Vilcanota and Ausangate trek
This fully supported trek of approximately 80 km, takes us right across the massif of Ausangate at altitudes of between 3800 and 5100 metres.
We see large herds of domesticated camelids (llamas and alpacas) tended by the local Quechua-speaking Indians; for centuries they have relied on the camelids for wool, protein, transport and fuel. As we traverse the wilderness, we may well spot some wild Andean fauna too: viscacha (large rodent), fox, deer, vicuña (elusive wild camelid) and the Andean condor, largest land bird in the world.
Itinerary details: If circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1
From Cusco we have a beautiful drive of several hours to reach the starting point of our trek, the small highland village of Chillca. We meet up with our trekking team and camp the first night near the village, and then head south towards the imposing form of Mount Ausangate (6372 metres). (B / L / D)
The next week will be spent marvelling at the stunning scenery as we traverse the massif; crossing grassy meadows, passing cascading waterfalls and blue glacial lakes, and negotiating some demanding high pases.
Days 2/3
The Campa (5000 metre) pass take us level with glaciers.
We continue up the broad green valley to the small lake of Ticllacocha. More viscachas and hopefully some rare vicuñas should accompany us on our journey. A big pass now lies before us. The Campa pass (5050m) is the most impressive on the trek, with glaciers, scree and snow providing a truly big mountain expedition feel. We descend to the meadow below to camp at 4,850m. (B / L / D)
Day 4
Today we have the option to attempt the ascent of Campa, a 5,500m trekking peak. An early start is required to retrace part way up the pass before heading up the steep shale slopes to the edge of the Campa Galcier. Here we don our snow equipment to climb the steep glacier to the summit. Weather and ice conditions dependant, this usually takes a good six hours but the aim is to back in camp for a late lunch.
Those who decide not to do Campa peak, will have a rest morning in camp. In the afternoon we have a gentle down hill to the hot-springs at Pachanta (4360m) where we camp and have a chance to soak our exhausted muscles in the lovely hot water pools. (B / L / D)
Day 5
Leaving the hot-springs, we have a steady climb to the picturesque lake Amaccocha. This stunning lake, at 4,665m under the snow capped Nevado Collque Cruz ranges, is quite breath-taking.
We climb the steep shoulder to arrive at a stunning panorama of snowy mountains. The next pass (4,940m) brings our first glimpse of the impressive turquoise waters of the lake Singrenacocha and the most impressive view of the trip so far. A short descent brings us down to on the shores of lake (4,390m) and our most scenic campsite. (B / L / D)
Day 6
Free day for a side hike to the mountain lakes of Mullucocha in their amphitheatre setting. (B / L / D)
Day 7
On our final day’s trekking we wander along the shores of the lake before following its exit river down to the trailhead where our bus will be waiting for us (4,237m). After lunch we wave goodbye to the mules and our trekking team to begin the long drive back to Cusco, where hot showers and cold beers await. (B / L).
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
What’s included
Transport to and from the trail in private vehicle, all camping and cooking equipment including foam mats, spacious two person tents, dining, cook and toilet tent, first-aid kit, English and Spanish speaking guides, mules, cook team, and all meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Not included
Not Included: International flights, a guide for Campa may cost extra (please ask) climbing kit needed for Campa (boots, crampons, ice-axe, harness, 2 screw-gate carabiners), personal belongings, sleeping bag, airport taxes (USD5 local, USD28 international), personal expenses and tips.
Kit list
On this expedition we will experience the extremes of the Peruvian climate. During the day it will be generally sunny enough for trekking trousers and t-shirts though having a fleece and good quality waterproofs handy is advisable. It will get cold (well below zero degrees whilst camping) especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a down jacket, a good waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers and plenty of warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Cusco. A 4-season sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of this trip.
Suggested kit list
- Comfortable clothes for travel - Smart clothes for night life
- T-shirts
- A warm fleece and down jacket - Thermal underwear
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf - Sweater
- Good quality waterproof coat & trousers - Socks / underwear
- Trekking trousers - After trekking trousers & t-shirt
- Good, well worn -in walking boots (suitable fro crampons if you are going to climb) – Camp shoes (sandals)
- Sleeping bag (-5ºC) – Towel
- Water bottle & purification tablets - Sunglasses
- Swim suit - Sun-hat
- Head torch & spare batteries - Book, notepaper & pen
- Suntan lotion factor 15+ / After sun – Lipbalm
- Binoculars - Camera & film 100 & 400
- Pocket knife - Insect Repellent
- Ski poles & protective covers - Personal toilet kit
- Money belt - Day sack & rain-cover
- Large waterproof kit bag for mule carried equipment
- Personal first aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general anti-biotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication. (We also carry an extensive first aid kit & oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)
Please note:
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, gloves, hat, fleece and good waterproofs. Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your hotel whilst trekking.
AND LASTLY PLEASE NOTE
This tour 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. Thus, whilst we endeavour to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of adventure travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events.
This expedition involves trekking over several high passes up to 5200m and involves steep ascents and descents -it is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should be in a good state of fitness.
Please note last minute international & internal flight changes, also excess baggage charges are out of our control. In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken all these possibilities into account when planning this expedition and have allowed sufficient leeway to enable us to successfully run this exceptional trip.
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 our control.
|
