AC5 - MAJESTIC AUSANGATE

5 days / 4 nights -- from US$ 700.-- / EUR 490.-- Dominating the horizon south of Cusco, the magnificent peak of Ausangate (6,372 mts/21’030 ft) is the highest and most sacred mountain in southern Peru. The scenery on this 5 day hike is spectacular. Snowcapped peaks and glaciers look down impassively on seemingly endless grasslands studded with turquoise lakes and thermal pools. Herds of llamas and alpacas graze under the watchful eyes of their owners, who live in the same isolated and picturesque villages that their ancestors founded countless generations ago. The perfect trip for anyone who loves the mountains.

ITINERARY DAY 1: CUSCO – TINQUI - UPIS A scenic bus ride of about 5 hours brings us in the morning to the village of Tinqui where we meet up with our wranglers and start our trek around the base of Ausangate (6372 m). Our hike begins with a gentle ascent. After a fortifying lunch we continue hiking for another 3-4 hours, gaining altitude and covering a total distance of appr. 10 km. During our hike we can observe local farmers working their crops using traditional methods and we may see some alpaca or even vicuña flocks in their natural habitat. Mid afternoon we arrive at our camp close by the natural hot springs of Upis where we can relax. (L/D) DAY 2: UPIS – AUSANGATECOCHA Today we hike close to the majestic glaciers of Apu Ausangate, climbing up to the Arapa Pass (4700 mts/15’500 ft). From here we descend to the high plateau and the lakes of Pucacocha, Vinacocha and Hatuncocha. The hike offers some spectacular views of the summit and its glaciers. In the afternoon we cross the Apacheta Pass (5050 mts/16’700 ft) from where we have the most astonishing views of the impressive glacier next to us. From here we descend to our camp on the shore of Ausangatecocha lagoon. (B/L/D) DAY 3: AUSANGATECOCHA – CHILCAPINAYA After our breakfast in these unique surroundings we start our ascent to the highest point of the circuit: Palomani Pass (5100 mts/ 16’900 ft). The climb is hard but the indescribable panoramic views of the Ausangatecocha lake and the surrounding snow peaks from the summit are definitely worthwhile. After lunch we descend to the valley and climb up again for another hour to the grasslands at Champa Pampa where we can observe big flocks of Alpacas and the cute Vizcachas in the rocky areas. (B/L/D) DAY 4: CHILCAPINAYA – PACHCANTA During the morning we climb our fourth and last pass: (5050 mts/ 16’700 ft). On the way we can enjoy fantastic views onto the surrounding snow covered mountain chains. From the pass we start our long but easy descent, passing by beautiful glacier lagoons and Alpaca herds on our way to our camp at Pachcanta. Here we can relax in the natural hot springs with majestic Ausangate right in front of us and enjoy a typical Pachamanca (earth oven dish). (B/L/D) DAY 5: PACHCANTA - TINQUI – CUSCO After a delicious breakfast we start our easy hike of 3 hours to the village of Tinki where we say goodbye to our wranglers and continue by bus back to Cusco. On arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight. (B/L) OUR SERVICE INCLUDES: Private transport Cusco-Tinqui (roundtrip), bilingual guide, cook, wranglers, mules for equipment and support saddle horses, camping equipment (double-, dining-, kitchen- and toilet tents, mats, etc.), meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners and snacks) NOT INCLUDED: sleeping bags, not mentioned meals, extra services such as tips SEASON: April-November DURATION: 5D/4N Cusco - Cusco FITNESS-LEVEL: Active Strong (Heights, long distances) DEPARTURE DATES 2008: Daily TRIP COST 2008 2-3 Participants 4+ Participants Single Supplement Private Service US$ 1330.--/Pers. EUR 931.--/Pers. US$ 700.--/Pers. EUR 490.--/Pers. US$ 70.-- EUR 49.-- For special group discounts or customized tours contact us: info@culturasperu.com PRINT THIS PAGE BOOK THIS TRIP