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.
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.