Ausangate Trek & Sibinacocha Lagoon: 5-Day Andean Escape
Ausangate Trek & Sibinacocha Lagoon: 5-Day Authentic Andean Adventure
Embark on a remarkable 5-day Ausangate Trek & Sibinacocha Lagoon private tour, designed for travelers seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience in Peru. Discovering the geological marvel of the Black Lagoon. Camping near Sibinacocha Lagoon, enveloped by glacier mountains and serene lakes. This trek offers a unique perspective of the Andes, featuring breathtaking views of traditional Andean towns and the majestic Ausangate Mountain. The highlight of this journey is the magnificent Sibinacocha Lagoon, known for its striking turquoise waters. Throughout your trek, witness the stunning contrasts of the Andes, from the vibrant wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and flamingos, to the unique Black Lagoon on volcanic soil, showcasing dramatic color changes.
Highlight
- Explore Majestic Ausangate Mountain: Trek the Ausangate Mountain, witnessing its grandeur and the breathtaking landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
- Discover Sibinacocha Lagoon’s Turquoise Beauty: Experience the serene beauty of Sibinacocha Lagoon, renowned for its striking turquoise waters and scenic surroundings.
- Witness the Unique Black Lagoon: Explore the geological wonder of the Black Lagoon, set on volcanic soil, showcasing dramatic color transformations.
- Immersive Andean Cultural Experience: Delve into authentic Andean life, exploring traditional towns and connecting with the local culture.
- Camping Amidst Glacier Mountains: Camp near Sibinacocha Lagoon, surrounded by majestic glacier mountains and tranquil lakes, for a truly immersive natural experience.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Transportation to Pacchanta and Hike to Pachas
Begin your Ausangate Trek & Sibinacocha Lagoon: 5-Day Andean Escape with a scenic drive to Pacchanta, a charming starting point nestled in the Andean highlands. From Pacchanta, embark on your first trek to Pachas. This initial hike introduces you to the stunning landscapes of the region, offering a glimpse of the majestic Ausangate Mountain and the serene natural beauty that surrounds it.
Day 2: Trek from Pachas to Quilleta
The second day leads you from Pachas to Quilleta. As you traverse this route, experience the diverse terrains and captivating vistas of the Peruvian Andes. This day’s trek offers a blend of physical challenge and scenic rewards, immersing you deeper into the heart of the Andes.
Day 3: Hike from Quilleta to Mormorani
On day three, hike from Quilleta to Mormorani. This segment of the journey takes you through varied landscapes, showcasing the rich biodiversity and unique geological formations of the region. Mormorani provides a picturesque campsite, allowing you to rest amidst the tranquil beauty of the Andes.
Day 4: Trek from Mormorani to Ccascara
The fourth day involves a hike from Mormorani to Ccascara. This trek continues to reveal the untouched splendor of the Andes, with each step bringing new views and experiences. Ccascara offers an opportunity to witness the Andean way of life and the natural wonders that define this spectacular region.
Day 5: Hike from Ccascara to Phinaya and Return to Cusco
On your final day, hike from Ccascara to Phinaya. This last trek is a time to reflect on the incredible journey and the landscapes you’ve traversed. After reaching Phinaya, you’ll be transported back to Cusco.
Prices for this trek
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE | |
---|---|
1 person | US$ 2,294 per person |
2 people | US$ 1,261 per person |
3 people | US$ 975 per person |
4 people | US$ 797 per person |
5 to 8 people | US$ 724 per person |
9 to 14 people | US$ 606 per person |
More than 15 people | US$ 518 per person |
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
* Prices are based on the number of people traveling together.
Includes and excludes
Included
- The clients will receive a briefing the night before the trek.
- Pick up from the Hotel and transfer to Pacchanta (starting point of the trail).
- Transfer Phinaya village to Cusco.
- Entrance fees to Ausangate Circuit.
- Personal tents accommodate two people for greater comfort and security. Our tents are 4-season and well-maintained for field performance.
- Each individual should bring an inflatable sleeping mat.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs. Kitchen tent.
- Toilet tent with bio-degradable toilet facilities.
- English-speaking tour leader plus an assistant guide for groups of over eight trekkers
- Chef and cooking equipment.
- Campsite fees must be paid to the local community in every camp place.
- Pack animals (to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment).
- Pack animals to carry personal gear up to 7kg per person (including sleeping pad and sleeping bag).
- One emergency horse every six people.
- Horse riders.
- Meals (4 breakfast, 5-lunches, four dinners + daily morning snack + daily tea service except for last day). Vegetarian or special diets are available at no extra cost.
- A cloth bag for everyday snacks saves plastic bags and decreases waste.
