Ausangate Trek Sibinacocha 7 Days/ 6 Nights

On the second day of our adventure, we continued our hike with a slight climb up the Pacchanta Valley, where we had the chance to spot llamas and alpacas, until we reached the beautiful Qomerqocha lagoon, where we set up camp and had dinner. Our campsite is a spectacular spot with amazing views of the snow-capped mountains of Ausangate, Santa Catalina, Maria Huamantiqlla, Pucapunta, and Colquecruz. We will camp around Qomerqocha or a little further on.

After an early breakfast, we continue our hike towards the first mountain pass of our trek, the Abra de Q´ampa at 5000 m/ 16400ft, which we will reach after about 4 hours. We then descend towards the Ticllaqocha Lagoons, a beautiful group of little turquoise lagoons which will be an incredible setting for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our hike for an additional 2-3 hours until we reach Yanamayo, where we set our camp in an impressive valley overlooked by the huge and awesome Tres Picos, Colquecruz, and Pucapunta peaks.

We leave our camp after breakfast and then start a gradual climb up towards Yanaqocha, the “Black Lagoon” as it is named due to the dark colour of its waters. In this area, we can appreciate a soil of volcanic origin with colours from dark red to black, showing the previous presence of glaciers in this region. Afterwards, we will hike the Yanaqocha mountain pass (5050 m/15564 ft) to discover a surprisingly beautiful valley with an explosion of colored mountains, three spectacular lagoons, and the presence of llamas and alpacas! We cross the valley to head towards the next mountain pass (5100 m/ 16728ft) and then continue our hike for another hour to Condorpaso, our final destination for our fourth adventure day. At the same time, this will be the place for our next campsite, located very close to the mountain pass of the same name, which will be our challenge for the next day.

After breakfast, we continue our journey on a gradual climb up the valley that takes us, after approximately two hours, to the mountain pass Abra del Condor (5200 m/ 17056 ft). From the pass, the highest point of our trek, we may not only enjoy spectacular views of the Vilcanota mountain range and the Sibinacocha Lake but also hopefully see vicuñas. Immediately, we continue our hike for another 3 hours, crossing another mountain pass on the way and then descending into the valley of the Sibinacocha Lake‘s source. We will camp next to the lagoon and very close to its source, where there is an impressive glacier that nourishes the lake with its turquoise waters that contrast beautifully with the dark blue pure colour of the lake. The lake boasts incredible biodiversity, so we will probably be able to spot Andean Coots, “Huallatas” or Andean Geese, as well as Andean Ducks from our camp.

Today, we depart early to walk along the shores of the Sibinacocha Lagoon for 3 hours until we reach the Yayamari community. The village is next to the mountain of the same name, an impressive rocky peak overlooking the whole lagoon (5500 m/ 18040 ft). We then continue crossing a pampa where we will most probably see hundreds of llamas, alpacas and hopefully vicuñas. We continue our trek towards the Abra Ccascana at 5000 m/ 16400 ft, which will lead us to the lagoon of the same name. In this spot, we will set our last camp, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks such as Montura and Chumpi and inhabited by small rural communities. We may even have the chance to spot ¨Huallatas¨, Andean geese, or some flamingos.

After breakfast, we left Cascana to walk for 3.5 hours towards Phinaya. This is a small Andean community with a beautiful little church and absolutely no presence of vehicles except bikes and horses. Here, we will enjoy our lunch and then drive back to Cusco in the afternoon (approximately 6 hours).

The times cited in this itinerary are approximate -the walking time depends on the group! The guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route, and it might not exactly correspond to the one described here.

The Ausangate region is very high, and you're also close to a snow-covered massif. Temperatures are cold and can fall far below freezing on nights. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Rent or bring sleeping bags for temperatures below freezing (minus 10 degrees Celsius or more). If required, riding horses or horses to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.