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CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERU
The untamed beauty and infinite vastness of Ausangate Trek to Sibinacocha Lake 6 days, go unmatched by almost any other place on earth. Massive glaciers, epic treks, breathtaking natural vistas and unique wildlife make this region a must-experience destination for an adventurous traveler.
Spanning Andean mountains, it would be a challenging feat to see everything Ausangate (6.372m/20900ft) has to offer in one go. You have to make the journey to Patagonia at least once in your lifetime. Perhaps it is the mystique and adventure of a wild and unpredictable place. Ausangate’s undeniable beauty and allure lie in a landscape delivered on a large scale. Barren yet beautiful, environmentally delicate but unforgiving.
This amazing Ausangate Sibinacocha trek takes you over mountain passes, awesome mountain scenery, remote Andean villages, hot springs, and turquoise lakes. Besides, the Ausangate to Laguna Sibinacocha Hike is an off-beaten route and a perfect trek for those who prefer going off the beaten path.
Breathtaking Scenery
Surround Yourself with Nature
Disconnect in a Remote Outdoor Paradise
Spot Unique Wildlife
Sleep Underneath the Stars
This 6 days Ausangate Trek to Sibinacocha lake is at the beginning of the Vilcanota mountain range and traverses past the highest peak (Ausangate 6,385 m/20,948 ft) in the Cusco region. This adventurous trek is approximately 75 km/46 mi and goes up to 5,400 m/17,716 ft. It is moderate to challenging, not technical, with several high passes and often freezing cold nights. This beautiful six-day trek starts at the small Andean village of Pacchanta and takes you around Ausangate mountain and over three high passes (two of them over 5,000 m/16,404 ft).
It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this hike, spending at least two or three days in Cusco (or equivalent altitude) before starting. The campsites are at high elevations and therefore will be quite cold in the evenings. Minimum passengers necessary for trek departure: 2 people (1 person or private/custom treks possible with extra fee).
High Mountain Camping Tents: 05 nights
On our Ausangate trekking adventures, we use the best outdoor trekking gear. Our camping tents have the best technology to withstand the harshest climates in the Andes. They are Tents that have a capacity for three people, but are only used by 2 people. For your comfort, an inflatable mattress and additional blankets are provided to insulate you from the cold. Because it is always different to experience the true spirit of Trekking, our company maintains that idea of not using Lodges or huts as other companies do.
This epic 6-day Ausangate trek and Lake Sibinacocha hike begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 5 in the morning. On the way we pass through Urcos, where we may spot a beautiful lagoon with the same name, continue on to Cattca, an agricultural and cattle raising community where we can appreciate the region’s spectacular views, Ocongate, enjoying impressive views of Mount Ausangate, after 3 hours you will arrive to the Community of Yanacancha, where our expert cook will prepare a delicious Andean breakfast.
Once our energies are recharged with a good breakfast, we begin the walk to the first attraction of this beautiful route, we will descend to the Singrenacocha lagoon, which is one of the most beautiful turquoise lagoons in Peru, you will be able to visit the most beautiful spaces of the Ausangate mountain range, and take the most memorable photos. At noon we are back to the starting point where we have lunch.
Then we go in our transport to the community of Pacchanta where we meet our muleteers, who will accompany us on this epic expedition to the Ausangate Trek.
Today we will make a short 1-hour walk to the site of our overnight next to the thermal baths of the Pacchanta community. Our campsite will be set in a spectacular spot with amazing views of Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Maria Huamantiqlla, Pucapunta and Colquecruz snow-capped mountains.
Meals included:
After a good night’s rest, we begin the day with a slight climb up the Pacchanta valley in the company of llamas and alpacas that casually graze on the slopes around us, until we reach the Ninaparayoc lagoon where we will stop for lunch. This is a spectacular place with incredible views of the main snowy peaks that surround us: Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Maria Huamantiqlla, Pucapunta and Colquecruz. See if you can name them all!
