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Mount Ausangate (6,377mts) is the highest and most sacred mountain in southern Peru, which for centuries has been central to the religious beliefs of the andean people who still go on annual pilgrimages to its icy slopes. We will hike around this mystical mountain and will camp near hot springs and turquoise lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including andean goose and the almighty condor. We walk amongst herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages. With spectacular glacial vistas, uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a spectacular trip for seasoned trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. During our adventure we will be well taken care of by our professional team of english speaking guides, cooks and horsemen with their mules. We also have some supporting saddle horses for the ones who rather ride than hike.
Private transport Cusco-Tinqui (roundtrip), English and Spanish speaking guide, cook, mule drivers, mules for equipment and support saddle horses, camping equipment (double-, dining-, kitchen- and toilet tents, sleeping mats, etc), meals
Sleeping bag, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, extra services and tips. optional upgrades (train – hotel)
SEASON: May – October
DURATION: 6 Days /5 Nights
FITNESS LEVEL: Very active ( strenuous with steep climbs, long distances and occasional narrow paths with sheer drops, strong cold)
DEPARTURES: Daily
We set off early from Cusco travelling by private bus to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional andean villages; then we will take time to stop to take some photos. On arrival we meet our horsemen and arrange our packs for the walk. We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3hours and then it will be time for a lunch stop. After that we continue for another 2 hours approximately to reach the hot springs at Upis. We spend the night here.
After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the high pass of Arapa (4850mts). From this vantage point we can see the contrast in landscapes – dry desert-like hills around the glaciers of Mt. Ausangate, while below the valley is a bright green. If we are lucky we may even see a condor in the sky! We will enjoy the breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and Pucaqocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of red, green, and turquoise (Pukacocha, Hatun Pukacocha, and Qomerqocha). Our second campsite is close to a glacier.
Early morning after breakfast we will begin our ascent of approximately 2-3 hours to our second mountain pass: Abra de Apuchata (4,900mts). From here we descend for around an hour and a half towards our campsite at Ausangate Qocha where a delicious lunch is waiting for us, enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Afterwards we have our second ascent for two hours to our third mountain pass of Palomani (5,100mts); you can imagine the view! Then we descend into the small community of Huchuy Phinaya where we spend the night.
Today we ascend to the highest point on our trek: Jampa (5,150mts). The silence of this remote wilderness is inspiring! From here we have an excellent view of Mount Tampa. After the pass we descend for 2 hours through an area of lamas, alpacas and vicuñas to reach Pampacancha (4,050mts). From here we follow an uphill trail of approximately three hours that leads us to our campsite in Jampa (4,300mts).
After our walking and acclimatization on Day 4, we are ready for another adventure! We have breakfast early and then begin our hike of approximately 1 hour to reach the glacier base and then the top of the mountain! After enjoying the spectacular views of the Vilcanota range, we descend back down to take a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we go down towards the Qomerqocha lagoon before arriving at Pacchanta after an approximated 5 hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We camp and spend the night here.
In the morning we leave Pacchanta and start walking back to the village of Tinqui: our trek takes approximately two hours. Once in Tinqui, we board our transportation that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we should arrive after nightfall.
The time stated within this program is approximate and walking time may differ dependent upon the group´s capability and progressand as such the guide may change the lunch spot and campsite if it is required. Each guide has his or her own preferred route and it may not follow exactly the schedule described here. However all items listed within the above schedule will be covered.
Trek conditions also vary according to the season. In the dry season ( May – September) the trail can be very dusty and hot in the day time, in the wet season (Octomber – March) it can be slippery and muddy and during the shoulder season the conditions can be variable. All year round in the mountains the stone sliding can happen at any time, particularly after heavy rains. SAM Travel Peru takes no responsibility for trail condition.
This Trek is adventurous and a challenging experience, crossing several high passes and some rivers do not have a substantial bridge so it can be dangerous to cross them in periods of heavy rain. This region is not frequently visited by tourists, therefore tourist infrastructure is limited. Visitors should be aware that things change, or may not go to plan. This is all part of the adventure! We can change the date of your train ticket to the following day. Please bring an open mind, flexibility and a good sense of humor.
