Itinerary
CUSCO/ AUSANGATE LAGOON CAMP (L, D)
Early morning we depart Cusco in our transportation, driving 3 hours through typical and colorful villages to reach the small village of Upis and meet our supporting staff. After a short briefing, our route leads us across a pampa of grassy meadows, then we get to the first pass of Arapa. After a six-hour trek approx., we arrive at our lunch spot, rest, and have time to take pictures. Here, we’ll get some marvelous views of the amazing colors of the lagoons, such as Laguna Ausangate. Camping and overnight.
K’AYRAWIRE/RAINBOW MOUNTAIN VINICUNCA (5,200m/17,056ft)/QESIUNO CAMP (B,L,D)
From here, we get a dramatic, close-up view of Ausangate snow-capped peak and we may even hear some chunks of ice falling into the lake from the sides of the mountain. We continue uphill for almost 3 hours to our second pass, at 5,200m/17,056ft. We enjoy wonderful views, not only of Mount Ausangate, but also of many other nearby snow-capped peaks of the Vilcanota range and the magic mountain Vinicunca, the rainbow mountain. A short hike down in the afternoon brings us to where we set up our campsite for the night.
PALOMANI / KJAMPA (5,050m/16,568ft)
Leaving our campsite, we begin a winding ascent alongside a widening stream until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, named for the furry animals that can be found here. We pass through the small community of Kjampa (5,050m, 16,568ft), from where we can see the snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta (red peak) and Quimsa Punta. Upon reaching the final pass at Q’omer Q’ocha (green lagoon), we have lunch among the wild vicuñas and picturesque lakes. A short downhill walk brings us to the mystical Lake Minaparayoc, then toward Kjampa, where we camp along the shore.
SURAPAMPA/PACCHANTA (4,600m/15,088ft)
Hiking down through the Surapampa Valley, we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to the hot springs of Pacchanta, where we can rest and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water with beautiful views of Ausangate.
TINKI/CUSCO (3,800 m/12,470 ft)
Relaxed and refreshed, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui and we catch our private transport, enjoying the last beautiful views of the Andes on our way back to Cusco.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transport: Transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the start of the trail and return transport to your hotel.
- Professional Staff: A licensed professional guide, a cook, and assistants.
- Meals: All meals during the trek are included (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners).
- Camping Equipment: All common camping gear (dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs).
- Safety: First aid kit and an emergency oxygen bottle.
- Emergency Horse: A saddle horse for use in case of a medical emergency.
- Meals: Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day.
- Sleeping Bag: You must provide your own sleeping bag.
- Tips: Tips for the guide, cook, and horsemen are not included.
- Travel Insurance: Not included, but strongly recommended.
Prices
Trek Pricing per Person
This trek is available for group departures every Friday from March to November for $1,539 USD.
Private Trek Pricing
The price for a private trek varies based on the number of people in your group:
- 1 person: $4,091 USD
- 2 people: $2,367 USD per person
- 3 people: $1,839 USD per person
- 4 or more people: $1,539 USD per person
A single supplement of $352 USD applies if you are traveling alone or prefer your own tent.
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