AAPT09 Trekking around Mount Ausangate 16D/15N

Located southeast from Cusco, the Vilcanota range is one of the most beautiful cordilleras in Peru. Mount Ausangate (6385 m/ 20943 ft) is the highest peak in this area and the local Indigenous people consider it as an Apu (a sacred mountain). We will have the opportunity to encounter with small indigenous villages and friendly local people dressed in full color with their traditional customs. This trip also combines with a visit to Cusco and to the world famous 8th wonder of the world: Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Arrival in Lima.

We will welcome you in Lima airport and transfer to the hotel. Our guide will give you a brief explanation about next day activities. Hotel.

Day 2: Lima – Cusco – Urubamba - Ollantaytambo.

In the morning we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival at the airport, we start our first excursion to the Sacred Valley. Our first visit will take us to Cusco nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambo Machay. In the afternoon we will visit the Ollantaytambo fortress. Hotel accommodation in Urubamba (or Ollantaytambo). (B).

Day 3: Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.

In the morning we take the train towards the town of Aguas Calientes. At km 104 we leave the train and start our 6 hours walk up the beautiful Inca Ruins of Wiñayhuayna. After visiting this we continue to the Sun Gate from where we get the first impression of the world famous Machu Picchu citadel. Then we continue to the city and from there we take our bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes. Hotel. B, LB

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Cusco.

This day we make a full day guided visit to Machu Picchu. Our guide will take us to the main points of the city: the agriculture terraces, the main plaza, the habitation area and to the sacred areas of the Intihuatana. After midday we take our train back to the city of Cusco. Hotel (B)

Day 5: Cusco – Tinqui village.

A 6 hours drive will take us to the little village of Tinqui. During our drive we will pass several small Indigenous villages. After passing the small town of Ocongate we already can see the impressive North face of Mount Ausangate. Camp at 3900 m. (B, LB, D)

Day 6: Tinqui – Upis.

Crossing colorful farming areas this day we trek to the valley of Upis where we will set our next camp at 4600 m. We will be right under the magnificent North face of Mount Ausangate. Camp. (B, LB, D)

Day 7: Upis – Pucacocha.

Trek to the shores of the beautiful Pucacocha Lake for the next camp. Today we walk through the first high pass, Arapa Pass at 4900m. From our camp at 4700m we get an impressive view of the hanging glaciers of the west side of Ausangate. (B, LB, D)

Day 8: Pucacocha – Machurakay camp.

Today's trek will take us up to the next high pass, the Palomani Pass at 5100m. During our journey we will enjoy wonderful views over the Ausangatecocha Lake and to some of the beautiful peaks like Surimani and Kampa I. Final arrive at Machurakay camp. (B, LB, D)

Day 9: Machurakay Resting day.

Day for resting. We might use the time to make a morning hike to observe the impressive glaciers of the south face of Ausangate, or simply relax by the camp. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Machurakay – Ticllacocha (Kampa Village).

Trek to Ticllacocha Lake at the base of Jatujampa peak. Camp. (B, LB, D)

Day 11: Ticllacocha – Otorongococha.

Today we will go across the highest pass on the trek at 5200m, the Apacheta Pass, a mystic place in front of the impressive Pucapunta and Punta rocky and icy peaks. Next camp is by Otorongocha Lake at 4700m. (B, LB, D).

Day 12: Otorongococha – Pacchanta.

After visiting the small lakes of Minaparayoc, considered by the locals as a sacred place, we trek towards the little village of Pacchanta where we find some hot water springs at 4400m. We set camp and our cook will prepare the delicious Pachamanca, a traditional meal of the Indigenous. In the evening we will have the opportunity to enjoy some local music and dance with the indigenous people from the area. (B, LB, D)

Day 13: Pacchanta – Tinqui - Cusco.

In the morning we make a trekking back to the village of Tinqui from where our private transport will take us back to Cusco. Hotel (B, L)

Day 14: Cusco.

Free at leisure in Cusco. Hotel. (B)

Day 15: Cusco – Lima.

Transfer to the airport and flight to Lima. Hotel. (B).
Afternoon optional city tour and visit to the world famous Gold Museum.

Day 16: Lima out.

Transfer to the airport. (B)

Gross Rates per Person in US$:
Pax Number 2 3 4 5 6 7/8 9/10 11/12 13/14 15/16 SS
Gross us$ pp 2308 1857 1616 1497 1372 1335 1319 1235 1161 1118 280

Included:

All transfers, private transport to/from trek start point, all entrance fees, English speaking trekking guides, noted meals, complete camping equipment (tents for 2 persons, dining tent, kitchen tent, and toilet tent), and complete food services while on the trek, cook, helpers, horses/donkeys for cargo, first aid kit.

Not included:

International and domestic flights, airport taxes, extras, personal trekking equipment, tips, return train Ollantaytambo to/from Machu Picchu (Vista Dome: us$ 141.- pp; Back Packer: us$100.-), Machu Picchu entrance fee (us$50.- pp. can be changed).
Grading: moderate – hard.

Personal weight allowance per passenger: 10 kgs (this to be carried by horses)