This is a breathtaking three-day trek in the Vilcanota’s Cordillera, on a route we call the “Camino del Apu Ausangate” located in close proximity of the highest Sacred Mountain in the Department of Cusco. The “Apu” is the Bearer of Life and Guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world.
The Route to Ausangate offers you the perfect surroundings for high mountain adventure sports, discovering the unique local wildlife and flora , and connecting with the ancestral traditions of the local people.
Our company, created in association with the local rural communities of Chilca y Osefina, was founded with the vision of generating sustainable and responsible tourism, promoting and ensuring the preservation of natural richness and cultural traditions of the zone.
If you’re planning a trip to Cusco or the most important destinations in Peru , we can help you to create your perfect trip with Andean Excursions , the first community-based travel agency in the region.
Contact us to start living a life-changing experience. Welcome!
Visiting the most impressive landscapes in the Andes Mountains and experiencing a challenging hike at over 4,300 meters above sea level requires a lot of energy, although of course the experience is well worth the effort. That’s why, in considering our hikers’ rest and comfort, we’ve built the four highest altitude lodges in the world along the Ausangate Route.
Each of our lodges has an extraordinary view toward the different faces of the Apu Ausangate and has been built under ecological guidelines, in harmony with the surroundings and Andean cultural aesthetic values, but without sacrificing the comfort and quality expected by even the most demanding traveler.
Each of our lodges is equipped with:
In addition, our chefs are natives from the local communities, and are highly trained to prepare exquisite dishes with local food products, designed especially for the delight of our hikers.
Our first eco-lodge is located on the Pampa Uyuni plain at 4,369 m. in a valley irrigated by the purest glacial waters. From this lodge you’ll have a privileged view of snowcapped Mt. Jatun Jampa at the end of the valley.
Located at 4,815 m., our second lodge is the closest to Apu Ausangate and is situated along the moraine and climbing route. Machurracay not only offers a spectacular view of the peak but is also surrounded by rock formations home to numerous wild vizcachas (long-eared Andean squirrels), which you’ll be able to observe in the mornings during your stay.
Beds with down comforters, private baths with hot water, and lighting by candlelight and solar lamps.
Private bus , from Cusco to trailhead and return to Cusco.
Expert mountain trekking guides along the entire trek.
All breakfast and dinners at the lodges; lunches & snacks served along the hike.
Llamas have been used as means of transportation in the Andes for centuries .They can carry up to 20 kilograms. So the llamas will help us with our baggage
As you trek through the Andes Mountains, you’ll be able to experience first-hand the ancient culture and legacy of the Incas who built a great empire in Peru’s mountains
We will have the opportunity to see how these wonderful weavings are made, and we can buy these unique items directly from the native ladies of Chillca and Osefina.
First aid kit ,oxygen and hyperbaric chamber
Flights to and from Peru / Cusco, or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program
Tipping Staff is not included.
We will be leaving around 8 a.m , when we will arive to pick you up at your hotel . Then we will travel by private bus about 3 hours . In a comfortable coach we head along the Vilcanota River to visit the temple of Checacupe,where we will visit its beautiful colonial church , which is one of the oldest in Latin America then the upper valley of Pitumarca. At Japura, we'll trek a short distance to Chillca. Locals and musicians playing Andean instruments greet us in your first “Andean Lodge”, as we sip coca tea. Hot showers and full bathrooms as well as 8 double and matrimonial bedrooms are available. We emphasize tasty and nutritious local cuisine (such as Alpaca meat) but vegetarian and other preferences are welcome.
After a hearty breakfast, we trek along the glacier valley of Phinaya, seeing hundreds of alpacas and llamas. On the way to the glaciers at Mt. Santa Catalina, the trail climbs past the breathtaking Pjachaj waterfall. Our picnic lunch awaits us above. Then, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers and lakes, we walk about 5 hours to Machuracay Lodge. At the lodge, we’re met by the native family that manages it.
Following a demanding ascent of Palomani pass, elevation 5,200 m. / 17,000 ft., we’ll descend to Ausangate Cocha Lake. Breathtaking views of the glaciated south face of the sacred “Apu” will amaze you, as we continue toward the red sandstone formations of snowcapped “Nevado Del Inca”. As we descend into the valley, our bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco.