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Trekking tours around Cusco
Llama Trekking Ausangate Range Circuit 7 DAYS/ 6 NIGHTS
This fascinating 7-day trek, one of the most complete and beautiful in the mountains around Cusco, showcases some of the range’s most impressive scenery. It surrounds the Ausangate, one of the most sacred mountains for the Incas, still worshipped today by the local Indian population.
We begin in the Tinki – Upis Indian communities next to Ocongate, and continue, via the Alto Palomani pass, into a relatively little-trekked yet scenically stunning sector behind the range.
The trek takes us over 4 high passes (between 4,400m and 5,000 metres), with splendid views of many spectacular peaks, lakes and valleys, and also allowing us to visit farmer communities far away from the modern world.
The route is technically straightforward but due to the long distance and altitude, demands good acclimatization and physical fitness.
Day 1: Cusco – Tinqui.
Early departure from the hotel in Cusco for the Ocongate town and for the village of Tinqui, the starting point for the Auzangate trek. Today's journey will take us through many small Andean villages located along the Huatanay and the Vilcanota rivers. After reaching the town of Urcos we turn off on to a dirt road and start winding your way up in to the Andes. Along the way we will cross a landscape filled with farm fields, small villages inhabited by shepherds and farmers living in this rugged but dramatically beautiful environment with its fabulous views of the Vilcanota mountain range looming at the distance. For the local religious festivities Coylluriti mountain is visible from the road highest point. Later in the afternoon we will arrive in Tinqui located at the base of Auzangate peak. L,D
Day 2: Tinqui/ Upis (5km. – 7 hours).
After an early breakfast, llamas and some donkeys start carrying our equipment and food. We will start our trek by crossing the Ocongate river. Many small homes and communities are located along the wide trail. We will be crossing the Puna as we begin to approach the Auzangate massif. The sweeping views of the rolling hills and mountains will provide ample opportunities for great photographs. We will have the chance to see how people live in this high altitude, and get explanations about how they work on their fields and about their traditions and beliefs. Later that afternoon, after passing the Upis farmers community we will arrive in a two more hours walkat the Upis campsite, located near thermal springs. A bath at the hot springs will provide an extra bonus to a great day's hike. We can enjoy the magnificent views of Auzangate from the pool and from the campsite. We will be spending the night at 4,400 meter above sea level.B,L,D
Day 3: Upis / ArapaPass/ Jatun Pucacocha (5 Km. – 7 hours).
After breakfast we will have a relatively short walk day but at high altitude on a very rocky terrain. We will be ascending the Auzangate slopes towards the first pass (Arapa) at 4700 meters above sea level till we reach the camp at LakePucacocha. Along the way we may see llamas and alpacas, tended by local shepherds dressed in traditional clothing.On the small turquoise blue lakes, high in the mountains we may find giant Andean geese and coots. The camp offers dramatic views of the Western ice wall of Auzangate. From time to time we can watch and listen to an amazing spectacle of nature as large chunks of ice dislodge themselves from the ice wall and with a great roar, plunge into the lake. B,L,D
Day 4: Jatun Pucacocha / PalomaniPass/ Huchuy Finaya (9 Km. – 8.30 hours).
After breakfast we will depart from camp for what it will be the first of the two most challenging days on this journey. A relatively short uphill walk leads away from the lake till we reach the first pass. From here we descend about 400 m, only to climb back to the top of Palomani pass, which is located at 5000 meters above sea level. We have reached the highest point of the trek and we will be rewarded with spectacular views from the top of Palomani over many of the most imposing neighboring peaks: Mariposa, Acero, Jampa, Caracol can all be seen from here. We will start our descent toward the camp. At times the trail is very steep and it will absorb all our remaining energy. With some luck, shepherds will come and visit the camp and we may be able to purchase some of their weavings. We will overnight by a creek in the shadows of mighty Auzangate. B,L,D
Day 5: Huchuy Finaya/ Campa pass/ Pachaspata (8 Km. – 8 hours).
This day will be no less challenging than the previous one, even though we have overcome the highest pass on the journey. A gradual climb leads us through the Jampa valley against a magnificent backdrop of imposing mountains like Colquecruz and Jampa. Heading toward the Northeast and steadily climbing, we will pass Ticllacocha lagoon and continue till we reach the Campa pass at 4500 meter above sea level. From this point we begin our long and gradual descent to the meadow of Pachaspata where we will camp.B,L,D
Day 6: Pachaspata/ Pacchanta (5 Km. – 5 hours).
Today we have a slow descent through the valley till we reach the Pacchanta community. We will have all afternoon to relax and enjoy the hot springs pool at this location. We can again enjoy the magnificent views of Auzangate right from the pool. B,L,D
Day 7: Pacchanta / Tinqui (5 Km. – 4 hours). Bus to Cusco
After breakfast we will complete the circuit around Auzangate and walk down to the town of Tinqui where our bus will be waiting to take we back to Cusco. We will arrive in Cusco in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel for overnight. B,L