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.
Our treks will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry our gear. These are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca who are proud to share their land with us, as well as the Spirit of their inspiring world.
On our hikes and in our unique “Tambos” or Andean Lodges, daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs who will introduce you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian dishes and produce, and for your entertainment: authentic vernacular music, played by local inhabitants, will liven up some of our evenings at the “tambos.”
This program begins with an early morning departure from Cusco, along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the village of Checacupe. After a brief visit to its colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception, we travel the Pitumarca Valley and through the spectacular Japura Gorge to arrive at the native town of Chillca, where we’re greeted by the community. From there, it’s a short, easy walk to our first Lodge. Once there, we’ll have time to relax and enjoy native music provided by Chillca’s traditional musicians.
Our hike begins at 8:30 am, going through the broad Upis Valley, where impressive glacier-covered mountains loom above, offering majestic views. The trail narrows as we make our way past a waterfall that drops from Santa Catalina Mountain. This trail is mostly used by the area’s wandering llamas. Once we reach small Paloma Lake, the landscape is dotted with grazing llamas and alpacas. After hiking along a second lake and crossing a series of glacial moraines, we reach Machuracay Lodge, located at the foot of Apu Ausangate, the Sacred Mountain.
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.