Luxury Ausangate Trek & Machu Picchu – 8 days

The Ausangate Trek is a five-day trek in the Cordillera Vilcanota that travels along a route we call the “Camino Del Apu Ausangate”. Near 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.

Your trek will be accompanied by llamas and horses, as well as shepherds of the community of Chillca who are proud to share their land with us. Daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs who will introduce you to a great variety of classic Peruvian dishes and produce. Each night, you will stay in unique “Tambos” or Andean Lodges. Some evenings, you will even experience authentic vernacular music played by local inhabitants.

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Highlights of the Ausangate Trek with Andean Lodges & Machu Picchu:

Experience the Ausangate Trek in maximum comfort with nightly stays in mountain eco-lodges
Travel light with the help of a llama caravan owned by local shepherds
Pay a visit to the tremendous Ausangate lake and look upon its reflective turquoise waters
Come upon the multi-colored ridges of the photogenic Rainbow Mountain
Enjoy a private guided tour in Machu Picchu

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Arriving in Cusco:

Get ready for an exhilarating kickoff in Cusco on Day 1! Dive into the city’s mystical vibes with a tour of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puca Pucara, the Temple of the Sun, and Tambomachay. It’s not just a tour; it’s an Andean extravaganza! Feel the pulse of the altitude, acclimatize like a pro, and gear up for the epic Ausangate trek. Get set for a journey where every moment is a high-altitude fiesta, and cozy Andean lodges are your front-row seats to nature’s grand spectacle

Day 2: Ausangate trek -Cusco to Chillca: 3km

An early start aboard our cozy coach, tracing the Vilcanota River’s enchanting path. Pause for the breathtaking Checacupe temple and ascend through the Pitumarca upper valley. Arriving at Japura, a brief trek leads to Chillca, where warm welcomes, Andean melodies, and soothing coca tea await. Our inaugural Andean Lodge unveils eight double rooms with modern amenities, hot showers, and a delectable menu featuring Alpaca steak and wholesome Andean delicacies.

Today’s trek spans around 3 kilometers (2 miles), translating to an invigorating journey of approximately one and a half hours. Lace-up those hiking boots and get ready to embrace the trail!

A fantastic video about Ausangate trail -HERE

Day 3: Ausangate trek-Chillca – Machuracay: 14.9 km

Venture off on an adrenaline-fueled adventure from Chillca to Machuracay, a 14.9-kilometer trek through Phinaya’s glacial valley.

Picture yourself amidst a sea of alpacas and llamas, conquering Santa Catalina with a climb by the breathtaking Pjachaj waterfalls. Your reward? A scenic picnic above the falls, surrounded by moraine walls, glaciers, and crystal-clear lagoons. Brace yourself for a five-hour adrenaline surge culminating at Machuracay Tambo (4,805m), your high-altitude sanctuary. Llama caravans magically transport your bags, ensuring a carefree evening to recharge. Today’s trek is an eight-hour thrill ride, where each step propels you into the heart of Andean exhilaration.

Day 4: Ausangate trek-Machuracay- Anantapata:  11.6 km

Get ready for an adventure-packed leg from Machuracay to Anantapata, spanning 11.6 km of high-altitude bliss! Conquer your first mountain pass at 5,150m, treated to jaw-dropping panoramic views. Descend alongside glaciers, landing at Ausangate Cocha Lake for a scenic lunch amidst red sandstone wonders—a sensory delight! Keep an eye out for majestic vicuñas and soaring condors. After a day of epic hiking, reach Anantapata Tambo at 4,700m—your cozy retreat for the night. Unwind, relish the comfort, and savor mouthwatering cuisine. Today’s trek promises 7-8 hours of trailblazing thrills, making every step dance with Andean wonders!

Day 5: Ausangate trek –Anantapata – Huampococha:

Start on an exhilarating 11.6-mile excursion from Anantapata to Huampococha, designed for high-altitude aficionados!. Post-breakfast, conquer yet another mountain pass at 4,980m, descending to marvel at Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged peaks and vibrant hillsides. The trail unfolds to Cerro Laya Grande, where a massive glacier and the colorful sediments of Yauricunca await—a visual feast for your senses. Also today you are going to visit the famous Rainbow Mountain .

Lunch in this unique landscape sets the stage for spotting Andean geese nesting in Anta’s cliffs and passing the iconic flatiron formations of Apu Labrayani. Reach Huampococha Tambo (4,818m) for an overnight stay, concluding a day of epic trekking spanning 7-8 hours. Every step is a brushstroke on the canvas of Andean grandeur!

Day 6: Ausangate trek–Huampococha – Cusco:

Begin the awe-inspiring journey from Huampococha to Cusco—a 10.5-kilometer ascent that will serve as the satisfying finish to your Andean adventure. Ascend through spectacular mountain scenery to the summit at 16,102 feet (4,908m), where a panoramic celebration of your voyage unfolds.

As you descend, the trail reveals the mesmerizing shapes of Cretaceous limestone formations—a geological masterpiece frozen in time. Wind your way down to Trapiche, a tranquil haven for a well-deserved lunch. Board the bus back to Cusco, cherishing a seven-hour trek that encapsulates the essence of your extraordinary Andean adventure, covering approximately 6.5 miles. Every step resonates as a triumphant echo, a testament to the indelible and rewarding memories etched on this remarkable expedition. Depart by bus to Cusco.

Day 7:  Cusco – Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes:

Depart Cusco for an adventure through the Sacred Valley. You will visit the Pisac for the terraced ruins and Pisac Market, Urubamba for a lunch rich with traditional flavors, and Ollantaytambo before taking the train to Machu Picchu. Spend a restful night in the town amongst mountains as you rest up for early morning departure to Machu Picchu.

Day 8: Machu Picchu – Cusco :

Venture to Machu Picchu by bus, where you will learn about it’s tremendous history with a local guide. Trek high above the ruins to Waynapichu (optional, must be pre-booked) for spectacular views of the park below. In the evening, you will return by train to Ollantaytambo by train, and private transfer to Cusco.

More photos about this amazing Trip HERE