Apu Ausangate 7 Days / 6 Nights

ITINERARY

We depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about six hours to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota range. Driving through the beautiful countryside, we pass several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate, where we can stop for rests and lunch. Our first night is spent at a lovely campsite in Tinqui. (L, D).

We meet our pack animals and arrieros, or mule-drivers, that will carry our equipment and backpacks. Our trek begins crossing a pampa of grassy meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,370 m.), the highest snow peak in Southern Peru . After trekking approximately five hours, with time for lunch and rest stops for pictures, we arrive to the hot springs of Upis, our second campsite. From here, we get marvelous views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. (B, L, D).

After trekking approximately 2.5 hours, we get to our first pass, Arapa pass (4,750 m.) From the pass we enjoy wonderful vistas not only of Ausangate itself, but of many other nearby snow peaks. We continue down the corridor past small, multi-colored lagoons until we reach the larger Lake Vinococha , where we have lunch. A short walk in the afternoon brings us to the red-colored Lake Pucacocha , our campsite for the night. From here we get a dramatic, close-up view of Mount Ausangate and may even hear ice falling into the lake from its sides. Don't worry. We are not in any danger. (B, L, D).

In the morning, we make a short ascent to our second pass of Apuchata, (4,900 m.) with the aquamarine Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. From here, we climb to the Palomani pass (5,150 m.), the highest of our journey. We can enjoy fantastic views of Ausangate and the Vilcanota range from this point. After approximately 2 hours of walking down into a valley, we arrive to our incredibly beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya. (B, L, D).

Leaving our campsite, we begin a winding ascent along a widening stream until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, named for the dozens of these furry animals that can be seen here. We pass through the small community of Campa, from where we can see the fabulous snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta and Tres Picos. Upon reaching our final pass at Q'omer Q'ocha, we have lunch among the wild vicunas and green lakes. A short downhill walk brings us to the mystical Lake Minaparayoc , where we will camp along the shore. (B, L, D).

Hiking down through the valley, we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to hot springs of Pacchanta. Here we can rest, have lunch, and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water. Relaxed and refreshed, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui , where we spend our last night. (B, L, D).

7th Day: Tinqui/Cusco: Early in the morning, we take our private vehicle back to Cusco to enjoy city life again and savor the memories of a spectacular journey. (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.
• 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)
• 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.

We look forward to seeing you in Cusco ¡¡¡