After lunch, we will hike for about 3 hours to the first mountain pass of our trek, the Abra de Q’ampa (also called Jampa), at an impressive (literally!) 5060m/16,601ft. With our batteries charged and spirits replenished, All the way up you will have a breathtaking view of the Qomercocha and Alcacocha lakes, one is emerald color while the other one is bluish. Before reaching the campsite you will arrive to an overlook from where you will see all mountains and the 2 before mentioned lakes in all their splendor.
Today, our trip in the Ausangate trek region will be tiring but enchanting at the same time, before having a good time sharing stories with your guide, while you taste hot chocolate, teas, cookies, popcorn and a delicious Andean buffet dinner.
Meals included:
Minimum temperature: -5 C°
After a nutritious breakfast in the domains of the Ausangate trek, you will get ready for another day full of mountainous and geological landscapes straight out of a fairy tale. Our morning begins with a gradual climb up Yanaqocha (“black lake” in Quechua), whose dark color gives it its name. Dark red and black volcanic soils color our journey, while moraines reveal the geological history of this region: glaciers once covered these slopes! We enter a beautiful valley that boasts an explosion of colorful mountains, three beautiful lagoons, and a handful of fuzzy llamas and alpacas. After taking unforgettable photos of you and your loved ones, you will descend for 2 hours and 30 minutes to the Ausangate Valley, where our expert cook will be waiting for you with a delicious buffet lunch.
After the lunch, you will ascend for 2 hours the next mountain pass (5100m / 16,732ft) and then continue to Quillita, from where you can see the Huayna Ausangate, the Ausangate and 2 other snowy peaks like 4 sentinels; You can also see the Condor pass and the reddish mountain of Chilca. Then you will hike 1 hour and 30 minutes on a relatively flat surface to the third Ausangate base camp.
Meals included:
Minimum temperature: -5 C°
Today will be one of our hardest days, but also one of the most beautiful. After having your gratifying breakfast, you will hike uphill for three hours, to the Condor mountain pass (5221 m / 17,129 ft), which is the highest point of the Ausangate hike. As we reach our first milestone of the day, we are rewarded with spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and maybe even some wild vicuñas Upon arrival at the mountain pass, we will provide you with hot coca tea or coffee and a sandwich to recharge your batteries and thus better enjoy the fantastic ring of snow-capped peaks in the Ausangate region.
Glacier-fed Lake Sibinacocha, our next destination, looms in the distance. It’s three hours from here to Sibinacocha, and we’ll cross another mountain pass and a valley before we get there. We will camp next to the dark blue waters of the lagoon, not far from its glacial source. This is an area rich in biodiversity and with luck we will see many huallatas or Andean geese, coots and ducks as they visit the waters near our camp.
Then, you will hike for three hours to the Mormorani hamlet, where we will spend the night.
Meals included:
Minimum temperature: -5 C°
You leave behind the Ausangate trek and get in the domains of the Sibinacocha lake hike. After breakfast you will hike parallel to the lake Sibinacocha for about 4 hours. Within this section you will observe countless Andean birds such as: The Andean ibis, the Andean goose, seagulls, Andean flamingos and wild ducks to mention a few of them.
The Sibinacocha lagoon is an impressive blue-green lake, considered a tropical paradise due to its spectacular landscape, since it is surrounded by immense mountains and snow-capped peaks such as (snowy Janapapunta, snow-capped mountain Apucuchu, Misti Chumpe and Q’elca). This lagoon of glacial origin has a very large extension, covering an area of 25 kilometers and a height of 150 meters at its deepest point.
Today’s buffet lunch will be in the open air while you enjoy the amazing views of the Vilcanota snowy peaks. From our lakeside camp, we start hiking along the shores of Lake Sibinacocha until we reach Yayamari, located below the rocky mountain of the same name.
