Ausangate and Choquekiraw

AUSANGATE LOOP 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS “ La ruta de los Apus”

Ausangate Mountain is the highest mountain in the Cordillera Vilcanota. The Cordillera Vilcanota is an impressive range of mountains which include the massive Nevado de Ausangate (6,385m) and three others tops over 6000m. It's excellent trekking circuit offering to the traveller everything you could want: spectacular mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, glaciers, herds of llamas and alpacas, picturesque villages and traditionally dressed Quechua people. This is a moderate to challenging trek, not technical with several high passes and often freezing cold nights so be prepared. This beautiful six day trek starts and finishes at the small Andean village of Tinqui and takes you around the massif of Ausangate mountain and over three high passes (two of them over 5000m). It is essential to be properly acclimatized for this hike spending at least two or three days in Cusco (or equivalent altitude) before starting.

• Distance: 74 km
• Duration: 6 Days
• When to go: Best from April to October
• Altitude : 3,800 masl to 5,165 masl
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Modality: Trekking, scenic and Cultural
• Location: Mountain range Vilcanota - Cusco
• Day Temperature: 15 ºC to 25 ºC / Night temperature : 4ºC to -10º C
• Remark : 2-3 day acclimatization required.

Day 1: CUSCO -TINQUI VILLAGE -UPIS - (Hot springs Camping)

Early transfer from your hotel in Cusco ( 06:30 am ) , 3 hours drive on a new highway to Tinqui 4,000 masl a village on the high plains “altiplano” east from Cusco where we start our trek. We follow a wide gently climb path towards the northwest face of the massive mountain of Auzangate. We pass through fields and by scattered farm houses, and later in the day we start to see llamas and alpacas. We camp at Upis 4435m where we are surrounded by snow capped mountains. 6 hours to walk in a acclimatizing hike. There are thermal springs at Upis where we can enjoy a swim at the end of the day.

Day 2: UPIS 4435 masl to JATUN PUCACOCHA

Our first pass today. We climb for 3 hours to Arapa Pass 4757masl. From the Arapa pass we first traverse across an arid hillside and then we descend, sometimes quite steeply into a valley of deep blue glacial lakes and waterfalls. We camp by the lake Laguna Jatun Pucacocha 4585m which is at the bottom of one of the Ausangate glaciers, around 6 hours to hike.

Day 3: JATUN PUCACOCHA TO HUCHUY FINAYA/PAMPACANCHA

A beautiful day. We leave camp and climb steadily to Ausangate Pass 4850 masl. We descend to a beautiful lake Ausangatecocha formed by a melting glacier. From the lake we climb again steeply on glacial moraine to the highest point on the trek Palomani Pass 5165 masl. From the pass there are extensive views of all the peaks in the Cordillera Vilcanota. We traverse and descend, a steeply dropping into the valley, then follow the valley down to camp near the remote village of Pampacancha 4500 masl. Around 6 to 7 hours to hike.

Day 4: HUCHUY FINAYA TO QOMERCOCHA/ LAGUNAS TICLLACOCHA

We follow up the Jampamayo River gorge to the small village of stone houses at Jampa 4650 masl. Towards Jampa the valley opens out more and the spectacular peak of Nevado Tres Picos, Qinsapunta “ 3 picks mountain” at 6093 masl. From Jampa we continue rising, then the trail starts to climb steeply to our highest campsite near the lakes Lagunas Ticllacocha 4800 masl. Around 6 hours to hike.

Day 5: LAGUNE QOMERCOCHA TO PACCHANTA

We circle around the lakes Ticllacocha and climb for 2 hours to the last Jampa Pass 4950 masl. which is surrounded by glaciers, huge mountains and glacial lakes. We descend down towards the village of Pacchanta 4250 masl. We camp near the village and we can enjoy the hot springs here.

Day 6: PACCHANTA TO CUSCO

An easy, 4 hour walk across open fields allows us our final close views of Auzangate, and brings us back to the village of Tinqui, where we meet our transport and return to Cusco. Returning to Cusco around 4 or 5 pm in the afternoon.

OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:

- Private 4x4 transportation to Tinqui (day 1) and return to Cusco (day 6), - Horses to carry all the camping equipment, food, fuel, - Cooking equipment and Passengers belongings ( 8 kg per person ) SAS provides a duffle bag - All 15 meals during the trip (5 lunches / 5 dinners / 5 breakfasts) - Expert bilingual guide English /Spanish. ( guides in French, German by request ) - Cook, horsemen /assistants - Camping equipment tents for 2 person and mattress are provided. - Dinning tent, - Toilet tent, - Boiled water is provided during the trek.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Sleeping Bags Down US$20 for 4 nights,
• Walking Sticks a pair $20 ,
• Snacks, dried fruits, raisins, energy cereal bars, chocolates.
• Back Pack $15
• Hot springs 5 soles
• Optional Tips for the crew..

SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:

• Change of clothes for the whole period of the trek & a daypack.
• SAS provides a duffle bag to transport your belongings ( 8 Kg each)
• - 5 C sleeping bag :
• Hiking boots, strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
• Trekking poles: Poles with metal tips are allowed on this trek.
• Warm clothes : layers for variable temperature especially at night.
• Thermals : Gloves / scarf : wool socks / woolen hat for cold nights ( - 6 -9 ºC )
• T-shirts and trekking pants that zipoff to short pants for a comfortable day walks
• Flash light or head torch and batteries.
• Camera and extra batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Sun bloc / hat to protect you from the sun, rain and cold and sunglasses
• Personal medical kit /
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
• 2 litre water bottle : disposable water bottles are not recommended
• Original passport
• Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc ( soles or dollars ) Emergency money at least 200 extra soles
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs. Optional
• Thermal Rest inflatable mattress
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruits, muesli, etc.

Social activities toward the children in our hike to Upis, Pachanta, Jatun Finaya in Ausangate .- Please feel free to bring with you some warm clothes, toys, books and school equipment not necessarily new, and generic medicines for respiratory infections, flu, influenza, bronchitis, headaches, etc. the children will appreciate enormously with their unique smiles,

[ Price Information ] [ make a reservation ] [ BOOKING FORM ]

BOOKING your AUSANGATE TREK.-

• Register each of your details: http://www.sastravelperu.com/contact/reservas.html and pay only with Visa Card on-line. OR • Sending by E-mail or Fax a BOOKING FORM with each of your details, pay with a Visa, MC, Amex credit/debit card. • Registering each of you details on-line and give us by phone your credit/debit card details. • Registering each of you details on-line and transfering your deposit by Western Union or Australian Bank account.

CHOQUEQUIRAO " The Other Machupicchu" 5 Day Trek

Choquequirao or Choquekiraw means "Cradle of Gold" in Quechua Inca´s language, although this is probably not its original name. It is another "Lost City of the Incas" rediscovered officially late in 20th century located high on a ridge spur almost 1750mts above the raging glacier-fed Apurimac River and surrounded by towering Salkantay and Humantay snow-capped peaks.

Choquequirao was build during the last days of the Inca empire in the government of the Inca Pachacutec 1490, by Tupac Inca Yapanqui, and probably after the Spanish invasion in 1532. Almost 40 years the Inca's held stand against the spanish conquerors (between 1536 - 1572). The construction of the different levels of temples, palaces, canals and aqueducts is really fantastic. "Choquequirao is the city which demonstrates the inspiring example of an elite Inca ceremonial center. A city dedicated to worship the “Pachamama” the andean mother earth “the Apus” mountain gods and divinities, the river and the elements of nature." Choquequirao finally burned down and left deserted. This happened probably after the execution of the last Inca, Tupac Amaru I in 1572. By this occasion, the plaster covering the walls, carbonized and disappeared for the most part. At the east side of the complex more then 110 terraces with houses and squares are being revealed. At the west side another 170 terraces are hidden and covered by the forest, in some of these terraces can be seen now an amazing in straight line white color llamas in symetrical order, Until now only 25% is put to overdraft and conserved. With this Choquequirao is the largest Inca-town of the continent and much larger then Macchu Pichu. For the first time in 1710 they mentioned the existence of Choquequirao. The first drawings of the structure of the ruins were made about 1836 by the Frenchmen Léonce Angrand and them by Eugine Sartigues. Only in 1986 there was made a structured plan of Roberto Samanez and Julinho Zapata for the restoration and conservation of Choquequirao. In 1993 the archeologists Percy Paz and Eulogio Auca brought Choquequirao under the Copesco Plan. Choquequirao in short time, has become a primary sightseeing in Perú.

