AUSANGATE TREK 5 DAYS

USD $ 1,539

Embark on this 5-day amazing hike in the Vilcanota mountain range. The Ausangate Trek gives you the opportunity to interact with the villagers of the Chillca community and enjoy breathtaking views, while staying at exclusive “Tambos” (Andean lodges) full of comfort and great food.

Price per person, accommodation in double rooms. Group service with fixed departure dates (every Friday from March to November). Please visit the “Prices section” or contact us for a private service quote. Domestic airfares not included.

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    5-Day Ausangate Peru Trek

    The Ausangate trek is largely known because the Ausangate Mountain is one of the most important sacred mountain peaks in the region. It is considered the bearer of a magical scenario for shaman initiations and pilgrimages. The Ausangate trek invites you to easily synchronize with nature and harmoniously commune with the surroundings as you come closer to the Rainbow Mountain, located in the Vilcanota mountain range. A remote and unspoiled high mountain paradise combined with the comfort of cozy, eco-friendly “Tambos” or Andean Lodges to satisfy travelers from all over the world in search of a challenge with comfort and style.

    You will walk with the shepherds of the Chillca community, who will provide the horses and llamas to carry your gear. The Ausangate trek allows you to share the spirit of this inspiring world. Experienced chefs will prepare delicious meals daily, introducing you to a variety of Peruvian dishes. And for entertainment, authentic, vernacular music from members of the communities will accompany some of your nights in the “Tambos.”

    Difficulty Level: Challenging. We strongly recommend acclimatizing to the altitude by staying in Cusco for at least 2–3 days prior to the trek.

    If you are looking for a complete experience in Cusco, you can add this hike to our:

    1. DAY 1 Cusco to Chillca

      We will leave Cusco and will travel by bus along the Vilcanota river up to Checacupe town. After a visit at the colonial temple of the Immaculate, we’ll begin climbing through the Pitumarca valley, into the Japura gorge that leads to Chillca, where we’ll be greeted by the community (total duration: 3.5 hours). From here, it will be a short and easy walk to the first “Tambo” (1.5 hours). Once at the lodge, there will be time to relax and enjoy the music of the locals of Chillca.

      Maximum Altitude: 4350 m / 14271 ft

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      1.5 hours
      Difficulty Level:

      Low

      Overnight at Andean Lodge

      Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

    2. DAY 2 Chillca to Machuracay

      After breakfast, we will trek alongside thousands of alpacas and llamas in the glacier valley of Phinaya, where impressive mountains loom over the valley offering marvelous views. On the way to more glaciers at Santa Catalina, we will climb by the inspiring Pjachaj waterfalls. Above, our picnic lunch awaits us. Then, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers and lagoons, we will walk about 5 hours to Machuracay Tambo, located right at the skirts of the Apu Ausangate.

      Maximum altitude: 4850 m / 15912 ft

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      6 hours
      Difficulty Level:

      Moderate to challenging

      Overnight at Machuracay Lodge

      Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    3. DAY 3 Machuracay to Anantapata

      Today we will take in our first mountain pass (5055 m / 16587 ft), which has spectacular panoramic views. Great views completely worth the effort! Then, descending alongside the glaciers, we will hike to the Ausangate Cocha Lake for lunch, a glaciated side of the sacred mountain that will inspire you. Here, the landscape dramatically shifts due to the existence of red sandstone formations, where we will see vicuñas and sometimes condors. After a day of great hiking, we will arrive at the third “Andean Lodge” ready to relax and enjoy.

      Maximum altitude: 5150 m / 16896 ft

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      5 hours
      Difficulty Level:

      Moderate to challenging

      Overnight at Anantapata Lodge

      Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    4. DAY 4 Anantapata to Huampococha

      After breakfast, we will take the trail to another mountain pass. We will hike by Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. Striations of color are embedded in the hillsides. Then, we will go on to Cerro Laya Grande via massive glacier del Inca, and find the most striking colors in the sediments of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. We will have lunch here while taking in this unique landscape. On our way to the fourth Andean Lodge, we may see hundreds of Andean geese (called ”huallatas”) nesting in the cliffs of Anta, and the flatiron formations of Apu Labrayani near Huampococha Tambo, where we will spend the night.

      Maximum altitude: 4985 m / 16354 ft

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      6 hours
      Difficulty Level:

      Moderate to challenging

      Overnight at Huampococha Lodge

      Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    5. DAY 5 Huampococha to Cusco

      We will start off with a good breakfast for our last climb. As we hike up, enjoying a great view of the mountains, we will reach the top of our final pass. It’s all downhill from here! We will encounter some of the most capricious shapes of limestone formations from the Cretaceous age and will hike until the end of the trail in Trapiche. Here, we will enjoy lunch and then return by bus to Cusco, while reminiscing on the wonderful experiences we shared in the Andes.