From here we cross the pampas where we are likely to see hundreds of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas (if we are lucky!) until we reach the Abra Ccascana (5040m/16,535ft). Surrounded by snow-capped peaks such as Montura and Chumpi, we arrive at the Ccascana lagoon, where we will camp for the night.
Meals included:
Minimum temperature: -5 C°
Today we say goodbye to this great adventure through the mountains of Peru, after having experienced one of the toughest treks in the world, we get ready to leave the high mountains, we will make a short walk to the town of Phinaya, where we say goodbye to our muleteers, with whom you shared pleasant moments, if you are condescending with their work they have done for you, you can give them some tips.
Our transport will pick us up at 10:00 am, then we will leave in the direction of the city of Cusco, the approximate driving time by car is approximately 6 hours. We will have lunch in the middle of the route, in the town of Cusipata. Finally, you will arrive at your hotel in Cusco at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Meals included:
warm jackets
Hydration bladder
wool socks
camera
scarf
first aid kit
hiking shoes
Dry bags
Trekking Poles
sun cream
Snack
sun hat
bathing suite
rain coat
Sandals
insect repellent
Passport
Down Jackets
toilet paper
daypack
Wool cap
head lamp
gloves
sun glasses
cap
extra cash
Trekking pants
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip InformationThe best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.
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To book this tour, a minimum of $ 200 USD per person is required, the remaining balance will be paid upon arrival in Peru, at the Cusco office.
Any other additional information, please coordinate with your travel agent.
Nothing gets you closer to a country than walking through it, and we’ve got trips to suit walkers of all levels and interests.
All our Walking trips are graded from ‘Easy’ through to ‘Challenging to Tough’. On our online trip itineraries you’ll find a chart showing the daily walk distances, timings and information on the route including the terrain, altitude. Generally, no specific training is needed but you might feel more comfortable if you’ve got out walking a few times in the lead-up to your trip.
As with all our trips, every group is different but the ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers – all sharing a passion for exploring the world on foot. You’ll always have someone to keep you company along the route, but you don’t always have to walk together. Wherever possible your Andean Great Treks leader will allow everyone to walk at their own pace, regrouping regularly along the route.
Mostly of our hikes in the mountains in Peru and Cusco like the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Ausangate Trek, Lares Trek, Ancascocha Trek, Salkantay Trek , involves an average of walking hours of 7-8 hours per day, this timing includes stops for taking photos, lunch, breaks for recovery the energy, and the most important we adapt to your walking pace. This relaxed style of trip involves to know all the attractions in greater depth.
On nearly all our Walking trips, porters or mules will carry all the camping equimpent, so your main luggage will be transported for you. We recommend walk with a light rucksack, you will carry water, snacks, a camera, a small first aid kit and any extra clothing or sun protection. On more remote or challenging treks, additional guides are there to assist the leader tour guide and provide support to the group.
The acclimatization period is very important for our travelers to enjoy the experience. We suggest a minimum of 3 or 4 days of the previous stay in Cusco city, the Sacred Valley of the Incas or Machu Picchu. We recommend you check the acclimation programs we have prepared for you on our website.
The average height of our camps in the trekking circuits is 3,500 masl. In fact, one of the circuits where you sleep at the highest altitude is the Ausangate Trek, where you will have days to set up the tents at a height of 4,300 meters. Remember that Peru has snowy peaks that reach up to 6,700 masl.
From 3,000 meters above sea level, the symptoms of “altitude sickness” vary according to each person, and may even not occur. However, among the most common are a headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia. Therefore, upon arriving in the city of Cusco, located at 3,400 meters above sea level, we recommend our travelers to take a good rest, drink plenty of water, eat light meals and take slower walking. Also, it is necessary to avoid alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. The symptoms can be alleviated with high mountain medicines such as DIAMOX or similar products, but we suggest you consult with your doctor before the trip.
While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a daypack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail.) Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag to the next camping site.
