The Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek is a breathtaking 6-day journey that takes adventurers through the stunning landscapes of Peru’s Cusco region. Centered around the majestic Ausangate Mountain, this trek promises an unforgettable experience, with trekkers treated to panoramic views of turquoise lakes, natural hot springs, and traditional Andean villages. Supported by horses for gear transport and expert guides, this trek offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of the Andes. From the serene Lake Sibinacocha to encounters with local wildlife, the Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek is a must-try for those seeking an adventure that combines natural beauty and cultural discovery.
Key Points
- The Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek is a 6-day, 5-night trek in Peru’s Cusco region, centered around the sacred Ausangate Mountain standing at 6,372 meters.
- The trek features stunning views of turquoise lakes, hot springs, and traditional Andean villages, with the pristine Lake Sibinacocha as a highlight.
- The trek is considered challenging, with high elevations, long hiking days, and steep ascents, making it unsuitable for those with serious medical conditions.
- The tour company provides camping equipment, sleeping bags, and horses to carry personal belongings, enhancing the overall trekking experience.
- The trek has received excellent reviews, with 100% of reviewers praising the excellent arrangements and breathtaking scenery, and 88% noting memorable experiences and quality service.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Trek Overview
- Itinerary Details
- Highlights of the Trek
- Difficulty and Accessibility
- Camping and Equipment
- Transport and Logistics
- Pricing and Inclusions
- Reviews and Feedback
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Weather Like During the Trek Season?
- Can I Bring My Own Camping Gear?
- Are There Any Cultural Activities or Interactions With Locals?
- What Is the Flexibility in the Itinerary if Needed?
- Are Tips for the Guides and Porters Expected?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Cusco
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Trek Overview
The Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek is a 6-day, 5-night trek located in the Cusco region of Peru, with the sacred Ausangate Mountain (6372 meters / 20,900 feet) as its centerpiece.
Known as the ‘Apu’ or sacred mountain to the Cusqueños, this trek offers stunning views of turquoise lakes, hot springs, and traditional Andean villages.
The highlights include the unspoiled Lake Sibinacocha. While fairly challenging, the trek is a rewarding experience for those with strong physical fitness.
It’s important to note that the trek is suspended from December to February due to weather conditions.
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Itinerary Details
On the first day, the trek begins with a pickup from Cusco and a journey to the starting point in Tinqui, situated at an elevation of 3800 meters (12,464 feet), where participants enjoy a lunch and acclimatize to the altitude.
Day two involves a hike from Pacchanta to Qomerqocha, with lunch by the turquoise lake before camping at Jampa Pampa.
On day three, the group ascends to the Yanaqocha pass at 5050 meters (15,564 feet) and camps at Condorpaso.
The fourth day reaches the highest point at 5200 meters (17,056 feet), offering stunning views of Lake Sibinacocha.
The trek then continues along the lake and over the Ccascana high pass before reaching the town of Phinaya on the final day.
Highlights of the Trek
Scenic vistas of turquoise lakes, steaming hot springs, and traditional Andean villages captivate trekkers throughout the Ausangate Sibinacocha journey.
The highlight is undoubtedly the unspoiled Lake Sibinacocha, nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Andes. Trekkers will marvel at the serene azure waters, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Along the way, they’ll encounter llamas and alpacas grazing in the lush, rolling hills.
The trek also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Cusqueños, as hikers pass through authentic villages where locals maintain centuries-old traditions.
From the sacred Ausangate Mountain to the natural wonders, this trek promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Difficulty and Accessibility
Fairly challenging conditions often confront trekkers on the Ausangate Sibinacocha route, necessitating a strong level of physical fitness.
Individuals with serious medical conditions are generally not recommended to attempt this trek due to the demanding nature of the hike and the high elevations reached.
The trek is suspended from December to February due to inclement weather, further adding to the difficulty.
The trail isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the tour is only available as a private excursion for booked groups.
Trekkers should be prepared for long hiking days, steep ascents, and altitudes exceeding 17,000 feet.
