Embark on an unforgettable seven-day trek in the Vilcanota’s Cordillera, following a route known as the Camino del Apu Ausangate. This route is located in close proximity to the highest Sacred Mountain in the Department of Cusco. The Apu is the Bearer of Life and guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world.
Your treks will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry our gear. These animals are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca who are proud to share their land with us, as well as the spirit of their inspiring world.
On your hikes 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, locals will perform their music for you. This is a mountain trek for your bucket list.
The Shepherds’ Trail Trek
Embark on an unforgettable seven-day trek in the Vilcanota’s Cordillera, following a route known as the Camino del Apu Ausangate. This route is located in close proximity to the highest Sacred Mountain in the Department of Cusco. The Apu is the Bearer of Life and guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world.
Your treks will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry our gear. These animals are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca who are proud to share their land with us, as well as the spirit of their inspiring world.
On your hikes 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, locals will perform their music for you. This is a mountain trek for your bucket list.
Follow the Camino del Apu Ausungate in Peru, a jaw-dropping hiking trail in the Vilcanota Cordillera.
Test your endurance as you trek to 5000-metre mountain passes throughout your week of hiking.
Wave hello to the herds of llamas and alpacas and their shepherds that call this unique environment home.
Spend each night relaxing in authentic mountain lodges, called tambos.
Trip map for The Shepherds’ Trail Trek
Barbara C.
Amalfi Coast Bicycle Tour
We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Begin with an early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate Conception, start ascending the Pitumarca Valley along the spectacular Japura Gorge that leads to Chillca, where you will be greeted by the community. From here, it is a short and easy walk to the first tambo.
Once at the lodge there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca.
After breakfast, begin the ascent to Yanacocha Lake, which is full of trout. These highland lake trout are very fast and give a lot of fight! The sustainable management of this fish has been organized by the community. Fishermen use hooks without barbs to avoid damaging the fish, and they use specifically measured buckets for the catch. Small fish are promptly returned to the lagoon.
After your picnic lunch, you will return to the Lodge on the vista trail, which has some of the most spectacular views of the Vilcanota range. You will arrive at the lodge in time to take a hot shower and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Today’s hike begins in the wide valley of Upis where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views. The trail narrows as you make your way towards the waterfalls descending from Santa Catalina Mountain. This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area.
Once you reach the small Paloma Lagoon, the countryside will be dotted with alpacas. After hiking along a second lagoon and crossing a long series of moraines, you will reach your tambo, which is located right at the base of Apu Ausangate.
Your Machuracay lodge was built right in the foothills of the snow-capped Mount Ausangate, and it could very well be one of the highest in the world. Today, you will start your hike heading towards the foothills of mounts Ausangate and Mariposa. For this hike, it’s not necessary to have climbing experience or snow gear, but you will be able to enjoy the crispness of Andean snow.
After lunch, you´ll walk the couple of hours back to Machuracay Tambo.
After a demanding ascent of the Palomani Pass at an elevation of 5,200 metres, descend to Ausangatecocha. Breathtaking views of the glaciated south face of the Apu will inspire you as you continue towards the red sandstone formations of the Nevado Del Inca.
A spectacular part of the trail finds you hiking in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata like Vinicunca (commonly known as the “Rainbow Mountain”). This section offers you a glimpse of a marvelous geological wonder of natural beauty. Be on the lookout for groups of fascinating vicuñas as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area.
Rest tonight in the Huampococha Tambo in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where “huallatas” (Andean geese) make their nests.
After your final climb over the Anta Pass, you will gradually make your descent. In this section, the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one-of-a-kind stone forest and a perfect habitat for “vizcachas” (members of the chinchilla family). By the time you get down the valley, your bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
This guided tour to Peru is run as a private tour for your group only, therefore the prices depend on the number of travellers in your group.
Prices below are per person:
2025 Prices:
- Group of 2: $3,650USD per person
- Group of 3: $2,800USD per person
- Group of 4+: $2,400USD per person
Meals
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, and snacks are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
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.
Also Included
- 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
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
Accommodation for The Shepherds’ Trail Trek
This trek is based in lodges with spectacular views. The rooms in the lodges are double occupancy.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those wishing to have single rooms can pay a supplement of $612.
How hard is the Shepherds’ Trail Trek?
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.
How can I prepare to hike at high elevation?
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.
When is the best time to travel to Peru for this tour?
The best time to take this tour is between April and November when the weather is most favourable for hiking.
Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Shepherds’ Trail Trek?
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, and snacks along the way are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?
Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ), from where you will be picked up and taken to Chillca.
Is the Shepherds’ Trail Trek in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Shepherds’ Trail Trek end?
The trekking ends in Chillca, from where you’ll be transported back to Cusco.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Peru?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Peru?
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 with 10 Adventures?
Custom Guided Trips
Experience a private trip led by a highly-vetted local guide taking you to places most travellers never see.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!