TOUR INFORMATION

The Cordillera Vilcanota is an impressive range of mountains which include the massive Nevado de Ausangate (6,385m) and three others over 6000m. It's excellent trekking country offering the traveller everything you could want: spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas and alpacas, picturesque villages and traditionally dressed Indians. Its also high, tough and cold, so be prepared.

This beautiful seven day circular trek starts and finishes at the small Andean village of Tinqui and takes you around the massif of Ausangate and over three high passes (two of them over 5000m). It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this hike spending at least three days in Cusco (or equivalent altitude) before starting.

Treks and hiking Peru is one of the few trekking operators in Cusco offering this trek on a regular basis. If you've come to Cusco with the intention of doing this trek then it is always best to book in advance but if that is no the case please feel free to contact us at our office in cusco..

As with all private treks the cost of the trek depends on how many people there are in your group. E-mail us first for a price and list of services included in the trek.

Our Ausangate trek is undertaken in 7 days, using a combination of trekking and horse riding. Well acclimatized trekkers could complete the trek in 6 days if they want, including all transport to and from Cusco.

WHAT TO BRING

• A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping
• Sleeping bag (it can be hired at our agency for US$ 5.00 / day)
• Mattress: will be provided by the agency but is to be carried by you
• Flashlight and 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 – no malaria risk has been reported
• Handkerchiefs
• Toilet paper
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please beware that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. This recommendation applies for all clients being used to a specific snack, as it may happen that it is.

TOUR INCLUDES

• Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer in private bus to Tinki, starting point of the trek
• Personal tents: 2 people in each 4-people-capacity tent, to allow for higher comfort and a safe keeping of backpacks. Our tents are 3-season, 2005-new, highly maintained to ensure an excellent performance in field.
• One foamy sleeping pad per person
• Dining tent with tables and chairs
• Kitchen tent
• Toilet tent
• English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups over 8 people)
• Cook and cooking equipment
• Horsemen and horses (to carry tents, food and cooking equipment)
• 1 emergency horse every 6 persons
• Accommodation for our guides, cook and horsemen
• Meals (05B, 06L, 05D + daily morning snack + daily tea service except last day)
• Others: hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in your water bottle every morning and night, and at lunch time if requested with enough time ahead
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Private transportation from Tinki to Cusco, including transfer to your hotel in Cusco
• Not included:
• Breakfast on the first day
• Dinner on the last day
• Tips

OPTIONAL SERVICES TO BE HIRED

-An extra Horse to carry you US$ 50.00 / 5 days. A porter can carry up to 18 kg, which should be enough for 2 people.
-Sleeping Bag rent: US$ 5.00 / day. Our sleeping bags are –5ºC-comfort and mummy form and include a sleeping bag liner. They are cleaned after every use and have a maximum usage of 30 trips.
-Therm-a-rest inflatable mattress rent: US$ 5.00 / day.
-Massage sessions: US$60.00 per 1-hour session (US$50.00 per session if at least 2 sessions are booked). Our massage therapists have the highest recognition in Cusco, attending most 4 and 5-star hotels in the city. Our service includes pick-up from your hotel and transfer back after the session, as well as the service of our therapists in any of the following treatments: relaxing massage, stress-relieving massage, spinal column massage, energizing massage, Inca massage, altitude problems, aroma therapy, therapy with honey, therapy with glass, therapy with stones, foot reflexology, shiatzu, reiki and puddle of flowering. We recommend massage sessions before and after the trek. Sessions can be arranged in Cusco.

Not included in our selection.

Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning. Optionally: water sterilizing tablets in case you pick up water from streams or rivers along the route. Otherwise, we provide filtered boiled water, which is safe to drink and has not reported any health problem so far.

Small towel
Swimsuit (if you intend to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Cash in soles and/or US$ (no ATM machines in Aguas Calientes)

Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)

FAQs ABOUT THIS TOUR

WHAT IS YOU AVERAGE PARTICIPANT LIKE?
The average age of participants on our Group Treks is 47 years. Most are between the late 20s and early 60s, although the range is about 10 to 76. The gender gap is fairly evenly split with slightly more women than men. About 40% of participants sign up alone, 40% sign up with a partner, and 20% as a family. Most importantly, however, is this: most people who join us for the first time are nervous about the "group tour" experience but most alumni rate it as one of the best parts of their vacation. You'll never know until you try.

WHAT ABOUT TRIP LEADERS AND TOUR GUIDES?
Our experienced local bilingual trip leaders/guides are the key to making each trip a unique adventure and we provide the very best. They have in-depth knowledge of the language, customs, culture and history. They take great pleasure in sharing their insights and expertise and will make your adventure an unforgettable experience. Leaders are detail oriented, making sure everything runs safely and smoothly.

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE TREKKING?
The Ausangate trekking is a somewhat demanding high mountain trek off the beaten path. Therefore you should be in good health and physical condition. The difficulties are mostly related to the altitude, ranging from 13,000 to 16,700 ft / 4,000 to 5,100 m at the highest pass. Be prepared to climb up and down with significant altitude changes during the course of the day.

WHEN SHOULD I HIKE AUSANGATE?
The best time to hike is from May to September in the dray dry season.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
We were there in May and enjoyed weeks of uninterrupted sunshine. Unbelievable!
During the dry season your odds of good weather are excellent.
Still, every Ausangate hiker comments on how much colder the hike is than they expected. Most wish they had brought more clothes or a better sleeping bag. It is freezing during the 13 hour nights!

WHAT IS THE BEST THING TO DO IN THE EVENT OF ALTITUD SICKNESS?
Wherever possible "go down". But, if you are staying in Cusco, you may still feel the effects. The best advice is to sleep, take plenty of fluids and you could also try coca tea. The porters and horse handlers chew coca leaves wrapped around a black resin called llipta. When you are actually walking and active (especially on day two of the trail), this may help since it dilates vessels to increase the blood flow to the parts of the body that need it.

DO I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN LUGGAGE?
While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a day pack (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.

WHO SHOULD NOT HIKE AUSANGATE?
Anyone not yet well acclimatized for altitude.
NOT those with chronic knee, ankle or back injuries.
There are rough & steep sections. Evacuation from the far side of the mountain is nearly impossible.

DO YOU RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. This type of insurance is relatively inexpensive, in the range of $60 - $200 depending on the trip you book. The reason we are so keen on you having travel insurance is because it protects you if you have an unexpected change in travel plans. Here is an example. Let's assume you are signed up for a trip and hurt your leg a week before you are supposed to leave. If you have no insurance, you will call us on the telephone and we will be very sad to tell you there is no refund - because our costs are mostly fixed and you might have displaced someone who otherwise could have gone in your place. You might then be unhappy with us, even though you took the risk of not getting travel insurance! If you do have travel insurance, you can usually receive your entire airfare and trip cost from the insurance company and can start planning for your next trip!
There are many different companies who offer trip insurance. Please contact insurance companies directly for information about their plans. One that our travelers have used successfully is TripInsurance.com, one of the industry leaders.

WHAT KIND OF FOOTWEAR DO I NEED?
Take strong, comfortable footwear. Heavy boots are probably not required or advised; all you need is something that you can walk in all day, that gives good traction and which supports the ankle. Lightweight modern hiking boots are probably ideal. Remember to wear your boots in thoroughly before you go and get used to walking in them. Blisters will reduce your enjoyment significantly. Using high quality wool socks, moleskin, and/or duct tape applied to trouble areas on the feet will also help you avoid blisters. Check with your local mountaineering or outdoor gear store for more advice.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
All meals are included on our trips. You will be treated to an extensive variety of fabulous Peruvian cuisine. will give you the opportunity to taste a great variety of local delicacies and flavors. In camps our cooks are experts in preparing nourishing wholesome and delicious meals. We will accommodate any special diet requests you may have including vegetarian, please request prior to the trip.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE?
Our trekking and tour groups in all Peru, including Inca Trail are always small - 4 to 16 participants maximum.

PHOTO GALLERY