While the scenery is breathtaking, the Ausangate Sibinacocha trek is best suited for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition.
Camping and Equipment
For the Ausangate Sibinacocha trek, the tour company provides tents, with two people assigned per four-person tent.
Sleeping bags are also available for rent, allowing trekkers to be well-equipped for the journey.
Horses are utilized to carry the camping equipment and personal items of the group, relieving participants of the burden during the hike.
This ensures that trekkers can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and seeing the cultural experience without having to worry about lugging their gear.
The provided camping equipment and horse support make the trek more comfortable and manageable, allowing adventurers to fully appreciate the natural wonders and challenges of this Andean adventure.
Transport and Logistics
The tour company provides pickup from hotels in historic Cusco, transporting trekkers to the starting point of the Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek at Tinqui. From there, the journey through the Andes begins, offering participants a seamless and supported experience as they embark on this challenging but rewarding trek.
Hikers don’t have to worry about carrying their personal belongings, as horses are provided to transport equipment and supplies. The tour also includes tents and sleeping bags, ensuring a comfortable camping experience throughout the six-day journey.
With all the logistics taken care of, trekkers can focus on seeing the stunning landscapes, traditional Andean villages, and the spiritual essence of the Ausangate Mountain.
Pricing and Inclusions
The trek is priced starting from $1,519.24, with the final cost varying based on the size of the booked group.
The package includes pickup from your hotel in historic Cusco as well as all camping equipment like tents (with a capacity of 2 people per 4-person tent) and sleeping bags that are available for rent.
Horses are provided to carry the equipment and personal items, ensuring a comfortable trekking experience.
Plus, breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last night are included in the pricing.
With all these inclusions, the Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek offers excellent value for the adventurous traveler seeking an unforgettable experience in the Peruvian Andes.
Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek, awarding it a 5.0 out of 5 rating based on 8 reviews across TripAdvisor and Viator. Positive comments highlight the trek’s excellent arrangements, memorable experiences, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking scenery. Reviewers were particularly impressed by the quality of service, delicious food, and well-organized trekking logistics. The feedback paints a picture of a truly unforgettable adventure:
| Review Highlights | Percentage of Reviewers |
|---|---|
| Excellent Arrangements | 100% |
| Memorable Experiences | 88% |
| Knowledgeable Guides | 75% |
| Breathtaking Scenery | 100% |
| Quality Service & Food | 88% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Weather Like During the Trek Season?
The weather during the trek season is generally favorable, with pleasant temperatures and minimal precipitation. However, the high-altitude environment can be unpredictable, and hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, including potential snowfall, especially at the higher elevations.
Can I Bring My Own Camping Gear?
Trekkers are generally allowed to bring their own camping gear on most treks, though the tour operator may provide tents and sleeping bags. It’s best to check with the tour company beforehand to understand what gear is included or can be rented.
Are There Any Cultural Activities or Interactions With Locals?
The trek includes cultural interactions with local Andean communities. Hikers have opportunities to visit traditional villages, observe Andean weaving and textile practices, and engage with locals to learn about their customs and way of life.
What Is the Flexibility in the Itinerary if Needed?
The itinerary can be flexible to accommodate participants’ needs and physical abilities. Tour operators generally work with travelers to adjust the pace, difficulty, and activities as necessary while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Are Tips for the Guides and Porters Expected?
Tips for guides and porters are generally expected on trekking tours. It’s customary to tip them to recognize their hard work and contributions to the overall experience. The recommended amount is usually 10-15% of the total tour cost.
Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek (6 Days 5 Nights)
“Great experience. Fredy and his team made the trek memorable and went out of the way. Arrangements, camping, food and service excellent.”
Recap
The Ausangate Sibinacocha Trek is a captivating 6-day adventure through Peru’s Cusco region.
Trekker are treated to breathtaking scenery, including turquoise lakes and hot springs, while seeing the rich cultural heritage of the Andes.
Supported by horses and expert guides, this challenging trek offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the majestic Ausangate Mountain and its surrounding natural wonders.
