This five-day trek through the Cordillera Vilcanota’s rugged snow-capped peaks offers spectacular scenery and a unique encounter with life in the Andean altiplano. Hiking completely around the mystical Mount Ausangate (6,380 m.), we camp near hot springs and glacier-fed multicolored lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean geese and the magnificent Andean Condor. We walk among herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages and appreciate the colorful clothing and daily rhythm of the local inhabitants. Sections of the high plains in this area also provide the natural habitats for the marmot-like vizcacha and the rare vicuña, a wild relative of the alpaca and llama. With three high passes over 5,000m, spectacular glacial views, and unmolested beauty and solitude, this is a superb trip for seasoned trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure.
Daily Itinerary, Services, Information, and Prices
Trek rating: Moderate to Rigorous
Day
1
Cusco to Upis - Early in the morning we depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about 3 hours to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, passing through several traditional villages such as Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate along the way. In Tinqui, we will meet our pack animals and arrieros, or mule-drivers, whom will carry our equipment and backpacks. The route will lead us across a pampa of grassy meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,350 m), the highest snow peak in Southern Peru. After trekking for approximately six hours, with stops along the way for lunch and rest as well as time to take pictures, we arrive to the hot springs of Upis, our first campsite. From here, we´ll get some marvelous views of Mount Ausangate at the end of the valley L, D
Day
2
Upis to Lake Pukacocha – After trekking approximately 2.5 hours, we get to our first pass, Arapa pass (4,850m) From the pass, we´ll enjoy wonderful views, not only of Mount Ausangate, but also of many other nearby snow-capped peaks. We continue down the corridor past a number of small, multi-colored lagoons until we reach the largest of them, Lake Vinococha, where we´ll have our lunch for the day. A short walk in the afternoon brings us to the illustrious, red-colored Lake Pucacocha, where we will set up our campsite for the night. From here, we´ll get a dramatic, close-up view of Mount Ausangate and we may even hear some chunks of ice falling into the lake from the sides of the mountain. Don’t worry though, we are not in any danger. B, L, D
Day 3
Pukacocha to Uchuy Finaya – In the morning, we make a short ascent to our second pass of the trek, Apuchata Pass (4,900m), with the beautiful, aqua Ausangate Lagoon below. From here, we´ll climb to the immense Palomani Pass (5,200 m), which is the highest pass of our journey. We can enjoy some fantastic views of Mount Ausangate as well as the Vilcanota Mountain Range from this vantage point. After approximately 2 hours more of descending into the valley, we´ll arrive to our incredibly beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya. B, L, D
Day
4
Uchuy Finaya to Lake Minaparayoc – Leaving our campsite, we begin a winding ascent alongside a widening stream until we reach the Valley of the Viscachas, named for the gorgeous furry animals that can be found here. We pass through the small community of Campa, from where we can see the fabulous 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 downhill walk brings us to the mystical, Lake Minaparayoc, where we will camp along the shore. B, L, D
Day
5
Lake Minaparayoc to Tinqui to Cusco – Hiking down through the valley, we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to gorgeous hot springs of Pacchanta where we can rest and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water. Relaxed and refreshed, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui, where will have our lunch for the day and that is also where we will catch our private transport back to Cusco, enjoying the beautiful views of the rolling Andes on our way back. B, L
Andina Travel Peru
Plazoleta Santa Catalina Nº 219 Cusco - Peru
Tel/Fax: +51 84 251892 / andinatravel@terra.com.pe
This five-day trek through the Cordillera Vilcanota’s rugged snow-capped peaks offers spectacular scenery and a unique encounter with life in the Andean altiplano. Hiking completely around the mystical Mount Ausangate (6,380 m.), we camp near hot springs and glacier-fed multicolored lakes inhabited by numerous bird species, including Andean geese and the magnificent Andean Condor. We walk among herds of llamas and alpacas in remote native Quechua villages and appreciate the colorful clothing and daily rhythm of the local inhabitants. Sections of the high plains in this area also provide the natural habitats for the marmot-like vizcacha and the rare vicuña, a wild relative of the alpaca and llama. With three high passes over 5,000m, spectacular glacial views, and unmolested beauty and solitude, this is a superb trip for seasoned trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. 
Cusco to Upis - Early in the morning we depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about 3 hours to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota Mountain Range, passing through several traditional villages such as Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate along the way. In Tinqui, we will meet our pack animals and arrieros, or mule-drivers, whom will carry our equipment and backpacks. The route will lead us across a pampa of grassy meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,350 m), the highest snow peak in Southern Peru. After trekking for approximately six hours, with stops along the way for lunch and rest as well as time to take pictures, we arrive to the hot springs of Upis, our first campsite. From here, we´ll get some marvelous views of Mount Ausangate at the end of the valley L, D
chas, named for the gorgeous furry animals that can be found here. We pass through the small community of Campa, from where we can see the fabulous 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 downhill walk brings us to the mystical, Lake Minaparayoc, where we will camp along the shore. B, L, D
Lake Minaparayoc to Tinqui to Cusco – Hiking down through the valley, we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to gorgeous hot springs of Pacchanta where we can rest and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water. Relaxed and refreshed, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui, where will have our lunch for the day and that is also where we will catch our private transport back to Cusco, enjoying the beautiful views of the rolling Andes on our way back. B, L
