Apus Peru , Ariana and team.
David &
Jo, Australia, July 2007
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First
of all, it is an excellent trek and we had a great trip, this in spite
of the fact that I had managed to acquire a fairly seriuos tummy bug just
before starting and so was unable to eat much of the great food provided,
and was very tired, but I did manage it!
Our guide, Mayra, was very personable and had excellent English. She interacted
well with both us as the clients, and with the horseman and cook. The
horseman (Francisco) and the cook (Ciro) were both excellent, and very
caring - they went out of their way to wait for me when I really slowed
down in case I needed to ride a horse (I didn't) and they tried very hard
to provide me with foods that would be palatable (tricky and I could barely
eat anything for three days of the trek).
All the upfront planning went smoothly, including the pre meeting with
Felix, and the public transportation (I was glad Mayra was with us on
the return from Tinqui since we actually missed the bus and had to take
a taxi to catch up with it in Ocongate). Also, all your upfront emails
were timely and specifically answered my questions which went a long way
to helping us to choose Apu's.
Chris & Peter Thomas, Ausangate Trek, June 2007
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"So
sorry it has been so long for me to contact you again since my Ausangate
trek. The problem is that I ended up with a pinched nerve in my back -
a surprising occurrence for me which hampered walking very annoyingly
(Felix and Jose, the cook, were very very patient and helpful with this)
so when back in Cusco I did not get myself to an internet outlet for a
while but limped to Lima instead to be with friends, and am now starting
to get around again. I just thought I´d let you know I am fine,
had a very special experience, was very ably taken care of and at no time
felt unsafe or worried, just COLD, very, VERY COLD, which was to be expected.
It was an amazing trip, the country and its scenery as magnificent as
could be imagined though I was taken aback that I was still the only traveler
on the trek .Thanks again for all the arrangements you made and the last
minute fine tunings you fitted in. Warmest regards, Chris . (North
Queensland, Australia) - 23rd October 2006
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