Lodge-Based 5-Day Apu Ausangate Trek
Trek underneath some of the most stellar mountains of the Cordillera Vilcanota
Guided
Lodge-Based 5-Day Apu Ausangate Trek Overview
The fully-guided, Ausangate lodge trekking tour is a five-day breathtaking trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route called the Camino Del Apu Ausangate located in close proximity to the highest sacred mountain in the Cusco region. The “Apu” is the bearer of life and the guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. Your lodge-based 5-day Apu Ausangate Trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry your gear, and are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca who are proud to share their land with you, as well as the spirit of their inspiring world.
On your lodge-to-lodge Apu Ausangate trek and in your unique tambos (or Andean lodges), daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs who will introduce you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian dishes and produce, and for your entertainment, enjoy authentic vernacular music played by locals that will liven up the evenings.
Experience the majestic Peruvian Andes - book your 5-day Apu Ausangate trekking adventure now.
Trip highlights
Discover the mountains of Peru’s Cordillera Vilcanota on the Camino Del Apu Ausangate.
Stay in mountain lodges nestled into incredible scenery with welcoming hosts awaiting you.
Watch as alpacas stroll alongside you as you hike to high passes and down into lush valleys.
Get connected with the unique culture of the Peruvian mountains.
Day By Day Itinerary
In a comfortable coach you’ll head along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe, then the upper valley of Pitumarca. At Japura, you'll trek a short distance to Chillca. Locals and musicians playing Andean instruments greet you in your first Andean lodge as you sip coca tea. Hot showers and full bathrooms are available.
At dinner, enjoy the emphasis on tasty and nutritious local cuisine (such as Alpaca meat), but vegetarian and other preferences are welcome.
- Overnight Location:
- Lodge in Chillca
- Distance:
- 1.5 hrs, 3.3km
- Meals:
- Lunch, dinner, snacks
After breakfast, begin your Apu Ausangate trek alongside thousands of alpacas and llamas in the glacier valley of Phinaya. On the way to more glaciers at Santa Catalina, you’ll climb by the inspiring Pjachaj Waterfalls. Above, your picnic lunch awaits! Then, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers, and lagoons, you’ll walk about 5 hours to Machuracay Tambo. Your bags, carried by a llama caravan, meet you there and the family that runs the lodge will welcome you.
- Overnight Location:
- Lodge at Apu Ausangate (4,850m/15,846ft)
- Distance:
- 6 hrs, 9.9km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Today on the Camino Del Apu Ausangate trail you will take in your first mountain pass at just over 5000m which has spectacular panoramic views. Descending alongside the glaciers, you’ll hike to the Ausangate Cocha Lake for lunch. Here, the landscape dramatically shifts due to the existence of red sandstone formations where you will see vicuñas and sometimes condors.
After a day of great hiking, you’ll arrive at the third Andean lodge ready to relax and enjoy.
- Overnight Location:
- Lodge in Ausangate (4,800m/15,748ft)
- Distance:
- 5 hrs, 9.5km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
After breakfast, take the trail to another mountain pass. Dropping down, you’ll hike by Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. Striations of colour are embedded in the hillsides. Next, you’ll go on to Cerro Laya Grande via the massive Glacier del Inca, where you discover the striking colours in the sediments of Vinicunca (also known as the “Rainbow Mountain”). Eat lunch here while taking in this unique landscape.
On your way to the fourth Andean lodge, you could see hundreds of Andean geese nesting in the cliffs of Anta, and the flatiron formations of Apu Labrayani near Huampococha Tambo where you will spend the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Lodge in Ausangate (4,800m/15,748ft)
- Distance:
- 6 hrs, 10.1km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
You’ll begin today enjoying a great view of the mountains as you reach the top of our final pass. It’s all downhill from here! You’ll encounter some of the most capricious shapes of limestone formations from the Cretaceous Age and hike until the end of the trail in Trapiche. Here, have lunch and then return by bus to Cusco while reminiscing on the wonderful experiences you’ve had in the Andes.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 4.5 hrs, 8.3km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and snacks are included.
- Accommodations for 4 nights are included.
- This tour includes private transport for you to Chillca and back to Cusco. It does not include flights to and from Peru. While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a daypack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail.) Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag to the next lodge.
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Waterproof bags for the baggage carried by llamas
- First aid kit and oxygen
Not included
- Flights to and from Peru/Cusco, or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 5/5. You will need to be able to hike 4-6 hours in high elevation conditions for consecutive days, and we recommend a preliminary 2-day acclimatization stage for your body prior to the trek if possible.
There are a few things you can do to make hiking at high elevation more comfortable: arrive at the tour starting point early for an initial acclimatization stage. The recommended length of this stage depends on the altitude you’re used to, but generally 2-3 days is recommended. Drink lots of water while hiking. If you start to experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, or confusion, let your guide know right away. They will be equipped to handle any signs of altitude sickness as required.
The best time to take this tour is between April and November when the weather is most favourable for hiking.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, and snacks along the way are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ) from where you will be driven up to Chillca.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The trekking ends in Chillca from where you’ll be transported back to Cusco.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Why book Lodge-Based 5-Day Apu Ausangate Trek with 10 Adventures?
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