Peru Holidays: Ausangate Trek - Vilcanota Mountain Range - Cusco

Mount Ausangate - Vilcanota Range - Cusco - Peru

The heart of the eastern Andes, south of the ancient and magical city of Cusco, is dominated by Mount Ausangate (6384 m), the main Apu or mountain spirit as well as the highest mountain in southern Peru. From Ocongate, a paved Inca road leads into the massif, offering spectacular Andean views and dotted with numerous Quechua communities, continuing their traditional communal farming and herding their llama and alpaca. Ausangate is the site of the traditional festival of Qoilloriti, held in early June, when thousands of locals converge on the mountain's icy slopes to celebrate the 'star of the snow' with a night trek to the top of a glacier.

Day 1: Cusco - Ocongate - Tinki
From Cusco, we drive towards Puno, past the Wari site of Pikillacta and the colonial towns of Andahualillas and Huaro. From here, a dusty road winds its way uphill until we reach small villages of shepherds and weavers in the highland savannah. In the afternoon, the Vilcanota Range finally looms in the distance, with Ausangate and Colqe Cruz mountains dominating the landscape. Overnight in camp near Tinki (L D).

Day 2: Tinki - Upis
The trail crosses the puno or highland meadows, approaching the base of the Ausangate Massif and provides amazing views of the rolling landscape, We set up camp at Upis where we have a chance to enjoy the thermal baths (B L D) Trekking around Mount Ausangate - Cusco - Peru

Trekking around Mount Ausangate - Cusco - Peru

Day 3: Upis - Pucacocha
Ascending the slopes, we cross over a 4500 m/14760 ft pass and make our way to lake Pucacocha where we set up camp with view upon the by the western ice-fall of Mount Ausangate (B L D)

one of the many lakes on Mount Ausangate - Cusco - Peru

Day 4: Pucacocha - Palomani - Chillca
Today, we cross the highest pass on this journey at Palomani (4800 m/15744 ft), offering a spectacular view of the southeastern ridge of Mount Ausangate and the peaks of Mariposa and Caracol. Overnight in camp at Chillca (B L D).

Day 5: Chillca - Comercocha
We circle northwest around the Ticllacocha Lagoon and conquer the last pass (4650 m/12250 ft) before reaching the small meadow of Pacchaspata. We set up camp on the shores of lake Q'omercocha (B L D).

Day 6: Comercocha - Pajchanta
The trail descends towards the village of Pajchanta, where we set up camp. Pajchanta hosts thermal baths for the enthusiasts (B L D).

Day 7: Pajchanta - Tinki - Cusco
Today, a short hike brings us to the head of the road from where we drive back to Cusco (B L).

Rated: moderate

Ausangate Trek
	7 days		7 days		10 days		10 days
N° of participants	2	3	4	5+	2	3	4	5+	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1066	$ 766	$ 625	$ 588	$ 1477	$ 1064	$ 834	$ 744	$ 122
EUR	€ 884	€ 635	€ 519	€ 488	€ 1226	€ 883	€ 692	€ 617	€ 101
GBP	£ 597	£ 429	£ 350	£ 329	£ 827	£ 596	£ 467	£ 416	£ 68

(*) Price last updated on 04 January 2003. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .

Included in price:
Bi-lingual mountain guides, experienced cooks, camp and field staff, transport and meals as mentioned, top quality camping equipment, inclusive mess tent, cooking gear, portable toilet, first aid kit.

Not included:
Sleeping bag and foam pad, tips. Domestic flights are not included in the price of the 16 days journey from Lima.