Itinerary: from 6:00am (first day) to 7:00pm (fourth day)

Frequency: every day

Description:
Ausangate is the mountain most representative of the Cusco Andes. It is a very large mountain with multiple peaks, with the highest situated at 6,372 meters. It is one of the most inhospitable and extraordinary Andean zones in all of Peru.
The turquoise lagoons, extensive high plains, and forests make the zone a lunar paradise that is totally isolated from modernity. Hiking through the Ausangate region is an indescribable adventure, one in which it is impossible to not become totally enraptured by the beauty.

(B) = breakfast, (L) = lunch, (D) = dinner

Day 1: Cusco / Ocongate / Upis (L) (D)
We leave Cusco at 6:00am, and travel by bus for 5 hours to the town of Tinqui, passing through picturesque towns along the Huatanay River and impressionable agriculturally cultivated scenery. After Tinqui, we continue for 30 minutes more to Upis (4140 meters), where we spend the night below the majestic Ausangate. Here we can observe the customs of the high Andeans.

Day 2: Upis / Laguna Pucacocha (B) (L) (D)
After a very early breakfast, we climb the Arapa pass (4700 meters), and then descend to the Pucachoca lagoons, known by other names such as JatunPucacocha, Viracocha, and HuchuyPucacocha, where we will have magnificent views and can also appreciate distinct species of Andean birds. We camp on the shores of one of the lagoons (4575 meters).

Day 3: Lagunas Pucacocha / Paso Palomani / Chilcapinaya (B) (L) (D)
This day we can appreciate the snowy glaciers of Ausungate. We climb the Alcatani pass (4650 meters) and then continue hiking, descending to the Asangatecocha lagoon. After the lagoon, we ascend the Palomani pass (5050 meters), from where we have incredible views of the surrounding beauty. We then descend to Chilcapinaya where we spend the night.

Day 4: Chilcapinaya / Jampa Valley / Pachaspata (B) (L) (D)
Our route continues along the Jampa Valley, where we can appreciate small Andean villages whose citizens still live in a very traditional manner. You will see many alpacas, sheep, llamas, and pacas. We ascend our final pass at 4600 meters from where we can view the beautiful Ticllacocha lagoon, and then camp on the shores of the Qomercocha lagoon.

Day 5: Qomerqocha lagoon / Pacchanta / Tinqui / Cusco (B) (L)
Accompanied by the magnificent surroundings of the high Andes, we descend through the town of Pacchanta, where we have the option to visit the hot springs. After a difficult journey, we arrive at Tinqui and then take a bus back to Cusco.

Included:
• Professional guide and assistant (English/Spanish)
• Second assistant (if more than 6 people)
• Private transport from Cusco – Upis / Tinqui – Cusco
• Donkeys and mules to carry all of the camping equipment
• Mules to carry your big backpacks (10 kilo max)
• Cook and assistant
• Food as indicated in itinerary
• Kitchen tent
• Dining room tent w/ tables and chairs
• 2-person tents
• Sleeping pads
• First aid kit
• Entrance ticket to Ausangate.

Not included:
• Sleeping bag
• First breakfast and last lunch
• Tips.