Embark on a challenging and magical trek circumambulating the sacred mountain of Ausangate (20,650 ft.), the highest in the region of Cuzco and one of the most majestic mountains in the Peruvian Andes. Trekkers will traverse high altitude passes over 16,000 feet, view turquoise colored lakes and camp next to white capped mountains and spectacular glaciers. Along the route, trekkers will have numerous opportunities to meet Quechua people tending to their herds of llamas and alpacas and living much the same as their ancestors. Before the trek visit Machu Piccu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the ancient city of Cuzco.

DAY 01
CUZCO – SACRED VALLEY
Morning arrival in Cuzco. Representative from ARE will be at the airport to meet you. Transfer to the village of Pisaq. Located in the banks of the Vilcanota River, Pisaq is a very picturesque town. You will travel to the ruins of Pisaq. The ruins are located on the top of a mountain 2 1/2 miles away from town and are surrounded by the most impressive Inca terraces in all of Peru that are still being used for farming to this date.

After lunch you will travel to Ollantaytambo. The most fascinating aspect of this town is that visitors can very much see the way the Quechuas lived their lives during the Inca times. The walls, homes, canals and streets have survived very much intact despite the rigors of time and the Spanish conquest. To reach the fortress one must walk up some very steep steps (over 200), part of the fortified terracing used for the protection of the complex. The Spaniards lost a battle here and never conquered this area in battle. The most magnificent aspect of this ruins are the six huge stones located in the Temple of the Sun. This site was never finished. Overnight at hotel in the Sacred Valley. B,L

DAY 02
CHINCHERO – SALT MINES OF MARAS
After breakfast, we will depart from the hotel and travel through the valley of Anta before reaching Chincheros. This typical Andean village is located in one of the most spectacular high plateaus with tremendous views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range as well as the majestic Salkantay mountain (almost 20,000ft.) Later the group will travel to the village of Maras.

Near the village located in the beautiful valley of Anta surrounded by stunning scenery there is very special site called the Salinas of Maras. With its salt terraces on overhanging cliffs, this salt terraces have been worked since the Inca times and are an engineering wonder and a must for photographers. Overnight at hotel in the Sacred Valley. B,L

DAY 03
SACRED VALLEY – TINQUI
After breakfast you will depart for the village of Tinqui, the starting point for the Auzangate trek. Todays journey will take you through many small Andean villages located along the Huatanay river and later in the day the Vilcanota river. After reaching the town of Urcos you turn into a dirt road and start winding your way up the Andes. Along the way you will cross a landscape filled with farm fields, small villages inhabited by shepherds and farmers living in this rugged but beautiful environment with fabulous views of the Vilcanota mountain range looming at the distance. Later in the afternoon you will arrive in Tinqui located at the base of Auzangate peak. B,L,D

DAY 04
TINQUI – UPIS (6 km)
After an early breakfast you will start your trek by crossing the Ocongate river. Many small homes and communities are located along the wide trail. You will be crossing the puna as begin to approach the Auzangate massif. The spending views of the rolling hills and mountains will provide ample opportunities for great photos. Later in the afternoon you will arrive at the Upis campsite located near thermal springs. The enjoyment of the baths will depend on the water level. You will be spending the night at 4,400 meter above sea level. B,L,D

DAY 05
UPIS – JATUN PUCACOCHA (5 KM)
After breakfast you will have a relatively short walk day but at high altitude on a very rocky terrain. You will be ascending the Auzangate slopes towards your first pass (Arapa) at 4700 meters above sea level till you reach the camp at lake Pucacocha.

Along the way you may see llamas and alpacas being tended by local shepherds dressed in traditional clothing and on the small turquoise blue lakes you may find giant coots. The camp has dramatic views of the Western ice wall of Auzangate and from time to time you can view and hear from camp the roar caused by the large chunks of ice dislodging themselves from the ice wall as they plunge into the lake. B,L,D

DAY 06
PUCACOCHA – CHILCAFINAYA (9 km)
After breakfast you will depart from camp for what it will be the first of the two most challenging days on this journey. A relatively short uphill walk takes away from the lake till you reach the first pass. From here you descend about 400 mt only to climb back to the top of Palomani pass located at 5000 meters above sea level and the highest point of the trek. The views are spectacular from the top of Palomani and many of the most imposing peak can be seen from here-Mariposa, Acero, Jampa,Caracol.

You will start your decent toward camp. At times the trail is very steep it will take all your remaining energy to reach it. With some luck, sheppards will come and visit camp and you may be able to purchase some of their weavings. You will overnight by a creek under the shadows of mighty Auzangate. B,L,D

DAY 07
CHILCAFINAYA – JAMPA – PACHASPATA (8 km)
Today is a challenge even if you have finished with the highest pass on the journey. A gradual climb takes you through the Jampa valley with a magnificent background of imposing mountains like Colquecruz and Jampa. Heading toward the Northeast and continuing to climb you will reach Ticllacocha lagoon and then continue till you reach the Campa pass at 4500 meter above sea level. From this point you begin your long and gradual descent to the meadow of Pachaspata where you will camp. NOTE: If time allows it, camp will be made on the shores of Ninaparaycocha lagoon. B,L,D

DAY 08
PACHASPATA – PACCHANTA (5 km)
Today you have a slow descent through the valley till you reach Pacchanta. You will have all afternoon to relax and enjoy the hot springs pool at this location. Magnificent views of Auzangate right from the pool. B,L,D

DAY 09
PACCHANTA – TINKI – CUZCO
After breakfast you will complete the circuit around Auzangate by walking down to the town of Tinki where your bus will be waiting to take you back to Cuzco. Your arrival in Cuzco will be in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel in Cuzco for overnight. B,L
End of Services.

INCLUDES: All hotel and lodge accommodations based on double occupancy. All scheduled land and river transportation. All transfers. All scheduled excursions with English-speaking guide services. Meals as specified in the itinerary, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, PL=Picnic Lunch, D=Dinner.

NOT INCLUDED: International or domestic airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.