Apu Ausangate 5 Days / 4 Nights

ITINERARY

This morning, we are picked up at the hotel for a 5:30 hour drive to the trailhead of the Ausangate circuit, in the highland village of Tinqui at 3750 m. /12,310 feet. We drive by the Andean towns of Andahuaylillas, Urcos, Ccatca and finally Ocongate before reaching the village of Tinqui. Overnight in a basic hostel. (L, D).

We start our uphill crossing the Mapacho river. The terrain turns into open arid grasslands known as puna. Scattered clumps of coarse grasses, collectively called Ichu characterize the treeless puna. This highland grass is used for roof thatch and fodder for grazing llamas and alpacas. We will be over rolling hills passing by stone walls and a few thatched houses. The trail continues up toward the north face of Mount Ausangate (6370 m. /20,905 ft.), considered by these highlanders as the sacred Apu "Mountain spirit". We camp by the thermal pools at Upis Camp (4390 m./14,400 ft.). (B, L, D)

We start early this morning crossing the green Upismayo valley, filled with grazing llamas and alpacas. We begin our climb up to the Arapa pass at 4750 m. /15,585 ft. and descent to Laguna Pucacocha at 4600 m. /15,080 ft. Excellent views of the surrounding lakes and the glaciated west face of Mount Ausangate. We will continue up the Apacheta pass at 4800 m./15,750 ft. and descent to our camp in Lake Ausangatecocha at about 4560 m./14,950 ft. (B, L, D).

We start today going up Palomani Pass at 5150 m./16,896 ft. our highest pass. From the southern face of Ausangate we will have a fantastic view of Ausangate 6370 m./20,905 ft. and Santa Catalina 5800 m./19,055 ft. In these high mountains, we might see the giant condor soaring high in the blue skies, and a variety of highland birds like coots, Andean goose, Caracara, hawks, puna ibis as well as the marmot-like Vizcacha and others. These remote mountains areas are also refuges for the vicuña..

Today we climb the Jampa pass (5000 m./16,400 ft.), where we will be surrounded by spectacular views of glaciers and ice covered peaks. Looking down on our descending trail, we will see Lakes Comercocha and Caycocha. From the pass, we descend to Lake Minaparayoc. A moderate downhill takes us to the village of Pacchanta at 4250 m./13,950 ft. We will enjoy a specially prepared traditional "Pachamanca" dinner feast, prepared in an ancient Quechua method of cooking meat and vegetables underground with heated stones. (B, L, D).

Our last day on the circuit we continue to enjoy magnificent alpine scenery, with views of Mount Ausangate and the nearby snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota range. We will visit the small communities of Cullpacata, Yanama, Mojonpata and Quimsapuccio giving us our last chance to see remote Andean villagers. Herds of llamas, alpacas and their herders, in their colourful traditional clothing, work along the hillsides. Most speak no Spanish, only the ancient Quechua language. After returning to Tinqui we drive to Cusco. (B, L,).

We Provide:

Private round trip transport to Tinqui; all camping and cooking equipment including good quality mattresses, Ausangate entrance fees, spacious two person tents, dining (tables and chairs)and cook tent, Extensive First-aid kit including Oxygen; professional English and Spanish speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R. Mules and cook team. All entrances fee needed for doing the tour (extras are by tour own), All Meals Whilst Trekking Included as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

Not Included:

• Breakfast on the first day and lunch on last day.
• Sleeping bag.
• Extra mule or porter (for asking before departing).
• Entrance to the thermal springs.
• Any extra entrance fee.

 ** Tips for Staff on the trail.

Equipment List:

On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine. During the day hopefully it will be generally sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It will get cold (as low as -10°C whilst camping) especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Cusco. Good quality Alpaca jumpers are available in Cusco. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of this trip.

Suggested List:

• Comfortable clothes for travel
• Smart clothes for night life
• Shorts - T-shirts
• A warm fleece or down jacket
• Thermal underwear
• Warm hat, gloves, scarf
• Sweater (Available in Cusco)
• Waterproof coat & trousers (poncho)
• Socks / underwear
• Trekking trousers
• After trekking trousers & t-shirt
• Good, well walking boots
• After trek shoes (sandals)-optional.
• Towel
• Sleeping bag
• Water bottle & purification tablets (optional)
• Sunglasses
• Swim suit
• Sun-hat,
• Head torch & spare batteries
• Book, notepaper & pen (optional)
• Sun block
• Lip balm
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera & batteries
• Pocket knife
• Insect Repellent
• Walking sticks & protective rubber (optional)
• Personal toilet kit
• Money belt
• Day sack & rain-cover
• Personal first aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), general anti-biotic, after-bite, anti-diarrhoea tablets, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
• We carry an extensive first aid kit & Oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)

Please note:

• The mules carry all your heavy camping gear but this is inaccessible during the day so please bring a small day-pack to carry your personal day gear in - ie water-bottle, iodine tablets, camera, sun-block, insect repellent, light fleece and rain jacket.
• Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your hotel.
• Most good quality sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru so if anyone wishes to donate any outdoor clothes, sleeping bags etc they will be gratefully received by any of our staff.

Policy to Make a Reservation:

• Complete the booking form making sure that the name on the booking form matches that on your passport.
• Deposit of % 50 PERCENT per person is required at the time of booking.
• Upon receipt of your booking we will forward confirmation and complete information of the trail and included services.
• The balance is due not less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
• Upon receipt of your final balance you will receive detailed joining instructions.

And lastly please note:

The "Ausangate mountain trip'' travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes this trail so very special could also cause certain problems.

This is a very nature and adventure trek and we expect our clients to be prepared for any alteration in climate (Rainy season-November to April- and dry season - May to October) or/and change programmed events.

This expedition involves trekking over several high passes up to 5150m./16,896 ft., and involves steep descents. It is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should be in reasonable fitness.

You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking and travelling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights and other factors out of Gregory Adventure Perú control.

A pre-departure meeting will be held on arrival in Cusco. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a risk assumption form and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.