Alfredo Yepez Miranda C-5 Dpto. 201 Urb. Magisterio Segunda Etapa, Cusco
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT: VINICUNCA, THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
This is a breathtaking two-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 […]
This is a breathtaking two-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 lamas and horses that will carry our gear, and 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 products.
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DAY 1: CUSCO – HUAMPOCOCHA
We begin with a morning departure from Cusco, travelling by bus through the fertile Vilcanota Valley, to the town of Checacupe, from where we start to ascend Pitumarca. Through the spectacular canyon of Japura, we arrive at the pastoral community of Osefina, where we see herding of llamas and alpacas as the main local activity. Llamas will carry part of our personal equipment. Little by little, we will ascend through a picturesque valley where you can see some of the highest potato crops in the world. The landscapes change drastically as we leave behind the last houses until we reach the pass of Anta (16000 ft. / 4900 mt.) With the first views of the Vilcanota mountain range. We will spend the night in the Huampococha Tambo, located near the lagoon of the same name, where they usually nest "Huallatas" (Andean geese).
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DAY 2: HUAMPOCOCHA – VINICUNCA - CUSCO
The first rays of the sun greet you at this magical location. After enjoying a hearty Andean breakfast, we begin to hike through formations of red sandstone. As you hike you’ll witness geological wonders and admire the beauty of this unique landscape, to reach Mt. Vinicunca or “Rainbow Mountain”, renowned worldwide and one of the most spectacular vantage points of the Route and of the entire Andes Mountains. After time to rest and take in the amazing colors of the mountain, we begin the descent through the valley to Japura. On the way we’ll have our final lunch stop, before taking transportation back to Cusco.
Breakfast and dinner served in the lodges, snacks and lunches served on the way
First aid kit and oxygen
Waterproof bags for the baggage carried by llamas
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WHY ANDEANLODGES?
Responsable tourism
Sustainable development
Operation team made up of community members trained as guides, kitchen staff, housekeeping, custody and maintenance.
COMMENTS
HEALTH
WEATHER
EQUIPMENT
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
GROUP DEPARTURES
Life changing!
We had the absolute privilege of trekking the Trail of the Apu with the Andean Lodges team. Bruno, our guide, was amazing. He was knowledgeable about the geography, the people, the challenges of altitude, and the amazing history of the region. His pop culture knowledge was pretty impressive too! We had a ton of fun and lots of laughs. Nico, Nellie, Jorge, and Senor Kruz took incredible care of us throughout our five days. We had delicious three-course meals every evening, comfortable beds with fresh sheets (and warm water bottles), and a llama herd that did all of the heavy liftings. It's rare today to go somewhere that is so uniquely beautiful in every way. Thank you, Andean Lodges team, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Date of experience: June 2011
Incredible Scenery, Excellent Guide, Comfortable Lodges, Great Food!
This trek exceeded our expectations! It is in a remote location with few other tourists and the hiking is spectacular. Our guide, Alfredo, was excellent. He judged the group well and added on some side trips that made the trip extra special, especially an amazing ridge walk on a clear day. Our cook, Esteban, was also excellent and the entire crew was friendly and helpful. The lodges have no electricity or central heating but are comfortable with private bedrooms and bathrooms. We enjoyed being "off the grid" and eating by candlelight. It is chilly in the bedrooms at night but hot water bottles tucked in the beds help with that. Warm showers were much appreciated. We highly recommend a long acclimatization period or taking prophylactic altitude drugs so that you can enjoy the trek without worrying about altitude sickness.
Date of experience: May 2018
Amazing Ausangate Trip
It was an amazing experience, the whole trip was great, we began with a comfortable trip around the Vilcanota Valley (cool views) then we have lunch made by the local people of Chillca's Town. During the following days, we hiked around the Ausangate, you can get great shots, the views are awesome. Totally recommended.
Date of experience: June 2011
A climatization period is essential for enjoying adventures in high mountains. We can help you to make the best of your time during this initial phase, and to stay healthy throughout the trip.
All travelers who trek the Apu Ausangate Route must take a prior 3 to 4-day climatization period to allow for enjoying the trek at over 5,000 m. without experiencing any health problems. Additionally, hike participants must be in good health and physically fit to carry out trekking activities. Symptoms of altitude sickness, known in Peru as soroche, can sometimes occur at altitudes above 3,000 meters. The most common symptoms include: headache, loss of appetite, dizziness and difficulty sleeping, among others. To alleviate such ailments, you can follow these simple but important suggestions for the climatization phase: get good rest, take light walks, eat a light diet and drink large amounts of water, along with coca leaf tea; avoiding alcohol consumption during the first few days is also very important.
Prior to your departure, we suggest you consult with your doctor to ask about medicinal products recommended for high altitude, such as Diamox. If you’d like to obtain more detailed information and suggestions regarding medical issues during travel, please contact us
These departures can leave any day and without a minimum of travelers. The price per person depends on the number of participants in a group.
A challenging, and occasionally harsh climate; a perfect setting for adventures in high mountains.
In the high Andean zone, days are mostly beautiful and sunny, with light to swift winds in the mornings. Temperatures range between 0° to 23 ° C during the day, and travelers must be prepared to experience changing temperatures and diverse weather conditions.
At this latitude only two climate seasons occur: dry season from June through September, and rainy season, which is subject to heavy rains from November through April. Due to seasonal conditions, we recommend that you travel between April and November, when you’ll have the best chances for excellent weather - perfect for enjoying hikes and other activities.
During the dry season, temperatures below zero are frequent at night, with milder temperatures during the day.
Maximum daytime temperatures during dry season: Between 12 C° and 20 C°.
Minimum nighttime temperatures: between 5 C° and -5 C°.
Our four ecolodges along the Ausangate Route are well-equipped with all the necessary safeguards and everything our travelers need to enjoy a comfortable rest under most any weather conditions.
Clothing:
Hiking boots (it’s important to wear in new boots before hiking, to avoid blisters).
Long sleeve t-shirts (one per day).
Walking pants.
Thermal hiking undergarments.
Wool sweater or down vest.
Insulated parka or down jacket.
Thermal sleeping clothes.
Long cotton pants.
Wool gloves.
Scarf.
Wool socks.
Wool cap, and hat or cap for shade.
Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, or rain poncho.
Comfortable sandals or slippers (for use at the lodges).
Small towel.
Additional gear: Hiking poles are very useful for providing balance and walking ease on hikes.
Gear:
Flashlight or headlamp.
Pocket knife.
Water bottle or canteen.
Plastic baggies, for batteries and other items.
Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothing.
Daypack for short hikes (large enough for snacks, a change of clothing, water).
Binoculars.
Spare memory cards and batteries for your cameras (batteries can lose their charge due to low temperatures, and there is no current to charge them along the mountain route).
