Ausangate is the representative mountain of the Andes of Cusco and Peru. It is located in the Vilcanota mountain range and is one of the most difficult areas to enter and that is very rare in Peru. Its main climate is 6,372 meters above sea level with large lagoons with a bright green / blue color. In addition there are rocks that make the area like a paradise and very modern. The Trek Ausangate is an indescribable adventure, and it is impossible not to be impressed by the enormous beauty of eternal snow. Often you will find stones at a height of more than 5000 meters and also rocks covered with ice tongues that when thawing, extending in magnificent ways forming ice lagoons. The Ausangate trek is one of the tourist destinations in Cusco. AUSANGATE TREK INFORMATION
In the Inca mythology of this mountain and the nearby lakes – among which Sibinacocha stands out – the male energy is born that fertilizes the mother earth Pachamama, after a long flow, the waters are lost in the unknown lands of the Amazon to return, to fill the lakes and glaciers every night turned into the river of stars or Willkamayu known in the west as the Milky Way The Community of Chillca made up of shepherds of llamas and alpacas is known as the guardian of these pristine places, from where it can be done mountain walks spending the night in comfortable hostels or tambos, among which Machuracay Tambo stand out, in a trek called “Camino del Apu Ausangate”.
Every year on the north side of Ausangate the feast of Quyllur Rit’i (Quechua: “star snow”) is celebrated before the feast of Corpus Christi, during which thousands of Quechua pilgrims to the Lord of Quyllur Rit’i in the church from Sinakara. Snowy Ausangate normally takes a 7-day tour, it is an adventure that no one should miss.
The Nevado Ausangate is a natural attraction that is located in the Ocongate district, within the Quispicanchi province, in the department of Cusco. That snow-capped mountain is part of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and, according to an ancient legend, was the brother of the snow-capped mountain of Salkantay.
Nevado Ausangate, has a height of 6,384 meters above sea level; and it is considered an apu, or protective deity of the towns that surround it; as well as the most representative mountain in the region. Its size is such that it can be appreciated even if one is in the Sacsayhuamán Fortress, not in vain is it considered the fifth highest mountain found in Peru.
This beautiful snowy Cusco, impresses the eye, for its incredible natural formations; in that one not only are beautiful mirrors of water like the Sivinicocha, of turquoise waters, but also forests of stones, glaciers and high plains that seem to make this natural attraction a paradise on earth, especially for those tourists who are interested for adventure sports since the geographical features of Ausangate make it ideal for practicing sports such as rock climbing, ice climbing, trekking, among other activities.
The Nevado Ausangate is presented before our eyes as a mountain challenge; It is known that the first attempts to ascend it took place at the beginning of the fifties of the last century, there were two the first unsuccessful attempts to conquer the top of the powerful Apu, it was not until 1953, when a German expedition achieved the goal, Climbing the mountain on its southern slope, in posterity, new routes were opened for the conquest of the Apu, however, only in 1983, thirty years after the first ascent, Peruvian feet crowned the top of the majestic snow-capped mountain. AUSANGATE TREK ROUTES CUSCO – PERU
Huchuy Qosqo is located in the peasant community of the same name, just under 5 km from the city of Calca in the department of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas; exactly at a summit at 570 m. over the Urubamba river basin (Vilcanota). The Huchuy Qosqo route is very beautiful; walking its trails will allow you to visit some Andean communities, archaeological centers and enjoy beautiful landscapes. Many people take advantage of visiting Huchuy Qosqo on their trip to Machu Picchu. HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU
What does Huchuy Qosqo mean?
Huchuy Qosqo means “Little Cusco”, but it also has other names; one would be Qaqyaxaqixawana and the other Qaqyaqhawana, this means “from where the rays are observed”; and without a doubt it is a good name since being 800 meters above the Sacred Valley of the Incas, gives you the opportunity to see the dramatic light and sound show, at the moment when lightning and thunder descend from the sky to crash into the ground. Others say that the site was probably known in Inca times as “Caquia Jaquijahuana”.