The company makes the greatest efforts to provide a safe and unforgettable experience, for this reason, the trekking guides are constantly communicated with the central office through satellite phones, ensuring the welfare of each passenger. Our guides are trained in rescue techniques and first aid in emergency outdoor, these courses are developed annually and have the standards of the wilderness first respond. At all times we have oxygen and first aid equipment. In case of any eventuality a medical director will answer our questions 24 hours a day. In addition to the animals who carry the luggage we have horses to help walkers tired or eager to ride. We recommend getting a travel insurance.
Every Andean Great Treks holiday has been thoughtfully planned and crafted by our specialists. They draw on their own extensive travel experience and the guidance and expertise of our local partners to create superb holidays. Our specialists are committed to making every aspect smooth and enjoyable; they genuinely want to ensure that the holidays they create leave you with wonderful lasting memories.
Every Andean Great Treks traveller is accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you will be immersed in Historic cities, ancient ruins and unfamiliar landscapes are all brought to life by our carefully selected local guides. They want to share their expertise and help you make your own discoveries too; their sole mission is to ensure you enjoy every moment.
Giving you the freedom to make your holiday even more memorable. We know how much our customers look forward to their holiday and we pride ourselves on the choice and flexibility that we offer to enhance every aspect of your experience. Whether it’s getting to the airport, upgrading your room or booking an additional excursion, we can help.
Our guides are the stars of the show; it is their unrivalled knowledge, passion and expertise that will transform your tour experience from good to truly extraordinary!
Because the have grown up in the area and know it like the back of their hand, so they can help you experience whichever aspects most interest you. They’re passionate about sharing their corner of the world with you, and as you explore together, they’ll open your eyes to the intricate details, provide background to enhance your understanding of what you’re seeing, and share stories that will bring everything to life.
“Your inspiration for a trip can be a single word or a highly evolved outline, but it’s the conversations we have that help us understand the experience you’re looking for. Meanwhile, I’m looking back on the time I spent at the destination.
‘The great thing about working with a specialist at Andean Great Treks is how they take your complete jumble of ideas and turn them into something absolutely spectacular.’
As you begin to share your ideas with your specialist, it will connect them immediately back to a time in their own travels. Conjuring a picture of the rest time they made that same discovery, reminding them how it felt.
Your specialist understands that, when the journey is right, it has the power to excite your emotions in the most profound ways after all, that was the effect on them.
They carry a treasure box of moments, captured over many journeys, into every suggestion they’ll share with you, as they ask you how you want to feel on your trip.
EXPERIENCES THAT CALL TO YOU
It’s what you do in a destination that helps bring it to life. It’s why we strive to choose experiences that help you connect to a place, absorbing a little of its complex character. Wherever your passions lie, we’ll recommend experiences that speak to you, and we’ll recommend the guide or local expert who’s most qualified to help you explore. Packing your holiday full of special experiences means some early starts and long days, but you can be sure that you’ll return home with many incredible memories! Read our Tours and check the Physical Ratings to see if the pace and activity levels are right for you.
STAYS WITH DIFFERENCE
We know that where you stay is a cherished part of your travels. So, we go to great lengths to find places to stay that exceed expectations, or go above and beyond the ordinary, whether in their character, hospitality, or location. Over the years, we’ve discovered the very best properties, trying and testing them, so we can choose the right one for you. We’ve nourished long-standing relationships with these establishments and the people who founded them, and we’ve stayed there many times often, we’ll even know which rooms have the best views (and reserve them for you).
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
The walk from Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu, is one of the shortest in Cusco, but full of unique landscapes, and towns with ancient traditions. This circuit is recommended for tourists who want to know little-visited places, with a camp from where you can see a unique sunrise of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
This trek will take you through remote villages, intact Inca ruins, while offering fantastic views of the Sacred Valley and the snowy mountains of Peru, and a less traveled route. You will explore a true Incas Sun Gate and the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Trek is the second best hiking option to Machu Picchu, offering a totally full of natural scenes , passing the majestic Salkantay snow mountain.
