Today begins an extraordinary journey through breathtaking Andean landscapes. We will pick you up at 5:00 a.m. sharp at your accommodation and drive to the village of Ocongate (3,500 m / 11,482 ft.) in our private vehicle. Along the way, you will glimpse picturesque villages and impressive lagoons that dot the Vilcanota valley.

Our next stop will be in Tinke, where you can purchase any last-minute items before arriving at the community of Upis (4,250 m / 13,944 ft), the starting point of our trek. Here we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet our team of experienced horsemen and cooks who will accompany us on this adventure.

Our first day will begin with a gentle hike across a plain with direct views of the majestic Ausangate Glacier (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). Along the way, you will meet friendly locals dressed in colorful traditional clothing and see herds of llamas and alpacas.

We will arrive at the Upis hot springs (4,400 m / 14,436 ft) and savor our first delicious lunch prepared by our expert chef. Our camp will also be set up here, right in front of the impressive Ausangate Mountain.

In the late afternoon, we will hike to Huayna Ausangate Lake and enjoy a breathtaking sunset that casts a golden hue over the glaciers around us. In the evening, we will enjoy a sumptuous dinner and spend our first night in the mountains.

Considerations:

Physical Level

1, Easy

We will rise early and enjoy a delicious breakfast in the cool mountain air before embarking on a two and a half hour hike through an impressive Andean valley to the Arapa pass (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The impressive Ausangate glacier will flank us the entire way.

Upon reaching the summit, the scenic splendor intensifies, leaving you in awe of the natural beauty of this part of the world. You will be able to witness the grandeur of the mountain range and, if fortune favors you, spot the majestic flight of the condor, the world’s largest flying bird. Our guide will brief you on the local flora and fauna as we hike this stretch, allowing you to get to know the terrain better.

We will then descend to the exquisite crystal-clear Yanacocha Lagoon (black lagoon) and continue along the trail for another hour until we reach Hatun Pucacocha, where we will savor the scenery and marvel at the sparkle of the waters against the snow-capped peaks.

Later, we will explore the nearby lagoons and relax with a delicious mate tea. In the evening, a healthy dinner awaits you at the camp, where you can replenish your strength and rest for the next adventures.

Considerations:

Physical Level

1, Easy

As every morning, we will start the day with a nutritious breakfast that will serve as fuel for the trek that awaits us. Today we will hike about two and a half hours uphill to the Ausangate pass (4,750 m). The grandeur of the surrounding mountains will leave you awestruck and mesmerized.

We will then descend for about an hour until we reach the Ausangatecocha lagoon, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the breathtaking scenery.

We will then walk uphill for approximately two hours until we reach the highest point of the trek, the Palomani Pass (5,200 m / 17,060 ft). After a short break to admire the magnificent views, we will walk another hour and a half to the charming community of Huchuy Phinaya (4,650 m / 15,256 ft).

We feel great respect and admiration for the inhabitants of Huchuy Phinaya, who continue to follow their ancient traditions in harmony with nature (Pachamama). Immerse yourself in their way of life and learn of their admirable connection to the Earth.

Today may be the most challenging day, but it is the one that offers a real opportunity to connect with the Andes and Mother Earth. We will ascend gently for two hours to Sorapata, where our camp will be set up and awaiting your arrival. After a delicious dinner, a peaceful night’s rest awaits.

Considerations:

Physical Level

1, Easy

We will begin another day of adventure with a delicious breakfast. We will then embark on a moderate climb of about two and a half hours to Jampa Pass.

Arriving at Jampa Pass (5,070 m / 16,634 ft), we will contemplate the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains in all their splendor. Don’t forget to have your camera ready. We will then descend for about three hours, linking with the trail of the classic route of the seven lakes, until we reach Pacchanta, where we will stop for lunch at our campsite.

Near one of the enchanting and mystical lakes (Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo or China Otorongo), we will have the option to participate in a small ceremony to express our gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and to the imposing mountains, especially the impressive Ausangate glacier that has been watching over us throughout the trip.

After lunch, we will have the rest of the afternoon to relax and rejuvenate our tired bodies in the healing hot springs. In the evening, we will indulge in another mouthwatering dinner prepared by our talented chef. You will be amazed at the delicious dishes that can be prepared in the mountains.

Considerations:

Physical Level

1, Easy

After a nutritious breakfast, we will embark on a moderate ascent of about two and a half hours to the Jampa Pass.

At the top of Jampa Pass (5,070 m), you will be amazed by the picturesque view of several snow-capped mountains, so don’t forget to have your camera handy. Then, we will descend for approximately three hours until we reach our lunch destination, our camp at Pacchanta, where we will connect with the trail of the classic seven lakes route.

Next to one of the serene and mystical lakes of the region, such as Qomercocha, Orco Otorongo or China Otorongo, we will have the opportunity to perform a small ceremony of thanksgiving to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the surrounding mountains, including the magnificent Ausangate glacier that has accompanied us throughout the trip.

After lunch, we will have the afternoon free to rejuvenate our tired bodies in medicinal hot springs and restore our spirits.

The day will culminate with another delicious dinner, which will tantalize your taste buds and satiate your hunger. You will be amazed by the delicious dishes created by our talented chef in the middle of the mountains.

Considerations:

*Departure and arrival times are approximate.*

*Campsites are subject to change according to our guide’s criteria and the group progress.*

Physical Level

1, Easy