Macchu Picchu-Ausangate Lodge
A five-day breathtaking trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route we call 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. Our treks will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry our gear, and 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. Our treks will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry our gear. These 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 our hikes and in our 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: authentic vernacular music, played by local inhabitants, will liven up some of our evenings at the "tambos.What’s included
General organization.
Services of expert guides in mountain trekking.
Private transport to Chillca and back to Cusco.
Accommodation in double rooms.
Breakfast and dinner served in the lodges, snacks and lunches served on the way.
Waterproof bags for the baggage carried by llamas.
First aid kit and oxygen.
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We will pick you up from your hotel and take you by bus to Ollantaytambo to take the train to Aguas Calientes, after arriving we will accomodate you in your Hotel and late will go together to have a nice dinner.
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Early in the morning we will take the bus to get to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, the visit will be guided. After we take the bus back to Aguas Calientes town to take the train back to Ollantaytambo - Cusco
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An early departure to travel in our comfortable coach bus along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe, then through the upper valley of Pitumarca. At Japura, we'll trek a short distance to Chillca. Community members and local musicians greet us at our first Andean Lodge, sharing their native Andean music as we sip coca tea. Our 8 double rooms have hot showers and full bathrooms. The lodge features tasty, healthy Andean cuisine, such as Alpaca steak, with vegetarian dishes and other dining options available
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After breakfast, we trek along the glacier valley of Phinaya, seeing hundreds of alpacas and llamas. On the way to the glaciers at Mt. Santa Catalina, the trail climbs past the breathtaking Pjachaj waterfall. Our picnic lunch awaits us above. Then, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers and lakes, we walk about 5 hours to Machuracay Lodge. Your bags are carried by llama caravan. At the lodge, we’re met by the native family that manages it.
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Today we take on our first mountain pass (16,587 ft./ 5,100 m.) enjoying spectacular panoramic views. Descending alongside the glaciers, we hike to Ausangate Cocha Lake where we’ll have lunch. Here, the landscape shifts dramatically, with red sandstone formations where we’ll see vicuñas and occasional condors. After a great day of hiking we arrive at the third Andean Lodge to relax, take in the splendid views and enjoy a restful night.Description text goes here
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After breakfast, we hike the trail up to the next mountain pass. Dropping down, we hike past Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. Colorful bands of soil adorn the hillsides. Then, we continue on to Laya Grande Hill via massive Glacier del Inca, to encounter the amazing colors of soil strata at Mt. Vinicunca (the world-renowned “Rainbow Mountain”). We have lunch there, with time for photos and a rest stop in this spectacular landscape. On our way to our fourth Andean Lodge we might see hundreds of Andean geese nesting in the cliffs of Anta. Hiking past the flatiron formations of Mt. Apu Labrayani, we arrive at Huampococha Lodge, where we’ll spend the night in comfort.
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We hike up enjoying an outstanding view of the mountains to reach the top of the last pass. It’s an easy downhill from here. We hike past the strange shapes of a Karst limestone rock forest and continue to the end of the trail at Trapiche. There, we have lunch and return by bus to Cusco.
What’s not included
Flights to and from Peru / Cusco, or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program.
Travel insurance.
Tipping staff
Recommendations
Clothing:
Hiking boots (it’s important to wear in new boots before hiking, to avoid blisters).
Long sleeve t-shirts (one per day).
Walking pants.
Thermal hiking undergarments.
Wool sweater or down vest.
Insulated parka or down jacket.
Thermal sleeping clothes.
Long cotton pants.
Wool gloves.
Scarf.
Wool socks.
Wool cap, and hat or cap for shade.
Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, or rain poncho.
Comfortable sandals or slippers (for use at the lodges).
Small towel.
Additional gear: Hiking poles are very useful for providing balance and walking ease on hikes.
Gear:
Flashlight or headlamp.
Pocket knife.
Water bottle or canteen.
Plastic baggies, for batteries and other items.
Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothing.
Daypack for short hikes (large enough for snacks, a change of clothing, water).
Binoculars.
Spare memory cards and batteries for your cameras (batteries can lose their charge due to low temperatures, and there is no current to charge them along the mountain route).
Toiletries and first aid kit.
Money belt.
WHEATER
A challenging, and occasionally harsh climate; a perfect setting for adventures in high mountains.
In the high Andean zone, days are mostly beautiful and sunny, with light to swift winds in the mornings. Temperatures range between 0° to 23 ° C during the day, and travelers must be prepared to experience changing temperatures and diverse weather conditions.
At this latitude only two climate seasons occur: dry season from June through September, and rainy season, which is subject to heavy rains from November through April. Due to seasonal conditions, we recommend that you travel between April and November, when you’ll have the best chances for excellent weather - perfect for enjoying hikes and other activities.
During the dry season, temperatures below zero are frequent at night, with milder temperatures during the day.
Maximum daytime temperatures during dry season: Between 12 C° and 20 C°.
Minimum nighttime temperatures: between 5 C° and -5 C°.
Our four ecolodges along the Ausangate Route are well-equipped with all the necessary safeguards and everything our travelers need to enjoy a comfortable rest under most any weather conditions.
PHYSICAL PREPARATION
To go on the "Andean Lodges" Apu Ausangate’s Trail Trek, one must be in good physical condition, and we recommend a preliminary 3 to 4 day acclimatization stage, for your body to react better during the trek, as we will be hiking up to mountain passes at altitudes of about 5,000 meters, and it also is important to drink plenty of water and/or coca leaf tea