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Machu Picchu and the Ausangate Trek
Arrives Cusco, Peru: 12th August 2012
Departs Cusco: 26th August 2012
The main event of this Peruvian adventure is the Ausangate Trek – a high altitude trek encompassing 74Km of wilderness walking, wild camping and stunning Andean scenery and all above 4000m. But to safely undertake this challenge we need first to acclimatise properly – hence this trip comes jam packed with extras – a shorter acclimatisation trek and a visit to the brilliant Incan archaeological site of Machu Picchu plus more . . .
The Ausangate trek is rich with spectacular scenery and local culture. Few others will even have heard of this trek: a circuit around the tallest mountain in the Cordillera Vilacanota of Peru and is possibly the best trek you will ever do. The local communities of the area still maintain their proud Quechuan customs combined with the colonial heritage and dress that has withstood the tests of time. Maybe best of all is the fact that this trek is so remote, you probably won’t see another tourist the entire time you’re in the mountains!
Gallery Pictures from 2011
Outline
Itinerary
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Day
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Activity
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12th August
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Arrive in Cusco and enjoy any free time to explore this historic town - once the capital city of the Incan empire. |
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13th
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Acclimatisation walk to Saqsaywaman archaeological complex which has an area of 3000 hectares and is located North of Cusco. |
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14th
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Drive to Lares and commence our acclimatisation trek. The Lares Trek is a moderate trek covering about 21 miles over the course of three days. It is excellent for acclimatisation since you will be trekking as high as 4550m and will generally be sleeping at around 3600m. This preparation will pay dividends on the main trek around Apu Ausangate the following week. |
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15th |
Trek day 2. |
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16th |
Finish the Lares Trek in Ollantaytambo – another brilliantly preserved Inca archaeological site, and also the embarkation point for the train to Aguas Callientes and Machu Picchu. |
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17th |
At 2400m above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop within the Andean mountain range, the majestic city of Machu Picchu soars above the Urabamba Valley below. The Spanish conquerors sacked and razed so much of the Incan empire that the very existence of this monument's survival is an incredible feat in its own right. But the Spanish never found it! Rediscovered in 1911 this is arguably a must see and do for any visitor to Peru. The downside is that the day will start rudely early in order to make the most of what this site has to offer. Following our visit we'll return to Cusco. |
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18th |
A day to rest and relax, and to prepare for our main trek in the bustling city of Cusco. |
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19th |
In the morning, have a lie in and complete your final preparations for the trek followed by an afternoon bus ride to Tinqui – about three hours drive. |
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21st - 24th
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On trek we will be circling Ausangate, crossing high passes, seeing glaciers, climbing up and down hills, camping by glacial lagoons and viewing some of Peru's most spectacular scenery. |
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25th
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Finish the trek walking from Pachanta to Tinqui in the morning with a bus to return us to Cusco in the afternoon. |
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26th
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Flights home from Cusco. |
Timing
This is an August expedition with a view to getting the best of the Peruvian dry weather. Visibility should be good, and the chance of rain low. However, bring waterproofs as advised in the packing list, and also lots of warm clothes for the higher altitudes - it will be cold at night.
Equipment
The kit list specifically required for this expedition will be posted to you in our client's expedition handbook. You may also view, download, and print the Kit List here. Largely speaking little is required of you - a good pair of walking boots, a pair of walking poles and a 4 season sleeping bag may be the only things you need to buy prior to departure. Let us know if you wish to borrow one of our tents – they are available free of charge.
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Level of Fitness for the Treks
Trekking at altitude and over several high passes will mean that you need to be fit to do this trip. Exercise regularly each week to develop your cardiovascular system and stamina. At weekends, go and explore some countryside, maybe take a pack and do some camping. As a rule of thumb, if you can comfortably walk 15 miles in a day then you will be fine on this trip.
Join us on a free walking weekend and have your fitness assessed for this trip.
Roughing it
All our trips involve a degree of 'roughing it'. The accommodation we use is comfortable but by no means ostentatious: it is selected not only for high standards of hygiene and comfort but also on the basis that it is a friendly and relaxing place to be.
Price (excluding flights) : UK £1480 (plus flights) - Qualify for a 5% discount (£74 off) on this trip by booking before February 2012.
Maximum
number of places on this trip
The number of places available on this trip are limited
to a maximum of twelve (12) people.
Price is inclusive as far as possible
The price includes practically everything. It will include all accommodation, park permits, guides and group porters. It will not cover your meals when not on trek, such as when you are in Cusco, nor will it cover any individual sightseeing, or free time activities. Other items not included: in-country flights, tips, travel insurance, passports, visas, inoculations, excess baggage, and items of personal nature such as drinks, souvenirs and laundry. We would recommend budgeting for another $15 US per day to cover meals not provided and snacks etc.
Price includes
- Western mountain leader
- Local mountain guide
- Fully supported trek with donkies carrying our packs, tentage and cooking utensils
- Expedition cook for the trek
- All accommodation
- All in-country transport from Cusco
- Lost luggage protection with i-Trak
Flights
For best prices we would recommend checking prices with www.travelsupermarket.com, www.britishairways.com, www.klm.com, www.iberia.com.
How about carbon offsetting your flight here? Climate Care allows you to offset your flight's emissions by funding sustainable energy projects. From £3 for return flights to Morocco to £47 for flights to NZ - this trip needn't cost the Earth. Thanks.
Travel Insurance
There are many travel insurers out there, and you are free to choose who you use for this trip – but make sure that you are covered to altitudes at 5200m. If you'd like a quick quote to give you some idea of cost try the Quote button below from Columbus Direct . . .
Once your booking is confirmed we advise that you buy your travel insurance immediately to cover you for any unforeseen emergencies that may occur before the trip commences.
Booking
When you apply for more information about this trip, we will send you
details of our booking conditions. Please also note the points below:
- This expedition is
limited to a maximum of 12 people.
- A deposit of £200 secures your place on this expedition.
 
Private bookings can be taken for this adventure holiday. Contact us with your preferred date(s) that suit you and the numbers and we'll get back to you asap with all the details.
Click
here to see Seven Good Reasons why you should book your adventure experience
with Will4Adventure.
Click here to read
A Very Peruvian Adventure – The Ausangate Trek
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