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Lodge to Lodge Apu Ausangate 5d/4n

A five day breathtaking trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route we call the “Camino del Apu Ausangate” located in close proximity to the highest, sacred mountain in the Cusco region. The “Apu” is the bearer of life and the guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world.

This trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses that carry our gear, which that are owned by the shepherds of the Chillca community whom are proud to share with us their land and the spirit of this inspiring world.

On this hike and in this unique “Tambos” or Andean Lodges, daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs, introducing you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian cuisine and produce.

As for entertainment, authentic, vernacular music from members of the communities will accompany some of our nights in the "tambos."

Program itinerary

Day 1: Cuzco - Chilca

Early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate, we start ascending the Pitumarca valley, along the spectacular Japura gorge that leads to Chillca, where we will be greeted by the community. From there it is a short and easy walk to the first “Tambo”. Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Approximate Walking Time: 1.5 hours

Day 2: Chillca - Machuracay

Our hike begins at 08.30 in the wide valley of Upis where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views. The trail narrows as we make our way towards the waterfalls descending from the Santa Catalina Mountain. This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area and once we reach the small Paloma lagoon the countryside will be dotted with these animals, and also a large number of alpacas. After hiking along a second lagoon and crossing a long series of moraines, we will reach the Machuracay Tambo, located right at the bottom of the Apu Ausangate.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 5000 masl / 16400 feet

Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours

Day 3: Machuracay - Anantapata

After a demanding ascent of the Palomani pass at an elevation of 5,200 m. / 17,000 ft., we will descend to Ausangatecocha. Tremendous views of the glaciated south face of the “apu” will inspire us as we continue towards the red sandstone formations of the “Nevado del Inca”. Overnight stay in the Anantapata Tambo.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Maximum Altitude: 5150 masl / 16900 feet

Approximate Walking Time: 8 hours

Day 4: Anantapata - Huampoqocha

A spectacular part of the trail finds us hiking in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata. This section offers a glimpse of marvelous geological wonder and natural beauty. Also, be on the lookout for groups of gracious vicuñas, as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area. We will sleep that night in the Huampococha Tambo, in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where “huallatas” (Andean geese) make their nests.

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Maximum Altitude: 4900 masl / 16076 feet

Approximate Walking Time: 7 hours

Day 5: Huampoqocha - Cuzco

After a last climb over the Anta pass, we will gradually make our descent. In this section the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one of a kind stone forest, and a perfect habitat for “vizcacha” (members of the chinchilla family). By the time we get down the valley, our bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco.

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Maximum Altitude: 5000 masl / 15700 feet

Approximate Walking Time: 5 hours

Services included

• General organization
• Services of expert guides in high mountain trek
• Private transport to Chillca and back to Cusco
• Accommodation in double rooms
• Breakfast and dinner served in the lodges, snacks and lunches served on the way
• Waterproof bags (for the baggage carried by llamas)
• First aid kit and oxygen.

Services not included

• Flights to and from Peru / Cusco, or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program
• Tipping staff
• Insurance.

We recommend that you bring

• Hiking boots (if new ones are purchased it is important to use them well before the walk because it is common for new shoes cause blisters)
• Shirts or long sleeved shirts (one for each day)
• Walking trousers
• Polar or thermal clothing for the walk sweater and / or vest
• Warm coat
• Thermal clothing sleeping
• Cotton trousers
• Wool gloves
• Scarf
• Wool socks for sleeping
• Hat or cap for sun
• Waterproof trousers and jacket gore-tex "or rain poncho
• Shoes or sandals (to use inside the lodges)
• Small Towel
• Head or hand lantern
• Pocket knife
• Bottle or canteen
• Plastic bag to keep the battery
• Plastic bag for dirty or wet clothes
• Small backpack (for day trips to enable it to carry snacks, water, change of t-shirt etc.)
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses, sunscreen with high SPF, lip balm
• "Memory Cards" and / or movies reserve batteries for the camera,etc. (Batteries can be downloaded quickly by low temperatures and there is no possibility to recharge)
• Toiletries and first aid.

Please note

• To go on the trek of the Apu Ausangate "Andean Lodges" is need to be in good physical condition, to be able to do the hike is recommended an acclimatization stage previous, for your body to react better in the walk, as we will be walking in passes around 5000 meters, is also important to drink plenty of water or coca tea.

Booking and information

• Booking and information

Photo Gallery - Lodge to Lodge Apu Ausangate 5d/4n

Important Environmental Note

Pachatusantrek is committed to following the principles of ecotourism in our operations, and request the understanding and cooperation of trekkers, especially by not contaminating the waters and in the adequate disposal of non-biodegradable waste. We must also respect the customs and traditions of the local people.

“With the protection of mother earth and the permission of the apus …”