This five-day trek among the snowy peaks of Cordillera Vilcanota offers spectacular scenery and a unique encounter with 
numerous creatures in the Andean altiplano. 
Hiking around the whole of mystical mountain 
(apu) Ausangate (6,380 m.), 
we´ll camp near hot springs and glacier-fed multicolored lakes, 
inhabited by numerous Bird species, 
including Andean Geese and the magnificent Andean Condor. 

We´ll walk among herds of Llamas and Alpacas 
in remote native Quechua villages, 
and appreciate the colorful 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 Vicuña, a wild relative of the Alpaca and Llama. 
With three high passes over 5,000m., spectacular glacial views,
and unmolested beauty and solitude, 
this is a superb trip for seasoned trekkers who love a true outdoor adventure. 

Trek-rating:  moderate to rigorous

Early in the morning we´ll depart from Cusco in our private bus, 
and travel about 3 hours, to reach the small Andean village of Tinqui, 
at the foot of the Vilcanota mountain-range. We will be passing through several traditional villages,
such as Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate. In Tinqui, we will meet our pack-animals and arrieros, 
or Mule-drivers, whom will carry our equipment and backpacks. 
The route will lead us across a pampa of Grassy meadows, below the jagged stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,350m.), the highest snow peak in southern Peru. 
After trek for approximately six hours, 
with stops along the way for lunch and rest as well as time to take pictures, 
we´ll arrive to the hot springs of Upis, our first campsite. 
From here, we´ll get some marvelous views of Mount Ausangate, at the end of the valley. 

After walking for approximately 2.5 hours, we get to our first pass, 
the Arapa-pass (4,850m.a.s.l.). From the pass, we´ll enjoy wonderful views, 
not only of Mount Ausangate, but also of many other nearby snow-capped peaks. 
We´ll continue down the corridor, past a number of small, multi-colored lagoons, 
until we reach the largest of them, Lake Vinococha, where we´ll have our lunch. 
A short walk in the afternoon will bring us to the illustrious, red-colored Lake Pucacocha, 
where we will set up our campsite for the night. From here, we´ll get a dramatic, 
close-up view of Mount Ausangate, 
and we may even hear some chunks of ice falling into the lake from the sides of the mountain.
Don’t worry, though, we will be in safety. 

In the morning, we´ll make a short ascent to our second pass of the trek, 
the Apuchata-pass (4,900m.a.s.l.), with the beautiful, Agua Ausangate-lagoon below. 
From here, we´ll climb to the immense Palomani-pass (5,200 m.a.s.l.), 
which is the highest pass of our journey. 
We can enjoy some fantastic views of Mount Ausangate, 
as well as the Vilcanota mountain-range from this point. 
After approximately 2 hours more of descending into the valley, 
we´ll arrive to our incredibly beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya. 

Leaving our campsite, we´ll begin a winding ascent alongside a widening stream, 
until we´ll reach the Valley of the Viscachas, 
named for the gorgeous furry animals that can be found here.

We´ll pass through the small community of Campa, 
from where we can see the fabulous snow-capped peaks of Puka Punta (`Red Peak´) and Tres Picos (`3 Peaks´). Upon reaching the final pass at Q’omer Q’ocha (`Green Lagoon´), 
we have lunch among the wild Vicuñas and picturesque lakes. 
A short downhill walk will bring us to the mystical Lake Minaparayoc, where we will camp along the shore. 

Hiking down through the valley, 
we´ll pass many herds of grazing Llamas and Alpacas until we get to gorgeous hot springs of Pacchanta, 
where we can rest, and enjoy a soak in the soothing thermal water. 
Relaxed and refreshed, we´ll continue, 
hiking back to the small village of Tinqui, where will have our lunch…and that is also where we will catch our private transport back to Cusco, enjoying the beautiful views of the Andes on our way back. 

INCLUDED
- Private transportation to head of trail
- Professional, English-speaking guide and camp-staff
- Plentiful, nutritious meals (vegetarian option available)
- Double-occupancy tents and Camping-equipment (includes dining-tent, kitchen-tent, and latrine-tent)
- Pack-animals to carry personal gear and equipment
- Private transport back to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED
- Sleeping-bag 
- Breakfast 1st day / Dinner last day
- Tips

We suggest you to bring- Backpack or duffle bag
- Sleeping-bag
- Warm clothing/thermals
- Insect-repellent
- Trek-shoes/wool socks
- Water-bottle
- Rain-gear
- Day pack
- Sunscreen and hat
- Personal medical kit
- Flashlight
- Bathing-suit and towel