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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
(6,380m), we camp near hot springs and glacier-fed multicoloured 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 witness the colourful 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
vicuna, a wild relative of the alpaca and llama. With three high passes
around 5,000m, spectacular glacial vistas, and uninterrupted beauty and
solitude, this is a superb trip for seasoned trekkers who love a true
outdoor adventure.
| Jour |
Activité |
Repas |
Logement |
Notes |
| 1. |
Transfer Cusco to Tinqui |
L,D |
Camping |
|
| 2. |
Hike Tinqui to Upis |
B,L,D |
Camping |
Hot Springs |
| 3. |
Trekking from Upis to Lake Pucacocha |
B,L,D |
Camping |
First pass 4,850m |
| 4. |
Walking Pucacocha to Uchuy Finaya |
B,L,D |
Camping |
Second Pass 4,900m |
| 5. |
Uchuy Finaya to Lake Minaparayoc |
B,L,D |
Camping |
|
| 6. |
Return trek to Tinqui |
B,L,D |
Camping |
Thermal baths |
| 7. |
Transfer to Cusco |
B,L |
No |
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Day 1. Cusco – Tinqui
We depart Cusco in our private bus and travel
about six hours to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui at the foot
of the Vilcanota range.
Driving through the beautiful countryside, we pass several traditional
villages including Urcos, Cattca, and Ocongate, where we can stop for
rests and lunch. Our first night is spent at a lovely campsite in Tinqui.
L,D
Day 2. Tinqui – Upis Thermal Baths
We meet our pack animals and
arrieros, or mule-drivers, that will carry our equipment and backpacks.
Our trek begins crossing a pampa of grassy
meadows below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausangate (6,350 m.),
the highest snow peak in Southern Peru. After trekking approximately
five hours, with time for lunch and rest stops for pictures, we arrive
to the hot springs of Upis, our second campsite. From here, we get marvelous
views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. B,L,D
Day 3. Upis – Lake Pukacocha
After trekking approximately 2.5 hours,
we get to our first pass, Arapa pass (4,850 m.) From the pass we enjoy
wonderful views not only of Ausangate
itself, but of many other snow peaks. We continue down the corridor past
small, multi-colored lagoons until we reach the larger Lake Vinococha,
where we have lunch. A short walk in the afternoon brings us to the red-colored
Lake Pucacocha, our campsite for the night. From here we get a dramatic,
close-up view of Mount Ausangate and may even hear ice falling into the
lake from its sides. Don't worry. We are not in any danger. B,L,D
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Day 4. Pucacocha – Uchuy Finaya
In the morning, we make a short
ascent to our second pass of Apuchata, (4,900 m.) with the aquamarine
Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. From here,
we climb to the Palomani pass (5,200 m.), the highest of our journey.
We can enjoy fantastic views of Ausangate and the Vilcanota range from
this point. After approximately 2 hours of walking down into a valley,
we arrive to our incredibly beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya. B,L,D
Day 5. Uchuy Finay – Lake Minaparayoc
Leaving our campsite, we
begin a winding ascent along a widening stream until we reach the Valley
of the Viscachas, named for the dozens of these
furry animals that can be seen 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 our final pass at Q'omer Q'ocha,
we have lunch among the wild vicunas and green lakes. A short downhill
walk brings us to the mystical Lake Minaparayoc, where we will camp along
the shore. B,L,D
Day 6. Lake Minaparayoc – Tinqui
Hiking down through the valley,
we pass many herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we get to hot
springs of Pacchanta. Here we can rest,
have lunch, and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water. Relaxed and
refreshed, we continue hiking back to the small village of Tinqui, where
we spend our last night.
B,L,D
Day 7. Tinqui - Cusco
Early in the morning, we take our private vehicle
back to Cusco to enjoy city life again and savour the memories of a spectacular
journey. B,L
Included
- Private transportation to head of trail.
- Round-trip train tickets Cusco-Aguas Calientes-Cusco (Backpacker
Service)
- Professional, English-speaking guide for both days
- Plentiful nutritious meals, vege option avail
- Bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu
- High quality double-occupancy tents and camping equipment
- Sleeping mattress
- Dining tent, kitchen tent, and latrine tent
- Oxygen bottle and first aid kit
- Private transport back to Cusco
- Pack animals to carry personal gear and equipment
- Zip lock bags
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo
- Ashtray Tins
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