ITINERARY
This five-day trek through the Cordillera
Vilcanota's rugged snow-capped peaks offers
spectacular scenery and a unique encounter
with life in the Andean Altiplano. Hiking
completely around the mystical Mount
Ausangate (6,380 m.), we camp near hot
springs and glacier-fed multicolored lakes
inhabited by numerous bird species,
including Andean geese and the magnificent
Andean Condor. We 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
vicuna, a wild relative of the alpaca and
llama. With three high passes over 5,000 m.,
spectacular glacial vistas, and
uninterrupted beauty and solitude, this is a
superb trip for seasoned trekkers who love a
true outdoor adventure. (L, D)
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We
depart Cusco in our private bus and travel about
six hours to reach the small Andean village of
Tinqui at the foot of the Vilcanota range.
Driving through the beautiful countryside, we
pass several traditional villages including
Urcos, Cattca, and Ocangate, where we can stop
for rests and lunch. Our first night is spent at
a lovely campsite in Tinqui. (L, D). |
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2nd Day: Tinqui/Upis Hot Springs: |
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We meet our pack animals and arrieros, or
mule-drivers, that will carry our equipment
and backpacks. Our trek begins crossing a
pampa of grassy meadows below the jagged
stone flanks of Mount Ausungate (6,370 m.),
the highest snow peak in Southern Peru .
After trekking approximately five hours,
with time for lunch and rest stops for
pictures, we arrive to the hot springs of
Upis, our second campsite. From here, we get
marvelous views of Ausangate at the end of
the valley. (B, L, D).
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3rd Day: Upis/Lake Pukacocha: |
After trekking approximately 2.5 hours, we
get to our first pass, Arapa pass (4,750 m.)
From the pass we enjoy wonderful vistas not
only of Ausangate itself, but of many other
nearby snow peaks. We continue down the
corridor past small, multi-colored lagoons
until we reach the larger Lake Vinococha ,
where we have lunch. A short walk in the
afternoon brings us to the red-colored Lake
Pucacocha , our campsite for the night. From
here we get a dramatic, close-up view of
Mount Ausangate and may even hear ice
falling into the lake from its sides. Don't
worry. We are not in any danger. (B, L, D).
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4th Day: Pukacocha/Uchuy Finaya: |
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In the morning, we make a short ascent to
our second pass of Apuchata, (4,900 m.) with
the aquamarine Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha
below. From here, we climb to the Palomani
pass (5,150 m.), the highest of our journey.
We can enjoy fantastic views of Ausangate
and the Vilcanota range from this point.
After approximately 2 hours of walking down
into a valley, we arrive to our incredibly
beautiful campsite at Uchuy Finaya. (B, L,
D).
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5th Day: Uchuy Finaya/Lake Minaparayoc:
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Leaving our
campsite, we begin a winding ascent along a
widening stream until we reach the Valley of
the Viscachas, named for the dozens of these
furry animals that can be seen here. We pass
through the small community of Campa, from
where we can see the fabulous snow-capped
peaks of Puka Punta and Tres Picos. Upon
reaching our final pass at Q'omer Q'ocha, we
have lunch among the wild vicunas and green
lakes. A short downhill walk brings us to
the mystical Lake Minaparayoc , where we
will camp along the shore. (B, L, D).
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6th Day: Lake Minaparayoc/Tinqui: |
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Hiking down through the valley, we pass many
herds of grazing llamas and alpacas until we
get to hot springs of Pacchanta. Here we can
rest, have lunch, and enjoy a soak in the
soothing thermal water. Relaxed and
refreshed, we continue hiking back to the
small village of Tinqui , where we spend our
last night. (B, L, D).
7th Day:
Tinqui/Cusco:
Early in the
morning, we take our private vehicle back to
Cusco to enjoy city life again and savor the
memories of a spectacular journey. (B, L,).
