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 spotted 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 small turquoise lagoons that will make 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 up camp in an impressive valley overlooking the huge and awe-inspiring Tres Picos, Colquecruz, and Pucapunta peaks.

We leave our camp after breakfast and then start a gradual climb towards Yanaqocha, the “Black Lagoon,” named for the dark colour of its waters. In this area, we can observe volcanic soil with colours ranging from dark red to black, indicating the presence of glaciers. Afterwards, we will hike the Yanaqocha mountain pass (5050 m/15564 ft) to discover a surprisingly beautiful valley with an explosion of colourful mountains, three spectacular lagoons, and 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 our next campsite, located very close to the mountain pass of the same name, which we will challenge the next day.

After breakfast, we continue our journey with 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 Sibinacocha Lake but also, hopefully, see vicuñas. Immediately, we continue our hike for another 3 hours, crossing another mountain pass and then descending into the valley where Sibinacocha Lake originates. We will camp next to the lagoon, very close to its source, where an impressive glacier feeds the lake with turquoise waters that contrast beautifully with the lake's dark blue, pure colour. The lake boasts incredible biodiversity, so we will probably be able to spot Andean Coots, "Huallatas" (Andean Geese), and Andean Ducks from our camp.

Today, we depart early to walk along the shores of the Sibinacocha Lagoon for 3 hours, reaching the Yayamari community. The village is next to the mountain of the same name, an impressive rocky peak overlooking the entire lagoon (5500 m/18040 ft). We then continue across a pampa, where we will most probably see hundreds of llamas and alpacas, and hopefully vicuñas. We continue our trek towards the Abra Cascada at 5000 m/16400 ft, which will lead us to the lagoon of the same name. In this spot, we will set up our last camp, surrounded by impressive snow-capped peaks such as Montura and Chumpi, which are home to 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 vehicles, except for 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 group's progress. 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 well below freezing at night. You should travel well prepared for cold temperatures. Rent or bring sleeping bags for temperatures below freezing (10 degrees Celsius or lower). If required, horse riding or horse-drawn luggage transport can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.