Huchuy Qosqo Archaeological Complex (Qaqyaqawana)
The compound located in Huchuy Qosqo, is called Qaqyaqawana; Quechua name that refers to the place where the lightning is seen. This archaeological site is located in the upper third of the mountain called Qaqya (thunder), and exhibits one of the most impressive topographical modification works through the use of andenería, modulating the edges of precipices and vertical ravines over the Vilcanota Valley, culminating on platforms that were used as ceremonial esplanades, around which several architectural structures made of stone and adobe can still be found standing. Materials used and worked with great judgment, achieving a fine finish.
In addition, the structures of the enclosure are distributed in such a way that they architecturally resemble the city of Cusco; it is for this reason that at the beginning of the 20th century it receives the name of Huchuy Qosqo (small Cusco). One of the most outstanding characteristics of this archaeological site is the use of lithic material combined with adobe and clay. This shows the knowledge and mastery of the different construction materials, used with high technology, especially adobe; The centuries-old walls built of this material still defy the strong inclement weather of the area, seismic movements and of course the passage of time.
This complex is the most important archaeological center in the Urubamba valley, after Ollantaytambo and Pisac. The ruins are impressive, although the conservation of the site is inferior to that of Ollantaytambo or Pisac, because they are older.
But unlike the aforementioned places, Huchuy Qosqo has a peculiar architecture: the buildings have been built on polished stone bases with a fine finish, with clay plaster (they are the best preserved parts) and the highest floors are made of adobe. INFORMATION OF HUCHUY QOSQO TREK
A kallanka (rectangular enclosure that could measure up to 70 meters long and that were important state centers where Inca officials stayed) is observed, at least 40 to 50 meters long. Also a remarkable building with two stone floors and an upper one of adobe. There are also large terraces, a very large plaza and a large Inca gate through which a well-preserved path leads from Tambomachay.
The Hispanic chronicles refer that Huchuy Qosqo (probably a site known in Inca times as Caquia Jaquijahuana) was the work and preferred place of the Inca Wiracocha. To this, Maria Rostworoski adds, in her work “History of the Tahuantinsuyo”, that this sovereign established the conquest over the towns of the Urubamba valley and that he chose as his successor his Inca son Urco who, dizzy with power and vices, proved to be totally incapable of ruling. Inca royalty was very confused by this choice and they tried to conspire to impose on another Wiracocha son, Prince Cusi Yupanqui. Social unrest and tension increased every day and to make matters worse, the darkest night fell on Cuzco: the Chancas reached the gates of the capital and were ready to destroy it. It is the year of 1438. Wiracocha abandons the city to his fate and, accompanied by his son Inca Urco, takes refuge in his palaces in the Urubamba Valley, among which was Huchuy Qosqo.
After the Spanish conquest, Gonzalo Pizarro found the mummy that supposedly belonged to the Inca Wiracocha here and ordered to burn it. The descendants of the Inca kept the ashes in a jar that many years later the chronicler Polo de Ondegardo would discover.
Characteristics of the visit
It is possible to visit Huchuy Qosqo in two ways, the first walking from Cusco and Tambomachay along the Inca trail. The other way is going up from the Sacred Valley after crossing the Wilcamayo river (today Vilcanota).
When one goes to the Lares Valley, one is impressed since this trip is very beautiful for the eyes, due to its mountains, its landscape, its gorges, its spectacular sky, the people and its clothing, particularly one is amazed.
The Lares valley is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on the way to Machu Picchu, making a detour in the town of Calca to start the trip to the Lares valley, in Calca one can stop to buy provisions, with water , cookies and fruit, you can also enjoy a delicious breakfast in the main market of the town of Calca, it is recommended to leave early
Lares has allowed to maintain the nuance of its Andean people even though it is located at a distance not too far from the Sacred Valley, this valley is very pleasant for walks, experiential tourism, and a dip in its hot springs as well as the baths Machu Picchu hot springs, if you do the Lares trek it is normally 4 days, including Machupicchu this is the most common thing that travelers do.
