The Trail of the Apu Ausangate, Peru

Duration: 5 Days | 4 Nights
Destination: Peru

Embark on a breathtaking 5-day Andean trekking adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu, exploring stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and Andean communities. Immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy delicious Andean cuisine, and marvel at majestic mountain vistas along the way.

Day 1: Cusco – Chillca
An early departure to travel in our comfortable coach bus along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe, then through the upper valley of Pitumarca. At Japura, we'll trek a short distance to Chillca. Community members and local musicians greet us at our first Andean Lodge, sharing their native Andean music as we sip coca tea. Our 8 double rooms have hot showers and full bathrooms. The lodge features tasty, healthy Andean cuisine, such as Alpaca steak, with vegetarian dishes and other dining options available. Meals included: Lunch & dinner.

Day 2: Chillca – Machuracay
After breakfast, we trek along the glacier valley of Phinaya, seeing hundreds of alpacas and llamas. On the way to the glaciers at Mt. Santa Catalina, the trail climbs past the breathtaking Pjachaj waterfall. Our picnic lunch awaits us above. Then, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers and lakes, we walk about 5 hours to Machuracay Lodge. Your bags are carried by llama caravan. At the lodge, we’re met by the native family that manages it. Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch & dinner.

Day 3: Machuracay-Anantapata
Today we take on our first mountain pass (16,587 ft./ 5,100 m.) enjoying spectacular panoramic views. Descending alongside the glaciers, we hike to Ausangate Cocha Lake where we’ll have lunch. Here, the landscape shifts dramatically, with red sandstone formations where we’ll see vicuñas and occasional condors. After a great day of hiking we arrive at the third Andean Lodge to relax, take in the splendid views and enjoy a restful night. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 4: Anantapata-Huampococha
After breakfast, we hike the trail up to the next mountain pass. Dropping down, we hike past Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. Colorful bands of soil adorn the hillsides. Then, we continue on to Laya Grande Hill via massive Glacier del Inca, to encounter the amazing colors of soil strata at Mt. Vinicunca (the world-renowned “Rainbow Mountain”). We have lunch there, with time for photos and a rest stop in this spectacular landscape. On our way to our fourth Andean Lodge we might see hundreds of Andean geese nesting in the cliffs of Anta. Hiking past the flatiron formations of Mt. Apu Labrayani, we arrive at Huampococha Lodge, where we’ll spend the night in comfort. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Day 5: Huampococha-Cusco
We hike up enjoying an outstanding view of the mountains to reach the top of the last pass. It’s an easy downhill from here. We hike past the strange shapes of a Karst limestone rock forest and continue to the end of the trail at Trapiche. There, we have lunch and return by bus to Cusco, reminiscing about the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared in the Andes. Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share deluxe accommodation.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Flexible booking terms and conditions are available. Contact us for enquiries.

Inclusions:
• Pick up & drop off from your hotel in Cuzco
• Meals mentioned included
• English guide
• Our prices include entrance fees and tourist ticket costs to determined historical, natural, or religious landmarks that are managed by the local authorities in many cases. Costs may increase without prior warning. We will notify you of these immediately and adjust the prices accordingly.

Exclusions:
• Tips for guides, drivers, and staff, if not specified in the description.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.