Today begins an extraordinary journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes. We will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. sharp at your accommodation and drive to the village of Ocongate (3,500 m / 11,482 ft.) in our private vehicle. Along the way, you will glimpse picturesque villages and impressive lagoons that dot the Vilcanota valley.

Our next stop will be in Tinke, where you can purchase any last-minute items before arriving at the community of Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), the starting point of our trek. Here we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet our team of experienced horsemen and cooks who will accompany us on this adventure.

Our first day will begin with a gentle hike across a plain with direct views of the majestic Ausangate Glacier (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). Along the way, you will meet friendly locals dressed in colorful traditional clothing and see herds of llamas and alpacas.

We will arrive at the Upis hot springs (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) and savor our first delicious lunch prepared by our expert chef. Our camp will also be set up here, right in front of the impressive Ausangate Mountain.

In the late afternoon, we will hike to Huayna Ausangate Lake and enjoy a breathtaking sunset that casts a golden hue over the glaciers around us. In the evening, we will enjoy a sumptuous dinner and spend our first night in the mountains.

Considerations:

Physical Level

2, Moderate

We will wake up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the crisp mountain air before setting off on a two-and-a-half-hour hike through an impressive Andean valley to reach the Arapa Pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The imposing Ausangate Glacier will accompany us throughout the journey.

Upon reaching the summit, the scenic splendor intensifies, leaving you amazed by the natural beauty of this part of the world. You will be able to admire the grandeur of the mountain range and, if fortune smiles on you, witness the majestic flight of the condor, the largest flying bird in the world. Our guide will provide information about the local flora and fauna along the way, allowing you to better appreciate the environment.

We will then descend to the exquisite, crystal-clear Yanacocha Lagoon (black lagoon) and continue along the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha, where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Afterwards, we will continue hiking toward Ausangate Lagoon. Along the way, we will enjoy spectacular landscapes and marvel at the shimmering waters against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. We will rest for a while at Ausangate Lagoon to fully appreciate its beauty.

In the evening, a healthy dinner will be waiting for us at the campsite, where you can regain your strength and rest for the upcoming adventures.

Considerations:

• MEALS: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hot drinks.
• WALKING DISTANCE: 6.21 miles / 10 km
• CAMPSITE ALTITUDE: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
• WEATHER: cold
• DIFFICULTY: moderate

Physical Level

2, Moderate

As every morning, we will start the day with a nutritious breakfast that will fuel us for the hike ahead.
Afterwards, we will ascend for approximately two hours until reaching the highest point of the trek, the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). After a short break to admire the magnificent views, we will hike for another hour and a half until we reach the charming community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).

We feel deep respect and admiration for the inhabitants of Huchuy Phinaya, who continue to preserve their ancient traditions in perfect harmony with nature (Pachamama). Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in their way of life and learn about their admirable connection with the Earth.

Today may be the most challenging day of the trek, but it also offers the greatest chance to truly connect with the Andes and Mother Earth. We will then continue with a gentle two-hour ascent to Sorapata, where our camp will be ready and waiting for you. After a delicious dinner, a well-deserved rest under the stars awaits you.

Considerations:

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and hot drinks
• Hiking Distance: 8 miles / 12.87 km
• Campsite Altitude: 4,740 m / 15,551 ft
• Weather: Cold
• Difficulty: Moderate

Physical Level

2, Moderate

We start our day by leaving the camp early and continue our journey towards Tinki, a picturesque village full of history. Along the way, we descend through an ancient Inca Trail, passing through vast grasslands and agricultural zones, where we can see native crops such as potatoes, quinoa, broad beans, and oxalis, connecting us with the region’s ancestral traditions.

As we travel, we pass through various communities where the friendly locals, speaking their native Quechua language, welcome us and give us a glimpse into their daily lives.

Upon our arrival in Tinki, a comfortable vehicle will be waiting for us to begin the journey back to Cusco. Once we arrive, we will transfer our passengers to their respective hotels, concluding this memorable trip.

Physical Level

1, Easy