A Machu Picchu without the crowds, without the vendors, without the long lines of buses snaking through the Peruvian countryside exists- and it’s called Choquequirao. By ETHAN TODRAS-WHITEHILL

• Distance: 62 km
• Duration: 5 Days
• When to go: Best from April to November
• Altitude : 2,200 masl to 3,100 masl
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Modality: Trekking, scenic and Cultural, Archaeological
• Location: Mountain range Vilcabamba - Cusco
• Day Temperature: 15 ºC to 25 ºC / Night temperature : 1ºC to 4ºC
• Remark : 1- 2 day acclimatization required.

Day 1: Cusco - Cachora - Coca Masana - Playa Rosalina

We leave Cusco at 6:00 am in the morning for the 4 hour drive to Cachora in our private SAS transportation . On the way we will make a stop to enjoy our breakfast admiring the wonderfull and amazing Limatambo Canyon , on right top the great Apu –Salkantay and Humantay Mountains, then we will continue to the little village of Cachora ,after meeting our expedition portarage support know as arrieros we arrange our equipment on mules / horses we will be ready to start a soft hike through this unknow mystery and very rich historically territory . It is a 3 hour hike to Capuliyoc (2915m) from where we have our first beautiful views of the Apurimac valley stretching below as well as the snow-capped peaks of Padrayoc and Wayna Cachora. We then descend toward Coca Masana (2330m) where the climate becomes noticeably warmer and the flora and fauna begin to change, essential to bring a high deet mosquito repellent . Finally we arrive at Playa Rosalina (Rosalina Beach) at 1550m beside the raging “ The Speaker God “ Apurimac River , famous for Class 5 Raftig rapids, where we will set up camp and spend the night. Your guide will introduce you in this amazing Inca land . Walking poles or wood stick are very recommended.

Day 2: Rosalina Beach - Choquequirao

This is considered the hardest of the 5 days trek, but views around this place is really fantastic which is the combination of high cloud forest and Ceja de selva region of Cusco, After an early breakfast to climb a steep trail. It is a 5 hour hike to Raqaypata beside the Chunchullumayo River where we will have a late lunch and a much deserved rest. Along we way we will observe many orchids and wild flowers as well as many birds. From Raqaypata to Choquequirao (3035m) is a 2 hour hike. We will arrive at the archaeological site in time to enjoy the sunset and maybe the opportunity to see a Condor flying nearby. Our campsite will be just outside the ruins.

Day 3: Choquequirao - Raqaypata

Today is dedicated to exploring this incredible sacred town of Choquequirao peacefull and special site , Retreat of the Novility and Priests and high class Incas taken from the Holly Cusco , to be near the nature and divinities as mountains and offer rituals . Here you will see more elaborated buildings and integrity of the inca architecture, strong platforms called as andenes , for planting or adorning with exotic plants and wild bromelias and orchids , same as a top located guard-houses to protect the area, with a surprising water-chanel acuadect system. Our guide will explain the history and importance of the site. After you will have free time to visit the many sectors of the complex and take nice post-cards pictures . Late in the afternoon we will start the return trek and camp the night at Raqaypata , with a lot of luck we can observe the really impressive Fligh of Condors around this valley.

Day 4: Raqaypata - Coca Masana

After breakfast we continue our return trek with a steep descent towards the valle visiting little villages on the way where we can interact with the very friendly locals mestizos who most dedicate their time farming and cattling cows and sheeps then we will stop in a nice mirador of Apurimac River where we will stop and have lunch. In the afternoon we will climb for approximately 4 hours to our final campsite at Coca Masana, again a lot of mosquitos in this area Walking poles or wood stick and insect repellent are very recommended.

Day 5: Coca Masana - Cachora - Cusco

After a 3 hour climb we reach Capuliyoc. From then on it is a fairly flat trail back to the village of Cachora. We will say goodbye to our friendly Arrieros and take the bus back towards Cusco. We will stop at the archaeological site at Saihuite, a chance to rest and have lunch. A further 4 hours by bus bring us back to Cusco.

OUR SERVICE INCLUDES :

• Private Transport to the trailhead Cachora and Return to Cusco
• Experienced English / Spanish speaking guide
• Cook and assistant, herders plus mules to transport the equipment and food.
• Full board meals on the trail ; 3 Meals daily , Tea time every afternoon.
• New Igloo tents ( 2 person per tent spacious and confortable )
• Dining tent , Kitchen tent
• 9 Kg = ( 19.8 pounds ) porter for each passengers belongings ( sleeping bag, mattress and clothes )
• Entrance fees to the archaeological Park of Choquequiraw.

