Day 1: Cusco to Upis

Very early we leave from Cusco in a private transport, and drive along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado highway in the direction of Tinki 3800m. On the way we pass through Urcos, where we may spot a beautiful lagoon with the same name, continue on to Cattca, an agricultural and cattle raising community where we can appreciate the region’s spectacular views and finally cross Ocongate, capital of the district with the same name and only half an hour away from our destination. After an approximated 4-hour drive, we arrive in Tinki, where we meet our wranglers and horses. We start our trek initiating a slight climb that crosses through puna (dry, high area with little vegetation) to then arrive at our lunch spot after a three-hour walk. From here we already have beautiful views of the sacred Ausangate peak 6372m. After lunch, we continue walking for another hour and a half to reach our campsite in Upis at 4400m. From this point, we may appreciate fabulous views of all the snow peaks in the area. We camp and dine in front of Ausangate.

Day 2: Upis to Ausangatecocha

After breakfast, we continue our hike ascending for two hours to reach La Arapa pass 4850m. We then descend to our lunch spot, crossing an area of falcons and ¨vizcachas¨ or Andean rodents. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pukacocha, HatunPukacocha, and Qomerqocha) and spectacular views of the surrounding snow peaks. After lunch, we continue on a long and slow ascent that will take us, after about two hours, to the second mountain pass, the Abra de Apuchata 4900m, from which we descend, for another half an hour, towards our campsite at Ausangatecocha 4440m.

Day 3: Ausangateqocha to Q´ampa

Today, we depart early to climb for two hours towards the third mountain pass, the Abra de Palomani 5200m. This is the highest part of the entire hike, from which we then descend for another 2h through an area of llamas, alpacas and ¨vizcachas¨ to reach Pampacancha 4050m. From here we follow an uphill trail until that leads us to our campsite in Q´ampa 4300m. Along this easy 3-hour climb we may have the chance to spot llamas, alpacas, and maybe even pumas. Dinner and overnight at camp.

Day 4: Q´ampa to Pacchanta

We climb for 2 hours until we reach Q´ampa mountain pass 5000m, where we may have the chance to spot the Andean deer. From here we descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon to finally arrive at Pacchanta 4100m after an approximated five-hour walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We camp and spend the night at this place.

Day 5: Pacchanta to Tinki

We leave Pacchanta and start to walk our way back to Tinki, which will take approximately 2 hours. Once in Tinki, we board a private transport that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we estimate to arrive after nightfall.