+51 984 813 399
info@peruinfinitetravel.com
This trail will take you to the adventure of being close to the sacred snow-capped Ausangate, considered the highest in the Cusco region, besides being a Regional Conservation Area (ACR) with rich resources in Flora, Fauna, Native Communities and especially the biggest water resource, which is located at an altitude of 6,383 meters and 20,000 feet above sea level.
This version we offer is a 2-day and 1-night experience where you can peacefully enjoy the surrounding landscapes.
DAY 1: CUSCO – OROPESA TOWN – ANDAHUAYLILLAS – OCONGATE – PACCHANTA – HOT SPRINGS CAMP
Bus distance: 4 hours
Starting elevation of the tour: 3,350 m/11,000 ft
Lunch elevation: 4,000 m/13,100 ft
Weather: Warm in the morning / Cold in the afternoon and night
Places to visit: Oropesa Town, Andahuaylillas South American Sistine Chapel, Pacchanta Hot Springs
DAY 2: PACCHANTA HOT SPRINGS – 7 LAKES ACR AUSANGATE – PACCHANTA HOT SPRINGS – CITY OF CUSCO
Hiking distance: 12 km exploring the 7 lakes of Ausangate.
Starting elevation of the hike: 4,300 m/14,000 ft
Hiking difficulty: Challenging due to altitude
Weather: Cold
Places to visit: 7 lakes of Ausangate.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1 – CUSCO – OROPESA VILLAGE – ANDAHUAYLILLAS – OCONGATE – PACCHANTA – HOT SPRINGS CAMP
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in our private transportation at 8:00 am. We will then head to the village of Oropesa for a presentation on the traditional bread-making process, known as PAN CHUTA, which is famous in the city of Cusco and Peru. After the presentation, we will have a tasting and then board our transportation to the town of Andahuaylillas, home to the South American Sistine Chapel. Inside the chapel, there are 17th-century mural paintings, and its ornamentation is similar to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. After the guided visit, we will board the bus and head to the town of Ocongate, a traditional village known for producing a delicious cow milk cheese called queso andino. Then, we will visit a local villager’s house, where they will show us the 400 varieties of potatoes they grow in their fields. After the visit, we will board the bus and head to the community of PUKARUMI, our lunch spot, where we will enjoy ancestral gastronomy prepared by the local people. After lunch, we will board the bus and go to the town of Pacchanta to camp near the hot springs. Our support staff will set up everything for you, including personal tents and a dining tent, as well as all the camping equipment. You will have the rest of the afternoon free for acclimatization and to enjoy the hot springs. At 5:00 pm, we will have tea time followed by dinner. After dinner, you will have the option to enjoy the magnificent constellations and stargazing. We will bring a telescope, and while you observe the stars, you can enjoy a cup of hot tea to keep you warm.
Before the siesta there will be a narration of stories and legends of the destination, which will be told by the locals, also accompanied by a traditional hot drink of the community.
Bus distance: 4 hours
Starting elevation: 3350 m/11,000 ft
Lunch elevation: 4,000 m/13,100 ft
Weather: Warm in the morning / Cold in the afternoon and night
Places to visit: Oropesa Village, Andahuaylillas South American Sistine Chapel, Pacchanta Hot Springs
DAY 2 – PACCHANTA HOT SPRINGS – 7 LAGUNAS ACR AUSANGATE – PACCHANTA HOT SPRINGS – CUSCO CITY
Wake-up call will be at 5:00 am, and breakfast at 5:30 am. After breakfast, we will start hiking towards the first lake, Hatun Puka Qocha, at 4,756 meters (15,600 ft), which will take approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, you will witness the majestic Ausangate snow-capped mountain. We will then proceed to the second lake, Oqe Qocha, at 4,620 meters (15,200 ft). After enjoying the beautiful views, we will begin our descent, visiting the remaining lakes along the way until we reach our campsite, which will take about 3 hours of hiking. Once at our campsite, you can once again enjoy the hot springs, which are great for muscle relaxation. Our support staff will have a traditional Andean lunch ready for us. After lunch, we will say goodbye to our support staff and board our transportation to return to the city of Cusco, arriving at approximately 5:00 pm.
Hiking distance: 12 km (7 lakes around Ausangate)
Starting elevation: 4,300 m/14,000 ft
Hiking difficulty: Challenging due to altitude
Weather: Cold
Places to visit: 7 lakes around Ausangate
Professional guide: All our guides are licensed professionals in the tourism field.
Camping equipment: This hike includes one night of camping. We provide 4-person tents that will be used by only 2 people. We also provide a dining tent, a kitchen tent, camping chairs, camping tables. Our tents are waterproof, and our sleeping bags are also rated for below-zero temperatures.
Transportation: Peru Infinite Travel will provide all transportation during this program. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you on the entire circuit.
Meals: Included Day 1: Lunch, tea time, dinner Day 2: Breakfast, lunch
First aid kit: To treat altitude sickness, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Our guide will also carry a small oxygen tank for emergencies.
VERY IMPORTANT:
TOILETRIES:
Information Meeting or Briefing:
Information meetings are held one night before the start of the hike. You will receive tour information during this meeting, which lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you are unable to attend, please inform us via email to arrange another date or time for your meeting with the guide.
Season: All year round, but the weather can vary during the rainy season.
Payment of the Remaining Balance (in Cusco):
To reserve the tour, a 50% deposit is required via PayPal or Western Union. You will find the payment link on our website. The remaining balance must be paid at the time of the meeting or one day prior. We kindly ask that you pay the balance in cash. There are ATMs available in Plaza de Armas Cusco or Avenida El Sol, which is the commercial street in Cusco where banks and ATMs are located. We do not accept bank checks or traveler’s checks.
Machu Picchu:
We can offer you a package including Machu Picchu with any other program, such as the 2-day/1-night Inca Trail or a train-only tour. Just contact us, and we can provide recommendations.
Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain:
Machu Picchu is most beautiful when viewed from above, so hiking one of the mountains near the ruins is highly recommended.
Huayna Picchu: This is the most popular option and requires advance reservation as it sells out quickly. The hike takes approximately 45 minutes to the summit and another 45 minutes for the descent. Tickets are sold in time slots indicating when you can start the hike.
First session: 7 AM to 8 AM Second session: 10 AM to 11 AM
This refers to the time period when you can start your hike. We usually reserve the second session so that you can enjoy the guided tour of Machu Picchu before embarking on the hike independently. Your guide will show you where to start.
Machu Picchu Mountain: The hike to Machu Picchu Mountain is slightly longer than Huayna Picchu. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours to the top and another 1.5 hours for the descent.
First session: 7 AM to 8 AM Second session: 9 AM to 10 AM
Peru Infinite Travel will provide the second session for this hike.
Strikes / Protests:
Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains may stop running. We will ensure that your hike continues as planned, even if it means departing the night before the scheduled start date. In these circumstances, it may be necessary to cancel tours. However, our operations department will coordinate with you in such situations. Your safety is always our top concern.
Lost Items:
Each client is responsible for their belongings throughout the tour. Please be cautious about where you leave your belongings and remember to collect all items from our vehicles, tents, restaurants, etc. It is possible for other hikers or teams to pick up items without knowing who the owner is.
