The Ausangate (6398m/20991f) is considered one of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Andes. The areas surrounding this mountain offer extraordinary sceneries of mountains, glaciers and lagoons. Moreover the Andean people are very welcoming and friendly and preserve the respect for the nature. They also have an excellent knowledge of farming vicuñas, alpacas and lamas, being the first two appreciated for their fine quality of wool and alpaca for its meat. We will drive for 4 hours from Cusco and get prepared for a cold temperature and high altitude.
Ausangate and Vinicunca Trek 5 Days Itinerary:
- Altitude: 4050 – 5100 m. / 13287ft – 16732ft
- High-season: May – November
- Duration: 05 Days – 04 Nights
- Level of difficult: Difficulty
- *A minimum of 2 persons is needed for this trek
Day 1: Cusco – Urcos – Tinqui – Upis – Arapa Pass – YanacochaTinqui
We will depart from Cusco very early in the morning; we will drive to Tinqui (4050m/13287ft) and pass little farms and meet local families on the way. After a little break to pack our belongings in the duffel bags, we will walk to the community of Upis (4400m/14436ft). We will have lunch here and see the beautiful scenery of the frontal side of the Ausangate Mountain. After lunch we will continue to Arapa pass (4800m/15748f). From there we will descend to Yana ccocha (4500m/ 14763ft) where we will camp for the night.
- Climate: cold
- Transport time: 03hours 30
- Hiking time: 6 hours
Day 2: Yanacocha – Pucacocha Pass – Anantapata
After breakfast we will continue our journey discovering amazing lakes and colorful landscapes as we ascend to Pucacocha Pass (4900m/ 16076ft). Thereafter, we will continue to Anantapata (4500m/14763ft) where we will set the campsite.
- Climate: cold
- Hiking time: 7 hours
Day 3: Anantapata – Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – Ausangate cocha lake
After breakfast the trail will takes us to another pass, and then we will hike by Lake Kayrawiri surrounded by mountains and the great valley below. You will see the colorful hills. Then we will go to Cerro Laya Grande where the most striking colors in the sediments of Vinicunca are. We will have lunch here contemplating the majestic landscape. We see hundreds of Andean geese nesting in the cliffs of Anta, after lunch we will come back to Ananta and continue to AusangateQocha Lake (4650m/15256f) where we will camp.
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Climate: cold
Day 4: Ausangatecocha Lake – Palomani pass – Jampa Ausangate lake
Today we will reach the highest pass (5100/ 16732ft.). From the top we can appreacite the spectacular views of Ausangate. We will start desceding and hiking alongside the glaciers until we arrive to Finaya Pampa, this is the habitat of alpacas, lams and wild vicuñas. We will camp at Jampa (4700m/15420f).
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Climate: cold
Day 5: Jampa – Campa pass – Pacchanta – Cusco
The highlight of this day is the spectacular ascend to the Campa pass (5050m/16568ft). We will also pass several nice lakes on our way to Pacchanta (4350m/14270ft). At this place we will go to the hot springs and enjoy a typical lunch. After a relaing time at the hot springs we will make our way back to Cusco by car.
- Transport time: 4hrs
- Climate: cold
Awareness-raising
Most of the people living the region of Ausangate are very poor and survive only from farming and agriculture, this is the reason why a small donation can be a big help for them to buy food, clothes or school supplies. The families will be very grateful.
Notes:
We will climb up 5100m/16732ft. This trek is speciallychallenging because of the cold weather and the high altitude; please ensure that you are well acclimatized, in good shape and healthy. The most important thing is having enthusiasm and a smile on your face.
Since the weather can be very cold and moisty, your clothes won’t dry if they get wet. Please remember to pack extra clothes to change.
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