Day 1: Cusco – Tinki
In the morning, we depart from the hotel by bus to begin our adventure toward the town of Tinki (4,000 m), taking the southern route from Cusco and passing through the district of Urcos.
We continue to the community of Muñapata (3,188 m); from here, we ascend the road toward Puerto Maldonado. We’ll cross mountains and enjoy landscapes surrounded by beautiful peaks and snow-capped mountains, with spectacular views of Cusco.
Along the way, we pass through villages where people still wear traditional clothing and preserve ancestral customs, such as the town of Ccatca (3,700 m). An hour later, we arrive at Ocongate (3,540 m), and finally at Tinki, where we’ll camp after witnessing unforgettable views of the Vilcanota mountain range.
- Travel time: 2 to 3 hours
- Minimum altitude: 3,150 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,000 m
- Camp altitude: 4,000 m
Day 2: Tinki – Upis
After breakfast, we begin our hike toward the Upis camp (4,400 m). Along the way, we pass the ecological site of Quinsapucyu and the Huarmisaya mountain, arriving at Upis for lunch.
Afterwards, we can freely explore the area, including its mystical hot springs and unique glaciers, all surrounding the sacred Apu Ausangate. A stunning landscape you’ll carry in your memory.
- Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Minimum altitude: 4,000 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,400 m
- Camp altitude: 4,400 m
Day 3: Upis – Pukacocha
At dawn, after breakfast, we begin our hike ascending a ravine covered in rocks, mosses, and lichens until we reach Arapa Pass (4,958 m). From here, we can observe the stone forest and the Ausangate glacier and its surrounding peaks.
Later, we descend and camp near Pukacocha Lagoon (4,510 m), a scenic water reservoir used for irrigation, next to the White Bridge, nicknamed “Nocturno” by its builders.
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Minimum altitude: 4,400 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,958 m
- Camp altitude: 4,510 m
Day 4: Pukacocha – Qampa
After breakfast, we ascend toward the second pass called Apacheta (4,855 m), surrounded by native vegetation, rocks, mosses, and lichens.
From here, we’ll enjoy different views of Ausangate and its neighboring peaks. We then descend for lunch near another lake called Ausangate Cocha (4,680 m).
After lunch and a short rest, we begin the ascent to the third and highest pass of the trek: Palomani Pass (5,200 m). From here, we see massive snow-covered mountains. We then descend to Pampacancha (4,500 m), where we get a clearer and more majestic view of Ausangate and the Vilcanota range.
Later, we head to our camp in the Qampa Valley (4,650 m), home to diverse wildlife including condors, chinchillas, and herds of vicuñas.
- Hiking time: 9 to 10 hours
- Minimum altitude: 4,500 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,855 m
- Camp altitude: 4,650 m
Día 05: Qampa – Qomercocha – Pachaspata
At dawn, after a delicious breakfast, we begin our hike observing giant glaciers and massive ice blocks belonging to the Qolque Cruz snowfield. On the opposite side, more towering snow peaks create unforgettable scenery.
This final pass is marked by small stone towers called “apachetas” in Quechua. Upon reaching the summit, travelers can build these towers as a way of asking the mountains for blessings. We descend and camp by the shore of Qomercocha (“green lake”) at 4,580 m, considered by Andean priests to be a place of strong energy.
- Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours
- Minimum altitude: 4,500 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,855 m
- Camp altitude: 4,580 m
Día 06: Pachaspata – Pacchanta
After breakfast, we prepare to continue our hike. Along the way, we’ll see more lagoons shining through crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation.
We pass through meadows and encounter local herders with their llamas and alpacas. Eventually, we arrive at the village of Pacchanta (4,300 m), where we can relax in the hot springs, a perfect way to soothe muscles after five days of trekking.
We’ll have lunch here and then board our transport back to Cusco.
- Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
- Minimum altitude: 4,300 m
- Maximum altitude: 4,580 m
