ALL TREKS CUSCO PERU Package Name: Ausangate Trek Peru Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights Type of Trek : Cultural and Adventure in the Andes Group Size : To suit group requirements Difficulty degree of this hike Moderate   Departures Day: - Our company organize daily departures for this unforgetable trekking with the best camp staff,  along the year although due to weather conditions, the recommended period for this trek is April to October. - All private service departure dates are adapted to your request. DESCRIPTION Mount Ausangate (6,380m) is the highest and most sacred mountain in southern Peru, which for centuries has been central to the religious beliefs of the Andean people who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes. Hiking completely around this mystical mountain, we camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean geese and the almighty Andean Condor. We walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages. During our adventure we will be well taken care of by our professional team of English speaking guides, cooks and wranglers with their mules. We also have some supporting saddle horses for the ones who rather ride than hike. With spectacular glacial vistas, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for seasoned trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. ITINERARY Day 1: Cusco - Tinqui (3,800m) We set off early from Cusco travelling by private or local bus (please see notes dependent on transportation) for approximately 6 hours to reach the small village of Tinqui.  We pass through several traditional Andean villages and take time to stop enroute to take some photo’s, have lunch and stretch our legs. We spend the first night in a small hostel in Tinqui. (Lunch, Dinner)   Day 2: Tinqui - Urpis (4,400m) After breakfast we meet our wranglers and arrange our equipment on mules and horses before setting off on our trek which is a gentle climb, crossing a large open plateau covered with ichu grass, the highland vegetation that is used to thatch roofs.  After approximately 3 hours of walking we stop and have lunch.  From here we take in the beautiful scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanote, with great views of Mt. Ausangate which spectacular 6,372m height and impressive glaciers inspired the locals to worship this mountain as a Sacred God. We continue walking for a around another hour and a half until we reach the hot springs of Urpis – a great place to camp for the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 3: Urpis – Ausangate Cocha (4,440m) We continue our hike today ascending for around two hours to reach the Arapa Pass (4,850m). From this vantage point we can see the contrast in landscapes – dry desert-like hills reach the glaciers of Mt. Ausangate, while below the valley is a bright green.  If we are lucky we might even see a condor in the skies!  This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pukacocha, Hatun Pukacocha, and Qomerqocha).  We take lunch closeby and then continue onwards for approximately two hours over our second mountain pass, Abra de Apuchata (4,900m).  From here we descend for around an hour and a half towards our campsite at Ausangate Cocha. During the night you may be kept awake by the dramatic sound of ice falling into the lake – don’t be concerned, it is quite safe! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 4: Ausangate Cocha – Qámpa (4,300m) Today we depart early to ascend for two hours to our third mountain pass of Palomani (5,200m) which is the highest point on our trek. The silence of this remote wilderness is inspiring!  From here we have an excellent view of the towering Santa Catalina peak (5,800m).  Afer the pass we descend for another two hours through an area of llamas, alpacas and vicunas to reach Pampacancha (4,050m).  From here we follow an uphill trail of approximately three hours that leads us to our campsite in Q´ampa (4300m). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 5: Qámpa – Pacchanta (4,300m) After breakfast we ascend for around 2 hours until we reach the Q´ampa Mountain Pass (5,000m) where we may have the chance to spot the Andean deer. From here we descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon before arriving at Pacchanta after an approximated five hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We camp and spend the night here.  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Day 6 - Pacchanta – Tinqui - Cusco In the morning we leave Pacchanta and start to walk back to the village of Tinqui – our trek takes approximately two hours. Once in Tinqui, we board our transportation that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we estimate to arrive after nightfall.     What is included: Orientation meeting (1 or 2 day before departure). Private transportation to the start of the trek. Return transportation by Private Vehicle Professional English speaking Guide (two guides for groups over 8 persons) All entrance fees Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners (we provide generous amounts of nutritious meals and beverages and have vegetarian options available) Horses to carry 7kg of personal luggage Personal duffle bags to put your luggage into   Spacious tents (we use 4-man tents, but only put 2 people per tent) Dining tent, kitchen tent, latrine tent Tables and chairs for the group Cook and cooking equipment Horses to carry the group equipment (food, tents, tables, etc.)  Emergency Oxygen bottle and first aid kit What is not included: Meals: breakfast first day, dinner the last day Alcoholic beverages. Extras. Tips. Other personal gear or items. Laundry service Sleeping back We recommended that you bring: Hiking boots, sneakers and shoes. Long pants and shorts. Camera, films, batteries. ORIGINAL PASSPORT. Rain suit or long poncho Sweater and jacket for cool days or nights. Trekking shoes. Sunscreen lotion. A hat. Sunglasses. Insect repellent. A flashlight and batteries. Personal toiletries and medications. Peruvian currency (soles). Options and Rentals: Personal horse and horsemen for riding or carrying extra personal belongings while on the trek. Extra cost is $80 for the trek. Therm-a-rest inflatable sleeping pad rent: US$ 5.00 per day Sleeping Bag $ 5.00 per day. Prices Information: Trek prices are not stated on this website due to forever changing government and park fee prices. Please email us for more information.