We set off early from Cusco traveling by private bus to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages en route and take time to stop en route to take some photos. On arrival we meet our horseman and arrange our packs for the walk.

We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3hrs and then its time for a lunch stop. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours approximately to reach Upis. There, we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.

After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the high pass of Arapa (4850 meters). From this vantage point we can see the contrast in landscapes – dry desert-like hills reach the glaciers of Mt. Ausangate, while below the valley is a bright green. If we are lucky we might even see a condor in the skies!

We will enjoy the breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and PucaQocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pukacocha, Hatun Pukacocha, and Qomerqocha). Our second campsite is close to a glacier.

Early morning after breakfast we will begin our ascent of approximately 2-3 hours over our second mountain pass, Abra de Apuchata (4,900 meters). From here we descend for around an hour and a half towards our campsite at Ausangate Qocha where a delicious lunch to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

After our lunch we have our second ascent for two hours to our third mountain pass of Palomani (5,100 meters), we descend into the small community of Huchuy Pinaya where we spend the night.

Today we ascend to the highest point on our trek – Jampa (5,150 meters). The silence of this remote wilderness is inspiring! From here, we have an excellent view of Mount Tampa. After the pass, we descend for 2 hours through an area of llamas, alpacas, and vicunas to reach Pampacancha (4,050 meters).

From here, we follow an uphill trail of approximately three hours that leads us to our campsite in Jampa (4,300 meters).

After our walking and acclimatization on Day 4 – we are ready for another adventure! We take breakfast early and then begin our hike of approximately 1 hour to reach the glacier base and then to the top of the mountain! After enjoying the spectacular views of the Vilcanota range we descend back down to take a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, we descend towards the Qomerqocha lagoon before arriving at Pacchanta after an approximated 5 hours walk. Pacchanta is a little community with attractive hot springs where we can enjoy a relaxing dip. We camp and spend the night here.

In the morning, we leave Pacchanta and start to walk back to the village of Tinqui – our trek takes approximately two hours. Once in Tinqui, we board our transportation that will take us back to the city of Cusco, where we estimate to arrive after nightfall.