NOT INCLUDED :

• Sleeping Bags Down US$20 for 4 nights,
• Walking Sticks a pair $20 ,
• Snacks, dried fruits, raisins, energy cereal bars, chocolates.
• Back Pack $15
• Optional Tips for the crew.

SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:

• Change of clothes for the whole period of the trek & a daypack.
• SAS provides a duffle bag to transport your belongings ( 6 Kg each)
• - 5 C sleeping bag :
• Hiking boots, strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
• Trekking poles: Poles with metal tips are allowed on this trek.
• Warm clothes : layers for variable temperature especially at night.
• Thermals : Gloves / scarf : wool socks / woolen hat for cold nights
• T-shirts and trekking pants that zipoff to short pants for a comfortable day walks
• Flash light or head torch and batteries.
• Camera and extra batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Sun bloc / hat to protect you from the sun, rain and cold and sunglasses
• Personal medical kit /
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
• 2 litre water bottle : disposable water bottles are not recommended.
• Original passport
• Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc ( soles or dollars ) Emergency money at least 200 extra soles
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs. Optional
• Thermal Rest inflatable mattress
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruits, muesli, etc.

[ Price Information ] [ make a reservation ] [ BOOKING FORM ]

BOOKING your CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK.-

Register each of your details: http://www.sastravelperu.com/contact/reservas.html and pay only with Visa Card on-line. OR • Sending by E-mail or Fax a BOOKING FORM with each of your details, pay with a Visa, MC, Amex credit/debit card. • Registering each of you details on-line and give us by phone your credit/debit card details. • Registering each of you details on-line and transfering your deposit by Western Union or Australian Bank account.

CHOQUEQUIRAW 8 Day Trek “ Condors and Llamas ” Choquequiraw & Machupicchu Trek 8 Days/7 Nights

If you have hiked already the famous Inca Trail trek, Lares trek or are you looking for something even more special than the classic Inca Trail , exploring for very remote areas a new 'off the beaten track' trek. It’s a mix of two amazing treks, Choquequiraw and the best section of Salkantay mountain trek, we will pass from the Inca City of Chokequirao to the magic and mysterious Machupicchu, we need good trekking conditions and some previous experience, we also will see the difference between the Apurimac Valley (Chokequiraw), and the Urubamba Valley (Machupicchu), high altitudes snow capped mountains, spectacular landscapes and the variety of plants and animals. Distance: 110 Km Duration: 8 days When to go: Best from April to October Altitude: 2,700 masl to 4,600 masl Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging. Remark : 1- 2 day acclimatization required Daily Departures in private service.

Day 1: CUSCO - CACHORA - PLAYA ROSALINA

At 5:00 am. We will pick up our customers from their hotels, then we will travel to Cachora (4 hours aprox., by our private van), once there(in Cachora), we will meet our muleteer and horses, there we will pack all our equipment in the horses, then we will begin to walk, the trail is flat until Chiquisca and then we will go uphill, passing through the high pass of Capuliyoc, from there, we will have a great view of the Apurimac Canyon. Then we will descend to playa Rosalina on the banks of the Apurimac River, Campsite at 1,550 masl. Or 5,115 Ft.

Day 2: PLAYA ROSALINA - CHOQUEQUIRAO

Early in the morning, after breakfast we will start to climb uphill through a long and narrow trail, arriving Chokequiraw around 4pm,approximatelly then, We will visit the Archaeological site with our guide. The view of the canyon is spectacular, it is also possible to see Andean Condors soaring in the mountains. Campsite(3050 masl. 11,055 ft.)

Day 3: CHOQUEQUIRAO - MAIZAL

Gentle climbing for 3 hours until be at 3,300 masl. Or 10,890 Ft, then we will descend until White River(1900 masl. Or 6,270 Ft.) On the way we will pass by Pinchiunuyoj Ruins . There, we will observe different species of birds, different varieties of orquids, and local coca plantations (2,750 masl. Or 9075 Ft.), >From Rio Blanco (White river), we will climb up to Maizal (3,000 masl. Or 9,900 Ft.) for about 3 hrs. Campsite.

Day 4: MAIZAL - YANAMA

Again another gentle climbing to start our day ,after 4 hours we will reach Minas Victoria an old Mining center . Almost on the top, we can appreciate original paved Inca trails with stone steps in the middle of the valley . We will pass over (4,150 masl. Or 13,695 Ft.) and finally descend to our campsite(3,800 masl. Or 12,540 Ft.).

