Ausangate, The Apu’s Trail

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 instruments greet us in your first “Andean Lodge”, as we sip coca tea. Hot showers and full bathrooms as well as 8 double and matrimonial bedrooms are available. We emphasize tasty and nutritious
local cuisine (such as Alpaca meat) but vegetarian and other preferences are welcome.

By car: Cusco – Molino Viejo, 104 km / Time 3h 30m / Range 3384 3590 m 4292 m
Hike: Molino Viejo – Chillca Tambo, 3.3 km / Time 2h / Altitude range: 4290 m 4350 m / Level: Low

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 await us. Then, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers and lagoons we walk about 5 hours to Machuracay Tambo, located right at the bottom of Apu Ausangate. Our bags, carried by a llama caravan, meet us there and the family that runs the lodge will welcome us.

Hikes:
Chillca – Huchuy Phinaya, 6.4 km / Time 4 h / Altitude: 4350 m 4530 m / Level: Medium
Huchuy Phinaya – Machuracay, 3.5 km / Time 2h / Altitude: 4530 m 4850 m / Level: High

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 to the existence of red sandstone formations where we will see vicuñas and sometimes condors. Breathtaking 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”. After a day of great hiking we arrive at the third “Andean Lodge” ready to relax and enjoy. Overnight stay in Anantapata Tambo.

Hikes:
Machuracay – Palomani Pass, 1.3 km / Time 1h / Altitude: 4815 m 5150 m / Level: High
Palomani – Ausangatecocha, 2.4 km / Time 1h / Altitude: 4650 m 5150 m / Level: Medium +
Ausangatecocha – Anantapata, 5.8 km / Time 3h / Altitude: 4650 m 4730 m / Level: Medium

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. Then we go on to Cerro Laya Grande via massive glacier del Inca, and find the most striking colors in the sediments of Vinicunca (recently known as the “Rainbow Mountain”). We eat lunch here while taking in this unique landscape. This section offers us a glimpse of a marvelous geological wonder of natural beauty. Be on the lookout for groups of fascinating vicuñas, as they are frequently spottedin this isolated area.

Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass, 1.3 km / Time 1h / Altitude: 4730 m 4985 m / Level: High
Warmisaya – Surinicocha, 1.2 km / Time 1h / Altitude: 4792 m 4985 m / Level: Medium
Surinicocha – Vinicunca, 2.5 km / Time 1h30m / Altitude: 4792 m 4985 m / Level: Medium +
Vinicunca – Huampococha, 5.1 km / Time 2h30m / Altitude: 4900 m 4985 m / Level: Medium

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 hike until the end of the trail in Trapiche. Here, we have lunch and return by bus to Cusco while reminiscing on the wonderful experiences we shared in the Andes.

Hikes:
Huampococha – Huampoccasa, 0.8 km / Time 1h / Altitude: 4820 m 4960 m / Level: High
Huampoccasa – Congomire, 7.5 km / Time 3h30m / Altitude: 3965 m 4960 m / Level: Medium +

By car:
Congomire – Cusco, 125 km / Time 3h / Altitude: 3384 m 3965 m