Around the Ausangate

In the valleys, life is very present in many of the villages. Further up, mountains dominate desert altitude plateaus and vast lagoons, herds of llamas and alpacas leave room for the vicunas, their elegant wild cousins. Around the peaks and glaciers, the condors glide. A short, but very rich program.  And in the middle of the trip, Ausangate, Lord of the Cordillera!

• Day 1/  Arrival in Lima
• Day 2/  Flight to Cuzco, city sightseeing
• Day 3/  Cuzco - Tinki (12,795 feet)
• Day 4/  Tinki - Upis (14,764 feet)
• Day 5/  Upis - Paso Arapa (15,748 feet) - Jatunpucacocha (15,092 feet)
• Day 6/  Jatunpucacocha - Paso Palomita (16,732 feet) - Finaya (15,092 feet)
• Day 7/   Finaya - Jampa - Ticclacocha (15,748 feet)
• Day 8/  Ticclacocha Pass (16,732 feet)- Comercocha - Pacchanta
• Day 9/  Pacchanta - 2 passes - Laguna Singrenacocha (14,108 feet)
• Day 10/  Singrenacocha - Mallma (13,123 feet) - Cuzco
• Day 11/  Flight Cuzco - Lima, depart from Lima.

Weather permitting, it can be seen from the heights of Cuzco, outrageously dominating its neighbors... the glittering Ausangate, Lord of the Cordillera Vilcanota, an irresistible attraction. Touring this magnificent site not only allows for outstanding mountain landscapes, but it also allows us to become acquainted with a Cordillera very different from those in the north, less austere, more serene.
In the valleys, life is very present and we encounter many villages. Women still wear the picturesque traditional costume particular to this region.
Further up the mountains, a landscape of high desert plateau and also huge lagoons, similar to those in Tibet dominates. The herds of domestic llamas and alpacas give way to vicunas, their elegant wild cousins. Still further up, around the peaks and glaciers, glide the majestic and inaccessible condors.

Day 1/ A rrival in Lima
Meeting/assisting at Lima airport.
Transfer to a 4 star hotel located in Miraflores ("chic" suburb of Lima)

Day 2/ Lima - Cuzco (11,155 feet)
Transfer to the airport. Flight Lima-Cuzco (1 hour). Settle in at a 4 star hotel. Beware of altitude sickness: no haste! First, visit and discover this city, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Main visited sites at the heart of Cuzco: the Beautiful Plaza de Armas (with the magnificent facades of the cathedral and the church of the Compañía), the streets with foundations of Inca walls (Calle Loreto, Calle Hatum Rumiyoc), the San Blas neighborhood, the Santo Domingo convent, which houses the famous Temple of the Sun, museums (Museum of Contemporary Art, the regional museum ...) and other colonial buildings ... (depending on the remaining time and the mood of the group!) Dinner in a typical restaurant near the Plaza de Armas.

Day 3/ Cuzco - quatro ruinas - Tinki (12,795 feet)
Early rise, short bus transfer to Tambomachay. Small trek back to Cuzco. Along the way, we visit the Tambomachay fountains, the fortress of Pucapucara, Qenqo and the colossal Sacsayhuamán fortress. Around noon, return to the Plaza de Armas.
After lunch, road for Tinki. Grandiose landscapes, crossing two passes (13,123 and 13,780 feet above sea level). Snack stop at Ocongate, capital of the northern slopes of the Cordillera Vilcanota. A few kilometers more to Tinki, where we settle in at a small lodge.

Day 4/ Tinki - Upis (14,764 feet)
First stage of our circuit around Ausangate. "Altiplano" landscape....a series of plateaus which butt up against the ice wall. Here, we meet for the first time, our "porters", their animals (horses, in fact) and a few pastors.
At the camp, upstream from the village of Upis, restorative hot springs. Campsite in a grandiose area (great campsite is indeed a constant during the trek).
5 H walk - Ascent = 1,969 feet.

Day 5/ Upis - Paso Arapa (15,748 feet) - Jatunpucacocha, the "Big Red Lake" (15,092 feet)
Itinerary in Russian mountain.
First climb up to Arapa pass, situated at the foot of Ausangate's north spurs, and characterized by wind sand deposits that are.... a combination of wind sand deposits that are reminiscent of the desert!
Crossing horizontally for an hour before a steep descent. The trail then follows the banks of a small lake before arriving at the spillway of Lake Jatunpucacocha. Another pass and arrival at the camp situated on the lakeside to which plunges the immense Southern glacier.
5 H walk - Ascent = 1,969 feet - Descent = 1,640 feet.

Day 6/ Jatunpucacocha - Paso Apacheta (15,748 feet) - Paso Palomita (16,732 feet) - Finaya (15,092 feet)
Along the southern side of Ausangate (gigantic glacier), we walk over a first pass at 15,748 feet, then descend onto the Ausangatecocha lake (15,190 feet) of turquoise color under the seracs (glacier ice fall). Long climb to the Palomita Pass (16,732 feet).
For those who have the "legs", an easy climb up a small hill that dominates this pass (altitude around 17,224 feet). The view is splendid.
Steep downhill to the next camp, situated near the location that we use as a base camp during our expedition to Ausangate. Camp located around 15,092 feet with many llamas, sheep and alpacas.
6 H walk - Ascent = 2,297 feet - Descent = 2,297 feet.

