"AUSANGATE CIRCUIT TREK"
Lima - Cusco - Tinqui - Eight days Trek Ausangate Mountain - Machu Picchu- Lima

DATES & PRICE: 2008
£1245 S/S £195

AUS1-08 24-May 07-Jun AUS2-08 05-Jul 19-Jul AUS3-08 06-Sep 20-Sep

Minimum 6, Maximum 16

The sacred mountain of Ausangate is visible at the end of the valley from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. The largest mountain in the Cusco region at 6372m it is still worshipped by the locals and the 'Apu' god that resides at its summit.
Our eight day classic hike around this awesome massif, takes over several 5,000m high passes, through llama grazing plains, ancient Inca villages, past red, blue and green lakes and remote campsites with spectacular views. Unlike on the Inca Trail you will meet few other western trekkers and get a real flavour of the high Andes of Peru. The trek is mule supported so all the comforts of home can be taken, leaving you unburdened to fully enjoy the hike. The optional ascent of Campa, a 5,500m trekking peak en-route, hot-springs and the turquoise waters of the remote Laguana Singreacocha; complete this trek as one of the great mountain circuit treks available.
Acclimatisation walks around Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the return to the delights of Cusco plus the classic train journey to the sacred Machu Picchu; complete this demanding yet rewarding trek.

DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrive Lima. Transfer to hotel and rest up.

DAY 2: Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). In the afternoon, we take a mainly down hill walking tour of the old Inca ruins surrounding the city. Spectacular sites like Tambo Machay, Puca Pucara, Quenko and Sacsayhuman conjure up the magical feel of this ancient civilization. (B)

DAY 3: We head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas for more acclimatization walks and Inca history. The extensive ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, further emphasis the organization and building skills, of this once powerful empire. We return to Cusco to pack and prepare for the big trek ahead. (B / L)

DAY 4: After breakfast we set off for the stunning drive to the trailhead. We break up the journey with a lunch spot with views of the awaiting Ausangate and walk a section of old Inca trail to stretch our legs. On arrival at Tinqui (3,800m) we meet our muleteers and families. Here we have a chance to understand a little of their lives, before camping the night. (B / L / D)

DAY 5: We wake to an introduction of camp life and packing the mules. A day of gentle up hill walking past open puna, highland meadows and several water tables; we may be lucky to see viscachas (the long tailed highland rabbits), condors and Andean foxes before arriving at our campsite of Upis ( 4,400m). Here the hotsprings, in the shadow of the snow covered Ausangate provide a spectacular yet eerie camp setting. (B / L / D)

DAY 6: After a morning's sharp ascent, we skirt the western shoulder of Ausangate at Arapa pass (4,800m). The colourful moon like rock formations are in stark contrast to the white beauty of Ausangate. Our afternoon's descent we pass the spectacular Lake Uchuy Pucacocha and its waterfalls before arriving at our campsite beside the turquoise waters of Lake Jatan Pucacocha. (B / L / D)

DAY 7: A day of mainly steady ascent rewards us with the passes of Apuchata (4,900m) and Palomani (5,200m). The beautiful azure lake of Ausangatecocha and the back view of Ausangate provide the backdrop for this fascinating day. We pass through the traditional base camp used for mountain ascents before finishing with a descent to our campsite on the meadow below. Glacial moraines surround our campsite at 4,510m. (B / L / D)

DAY 8: We follow up the broad green valley to the small lake of Ticllacocha. More viscachas and hopefully some rare vicuñas should accompany us on our journey. Our last big pass now lies before us, the Campa pass (5050m) is the most impressive with glaciers, scree and snow providing a truly big mountain expedition feel. We descend to the meadow below to camp at 4,850m. (B / L / D)

