Camino Apu Ausangate + Fishing 6D/5D

A five day breathtaking trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota, on a route we call the “Camino del Apu Ausangate” (Road of the Apu Ausangate) located in close proximity to the highest, sacred mountain in the Cusco region. The “apu” is the bearer of life and the guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. Our treks will be accompanied by llamas and horses that carry our gear, which that are owned by the shepherds of the Chillca community whom are proud to share with us their land and the spirit of this inspiring world. On our hikes and in our unique “Tambos” or Andean Lodges, daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs, introducing you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian cuisine and produce. As for entertainment, authentic, vernacular music from members of the communities will accompany some of our nights in the "tambos".

ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO - CHILLCA
Departure at 0830am
Early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe (1 hour and a half , 100 km) After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate Virgin, we start ascending the Pitumarca valley, along the spectacular Japura gorge that leads to Chillca, ( 1 hour and a half, 42 km)
From here it is a short and easy walk to the first “Tambo”(45 minutes). Once at the lodge where we will be greeted by the communeros, there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by our community partners.

DAY 2: FLY FISHING.
After breakfast, escorted by our fishing guide we begin the ascent to Yanacocha lake,, it will take Us 2 and a half hours o get to the lagoons; soon after arriving we start casting for salmon trout, these highland lake trout’s are very fast and give a lot of fight.
The sustainable management of the resource has been organized by the community, for example, fishermen use hooks without barb to avoid damaging the fish, measure buckets to size the catch, small fish is promptly returned to the lagoon, etc.
After our picnic lunch we will return to the Lodge over the vista trail, which has some of the most spectacular views of the Vilcanota range. We will arrive at the lodge in time to take a hot shower and enjoy a delicious dinner.

DAY 3: CHILLCA - MACHURACAY.
Our hike begins at 08.30 in the wide valley of Upis where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views. The trail narrows as we make our way towards the waterfalls descending from the Santa Catalina mountain.
This path is mostly used by the wandering llamas of the area and once we reach the small Paloma lagoon the countryside will be dotted with these animals, and also a large number of alpacas. After hiking along a second lagoon and crossing a long series of moraines, we will reach the Machuracay Tambo, located right at the bottom of the Apu Ausangate.

DAY 4: MACHURACAY - ANANTAPATA.
After a demanding ascent of the Palomani pass at an elevation of 5,200 m. / 17,000 ft., we will descend to Ausangatecocha. Tremendous views of the glaciated south face of the “apu” will inspire us as we continue towards the red sandstone formations of the “Nevado del Inca”. Overnight stay in the Anantapata Tambo.

DAY 5: ANANTAPATA - HUAMPOCOCHA.
A spectacular part of the trail finds us hiking in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata. This section offers a glimpse of marvelous geological wonder and natural beauty. Also, be on the lookout for groups of gracious vicuñas, as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area. We will sleep that night in the Huampococha Tambo, in the heart of large rock formations near a lagoon where “huallatas” (Andean geese) make their nests.

DAY 6: HUAMPOCOCHA - CUSCO
After a last climb over the Anta pass, we will gradually make our descent. In this section the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one of a kind stone forest, and a perfect habitat for “vizcacha” (members of the chinchilla family). By the time we get down the valley, our bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco.

The average of hike is 6 hours and around of 15km each day.

INLCLUDED

1. All organization.
2. Expert leadership on the whole trip.
3. Private transport to Chillca and back to Cusco.
4. Lodging with double occupancy rooms.
5. Private bathrooms for each room (running cold and hot water).
6. Duffle bag (for the luggage carried by horse)
7. Walking sticks
8. All meals on the trek, including a hearty breakfast, picnic style lunch and a 3-course dinners served with wine
9. First Aid, Oxygen

YOU SHOULD BRING

1. Backpack / daypack.
2. Comfortable hiking boots and good socks.
3. Tennis shoes or sandals to wear around town and in the lodges.
4. Gore-Tex jacket and pants / Rain gear.
5. Long underwear / Gloves.
6. Sun glasses, sunscreen, lip balm, hats (for sun protection and against the cold).
7. Water bottle (or alternate personal hydration system).
8. Extra batteries for your camera equipment (they might last less in low temperature and there . are no possibilities to recharge them) memory cards and/or filmBinoculars.(Small) flashlight / head lamp.Pocket knife/Energy bars.
9. Toiletries.