Day 7/ Finaya - Jampa - Ticclacocha (15,748 feet)
In this lost valley, we will have the opportunity to observe lots of animal life, domestic with llamas, wild with waterfowl and colonies of viscaches (rodents similar to the chinchilla).
The trail climbs quietly until up to the Jampa hamlet. We then continue on to Ticclacocha laguna. Camp site.
5 H walk - Ascent = 1,312 feet - Descent = 656 feet.

Day 8/ Ticclacocha Pass (16,732 feet)- Comercocha - Pacchanta (14,108 feet)
Easy ascent to the pass just above the laguna Ticclacocha, in a very high mountain atmosphere with... ambiance with nevados Puca Punta mountains just above our heads, sharp needles onto which cling a few glaciers. A horizontal path and then an easy descent to a set of beautiful lakes at the foot of the Northeastern face of Ausangate: lagunas Comercocha and Murococha (15,092 feet).
Can we continue on to Pacchanta for some rest by the hot springs pool (Yes!) Hot water. Tonight, it is "pachamanca", a culinary speciality prepared by our Peruvian friends. Camping.
4 H walk - Ascent = 820 feet - Descent = 2,461 feet

Day 9/ Pacchanta - 2 passes (15,092 and 15,420 feet) - Laguna Singrenacocha (14,108 feet)
Well rested? The program for the day, a long step towards the North East, through two mountain passes that allow us to walk along the sparkling Ccallangate chain of ice (20.013 feet).
Idyllic camp on one of the largest lakes in the sector, Singrenacocha....the colors....let them astonish you!
6 to 7 H walk - Ascent = 1,968 feet - Descent = 1,968 feet.

Day 10/ Singrenacocha - Mallma (13,123 feet) - Cuzco
The last 2 hours of the circuit between Singrenacocha and the village of Mallma. Just the time needed to join the track "Cuzco - Puerto Maldonado" where we await our bus..... loading, bid farewell to our mule takers and en route to Cuzco where we arrive in the late afternoon, after 5 to 6 hours of bus travel. Hotel.
2 H walk - Descent = 984 feet.

Day 11 / Flight Cuzco - Lima.... home
Transfer to the airport, Cuzco-Lima flight. Visit downtown Lima, capital of Peru: the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, the very interesting San Francisco monastery (church, cloister, catacombs) and the Plaza San Martín. Then back to the airport to check in for your return flight home.

Note: your international flight must take off after 5pm. If scheduled earlier, you have to spend one more night in Lima.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day or half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the mules and the logistic team during the hikes.

The guide
an English-speaking professional Peruvian Mountain World Travel guide, mountain hiking specialist.
Local Team
a driver, mules care takers, cooks and helpers (their numbers dependent on our group's size).

- Domestic flights with a local airline company (Lan Peru, Taca....)
- For ground transportation, private air conditioned bus, with professional driver.

- 4 star hotel in Cuzco (2 nights) and Lima (1 night).
- Local lodge in Tinki (1 night).
- Camping (6 nights).
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for its cordiality and hospitality.
During treks in the mountains: nights under tents (mountain dome tent, 2 persons per tent), a toilet tent and a "mess" for meals and spending the evenings (tables and folding chairs).

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

When in town: breakfast and evening meal taken at the restaurant.
During the treks: lunches are usually in the form of a hearty picnic and or cold cooked meals. The dinners are prepared by the cook. Hearty and varied, they are made from foods purchased on the spot, including the meat in the villages.
Copious snacks for trekking, cereal bars, dried fruits, biscuits, cheese are also purchased locally. In Peru, you can now find a wide assortment of products, some very similar to those found in North America (chocolate bars, cereals, etc....) We will also enjoy other products with more "local color" (eg excellent quinoa bars).
Beverages:
- Mineral water provided for travel and in the restaurants, along with mate (tea or infusion at the end of the meal).
- During the trekking, hot drinks provided with the opportunity to fill up your water bottles in the morning. You should also take tablets to treat the water and you can replenish your water at the sources or mountain brooks. Some evenings, you will also have a chance to taste other typical Peruvian drinks (the famous Pisco sour drink, Peruvian red wine ...)!

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Lima
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Airport taxes (to date $ 45 per person) for domestic and international flights
• Drinks (except mineral water during meals at restaurant)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides and drivers
• All items not expressively mentioned in ‘What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Lima:
-      Taca: flights from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco...
-      American Airlines: flights from anywhere in the States through Los Angeles, Miami, New York
-      Delta: flights from anywhere in the States through Atlanta
-      United: in cooperation with Lan, flights from anywhere in the States
Caution: on Day 11 of the trip, your international flight must take off after 5pm. If scheduled earlier, you will have to spend one more night in Lima.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a valid passport; US citizens are admitted to Peru for up to 90 days.
For US Citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Peruvian embassy of your country.

LEVEL 4
3 months prior: Hike 10 to 12 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 2 to 3 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- Duct tape
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).