Ausangate Lodge-to-Lodge Trek

Treks

SUMMARY

5 Days

Peru

The Ausangate Trek is one of Peru’s finest; a breathtaking circuit around the sacred Apu Ausangate mountain. And thanks to the construction of four mountain refuges, this spectacular hike can now be enjoyed in style! So, say adios to tents and campsites! Because the Ausangate Lodge-to-Lodge trek ushers in a new era of comfortable adventure! At the end of each day’s hike, settle into your cosy room, take a hot shower and sit down to delicious Peruvian dishes prepared by local chefs.

Moreover, all the hard work is taken care of! You’ll be accompanied by horses and llamas who will carry the bulk of your gear. So, all you need to worry about is your camera, water bottle and a few layers of clothing for those high mountain passes!

But with an average altitude of over 4,000m, Ausangate is a challenging trek and one you should prepare for! And that means allowing plenty of time to acclimatise in the stunning Cuzco region before setting out!

Once you are on your way you can expect to see plenty of snow-capped mountains, colourful lakes and herds of llamas and alpacas. This is truly an Andean paradise and one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. So why wait? If you’ve always dreamed of venturing into the Andes then this is the trek for you! Talk to one of our Travel Specialists about the Ausangate Lodge-to-Lodge trek today!

HIGHLIGHTS

Hike through some of Peru’s most sensational mountain scenery.
Rest and relax in comfort each evening in a rustic mountain lodge.
See the famous Rainbow Mountain with its myriad colours.
Enjoy stunning views of Apu Ausangate (6,372m), a Sacred Mountain to local people.
Fresh, healthy meals prepared with local ingredients will give you the energy you need to cross those mountain passes!
Expert local guides will teach you all about the local flora and fauna, history, myths, and legends as you hike.
Marvel at high altitude, turquoise lakes.
See llamas, alpacas and the magnificent Andean Condor.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Cuzco/Chillca

Depart Cuzco in a comfortable coach and head along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe, then continue to the upper valley of Pitumarca. At Japura, you’ll trek a short distance to Chillca. Locals and musicians playing Andean instruments greet you in your first Andean Lodge, as you sip coca tea. Hot showers and full bathrooms as well as 8 double and matrimonial bedrooms are available. Tasty and nutritious local cuisine (such as alpaca meat) is emphasised but vegetarian and other preferences are welcome.

Day 2 Chillca/Machuracay

After breakfast, trek alongside thousands of alpacas and llamas in the glacier valley of Phinaya. On the way to more glaciers at Santa Catalina, we will climb by the inspiring Pjachaj waterfalls. Above, a picnic lunch awaits. Then, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers and lagoons, walk about five hours to Machuracay Tambo. Your bags, carried by a llama caravan, will be there on arrival, and the family that runs the lodge will welcome you.

Day 3 Machuracay/Anantapata

Today you will take in your first mountain pass (5,055m) which has spectacular panoramic views. Descending alongside the glaciers, hike to the Ausangate Cocha Lake for lunch.
Here, the landscape dramatically shifts due to the existence of red sandstone formations where you will see vicuñas and sometimes condors. After a day of great hiking we arrive at the third “Andean Lodge” ready to relax and enjoy.

Day 4 Anantapata/Huampococha

After breakfast, take the trail to another mountain pass. Dropping down, you’ll hike by Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. Striations of colour are imbedded in the hillsides. Then we go on to Cerro Laya Grande via massive glacier del Inca, and find the most striking colours in the sediments of Vinicunca (known as the “Rainbow Mountain”). We eat lunch here while taking in this unique landscape. On our way to the fourth Andean Lodge you may see hundreds of Andean geese nesting in the cliffs of Anta, and the flatiron formations of Apu Labrayani near Huampococha Tambo where you will spend the night.

Day 5 Huampococha /Cuzco

Awake to your final morning in these beautiful mountains. After breakfast, you’ll start hiking, enjoying great view of the mountains, to reach the top of the final pass. It’s all downhill from here! You’ll encounter some of the most capricious shapes of limestone formations from the Cretaceous age and hike until the end of the trail in Trapiche. Here, you will have lunch and return by bus to Cuzco while reminiscing on the wonderful experiences of the Andes.