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We
Provide:
Private
round trip transport to Tinqui; all camping and cooking
equipment including good quality mattresses, Ausangate
entrance fees, spacious two person tents, dining (tables
and chairs)and cook tent, Extensive First-aid kit
including Oxygen; professional English and Spanish
speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R. Mules
and cook team. All entrances fee needed for doing the
tour(extras are by tour own), All Meals Whilst Trekking
Included as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L
= Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not Included:
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Breakfast on the first day.
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Sleeping bag.
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Extra mule or porter (for asking before departing)
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Entrance to the thermal springs.
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• Any
extra entrance fee
** Tips
for Staff on the trail.
Equipment List:
On this expedition we
will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate,
from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine.
During the day hopefully it will be generally sunny
enough for shorts and T-shirts though having a fleece
and rain gear handy is advisable. It will get cold (as
low as -10°C whilst camping) especially in the evenings
so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and
some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves,
scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter
clothes for Cusco. Good quality Alpaca jumpers are
available in Cusco. A good quality sleeping bag is
essential for your enjoyment of this trip.
Suggested List :
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Comfortable clothes for travel
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Smart clothes for night life
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Shorts - T-shirts
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• A
warm fleece or down jacket
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Thermal underwear
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• Warm
hat, gloves, scarf
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Sweater (Available in Cusco)
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Waterproof coat & trousers (poncho)
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Socks / underwear
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Trekking trousers
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After trekking trousers & t-shirt
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Good, well walking boots - After trek shoes
(sandals)
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Towel
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Sleeping bag
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Water bottle & purification tablets (optional)
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Sunglasses
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• Swim
suit
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Sun-hat,
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• Head
torch & spare batteries
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Book, notepaper & pen (optional)
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• Sun
block
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• Lip
balm
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Binoculars (optional)
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Camera & batteries
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Pocket knife
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Insect Repellent
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Walking sticks & protective rubber (optional)
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Personal toilet kit
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Money belt
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• Day
sack & rain-cover
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Personal first aid kit to include: painkillers,
plasters (band-aids), general anti-biotic,
after-bite, anti-diarrhoea tablets, re-hydration
salts & personal medication.
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carry an extensive first aid kit & Oxygen on all
trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)
Please note:
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The mules carry all your heavy camping gear but
this is inaccessible during the day so please
bring a small day-pack to carry your personal
day gear in - ie water-bottle, iodine tablets,
camera, sun-block, insect repellent, light
fleece and rain jacket.
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Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your
hotel.
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Most good quality sporting equipment is
unavailable in Peru so if anyone wishes to
donate any outdoor clothes, sleeping bags etc
they will be gratefully received by any of our
staff.
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Policy to Make a
Reservation:
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Complete the booking form making sure that the
name on the booking form matches that on your
passport.
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Deposit of % 50 PERCENT per person is required
at the time of booking.
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Upon receipt of your booking we will forward
confirmation and complete information of the
trail and included services.
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The balance is due not less than 8 weeks prior
to departure.
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Upon receipt of your final balance you will
receive detailed joining instructions.
And lastly please note:
The "Ausangate
mountain trip'' travels through a remote and rarely
visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should
be aware that the remoteness that makes this trail so
very special could also cause certain problems.
This is a
very nature and adventure trek and we expect our clients
to be prepared for any alteration in climate (Rainy
season-November to April- and dry season - May to
October) or/and change programmed events.
This
expedition involves trekking over several high passes up
to 5150m. (16,896 ft.), and involves
steep descents. It is recommended that all clients
should have some previous trekking experience and should
be in reasonable fitness.
You should
also be aware that adventure travel, in particular
trekking and travelling in remote areas such as Southern
Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that
you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to
take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks
and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights
and other factors out of Gregory Adventure Perú
control.
A
pre-departure meeting will be held on arrival in Cusco.
It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be
asked to sign a risk assumption form and must provide a
photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and
details of their travel insurance.
We
look forward to seeing you in Cusco ¡¡¡
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