This beautiful hike has everything concerning ecosystem: herds of llamas and alpacas, traditionally dressed Indians, hot springs, beautiful turquoise lakes, glaciers, ice caves, and even vicuñas. Not surprisingly, it's very popular with trekkers. It's also high, tough cold. You are closer to snow and ice here than any other Cusco area hike. The route takes you right around the massif of Ausangate and over three high passes, before returning to your starting point the small village of Tinqui.

ITINERARY

Day 1. CUSCO / TINQUI : Morning drive to the head of the trail in the town of Tinqui, 12,500 feet. Here we join our pack horses and camp.(L+D)

Day 2. TINQUI / UPISPAMPA :We start our trek around Mount .Ausangante, camping by the hot springs of Upispampa with a spectacular view of the highest peak in the Vilcanota Range. (B+L+D), camp in Upispampa.

Day 3+4+5+6. UPISPAMPA/ FINAYA/ PACCHANTA : Right after breakfast, we continue our trek around this great mountain, regarded as an Apu (Great Spirit) by the local natives . These highlanders speak ´´Quechua´´ the Inca Language and dress in traditional colorful costumes taking care of their herds of llamas and alpacas. We will pass pristine and colorful lakes, sparkling glaciers and a couple of 16,500 feet passes. The day before the end of the trek we will camp by the hamlet of Pacchanta where we can relax and hop into the local Hot Springs, sharing great moments with the Quechua speaking natives.(B+L+D)

Day 7. TINQUI / CUSCO : After a 3 hour hike we arrive back to Tinqui, where our transportation car will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. Dinner on your own in the city of Cusco. (B+L)

INCLUDED : -Transfer from Cusco to the head of the trek -All meals during the trek –Pack horses for bearing luggage -Saddle horse for emergency -Guide, cook, assistant –Double occupancy tents -All camping gear, plus First Aid kit - Dining tents and Kitchen tents.

THE BEST HIKING TIME OF THE YEAR IS FROM APRIL THROUGH NOVEMBER

COST :
From 3 to 7 participants US $ 329

TREKKING IN THE HIGHLANDS OF PERU: AUSANGATE RANGE 6D/5N
It can be done in six days and five nights.