Peru's Ausangate Trek

Superb trekking in the rugged Cordillera Vilcanota ~ Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley ~ Andean trekking at its best ~ Extra cost option to climb Campa Peak (5500m)

South of Cusco, the Vilcanota is one of the most impressive of Peru's mountain groups, with several 6000 metre peaks, including sacred Ausangate (6372m). A high and wild trekking circuit winds its way through this rarely-visited range, following lovely alpine valleys which are home to Quechua Indian herdsmen and some of Peru's most spectacular wildlife, including vicunas and the Andean condor. Traversing this pristine and beautiful region, we enjoy a series of wonderful lakeside camps and cross several 5000 metre passes, each providing far-reaching mountain views. Descending to the blissful hot springs at Pacchanta, we trek out via remote Laguna Singrenacocha, which provides a final 3 days of simply superlative walking. During our stay in this enchanting country, we spend time in colourful Cusco, visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and make the classic train journey to Machu Picchu.

Trip Guide
This trek offers a variety of trekking conditions from the open meadows of the puna to slopes of boulders and scree. However, most of the walking is on fairly well-defined tracks. Overall, the trekking is straightforward and not very sustained. We have allowed 2 nights at an altitude of 3200 metres (10,500 feet) and a night at 3800 metres (12,500 feet) before we start trekking and this should provide useful acclimatisation for the group. A remote location and 3 high passes has influenced us in our choice of the DEMANDING grade.

The optional ascent of the viewpoint peak, Campa, is straightforward and non-technical under normal conditions, although crampons and ice axe will be required.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Upon arrival in Cusco (3326m), KE Land Only package services begin with a transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon we will have a walking tour of this fascinating ancient city. Hotel.

Day 2: Spend the day touring the local Inca Ruins. We drive to Tambo Machay, onto Puca Pucara and then Q'enko. After lunch we visit the famous Sacsayhauman ruins before returning to our hotel in Cusco.

Day 3: Today, we will drive to the Vilcanota area, stopping off for lunch and a short acclimatization hike on a section of Inca pathway. Overnight camp at the roadhead at Tinqui (3800m /12,467ft.).

Day 4: First day of the trek accompanied by mules or llamas and their handlers. Across open puna (highland meadows) to our camp at the hot springs at Urpis (4400m/14,435ft.).

Day 5: Trek across the Arapa Pass (4850m /15,912ft.) and descend to camp at Laguna Jatun Pucacocha beneath the west side of Ausangate.

Day 6: Two passes to cross today, the Apuchata and Palomani, both of which are around 5000m /16,400 ft. We camp at Pampacancha (4510m /14,797ft.) the traditional basecamp area for Ausangate.

Day 7: Trek via the Pitumarca Valley and the small Laguna Ticllacocha, then climb to cross the Campa Pass (5050m /16,568ft.). We descend beyond the pass to a camp at 4850m /15,912 feet.

Day 8: There will be an early start for any group members who have pre-arranged to make the ascent of Campa Peak (5500m/18,044ft.). From the camp, it is a downhill trek to our next camp beside the hot springs at Pachanta.

Day 9: Today we trek to a camp beside Laguna Armaccocha, which is situated at 4665m /15,305 feet beneath the snow-capped Nevado Collque.

Day 10: We cross a pass at 4940m /16,207 feet and continue via the mountain lakes of Mullucocha, descending to camp beside turquoise lake Singrenacocha.

Day 11: We trek alongside Laguna Singrenacocha and then follow its outflow river to the roadhead, where we meet our transport for the drive back to our hotel in Cusco.

Day 12: Either a free day for sightseeing in and around the cosmopolitan city of Cusco or an optional excursion to Machu Picchu. We end with a night out in Cusco, and a final night at the hotel.

Day 13: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On arrival the group will spend 2 nights at our hotel in Cusco. There are a total of 4 hotel nights in Cusco. You will spend 8 nights camping whilst on trek.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Optional ascent of Campa Peak - £275 per person (based on 2 pax)

Optional day excursion to Machu Picchu - £275 per person (based on 2 pax)

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