Day 5: YANAMA - TOTORA

After an early breakfast, we will start climbing slowly to our higher pass in all the trail (4,670 masl. Or 15,410 Ft.), again the view will be amazing from here, we will be surrounded by snowcapped mountains: The Sacsarayoj mountain and the Padreyoj mountain. Campsite at 3,630 masl. Or 11,979 Ft

Day 6: TOTORA - PLAYA

On this day we will descend to the Totora river. As we go down the natural life will be more interesting, with lots of hummingbirds, woodpeckers and many species of orchids and begonias. Campsite at 2,125 masl. Or 7,012 Ft.

Day 7: PLAYA - AGUAS CALIENTES

This day, we will walk to our last uphill, until 2,810 masl. Or 9,273 Ft., to arrive there, we will take around 3 hours; from here we will have an excellent view of the lost Inca’s city of Machu Picchu. After a good rest, we will go down to the Hydroelectric plant on the Urubamba River, from here, depending on the time, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes, Night in a Hostel ( Private room for 2 person with hot showers).

Day 8: MACHU PICCHU FULL DAY – CUSCO

After breakfast we will take the bus to Machu picchu, there we will have a guided tour then we will have free time to be by our own at Machupicchu, maybe to climb the Wayna picchu. Sungate Intipunku. , Inca bridge or Temple of the moon in the afternoon(at 4:00 pm.), bus down to Aguas Calientes village and at 16:20 we will board a train to Cusco ( OR train to Ollanta and private bus to Cusco arriving at 9 pm. aprox.

OUR SERVICE INCLUDES :

• Private Transport to the trailhead Cachora and Return to Cusco
• Experienced English / Spanish speaking guide
• Cook and assistant, herders plus mules to transport the equipment and food.
• Full board meals on the trail ; 3 Meals daily , Tea time every afternoon.
• New Igloo tents ( 2 person per tent spacious and comfortable )
• Dining tent , Kitchen tent
• 9 Kg = ( 19.8 pounds ) porter for each passengers belongings ( sleeping bag, mattress and clothes )
• Entrance fees to the archaeological Park of Choquequiraw and Machupicchu
• Guided tours in each of the sites as is described in the itinerary.

NOT INCLUDED :

• Sleeping Bags Down US$40 for 4 nights,
• Walking Sticks a pair $35 ,
• Back Pack $30
• Hot springs 15 soles
• Optional Tips for the crew.

SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:

• Change of clothes for the whole period of the trek & a daypack.
• SAS provides a duffle bag to transport your belongings ( 9 Kg each)
• - 5 C sleeping bag :
• Hiking boots, strong footwear, ideally trekking or sport shoes
• Trekking poles: Poles with metal tips are allowed on this trek.
• Warm clothes : layers for variable temperature especially at night.
• Thermals : Gloves / scarf : wool socks / woolen hat for cold nights
• T-shirts and trekking pants that zipoff to short pants for a comfortable day walks
• Flash light or head torch and batteries.
• Camera and extra batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Sun bloc / hat to protect you from the sun, rain and cold and sunglasses
• Personal medical kit /
• Rain jacket or poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
• Toiletries / toilet paper / small towel
• 2 litre water bottle : disposable water bottles are not permited in Machu Picchu
• Original passport
• Extra money for drinks & tips, souvenirs etc ( soles or dollars ) Emergency money at least 200 extra soles
• Bathing clothes for the hot springs. Optional
• Thermal Rest inflatable mattress
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, fruits, muesli, etc.

CHOQUEQUIRAW TREK + MACHUPICCHU 8 DAY - Availability : Daily departures for our private service: Group service : US$ 960 ( 5-6 passengers ) Private Service: 2-3 person US$ 1,170 4-5 person 980

[ Price Information ] [ make a reservation ] [ BOOKING FORM ]

BOOKING your CHOQUEQUIRAO 8 Day TREK.-

• Register each of your details: http://www.sastravelperu.com/contact/reservas.html and pay only with Visa Card on-line. OR • Sending by E-mail or Fax a BOOKING FORM with each of your details, pay with a Visa, MC, Amex credit/debit card. • Registering each of you details on-line and give us by phone your credit/debit card details. • Registering each of you details on-line and transfering your deposit by Western Union or Australian Bank account.