The thermal baths in the Lares valley, said baths have a separate mention since the one who goes to Lares goes to the thermal baths, I am baths are medicinal and relaxing and are characterized by their color and smell, the yellowish color and a sulfur smell since these waters probably come from a volcano, particularly it is not known exactly where they come from, the thermal baths of Lares are very hygienic and are contained in pools made of very well treated stones, these pools are cleaned daily and They maintain a cleanliness at the height of the visitor.
This route offers a unique experience, an tourism route that gives us an unforgettable experience in the heights of the Sacred Valley. In the Lares Valley besides enjoying beautiful scenery you can enjoy a beautiful experience living with the local people, who will receive us with open arms showing the most beautiful thing about this place … its “simplicity”. On this route you can also enjoy the medicinal thermal baths, appreciate andean lagoons, snow-covered mountain passes and finally visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Useful Information
– Starting Altitude – 2900m / 11151ft. – Highest Altitude – 4780m / 15,682 ft – Walking Distance – 34 km / 21 miles – Longest Day – Day 1, approximately 14km / 8.7 miles – Overall Difficulty – Moderate – Difficult
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
In the thermal baths of Lares there are 6 large swimming pools at different temperatures between 36 and 44 °C, you can choose to relax quietly, they are ideal for treating bone and gastrointestinal diseases.
Lares is surrounded by a mountain range that includes the Nevado Veronica (5900m high), the Sawasiray (5700m high), the Pitusiray and Chicon (5500m high). Small communities of Quechua-speaking farmers inhabit this recently-explored territory, who preserve their customs of herding llamas and alpacas, potato cultivation and textile production.
The recommended dates for traveling are the months from April to November with no rain in these months the climate is sunny, with a blue sky all day.
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.
Brief Itinerary
– Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huaran – Cancha Cancha – Acopata – Day 2: Acopata – Pachacutec Pass – Quishuarani – Day 3: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares Hot spring – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
Day 1: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Huaran – Cancha Cancha – Acopata
We will pick you up early from your hotel to take you to the beginning of the hike at Huaran (3,000 m/9,840 ft). The trail climbs gently following the Cancha Cancha river towards the community of the same name. On this walk along the river we will see cultivated fields and pass through old qiwiña (Polylepis) forests. This type of vegetation is very interesting and the valley itself is very impressive. We will have lunch half way through the hike. We will pass by the village of Cancha Cancha (3,956 m/12,976 ft). on the way to our camp. this day we will walk 6 hours to our camp in Acopata.
Day 2: Acopata – Pachacutec Pass – Quishuarani
After our breakfast we will continue with our hike up hill, for 3 hours, then we will reach the highest point of the trek, Pachacutec Pass (4,780 m/15,678 ft.). The landscape from here is wonderful. The Pitusiray and Sahuasiray snowcapped mountains will be right in front of us.
After we will hike downhill for 2 hours until we reach our lunch spot, next to a captivating lake.
After Our lunch we will descend for another 2 hours into the valley. We will pass by several glacial lakes along the way. Also we can see herds of alpacas, llamas and sheep. It is also possible to see Gray Brocket Deer, Viscachas, Andean Geese, the rare Giant Coot, Puna Hawks and the impressive Andean Condor. Tonight we camp at 3,870 m/12,694 ft close to Quishuarani village, which has typical stone houses
Day 3: Quishuarani – Cuncani – Lares Hot spring – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After Our Breakfast, we walk another valley and climb up to the second pass at Willcaccasa mountain (4,458 m/14,622 ft) , for 3 hours. Again the landscape of the Andes, turquoise lakes and its beautiful valleys are impressive.
After the pass we will walk downhill for 2 hours, passing many awesome lakes. This takes us to Cuncani village (3,900 m/12,792 ft).
We then continue downhill for 3 hours towards the Lares Valley and its hot springs, where we can have a well deserved soak. This is also our lunch spot.
Then that we are fully relaxed, we will get in our private van, which will be waiting for us, for the 3 hour drive to Ollantaytambo (2,792 m/9,158 ft). We will have dinner in Ollantaytambo. After dinner, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes. We’ll spend the night there before climbing the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel. OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included
– Meals: Breakfast – Tour: 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
cusco destination 