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Head Office Cusco - Perú : |
CAMINO DEL APU AUSANGATE
A five day breathtaking trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route we call the “Camino del Apu Ausangate” (Trail of the 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.
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Our treks 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 our hikes and in our 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 evenings in the "tambos."
Itinerary
Day 1: CUSCO – CHILLCA
Early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe ( 1 hour and a half , 100 km). 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. ( 1 hour and a half, 42 km). From there it is a short and easy walk to the first “Tambo”(45 minutes). Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca.
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.
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.
Day 4: ANTANAPATA – HUAMPOCOCHA
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.
Day 5: HUAMPOCOCHA – CUSCO
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.
Included :
- Expert leadership on the whole trip.
- Private transport to Chillca and back to Cusco.
- Lodging with double occupancy rooms.
- Private bathrooms for each room (running cold and hot water).
- Duffle bag (for the luggage carried by horse).
- Walking sticks.
- All meals on the trek, including a hearty breakfast, picnic style lunch and a 3-course dinners served with soft drinks or wine.
- First Aid, Oxygen
Distances
| Place | Distance | Dist.A-B | Altitude Ft. | Altitude MTS |
| MolinoViejo Start | 0 | 14077,76 | 4292 | |
| Chillca Tambo | 3,3 | 3,3 | 14327,04 | 4368 |
| Laguna Cochajasa | 15904,72 | 4849 | ||
| Pamapacancha | 15232,32 | 4644 | ||
| Machuracay tambo | 18,2 | 14,9 | 15760,4 | 4805 |
| Palomani Pass | 16892 | 5150 | ||
| Ausangate Cocha | 15252 | 4650 | ||
| Anatapata Tambo | 29,83 | 11,63 | 15416 | 4700 |
| HuasacochaCcasa | 16249,12 | 4954 | ||
| Surinicocha | 15619,36 | 4762 | ||
| Yauricunca | 16334,4 | 4980 | ||
| Puruauccas | 16236 | 4950 | ||
| Pucapama | 15501,28 | 4726 | ||
| Huampococha Tambo | 41,43 | 11,6 | 15803,04 | 4818 |
| HuampoCcasa | 16098,24 | 4908 | ||
| Congomire Exit Point | 51,94 | 10,51 | 12746,08 | 3886 |
| Total Distance | 51,94 Kilometers |
32,4625 | Miles |
The average of hike is 6 to 7 hours and around 12 km each day
Physical Preparation and Packing List
For all of us going to the “El Camino Del Apu Ausangate” we should stress the need of an acclimatization period, needles to say is that those in good physical condition, enjoy it more, we will go over a mountain pass of 5150 meters above the sea level, remember to drink lots of water and/ or coca tea.
The days normally are beautiful and the air is thin and briskly in the morning the temperatures range from 0 to 75.. In the same day, remember we will be hiking in the hearth of the Andes; It could be cold in matter of minutes...
Suggested list of items to bring...
Clothing:
- Chullo or warm cap
- Sun hat
- Warm Jacket
- Rain jacket
- Polar or thermal clothes Sweater or Vest
- Long sleeved shirts (one each day)
- Hiking pants
- Thermal sleepwear Pyamas’
- Gloves
- Long underwear & Normal underwear
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Socks
Travel Accessories
- Flashlight
- Pocket Knife
- Nalgene water bottle
- Bags for batteries
- Bags for dirty clothes
- Day-backpack for the snacks or water
- Walking sticks
Personal toiletries
- Small towel
- Toothbrush
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and Lip protection
- Personal medical kit, including Medication for headache or Stomachache