The Cordillera Vilcanota is an impressive range of mountains, which include the massive Nevado of Ausangate (6,385m) (20,948ft) and three others over 6000m. It is excellent trekking country offering the traveler everything you could want: spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas, and alpacas, picturesque villages and traditionally dressed Indians. Its also high, tough, and cold, so be prepared.

The trek starts and finishes at the small Andean village of Tinqui and takes you around the massif of Ausangate and over three high passes (two of them over 5000m). It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this hike, spending at least three days in Cusco (or equivalent altitude) before starting.

The best months for doing the trek are April to November.

Category
Adventure Tours
Location
Cusco Region
Minimun height
2900 meters (9514 ft)
Maximum height
5200 meters (17060 ft)
Grade
difficult

Day 1

Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis

04:00 am. Departure from Cusco to Tinqui.
07:30 am. Breakfast.
09:00 am. Start of the adventure towards the town of Upis.
12:30 pm. We will arrive at Upis school.
2:30 pm. Lunch.
3:00 pm. We continue to the village of Upis.
4:00 pm. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2

Upis – Abra Arapa – Ausangate Cocha

07:00 am. Breakfast.
08:00 am. Walk to the open Arapa.
1:00 pm. Lunch.
6:00 pm. Dinner and overnight at Ausangate Cocha

Day 3

Ausangate Cocha – Palomani – Huchuypinaya

07:00 am. Breakfast.
08:00 am. Walk to reach Palomani 5200 meters, the highest step of the route.
1:00 pm. Lunch.
6:00 pm. Dinner and overnight in Pinaya

Day 4

Pinaya – Qampa Paso – Pachanta

07:00 am. Breakfast.
08:00 am. Walkthrough the Pinaya Valley and Ticllacocha.
1:00 pm. Lunch in Qomercocha.
6:00 pm. Dinner and overnight in Pacchanta

Day 5

Pachanta – Tinki – Cusco

07:00 am. Breakfast.
08:00 am. Pachanta walk to Tinqui.
12:00pm. Lunch and return to Cusco.
7:00 pm. Arrival to the city of Cusco.

Included:

Prior informative talk with the guide one night before the trip.
Round trip mobility Cusco –Tinki - Cusco
Specialist guide in hiking, and cook.
Horses to load all the camping equipment and muleteer.
Food: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners (optional vegetarian at no extra cost)
Hot drinks: coffee, tea, coca, etc.
1 Tent for 2 people plus mats.
Dining tent, and kitchen tent.
Chairs and dining table
Entrance ticket to Ausangate nature reserve and mountain of colors.

Does not include:

Sleeping bags (you can rent for $ 10.00 us or $ 15.00 us)
Travel insurance: it is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of the trip
Personal things
Additional horses if you have more than 6 kilos
Breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day
Canes
Tips (optional)