We strongly recommend this trek for experienced trekkers or campers.
PERSONAL HELP PORTER INCLUDED:
SAM TRAVEL PERU ADDED VALUES
1.- Extra porter for your belongings
2.- Direct Local Tour Operator
3.- Vegetarian meals available without extra charge.
4.- Pillow
5.-INFLATABLE MATTRESS
SAM Travel Peru does not have hidden charges in the trek prices
“Any day that is best for you as long we have 2 participants
GROUP DISCOUNT OR FREE SACRED VALLEY TOUR
If there are at least 4 people in your group, you will automatically get either: $30 per person group discount or a free Sacred Valley tour (Must do in Cusco). This discount or free tour is valid for the following adventure trips: Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay trek, Choquekirao to Machu Picchu trek, Lares trek etc.
Please note that this discount does not apply to private treks or any other trek not mentioned here.
WELCOME TO CUSCO: You will be welcomed on your arrival at Cuzco airport, please ensure that you provide your full flight arrival details at least 14 days prior the trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board with your name at the arrival terminal.
The rest of the day is at your leisure until 6pm when your SAM Travel Peru representative will meet you at the lobby of the hotel, who will give you all the information about your trek or tour.
DEPARTURE: Any day that is best for you as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers
GROUP SIZE: Small Groups from 2 – 8 people (could be 2, 4, 5 .); a small group will make your experience different with a personalized attention of the whole team, you will also enjoy better the route according to its rate hike.
NOTE: Big groups can be organized by request.
TRAIN SCHEDULES: At the end of the Trek or Tour we will take the 2:55pm or 6:35pm train leaving from Aguas Calientes. It takes 2 hours until Ollantaytambo and then we will transfer you back to Cusco and your hotel. Train tickets depends on availability.
HOTEL: For treks that include an accommodation in Aguas Calientes, we stay at “Hostal Machu Picchu” or “El Presidente Hotel” which is a very nice place to rest after several days of walking! In comparison to other companies, we will not be staying in basic shared rooms or sharing showers. Our hotels depend on availability.
However, if you would like to have a better accommodation, just let us know the one of your preference and we will let you know how much the extra fee will be.
HUAYNAPICCHU MOUNTAIN: Please, if you are thinking of climbing Huayna Picchu mountain you must book it at the same time as your trek or tour to Machu Picchu. Only 400 people can hike Huayna Picchu per day. You will climb it on your own after the tour inMachu Picchu around 10 .00 am. The price is $25 per person… more information:
HORSES, COOK & ASSISTANT COOK: On this trek we provide horses and mules to carry the food, the camping equipment and your belongings up to 7 kilos.
NOTE: We included an emergency horse for the group, which can be ridden if you feel exhausted or if you are ill (only for alternative treks)
OUR GUIDES: They all speak english fluently and of course all of them speak Spanish and Quechua (the Inca Language). They are all able to communicate with natives from the area and of course they will have lots of history to share with you.
MEALS: The food provided by the porters and cook is nothing short of amazing. Trekkers can expect a breakfast of omelettes or pancakes, a ‘takeaway’ snack pack of fruit or chocolate to eat mid morning, a two course lunch of soup and meat with pasta or rice, afternoon tea on arrival at camp with biscuits and popcorn and a three course dinner. Breakfast and dinner are accompanied by hot drinks (tea, coffee, chocolate) and lunch usually by cordial (other drinks e.g. soft drinks or beer are at your own expense and can be priced on the trail). All food is prepared, served and cleared away by the cook and porters and the quality of the meals is quite something when you consider that all the ingredients and basic cooking equipment has been carried in. Trekkers will certainly not feel hungry and special dietary requirements can be catered for if specified in advance. You will be able to buy bottled water on day 1 and 2 of the trek at various points along the way, after this you will refill your empty bottles from boiled water provided by the porters. Boiled water will be provided during the trek whenever it is possible to make camp.
