We depart Cusco early the morning (approx 7am) for the 4-hour bus ride to the small village of Tinqui (3800 metres/ 12 464 feet). As Tinqui is located on the new Interoceanic highway we can now arrive here much more quickly that in previous years. We pass through beautiful countryside and several traditional villages including Urcos, Cattca and Ocangate. After lunch in Tinqui the first 3 hours are are wonderful prelude to the magnificent scenery of the Cordillera Vilcanota, with great views of Ausangate. We will trek for two hours more until we reach the hot springs at Upis (4,400 metres/ 14432 feet) which offer fantastic views of Ausangate at the end of the valley. We will camp here for the night. (total trekking time 4-5 hours).

During our morning's trek, we will cross our the Arapa pass (4,850 metres/ 15908 feet). From here, we continue 3½ hours down the valley, passing the green lake of Puqa Q'ocha until we reach the turquoise Lake Jatun Puqa Q'ocha. We will set up camp here. The views of Ausangate are particularly close and spectacular. During the night you can hear ice falls into the lake - intimidating but nothing to worry about.

In the morning we ascend the second pass of Apuchata (4,900 metres/ 16 072 feet) with the stunning turquoise blue Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha below. This lake is fed from the melting snow of Ausangate. From the lake we ascend to the Palomani pass (5,200 metres/ 17 056 feet); the highest point of the trek. From the pass we follow the trail into the valley where we'll rest and have lunch. A short hike in the afternoon brings us to our camp at Pampacancha.

During this morning we can enjoy views of the snowcapped Tres Picos and Puca Punta. We will continue through the broad green valley of Pampa Jutunpata and up the Rio Q'ampa valley. After passing through the small communities of Q'ampa we will north west to the last pass of this hike, the Q'ampa pass (5000 metres/ 16400 feet). We will see several different coloured lakes and camp beside Q'omer Q'ocha.

This is the easiest day of the trek, with lots of time to relax and bathe in the shadow of the great Ausangate. We hike for several hours before arriving at the small village of Pacchanta. We can soak in the thermal springs for a couple of hours, and even have a well-deserved beer! We will set up camp near Pacchanta and you will have the afternoon free to explore this interesting Andean village. (You have the option of staying in a basic hostal this night).

Its 3 hours trek back to Tinqui where we will have time to explore this traditional Andean village before taking the bus back to Cusco, arriving at about 18.00 p.m.

INCLUDED:
* Pre Trek Briefing
* Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
* Public transport from Cusco to Tinqui (the trailhead)
* Private transport at the end of the trek (this means no waiting around and getting back to Cusco in good time).
* Entry fee to the Ausangate Mountain.
* English / Quechua / Spanish speaking professional guide 
* Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks.
* Basic foam mattress.
* Cook and Cooking equipment (Assistants are provided for larger groups)
* Toilet tent
* Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food).
* Horses (for equipment and personal items) including horsemen. They carry camping equipment, food and kitchen utensils.
* 01 emergency horse which can be ridden if you are feeling ill or if are a little slower
* Dining tent with camp tables and chairs & Kitchen tent for the cook to prepare meals
* Tents for our staff to sleep in
* First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle

NOT INCLUDED:
* Breakfast on the first morning.
* Sleeping bags (can be hired from us for $ 5 per day)
* Tips for the guide, cook and porters
* Additional horses for passenger’s luggage. If there are any substantial items or backpacks, passengers will need to hire an additional mule

YOU SHOULD BRING:
* A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek - prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
* Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho.
* Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended. Extra socks are a must.
* Sandals or plastic slip on thongs are also good to give your feet a chance to breath in the evenings if you wish to carry them.
* Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie / touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
* Sleeping bag (we can hire these to you)
* Torch/ Flashlight and spare batteries
* Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
* Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
* Sun block
* After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
* Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET
* Toilet paper, pack in & pack out
* Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
* Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning.
* We advise you to bring water sterilizing tablets in case you collect water from streams.
* Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
* Small towel or sarong
* Original passport & ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you have one.
* Walking sticks or poles
* Binoculars (if you have them)