Cusco Camino del Apu Ausangate
Unique Trekking Experience in Lodges | Road of the Apu Ausangate

Duration	5 Days / 4Nights
Starting Point	Cusco
Ending Point	Cusco
Tour Type	Archeological - Cultural - Adventure
Price from	$ 925 € 732

All our programmes can be tailor made according to your requirements, whether regarding the length of your tour, any special interests or specific activities, flight reservations, optional destinations or tours.

Tour Description
A five day breathtaking trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route we call the “Camino del Apu Ausangate” (Road 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. 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 nights in the "tambos."

Early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. 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. From there it is a short and easy walk to the first “Tambo.” Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca.
Overnight in Lodge Chillca Tambo

Meals Included: lunch and dinner.
:::Ruta en Bus: Cusco – Checacupe – Pitumarca
:::Ruta caminando: Chilca – Chilcatambo 2 horas – 4300msnm

Our hike begins 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.
Overnight Lodge Machuracay Tambo

Meals Included: Breakfast lunch and dinner.
:::Ruta caminando: Chilcatambo (4300msnm) – abra Puca Punta – albergue Muchuracaytambo (4800msnm) 8 horas de caminata

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 Lodge Anantapata Tambo.

Meals Included: Breakfast lunch and dinner.
:::Ruta caminando: Muchuracaytambo (4800msnm) – abra Palomachayoc (5200msnm) - albergue Anantapata (4600msnm) 8 horas de caminata

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.
Overnight Lodge Huampococha Tambo.

Meals Included: Breakfast lunch and dinner.
:::Ruta caminando: Albergue Anantapata (4600msnm) – abra de Yauricunca (4900msnm) – albergue Huampococha (4500msnm) 8 horas de caminata

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch.
:::Ruta caminando Albergue Huampococha (4500msnm) – abra Altarjaja (4700msnm) –quebrada JallpoCogomire 5 horas de caminata

All organization.
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 wine.
First Aid, Oxygen

Does Not Include:
Tips for trekking staff,
Personal equipment and items of a personal nature
Insurance. Laundry

Backpack / daypack.
Comfortable hiking boots and good socks.
Tennis shoes or sandals to wear around town and in the lodges.
Gore-Tex jacket and pants / Rain gear.
Long underwear / Gloves
Sun glasses, sunscreen, lip balm, hats (for sun protection and against the cold)
Water bottle (or alternate personal hydration system).
Extra batteries for your camera equipment (they might last less in low temperature and there . are no possibilities to recharge them) memory cards and/or film
Binoculars.
(Small) flashlight / head lamp.
Pocket knife/Energy bars
Toiletries