"This is one of my most favorite trekking spots. There are no ruins to visit but there are no crowds either. You are able to meet Quechua people in this remote area of Peru with their very colorful traditional dress. Ausangate is a very sacred Mountain for our native friends for is part of the sacred Pachamama or Mother Earth. You are able to pass many hot springs and beautiful turquoise glacial lakes along the way.  There are herds of llamas and alpacas you can get some great photos of them. The views are fantastic from the miles of grassy meadows and valleys to the giant snowcap mountains.  It is the highest, toughest, and coldest treks offered for those who are up to the challenge, and if you are a person, looking for adventure this trip is for you."

Terry Eckenwiler    

Ausangate Circuit, 15 Days

Includes:  Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Ausangate

Day 1:

You will flight from Lima to Cuzco in the morning.  An  English speaking guide will take you on a tour around the Cathedral built on the ruins of the Wiraqocha Palace, and the Santo Domingo Church built upon the Koricancha Temple. Both of these buildings reflect the fusion of Spanish and Inca cultures, as you will notice the unique paintings, also the gold and silver sculptures.

Day 4:

Today we take off for the town of Tinqui at an elevation of 13,170 that will take the better part of the day.  Along the way, we will pass through small villages. After arriving in Tinqui, Cayetano Crispin will welcome you at his motel. They will prepare us a very good meal for dinner that evening and we will be able to meet our team while chatting over some hot tea. The town of Tinque is located in a very remote area, and it will be the last town we will go through that has running water and electricity.

Day 5:

This morning we will wake up to breakfast while our porters pack the mules for our journey around the great Mountain of Ausangate. Then we will begin our trek leaving the hotel and crossing a bridge over the Ocongate River. After a small climb up to the grassy meadows on the way to the village of Upis we will set up our first camp at an elevation of 14,524 ft near a nice and traditional Quechua hot spring  where we can soak in and relax. Near the camp you will observe amazing hot mud and steam bubbling out of the ground. We will also see Quechua farmers working their land. Along the way you will notice small huts where the shepherds stay in while they are out with there herds of Alpacas and Llamas. Friendly little kids will cheer you, so please be ready to share a smile and a little gift with them.

Day 6:

We will begin our morning trekking up and over Arapa Pass with an elevation of 15, 590. Then we will set up our second camp at Lake Jatun Puqa Qocha with an elevation of 15,525 ft. Here we have a breathtaking view of Ausangate and a giant icefall. This is a very isolated area, a primitive encounter compare to your common surroundings.  

Day 7:

We start our climb to the highest point of the trip, Palomani pass with an elevation of 16,570 this will be a long and difficult. However, the views of the Andes and the summit of Ausangate are one of the finest of the trip. We will descend down to our third camp Pampa Cancha to have plenty of hot tea and coffee, after a deserved dinner.

Day 8:

On our way back to Tinqui, we will climb up and over Qampa pass with an elevation of 5000 meters. Then we will set up our fourth camp at Pachaspata.

Day 9:

We will descend to camp 5 at Pachanta with an elevation of 4250 meters. Today you will still have a wonderful view of the mountains, glaciers and icefalls. Moreover, you can soak your tired body in the hot spring while dinner is being prepared.

Day 10:

This morning we will continue our downhill hike to Tinqui.  Our friends at the motel will be ready with a very special farewell party. Moreover, you will have the chance to dress up as a Tinqui citizen, pose for a nice photo, and even dance with our friends at Crispin's Hotel.

After a good night sleep, we will head back to Cuzco.

Day 11:

After our long ride back to Cuzco, you will have the rest of the day to relax.

Day 12:

This is a rest day before we begin our trip to Machu Picchu the next morning.

 Day 13:

Day 15: Today you will catch you flight out of Cuzco to Lima and back to the hotel El Ducado. Depending on your flight home you may have time to go down to the beach or Larcomar. Bigkids Adventures will take you back to the hotel.

Note: For our clients that would like to spend more time in Lima, Bigkids Adventures can help you arrange additional hotel days and city tours for an additional cost.