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LICENSED INCA TRAIL OPERATOR
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AUSANGATE-6 DAYS
This
trek through the Cordillera Vilcanota’s rugged snow-capped peaks
offers breathtaking scenery and a taste of the rich culture of the
Andean altiplano. Our hike takes us around sacred Mount Ausangate
(6,380 m/20,931 ft.) and we make camp near hot springs and pristine
glacier-fed lakes. We’ll delight in watching soaring condors
overhead, walk among herds of llamas and alpacas, and experience the
everyday lives of the local inhabitants. The high plains provide the
natural habitat for the marmot-like vizcacha and the rare vicuña.
With three high passes, spectacular glacial views, unspoiled beauty
and solitude, this is the perfect tour for experienced trekkers who
love challenging adventures.
TRIP AT GLANCE
Difficulty: Challenging Tour Code: AUS6
Activities: Camping and hiking
Departures: Once a month on first Monday
Season: January-December
Start-End: Cusco
PRICING
Group Service: $515 minimum of
6 persons
Private Service: 1
person: $1,995, 2 persons: $937, 3 persons: $757,
4 persons: $610, 5 persons: $510, 6-10 persons: $504.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1:
Cusco - Upis
Day 2: Upis - Lake Pukacocha
Day 3:
Pukacocha - Uchuy Finaya
Day 4:
Uchuy Finaya - Lake Minaparayoc
Day 5:
Lake Minaparayoc - Tinqui - Olletatambo
Day 6:
Machu Picchu.- Cusco
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TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco - Upis <TOP>
Early in the
morning we depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about 3 hours
to the small Andean village of Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota
mountain range, passing through several charming villages such as
Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate. In Tinqui, we meet up with our pack
animals and arrieros (mule-drivers), who will carry our equipment
and backpacks. The route will lead us across a lovely pampa of
grassy meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate, the
highest snow peak in Southern Peru. After trekking for approximately
6 hours, with a stop along the way for a restful lunch and time to
take pictures, we arrive at the hot springs of Upis, our first
campsite. After dinner, we’ll relax in the hot springs, enjoying
marvelous views of Mount Ausangate. L, D.
 Day 2: Upis - Lake Pukacocha <TOP>
After hiking
approximately 2½ hours, we arrive at our first pass, Arapa
(4,850m/15,912 ft). From this height, we enjoy spectacular vistas,
not only of Mount Ausangate, but the equally gorgeous surrounding
peaks. We continue past multi-hued glacial lakes until we reach the
largest of them, Lake Vinococha, where we pause for our picnic
lunch. A short hike in the afternoon brings us to the oddly colored,
reddish Lake Pukacocha, where we will set up our campsite for the
night. We’ll sit down to a leisurely dinner admiring a dramatic,
close-up view of Mount Ausangate. B, L, D.
Day 3: Pukacocha - Uchuy Finaya <TOP>
After breakfast, we’ll make a short ascent to our second pass of the
trek, Apuchata (4,900m/16,076 ft), with the glistening turqouise
Ausangate Lagoon below. From here, we’ll climb to the highest pass
of our adventure, the awesome Palomani (5,200 m/17,060 ft). Our
efforts are well-rewarded by the tremendous views of Mount Ausangate
and Vilcanota mountain range. After a 2-hour descent into the
valley, we’ll review our day and have supper at our comfortable
campsite at Uchuy Finaya. B, L, D.
Day 4: Uchuy Finaya - Lake
Minaparayoc <TOP>
This morning, we begin a winding ascent along the banks of a
widening stream until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, named
for the rabbit-like animals that inhabit warrens there. We pass
through the small community of Campa, where we can stop to
photograph the fantastic snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta and Tres
Picos.
Upon reaching the final pass at Q’omer Q’ocha, we have lunch
among the wild vicuñas and picturesque lakes. A short hike brings us
to peaceful Lake Minaparayoc, where we camp along the shore. B, L,
D.
Day 5: Lake
Minaparayoc - Tinqui - Olletatambo <TOP>
 Hiking through the valley, we pass herds of grazing llamas and
alpacason our way to thewonderful hot springs of Pacchanta where
we can enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water. Refreshed, we
continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui, where we have
lunch. We catch our private transport to Ollatatambo, taking in the
beautiful views of the rolling Andes along the way. B, L.
Day 6: Machu Picchu.-
Cusco <TOP>
Today we board the early morning train to Aguas Caliente, then a bus
up to the stunning archeological complex of Machu Picchu. The site
is not as crowded in the early morning, so we have the best
opportunity to experience its otherworldly magic. After a 2-½ hour
guided tour, we will have approximately 3 hours to explore the
intriguing site by ourselves. There will be time to climb Huayna
Picchu to get a fantastic view of Machu Picchu, or you may choose to
visit the Temple of the Moon, located behind Huayna Picchu. We then
return to Cusco by train. Meals: B
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Included:
* Transportation from your hotel to the starting point of the trek
* Park entrance fee
* Bus from Aguas Calientes to Macchu Picchu and back
* Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco (backpacker train)
* Transportation from end of trail to your hotel
* Large, double-occupancy tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, latrine
tent
* Sleeping bag/mat ($30 refundable deposit)
* Horses to carry all equipment
* 1 extra horse
* Meals as in itinerary: 7 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners
* Cook and cooking equipment
* English speaking guide
* Emergency first aid kit
* Oxygen tank
Not included:
* Breakfast 1st day/Dinner last day
* Tips, taxes, international airfare and personal expenses
* Hotel accommodations in the city
Gear
list:
* Passport
* Backpack or duffle bag
* Warm clothing/thermals
* Trekking shoes
* Sandals
* Raincoat
* Sunscreen
* Flashlight
* Insect repellent
* Bottled water
* Personal first aid kit
* Bathing suit and towel
* Hat
* Sunglasses
* Camera, film and batteries
* Change of clothes/shorts, T-shirts, pants, long sleeve shirts,
socks and underwear.
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