Itinerary
- Day 1
Cusco to Tinqui to Upis
You'll leave Cusco early for a 3-hour drive to Tinqui village, nestled at the base of the Vilcanota mountains. Once there, you'll meet your mule crew and start trekking through grasslands toward Upis campsite. Along the way, keep an eye out for vizcachas, condors, and foxes that inhabit the area. By evening you'll have views of the Ausangate glaciers, and there's time to soak in nearby hot springs before settling in for the night.
- Start point
- Cusco, Cusco, Peru (Hotel, 05:00 - 06:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Tinqui to Upis campsite through hilly grasslands
- Soak in hot springs at Upis
Landmarks Vilcanota Mountain Range Ausangate Glaciers 
- Day 2
Upis to Jatun Pucacocha
This is a tougher day on the trail. You'll cross the Arapa pass at 4,800 m, then find Uchuy Pucacocha, which is the smaller red lake with nice waterfalls nearby. From there, you'll keep moving to Jatun Pucacocha, the bigger red lake, where you'll set up camp right along the shore for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through Arapa pass
- Visit Uchuy Pucacocha (little red lake)
- Visit Jatun Pucacocha (big red lake)
Landmarks Arapa Pass Uchuy Pucacocha Jatun Pucacocha 
- Day 3
Jatun Pucacocha to Ausangate Base Camp
Two passes are on the agenda today, and Palomani Pass at 5,200 m is the highest point of the whole trek. You'll start by crossing Apuchata pass first, then drop down to the turquoise waters of Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha for a break. After resting, the steep climb up Palomani waits for you. Once at the top, the views of snowcapped Tres Picos and Puka Punta peaks spread out below, then you'll descend to Ausangate Base Camp in the highlands.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through Apuchata pass
- Visit Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha
- Trek through Palomani Pass
Landmarks Apuchata Pass Laguna Ausangate Q'ocha Palomani Pass Tres Picos Puka Punta 
- Day 4
Ausangate Base Camp to Pachanta
Starting from Ausangate Base Camp, you'll hike to Lake Ticllacocha where vizcachas and rare vicuñas often graze in the area. Your last pass challenge comes at Q'ampa pass at 5,050 m, offering glacier views and snowy terrain all around. After descending, you'll reach Pachanta for your final camp, where hot springs are available if you want to soak your legs after the day's effort.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek to Lake Ticllacocha
- Trek through Q'ampa pass
- Soak in hot springs at Pachanta
Landmarks Lake Ticllacocha Q'ampa Pass Apu Salkantay - Day 5
Pachanta to Tinqui to Cusco
The final day is mostly downhill from Pachanta back to Tinqui village, taking 3-4 hours. You'll have lunch in Tinqui and say goodbye to the mule handlers who've supported the trek. A private vehicle then takes you back to your hotel in Cusco, where you can rest and recover from the mountain days behind you.
- End point
- Cusco, Cusco, Peru (Hotel, 20:00 - 21:00)
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Trek downhill from Pachanta to Tinqui
Optional Activities
- Extension trips to Machu Picchu available for supplementary price
