Overview & Highlights
This challenging high-altitude mountain trek is close to Cusco, but with an other-wordly, wilderness feel. Overnight not in chilly tents but in small, cosy lodges run by local communities.
Ausangate is the highest snow-draped mountain in the region. The trek which visits it is close to Cusco, but little trodden and the Martian landscapes will enhance the feeling of remoteness.
Our five-day trek below its northern face (you don’t climb to the peak) is one of our favourites. You’ll explore part of the Vilcanota range which divides the highland empire of the Incas from the steamy jungles of the Amazon. En route you’ll cross three high-altitude passes, with views of gigantic glaciers, icy lakes and jagged peaks. The area is full of wildlife, isolated farmsteads and traditional indigenous villages.
Yes it's challenging, but there is a big bonus: you aren't camping! You'll be staying in remote, basic but comfortable lodges run by the local communities, members of which you get to meet along the way. There are proper beds, bathrooms and hot food to set you up for the next day's hike.
- Cusco: Guided walking tour of the city and nearby Inca sites
- Cusco: Guided excursion to upland villages and Inca site
- 5-day Ausangate Trek
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Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Lima, transfer to hotel close to the Pacific coast.
Day 2
Fly to Cusco.
Day 3
Walking tour of the city and surrounding Inca ruins.
Day 4
Walking tour of highland Chinchero and Maras villages and Moray Inca site.
Day 5
Begin the Ausangate Trek, overnight basic lodge.
Day 6
Hiking the Ausangate Trek, overnight basic lodge.
Day 7
Hiking the Ausangate Trek, overnight basic lodge.
Day 8
Hiking the Ausangate Trek, overnight basic lodge.
Day 9
Return to Cusco.
Day 10
Day at leisure, optional excursion to Machu Picchu.
Day 11
Fly to Lima to connect with international flight home.
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