Days: 6
Difficulty: Difficult
Closest airport to Ausangate: Cusco airport (CUZ)
Cusco Altitude: 11,200 ft.
Ausangate Altitude: 20,926 ft.

Ausangate
Ausangate is the highest mountain in southern Peru at 6380m (20,926ft) and dominates the Cusco valley. The locals worship it as one of the most powerful apus (deities) and on your trek your guide will show you how to leave an offering to this apu to ask for safe passage. This spectacular trek completes a circuit around the mountain, crossing high passes, camping by glacial lakes and wandering through a timeless landscape.You will pass herds of vicuña, alpaca and llama and small traditional communities where the locals still maintain the same lifestyle that they have for hundreds of years.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cusco- Tinqui
A 6 hour drive in private bus takes us to Tinqui and the start of the trail. We set up camp here.

Day 2 Tinqui- Upis Hot Springs
We load our equipment onto horses and set out across the high pampas beneath Ausangate mountain. We stop for lunch at a scenic spot along the way before continuing to our camp by the hot springs of Upis. We will have a chance to soak aching muscles with a fantastic view of Ausangate. Total distance: 16 km (10miles) Estimated walking time: 5 hours Maximum altitude point: 4400m (14,436ft) Campsite altitude: 4400 m (14,436ft).

Day 3 Upis-Lake Pucacocha
After 2.5 hours, we cross the Arapa pass (4,850 m./15,322ft) From here descend past many small lakes until our lunch spot at Lake Vinococha. We then continue to our camp beside Lake Pucacocha again with spectacular views of the glaciers of Ausangate Total distance: 16 km (10miles) Estimated walking time: 5 hours Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (12,470 ft) Campsite altitude: 4605 m (15,110ft)

Day 4: Pucacocha - Uchuy
A short climb takes us to the Apuchata pass (4900m) with views of the turquoise Lake Ausangateccocha below. We climb again to the Palomani pass (5,200 m/16,568ft.), the high point of the trail. A 2 hours descent leads us to yet another beautiful campsite. Total distance: 16 km (10miles) Estimated walking time: 5 hours Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (12,470 ft) Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,700 ft)

Day 5: Uchuy - Lake Minaparayoc
We begin by ascending until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, where we should have a chance to see some of these small creatures. Our path takes us through the community of Campa, from where we have great views of the snow peaks of Puka Punta and Tres Picos. We then cross the Q’omerccocha, pass and have lunch by the side of the lakes. A final descent leads us to Lake Minaparayoc, where we camp. Total distance: 16 km (10miles) Estimated walking time: 5 hours Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (12,470 ft) Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,700 ft)

Day 6: Lake Minaparayoc - Tinqui
We head down the valley through herds of llamas and alpacas reach the hot springs of Pacchanta where we can take a dip while the cooks prepare lunch. We then continue to Tinqui completing our circuit and spend one more night under the stars Total distance: 16 km (10miles) Estimated walking time: 5 hours Maximum altitude point: 3,800 m (12,470 ft) Campsite altitude: 2,650 m (8,700 ft) Our private bus takes us back to Cusco, tired but with wonderful memories and a great sense of achievement

It is suggested that you arrive in Cusco at least two or three days before your trek to allow yourself time to acclimatize. The more acclimatized you are, the more you will enjoy the trek.

Duffel bag for 7 kilos of personal kit
Pre- trek briefing with guide on eve of departure
Professional bilingual tour guide
Assistant guide for more than 9 people
Transportation from hotel to start of trail and from finish back to Cusco
Cook, dining tent, table, chairs and latrine tent
Horses and wranglers to carry supplies camping equipment and clients duffel bags
Drinking water on trail
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 afternoon teas 6 dinners and trail snacks
Good quality two man tents
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Foam sleeping mat ( more comfortable inflatable ones can be hired for U$15)

Flight
Tip for guide(s), cook(s) and porters: A good rule of thumb is approximately $10 - 15 dollars per day per hiker for the porters.
Breakfast on Day 1
Sleeping Bag Hire: $20 per hiker to be paid on-site
More comfortable inflatable mattress hire: $15 per hiker to be paid on-site
Travel Insurance
Emergency evacuation to local hospital if needed
Train ride and hotel overnight, if you need to leave the trail early and are not feeling well.
In case of emergencies: bring an extra $200 and a credit card

Packlist for: Machu Picchu and all Peru hiking trails

Special dietary restrictions
Reservations for on-site sleeping bag and/or inflatable mattress pad rental

Cusco Hotel Address and Phone Number for pickup and drop-off
Personal global phone number (if available)
Emergency contact Info
Final/full payment is due 30 days before trip

Passport valid 6 months after trip date.
Copy of traveler's insurance to provide to the guides for their records.
Failure to provide either one of these, can, and has, resulted in travellers being unable to continue on tour, so don't leave home without it.

Travel Guard offers competitive plans. Insurance items to include: emergency evacation, medical, trip interruption, baggage delay, and adventure sports waiver. The adventure sports waiver insurance covers high-alitude hiking.