Ausangate
The Ausangate massif (6372m) of the Vilcanota
range is a very remote, authentic part of the Peruvian Andes. It's
home to the Q'eros, according to historians, the direct descendents of the
Incas. They still practice traditional customs and wear beautifully colored
dresses.
The spectacular circular trek of 60 km around Mount Ausangate,
(considered holy) offers snow- capped peaks, turquoise lakes, glaciers, ice
caves, thermal springs, herds of llamas, vicuņas and picturesque villages.
General information:
This beautiful but demanding trek takes you across three mountain passes (two of
them over 5000m). Most of the walk is at altitudes between 4000- 4500m.
Due to this, the weather can be extreme and especially at night it can be
freezing cold. Parts of the trail are steep and narrow but no specific skills
are necessary. This area is remote and in case of emergency, the nearest
hospital or doctor is far away. During the trek all food is included, and
your luggage, except for your daypack, will be carried by mules.
It is important to acclimatize at least three days at altitudes above 3000m,
before starting the trek.
Program
Day 2: Tinqui- Urpis (10km/ 6 hours).
The first part of today's hike goes through the grassy and hilly puna. The
trail follows a plateau that rises gently towards the Ausangate
massif. We pass through some settlements and an area of marshland with herds of
llamas and alpacas. Beyond Urpis, (4400m) near the hot springs, we camp.
Day 3: Urpis to Laguna Ausangate (13 km/ 8 hours ).
The trail leads through a valley with rocky moraine, herds of alpacas
and views of the icy west face of the massif. We cross the first pass, the
Abra Arape (4850m). Going down, we will see turquoise colored, glacial lakes
and stunning views of the enormous ice walled south face of Ausangate
(6372m). The camp is below the blue- green colored Laguna Ausangate (
4631m).
Day 4: Laguna Ausangate to Jampa (13km/ 8 hours).
This day we will negotiate the highest point of the trail, the Palomani Pass
at 5200m. Next we descend into the grassy pastures of the valley of Pampacancha,
where viscachas (a species of rodent) can be seen. The spectacular
snowy peaks of Senal Nevado Pico Tres (6090m) appear. We camp near the
settlement of Jampa (4650m).
Day 5: Jampa to Pachanta (17 km/ 7 hours).
Today we climb up to the Campa pass (5000m) enjoying the views of the the
surrounding snow- capped mountains and glaciers. On the way it is possible to
see vicuņas and the occasional condor. The trail descends towards three
different colored, lakes. We pass through a valley littered with boulders,
corals and small settlements. Finally we arrive at the settlement of
Pachanta (4150m) were we can take a bath in the local thermal springs. Here we
camp.
Day 6:Pacchanta- Tinqui- Cusco.
The first part of the day we ascend slightly. At the
highest point of the track we have our last wonderful view of the Ausangate
range. From now on the track is downhill all the way to Tinqui, passing
vast grassy punas with extensive views of the Vilcanota range and the Carabay
range. On Sundays we will visit the colorful local market where traditionally
dressed people from nearby villages gather. In the afternoon we return by
bus to Cusco were we will arrive at around 7PM.
What to
bring
Warm sleeping bag
(it can be freezing), warm clothes, bathing- suit (for
thermal baths), raingear, mosquito repellant, flashlight,
toilet paper, sun protection, water purifying tablets,
first aid- kit, daypack
Tour dates are on request and can leave any day between July and October 2007.
Prices start at $99,-
Included:
-Round trip transportation by (private) bus to Tinqui village
-Professional, bilingual speaking guide
-5 nights camping, 1 night hotel (Tinqui)
-Horses/ Mules (for equipment and luggage), muleteer
- All meals during the trek + cook
-Equipment (tent for two, tent for dining, tent for cooking, tables,
chairs, mattress, first aid & emergency oxygen bottle
Not included:
- sleeping bag (to rent for $5,- per day)
- food before and after the trek