OUR EQUIPMENT: We provide 4 men tents for only 2 people and INFLATABLE MATTRESS for everyone. Our dining equipment includes a spacious dining tent, tables and chairs, plates and utensils.
Please note that if you are more than 1.95 meters / 6´4″ tall then you won´t be able to rent a sleeping bag in Cusco. In this case it is recommended to bring your own one.
CULTURE SHOCK RATING: The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English isn’t common and the food will be quite different to home. It’s important to observe some of the local customs in order not to cause any offense. Many of the locals’ standards of living may be confronting.
SPENDING MONEY: Every traveller is different and therefore money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
TIPPING: If you’re happy with the service, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations.
Of course you are free to tip more or less depending on your perception of the service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive an excellent service.
WEATHER: The wet season in this region is from December to March when heavy rains can cause disruptions to ground transport. SAM Travel Peru will monitor any situation that arises and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to natural weather occurrences.
TRANSPORT: Train, Minibus
EMERGENCY CONTACT:
Telephone: (+51) (84) 630690, Telefax: (+51) (84) 630690 Cell Phone:(+51) (84) 992 126 224 (in english and spanish)
Address in Cusco: Luis Vallejo Santoni (Manco Ccapac H-9), 3er Piso – Santiago – Cusco – Peru
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: (From 9:00am to 12:00pm) – ( From 15:00 – 20:00):
HIKING TO MACHU PICCHU: The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFLE BAG to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is 7kg/15p max. While you hike, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel in Cuzco.
Your team of porters will carry your duffle bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware that you will not have access to your items in the duffle bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.
During the trek, you will need a back pack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sun cream, snacks, water, etc. Usually a 30 to 50 litres capacity back pack is big enough.
FITNESS: The Inca Trail is certainly not easy but you do not need to be an athlete or a trekking expert to complete it. Fitness is naturally important but the Inca Trail is the kind of trek that anyone with a positive attitude and determination can do. Obviously the more fit you are the more you will enjoy the trail and the more chance you will admire the scenery and appreciate the Inca ruins dotted along the way. If you do not exercise regularly, it is advisable to do some extra walking or some kind of aerobic activity in the months leading up to your trip.
Many people worry whether they will be able to cope physically but complete failure is rare and would usually only result from severe altitude sickness or from a person lacking even the basic level of fitness. People of all ages (from teenagers to pensioners) complete the trek and age itself is not a barrier if you have a positive mind and live an active lifestyle. Before departing for your tour, we recommend visiting your doctor who will be able to provide you with more information.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require you to be covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation for a minimum. We strongly recommend that your policy also includes personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the trip until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by our local representative.
If you have a credit card insurance, our local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving Perú.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? Yes, We are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we follow the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. To this end, we have trained all our local staff that knows, understands, feels and respects the place and the people.
ARE WE RESPONSIBLE?: Yes, We try to treat our hikers, our porters and all the local people from the villages with the upmost respect. We travel in small groups to give personalized tours to each traveller, we pay good salaries to our porters and follow the porters´ law. We provide all our porters with their hiking gear such as shoes, pants, jackets, t-shirts, hats, sleeping bags and most importantly, with health insurance.
STORAGE DURING THE TREK: During the trek to Machu Picchu your main luggage will be stored in Cuzco and you will receive a small duffle bag at your Inca Trail briefing (briefings are normally set for the evening before you start the trek) to pack clothes for 3-4 days. Your team of porters will carry these bags together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you will not have access to these items until the end of each day as the porters will always be ahead of the group, you should therefore bring a day pack in which you can carry personal belongings such as your camera, water and sun screen etc. By Peruvian law the duffle bag carried by the porters must not weigh more than 7kg (14pounds). You can either store your luggage at your hotel or you can leave it in our office.
BOOKING: The trek of Ausangate is available to depart any day of the week between may and october as long as we have two people. Nevertheless you still need to book in advance.
