A fabulous seven day circuit through the Vilcanota mountain range where you will see Ausangate (6385m) and three other peaks all above 6000m. Again, more akin to our Cordillera Blanca treks, this route offers spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise glacial lakes, picturesque villages and traditionally dressed Quechua people. It is a difficult trek and the temperatures can dip below zero.
The trek starts and finishes in the small town of Tinqui and iinvolves trekking around the massif of Ausangate including traversing three high mountain passes (two of them over 5000m).
Horses are often provided for each person as many parts of the trail are steep, but riders will have to dismount and walk with the horse for about half of the trek. The horses are also used for carrying all of the equipment.
Day 1: Cuzco- Ocongate- Tinqui
We leave Cuzco in a private bus to the town of Urcos, from where we will drive along the Cusco - Puerto Maldonado route, and the pass the town of Ocongate before arriving to Tinqui (3800m), where we shall sleep at a local lodge.
This day we will begin our trek passing by Quinsapucyu, Huarmisaya until we arrive to Upis which will afford fantastic views of Ausangate. Set up camp.
Today we head towards the pass of Arapa, at approximately 4958 metres above sea level, before descending and camping near the lagoon of Pukacocha.
We shall will visit a group of small lakes, from where we will head up towards the highest pass of our trekking, the pass of Palomani at 5200 metres above sea level, and at dusk we will arrive to Jampa to set up our camp.
Day 5: Jampa - Komerqocha - Pachaspata
Today we will head towards the valley of Jampa, traveling around the northwest until we arrive to the Ticllacocha lagoon. Then we will cross the last pass located at 4650m (15,250 feet). Passing it we will arrive to the pampas of Pachaspata, where we will camp on the banks of the Qomercocha lake.
Day 6 Pachaspata- Pacchanta
We will descend to the valley before arriving to Pachanta town. In Pachanta, we will take a rest and take a bath in the thermal waters of the place.
Day 7: Pacchanta - Tinki - Cuzco
The last day of this trek where a brief walk will have us arriving to the highway, where our vehicle will be waiting for us and take us back to Cuzco.
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