This is an impressive trek around the snow-capped Ausangate mountain (6,372m) which can be done by horse or foot. You will pass over 5,200 m where it is possible to see some vicuñas and also many alpaca herds, which is the main income for the andean people of this area. You can bathe in hot springs and see red and green lakes with Ducks, Pintails, Andean Coots, Puna Ibis, Andean Goose and much more. An unforgettable and challenging hike for lovers of mountain treks. The nights are cold but during the day it can be very hot. The Apu (the Quechua word for god) Ausangate as it is called by the andean people, is a holy mountain, where Christian and Andean beliefs are intertwined. Every year in June there is a pilgrimage to the shrine of Señor of Qóylloriti at 5200m to celebrate the Christian cross, the sun, the Apu Ausangate and to ask for good agriculture, good life for their animals and good health for themselves.

Day 1: Cusco – Tinki – Upis
We leave at 5:00 am from Cusco in private bus, taking the road that goes to Puerto Maldonado. After 5 hours driving we arrive to Tinki at 3800m. On the way from Cusco to Tinki we pass through many agricultural areas and beautiful landscapes. From Tinki we start walking for 5 hours to Upis where we will have our first camp at 4200m.

Day 2: Upis to Jatun Pucaqocha
After an early breakfast we leave Upis and ascend for two hours to reach the La Arapa pass (4850 m). Along the way, we pass through areas with many vizcachas (relatives of the rabbit). From the top of the pass, the view of Ausangate is very impressive. As we descend we see beautiful lakes with green or turquoise colours. We will set up camp close to lake Jatun Pucaqocha (big red lake).

Day 3: Jatun Pucaqocha to Uchuy Finaya
Today we will go over several passes providing spectacular views of the back of Ausangate mountain and alpaca herds. One pass, Apuchata is at 4900m. The Palomani pass is at 5200m. Finally we arrive to Uchuy Finaya where we will camp.

Day 4: Uchuy Finaya to Pacchanta
On this day we go over the fourth pass, the Q´ampa pass at 5000m where it is possible to observe vicuñas and see birds close to the lakes, such as Crested Duck, Ground Tyrants and Puna Hawks. Viscachas can be seen running in and out of the rocks as we approach Pacchanta. At Pacchanta there is a hot spring for bathing and where we will camp for the night.

Day 5: Pacchanta – Tinki – Cusco
After an early breakfast, we leave Pacchanta and head to Tinki to complete the full loop -- approximately 2 hours. From Tinki we take our private bus back to Cusco city, arriving in the afternoon.

The service includes:

• Private bus Cusco - Tinki – Cusco
• English speaking professional Guide
• Double tents and mats, dining tent, tables and chairs
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horses (to carry camping- & cooking equipment and food) and horsemen
• Emergency horse
• All meals during the trek (5 B, 5 L, 4 D) + snacks
• First Aid Kit and Oxygen bottle 

Not included:

• Sleeping bag
• Drinking water
• Extra horse for personal luggage can be rent:
• US$ 60.00 for 5 days (max 40 kg per horse)