Wonderful 6 day trek around Ausangate (6384 masl) including one-day Jampa (Qampa, 5550 masl) climb organized by ☞ Nuestra Montana (recommended) was the highlight of our South Peru trip. The trek was spectacular and very well organized. We had great weather with clear skies and amazing views. Our guide Yjeguel was outstanding, food excellent. There awere very few people on the Ausangate circuit trail. The circuit hike can be done independently without a guide and support team, but it was so nice not to carry our tent and food. We were never rushed and hiked at our own pace (we opted for a private trek, mostly because of the climb). There are beautiful mountains, valleys, lakes, alpacas, tiny Andean communities, vicuñas, viscachas, Andean geese, other birds… a dream. We loved it. It is at high altitude (highest pass ~5100 masl) and requires good acclimatization. We didn’t have much  altitude-related problems. The glacier climb of Jampa  was more difficult than we imagined, it was our first climb ever with crampons, ropes, axes etc. And altitude made it more difficult. This part required specialized equipment and mountain guide  (Yjeguel ). We succeeded thanks to our excellent and supportive team. The trek ends in Pacchanta with couple of hours in relaxing hot spring pool. Last night we stayed in small hostel run by  the family of our horsemen: basic rooms plus hot shower.
Trekking and climbing was really 5 days, with return to Cusco by car on day 6. We stopped briefly at Rumiqullqa, a gate near Pikillacta, as we didn’t see it well on our earlier  trip to the South Valley. In the afternoon, we went to San Pedro Market and craft market in Cusco,  and stayed for the night in the same excellent apartment where we left all our stuff we did not need on the trail.
Ausangate circuit
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Ausangate circuit overview and profile (Google Earth)
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Trek Day 1: Tinki-Upis
Trek Day 2: Upis-Arapa pass-Puka cocha-Apacheta pass-Ausangate cocha
Trek Day 3: Ausangate cocha-Palomani pass-Savaycuchupampa
Trek Day 4: Jampa
Trek Day 5: Jampa camp 2-Pacchanta
Trek Day 6: Pacchanta-afternoon in Cusco