- We will provide boiled water from lunchtime on the first day.
- Bio-degradable personal hand soaps.
- Our kitchen staff uses bio-degradable dishwashing detergents.
- Hot water every morning and evening for washing purposes / boiled water to fill in the water bottle every morning, night, and lunchtime.
- We bring a first-aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Pacchanta hot springs entrance fee.
- Sleeping bag.
Trip code: ASL5D01-PVT
Day 1 – Transportation to Pacchanta, Hike to Pachas
- Hotel pick-up at 06:00 is by private transportation. The route along the Cusco – Puerto Maldonado road, direction Tinki (3,800m/12,467ft). In the route, we will pass by the towns of Urcos, Ccatcca, and Ocongate in that order.
- After 3 hours in the car, we will finally arrive at Tinki, which will begin the 45-minute drive along an unpaved road to the trailhead Pacchanta (4,280m/14,042ft). We will then be greeted by our Arrieros (horsemen) and their noble steeds (horses).
- The hike will begin around 10:30 am with a slight ascent up the Pacchanta valley. We will be able to watch llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat until we reach the stunning Uturunco lagoon. We will then delight in a lunch in this excellent spot surrounded by beautiful views of snow-capped mountains. Then we continue for an hour’s walk and arrive at the camp of Pachas (4,800m/15,748ft).
- Distance estimate: 10 km (6. 21 miles), Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
Day 2 – Hike from Pachas to Quilleta
- We start the day off right with a balanced breakfast. We will carry on for about 2 hours towards the first mountain pass, the Qampa pass (5,050m/16,568ft). From this step, we will have a spectacular view of Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Maria Huamanticlla, Puca punta, and Colquecruz snow-capped mountains.
- After enjoying a panoramic view, we will continue walking down to a small hamlet called Sorapata (4,800m/15,748ft), where we will have lunch.
- Then, keep hiking through the beautiful Qampa valley in the shadow of three beautiful mountain peaks. In this part, we might see vizcachas, a type of wild rabbit, or, if we are lucky, vicuñas.
- After 2 hours of hiking in the valley, we will reach the second camp called Quilleta (4,750m/15,584ft), where we will spend the night.
- Distance estimate: 12 km (7. 46 miles), Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3 – Hike from Quilleta to Mormorani
- For breakfast, we ascend gradually by a ravine to Yana cocha lagoons. After a fascinating experience, we gradually climbed the valley that led us to the mountain pass mentioned above, Condorpaso (5,200m/17,060ft).
- This pass is the highest point of the whole trek. We can see the beautiful Vilcanota mountain range and the fantastic Sibinacocha Lagoon (4,873m/15,988ft).
- Immediately after, we must continue our hike for another 3 hours, crossing another mountain pass, followed by the descent into the Mormorani valley.
- Camp under the shadow of a massive glacier that provides the lake with the nutrients it requires to make the water so vivid blue, near the beautiful lagoon in the little settlement of Mormorani (4,900m/16,076ft).
- The lagoon is also home to a wide variety of bio-diversity! We will likely be able to spot Andean Coots Huallatas, Andean Geese, and Andean Ducks from our camp.
- Distance estimate: 14 km (8. 70 miles), Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4 – Hike from Mormorani to Ccascara
- Bright and early departure early to begin our 2-hour hike along the pristine shores of the Sibinacocha Lagoon in the direction of the Yayamari community (4,900m/16,076ft). Beside the mountain possessing the same name, we will set eyes upon an impressive rocky peak that overlooks the lagoon (5,500m/18,040ft).
- Then we will cross a flat place where we can see hundreds of llamas and alpacas, and maybe if we are lucky, we can see vicuñas. We continue the walk with a gradual ascent towards the Ccascara pass (5,030m/16,503ft), which will guide us to the lagoon with the same name. We will set up camp at Ccascara lagoon (4,920m/16,142ft).
- In this lovely mountain-surrounded (Montura and Chumpi) spot, we will gain new perspectives into the lives of the local, rural communities.
- Furthermore, we may have the beautiful opportunity to spot “Huallatas” or Andean geese and possibly even flamingos!
- Distance estimate: 14 km (8. 90 miles), Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
- Overnight in camp.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5 – Hike from Ccascara to Phinaya – Transportation back to Cusco
- After energizing with breakfast, we will set forth from Ccascara and begin a three-and-a-half-hour walk towards the Phinaya community (4,700m/15,420ft) end of the trek.
- We will travel back in time to have lunch in this simple, small Andean village, including a lovely little church and only bikes and horses as means of transportation.
- At 13:00, we will depart on our 4-hour drive back to Cusco.
- Approximate walking distance: 9 km (5. 59 miles), Estimated time walking: 3-4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.