Caminatas Alternativas Cusco
This very special alternative trek takes you alongside the spectacular snow-capped “Apu” of Ausangate (6.372m/20900ft) and takes you over mountain passes, through awesome mountain scenery, authentic Andean villages, hot springs and turquoise lakes. This alternative route to the classical circuit around Mount Ausangate still offers the most spectacular views of this sacred Andean mountain before it deviates towards the impressive Sibinacocha Lagoon, leaving tourist crowds behind and entering an almost uninhabited area where you can truly commune with nature. The hike ends in Phinaya, a small and remote Andean community with just horses and bicycles as transportation.. An unforgettable trail for lovers of mountain trekking, or those searching for something different and away from the increasingly popular traditional Ausangate trek.
In the morning we will leave the hotel on a bus to begin our adventure to the town of Tinki (4,000 m) taking the southern route of the city of Cusco, passing through the district of Urcos.
We will continue on to the community of Muñapata (3,188 m.); From here, we will ascend the road that goes to Puerto Maldonado. We will cross mountains and enjoy a landscape surrounded by beautiful mountains and snowy peaks, and a spectacular view of the city of Cusco.
Continuing the journey we will pass through villages, where people still preserve their traditional clothing and the customs of their ancestors, such as the village of Ccatca (3,700 m). An hour later, we will arrive at the village of Ocongate (3,540 m). Finally, at the village of Tinki, where we will be able to camp, having witnessed unforgettable views of the VILCANOTA mountain range during this stretch.
After breakfast, we will begin our hike to the Upis camp (4,400 m). During the journey we will pass by the Quinsapucyu ecological site and the Huarmisaya mountain, until we reach the Upis camp where we will have lunch. Then, we will be able to freely explore the surroundings of the area, the mysticism of its thermal lakes and the uniqueness of its glaciers. All this environment develops around the Apu Ausangate. A beautiful landscape, which you will carry in your mind.
At dawn after breakfast, we will begin our hike and ascend a ravine covered with rocks, moss and lichens until we reach Paso Arapa (4,958 m), from there, we will be able to observe the stone forest, and at the top the Nevado de Ausangate and the chain of mountains that accompany it.
Later, we will descend and camp near the Pukacocha lagoon (4,510 m), which is an attractive reservoir of water for irrigation, next to the White Bridge; its builders have called it “Nocturno”.
After breakfast, we will begin to ascend towards the second pass called Apacheta (4855m) surrounded by natural vegetation of the area and rocks, mosses and lichens covered. From here we will have different angles of view of Ausangate and the snowy peaks that accompany it. Then, we will descend for our lunch near the other lake called Ausangate Cocha (4,680 m).
After lunch and a short break, we will begin the climb to the third pass. This is the highest of our entire trip and is called Abra de Palomani (5200m). From here, we can observe giant snow-covered mountains. Then we will descend to Pampacancha (4,500m) from here, we will observe with better clarity and, in all its magnitude, the snow-capped Ausangate and the Vilcanota mountain range.
Later, we will go to our camp in the Qampa Valley (4,650 m). Here, the wildlife is varied with condors, chinchillas and herds of vicuñas seen in the hills.
At dawn and after having enjoyed a delicious breakfast, we will begin the walk observing the giant glaciers and enormous blocks of ice that belong to the Qolque Cruz snow and, at the other end, giant snows that make these landscapes an unforgettable memory.
This last step is covered by small stone towers called “apachetas” in Quechua. Once they reach the top, travelers can raise these towers as a way of asking the mountains for their best wishes. On the way down we will camp on the shores of Lake Qomercocha “green lake” (4,580 m); which is considered by Andean priests to be a place with a lot of energy.
After breakfast, we prepare to continue our walk. Along the way, we will see more lagoons along the way, which shine through the crystal-clear waters and vegetation they possess.
Continuing our journey, we will pass through the meadows and meet several shepherds with their llamas and alpacas; then, we will arrive at the village of Pacchanta (4,300 m). Here we can take a bath in the hot springs which is a place to visit and relax the muscles after 5 days of walking.
Here we will have lunch and then we will board our transport that will take us back to the city of Cusco.