      Maximum altitude: 4960 m / 16272 ft

      Estimated Trekking Time:
      4–5 hours
      Difficulty Level:

      Moderate to challenging

      Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

    Legend
    B Breakfast
    S Snack
    L Lunch
    D Dinner
    BL Boxed Lunch

     

    Trek Price per Person
    Group Departure Dates: every Friday from Mar to Nov US$ 1,539
    Price based on 04 people or more in private service US$ 1,539
    Price based on 03 people in private service US$ 1,839
    Price based on 02 people in private service US$2,367
    Price based on 01 people in private service US$4,091
    Single Supplement US$ 352

     

    NOTES:

    The Ausangate Trek is customizable. If you prefer to add destinations to your trip, please let us know in the Comments Section of the Get Free Quote form. You can also fill out our Design Your Trip form or Contact Us form with your specific needs.

    • This Ausangate Trek is available from March to November.
    • The recommended period to hike the Ausangate Trek is from April to October.
    • Group Services Fixed Departure Dates for Ausangate Trek: check with us to see if there is still availability.
    • Minimum age permitted on the Ausangate Trek: 12.
    • Price does not include local sales taxes; as foreign travelers are sales tax exempt according to Peruvian Law.
    • If you are looking for a complete experience in Cusco, you can add this hike to our 4-Day Machu Picchu Tour.
    What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
    • Pre-trek briefing in Cusco
    • General organization of the trek
    • Expert guides in mountain trekking
    • Private transportation to Chillca and back to Cusco
    • Lodging with double occupancy rooms
    • Bathrooms in each room (cold and hot running water)
    • Duffle bag (for the luggage carried by horse)
    • All meals on the trek. Breakfast and dinner served in the lodges, snacks and lunches served on the way
    • First aid kit and oxygen
    What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.
    • International and domestic flights plus airport taxes.
    • Hotel accommodation in Cusco
    • Tips
    • Insurance
    • Laundry
    • Processing and wire transfer fees

    An acclimatization period is essential for enjoying adventures in high mountains. All travelers who trek the Apu Ausangate Route must take a prior 3 to 4-day acclimatization period to allow for enjoying the trek at over 5,000 m (16404 ft), without experiencing any health problems. Additionally, hike participants must be in good health and physically fit to carry out trekking activities. Symptoms of altitude sickness, known in Peru as soroche, can sometimes occur at altitudes above 3,000 m (9842 ft). The most common symptoms include: headache, loss of appetite, dizziness and difficulty sleeping, among others. To alleviate such ailments, you can follow these simple but important suggestions for the acclimatization phase: get good rest, take light walks, eat a light diet and drink large amounts of water, avoiding alcohol consumption during the first few days is also very important.

    In the high Andean zone, days are mostly beautiful and sunny, with light to swift winds in the mornings. Temperatures range between 0° to 23° C (32-73 F) during the day, and travelers must be prepared to experience changing temperatures and diverse weather conditions.

    At this latitude, only two climate seasons occur: dry season from mid-April through mid-October, and rainy season, which is subject to heavy rains from late October through April. Due to seasonal conditions, we recommend that you travel between May and October, when you’ll have the best chances for excellent weather – perfect for enjoying hikes and other activities.

    During the dry season, temperatures below zero Celsius are frequent at night, with milder temperatures during the day.

    The four ecolodges along the Ausangate Route are well-equipped with all the necessary safeguards and everything you need to enjoy a comfortable rest under almost any weather conditions.

    Clothing:

    • Hiking boots.
    • Long sleeve t-shirts (one per day).
    • Walking pants.
    • Thermal hiking undergarments.
    • Wool sweater or down vest.
    • Insulated parka or down jacket.
    • Thermal sleeping clothes.
    • Long cotton pants.
    • Wool gloves.
    • Scarf.
    • Wool socks.
    • Wool cap, and hat or cap for shade.
    • Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, or rain poncho.
    • Comfortable sandals or slippers (for use at the lodges).
    • Small towel.
    • Additional gear: Hiking poles are very useful for providing balance and walking ease on hikes.

    Gear:

    • Flashlight or headlamp.
    • Pocket knife.
    • Water bottle or canteen.
    • Plastic baggies, for batteries and other items.
    • Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothing.
    • Daypack for short hikes (large enough for snacks, a change of clothing, water).
    • Binoculars.
    • Spare memory cards and batteries for your cameras (batteries can lose their charge due to low temperatures, and there is no current to charge them along the mountain route).
    • Toiletries and first aid kit.
    • Money belt

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