A five-day breathtaking trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route we call the “Camino Del 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 will carry our gear. These are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca who are proud to share their land with us, as well as the Spirit of their inspiring world. On our hikes and in our unique “Tambos” or Andean Lodges, daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs who will introduce you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian dishes and produce, and for your entertainment: authentic vernacular music, played by local inhabitants, will liven up some of our evenings at the “tambos.”

To go on the Apu Ausangate’s Trail Trek, one must be in good physical condition, and we recommend a preliminary 3 to 4 day acclimatization stage, for your body to react better during the trek, as we will be hiking up to mountain passes at altitudes of about 5,000 meters, and it also is important to drink
plenty of water and/or coca leaf tea.

From 1.750 USD 5 Days / 4 Nights Departure: Walking Grade: Difficult

Trip Details

Group Size

8 Travelers Max

Seasonality

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Schedule

Intense

Tour Highlights

Hike through the spectacularly colored Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), spot Andean wildlife
Explore the ancient Checacupe temple and picturesque Pitumarca valley
Andean music and local cuisine.
Experience the stunning Phinaya glacier valley, picturesque Pjachaj waterfalls, and a llama caravan carrying your bags

What to expect

Travel Style: Cultural Immersion
Physical Rating: Excellent fitness level required and a good aclimatation

Tour Type

Private
Scheduled
Shared

Next Departures

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Thematics

Adventure
Expedition
Photography
Trekking

Itinerary

DAY 1

CUSCO - CHILLCA

In a comfortable coach we head along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe, then the upper valley of Pitumarca. At Japura, we’ll trek a short distance to Chillca. Locals and musicians playing Andean instru...

L, D 2h Chillca Lodge (or similar) 3h 30min

DAY 2

CHILLCA - MACHURACAY

After breakfast we trek alongside thousands of alpacas and llamas in the glacier valley of Phinaya. On the way to more glaciers at Santa Catalina, we climb by the inspiring Pjachaj waterfalls. Above, our picnic lunch awa...

B, L, D 6h Machuraccay Lodge (or similar)

DAY 3

MACHURACAY - ANANTAPATA

Today we take in our first mountain pass (16 587 ft.) which has spectacular panoramic views. Descending alongside the glaciers, we hike to the Ausangate Cocha Lake for lunch. Here, the landscape dramatically shifts due t...

B, L, D 5h Anantapata Lodge (or similar)

DAY 4

ANANTAPATA - HUAMPOCOCHA

After breakfast, we take the trail to another mountain pass. Dropping down, we’ll hike by Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. Striations of color are imbedded in the hillsides....

B, L, D 6h Huampococha Lodge (or similar)

DAY 5

HUAMPOCOCHA - CUSCO

As we hike up; enjoying a great view of the mountains, we reach the top of our final pass. It’s all downhill from here! We encounter some of the most capricious shapes of limestone formations from the Cretaceous age and ...

B, L 4h30m 3h

Gallery

Ausangate, MilkyWay Galaxy (Chillca Lodge)

Ausangate, The Apu's Trail (Standar room)

Apu's Ausangate and Mariposa (KokaKintu ceremony)

Apu's Ausangate and Mariposa (Machuracay Tambo)

Ausangate, The Apu's Trail (Picnic Service)

Ausantate, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountains)

Price Details

Included

Meals indicated in the program
Accommodation in Guest House (Double Occupancy)
Transportation in comfortable vehicles
Tour leader and English speaking guide
Local guides specialized in the region
Entrance Fees
Local transportation

Not Included

International flights
Domestic flights
Additional drinks and meals
Tips
Medical insurance
Expenses not specified in the program

Price Base

Price for 2 people: 2.690 USD
Price from 3 to 4 people: 2.090 USD
Price from 5 to 6 people: 1.750 USD

* Price is indicated per person

Terms & Conditions

The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information.

Spotted Species

Here is a non-exhaustive list of Animal Species you can spot during this tour

Torrent Duck

The Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata) is an amazing duck of fast-flowing Andean rivers and streams....

Discover

Mountain Vizcacha

The mountain vizcacha is a rodent native to the Andean mountains of South America. Resembling...

Discover

Alpaca

The alpaca is a domesticated South American camelid known for its soft, luxurious fleece. Adults...

Discover

Your Tour Guide

Jose Ivan Cano

Nationality: Colombia

Languages: English, Spanish

Guiding since: 2000

Specialties: Photography, Willdlife, Communities, Trekking

Learn More about Jose Ivan Cano