DAY 9: Today we have the option to attempt the ascent of Campa, a 5,500m trekking peak. An early start is required to retrace part way up the pass before heading up the steep shale slopes to the edge of the Campa Galcier. Here we don our snow equipment to climb the steep glacier to the summit. Weather and ice conditions dependant, this usually takes a good six hours but the aim is to back in camp for a late lunch. Those who decide not to do Campa peak, will have a rest morning in camp. In the afternoon we have a gentle down hill to the hot-springs at Pachanta (4360m) where we camp and have a chance to soak our exhausted muscles in the lovely hot water pools. (B / L / D)

DAY 10: Leaving the hot-springs, we have a steady climb to the picturesque lake Amaccocha. This stunning campsite at 4,665m under the snow capped Nevado Collque Cruz ranges is quite breath-taking. (B / L / D)

DAY 11: We climb the steep shoulder to arrive at a stunning panorama of snowy mountains. The next pass (4,940m) brings our first glimpse of the impressive turquoise waters of the lake Singrenacocha and the most impressive view of the trip so far. A side hike to the mountain lakes of Mullucocha in their amphi- theatre setting brings us down to on the shores of lake (4,390m) and our most scenic campsite. (B / L / D)

DAY 12: Our final days trekking as we follow the shores of the astoundingly-coloured lake before following its exit river down to the trailhead where our bus will be waiting for us (4237m). After lunch we wave goodbye to the mules and begin the long drive back to Cusco where hot showers and cold beers await. (B / L)

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DAY 13: After a well deserved lie-in, there is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the main Plaza, Cusco has it all. (B).

DAY 14: A chance to visit the famous Machu Picchu. The early morning luxury train from Cusco will take you to this famous citadel high above the Sacred Urubamba river. Fully guided tour with plenty of time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We board the afternoon train Aguas Calientes back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus speeds us back to our Cusco Hotel. If you have the energy we can then explore Cusco's excellent nightlife. (B)

DAY 15: Transfer to airport and fly Lima in time for your international flights home. (B)

WE PROVIDE: All airport transfers, internal flights. Transport to and from the trail in private vehicle; all camping and cooking equipment including Therm-a-rests, spacious two person tents, dining, cook and toilet tent. Extensive First-aid kit including Oxygen; professional English and Spanish speaking guides trained in first-aid and C.P.R. Mules, cook team. Quality hotel in Lima and in Cusco. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

NOT INCLUDED: International flights, personal belongings, sleeping bag, climbing equipment for optional ascent of Campa, airport taxes ($5 local, $28 international), personal expenses and tips. Day rooms in Lima on final day are not included but can also be organised if required.
Technical equipment required for the optional ascent of Campa includes: a pair of boots which are sufficiently rigid to take crampons securely; crampons with front points; a medium length (60 to 75cms) ice-axe; climbing harness, climbing sling and two screw-gate karabiners.

EQUIPMENT LIST:
On this expedition we will be experiencing all extremes of Peruvian climate, from freezing Altiplano to extremely hot sunshine. During the day hopefully it will be generally sunny enough for shorts and T-shirts though having a fleece and rain gear handy is advisable. It will get cold (as low as -10°C whilst camping) especially in the evenings so bring a warm fleece jacket, a good waterproof and some warm clothes including thermal underwear, gloves, scarf and woolly hat as well as one set of smarter clothes for Cusco. Good quality Alpaca jumpers are available in Cusco. A good quality sleeping bag is essential for your enjoyment of this trip.

SUGGESTED LIST
- Comfortable clothes for travel - Smart clothes for night life
- Shorts - T-shirts
- A warm fleece or down jacket - Thermal underwear
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf - Sweater (Available in Cusco)
- Waterproof coat & trousers (poncho) - Socks / underwear
- Trekking trousers - After trekking trousers & t-shirt
- Good, well worn -in walking boots - After trek shoes (sandals)
- Towel - Sleeping bag (-10ºC or two sleeping bags)
- Water bottle & purification tablets - Sunglasses
- Swim suit - Sun-hat,
- Head torch & spare batteries - Book, notepaper & pen (optional)
- Suntan lotion factor 15+ / After sun - Lipbalm
- Binoculars (optional) - Camera & spare film 100 & 400 (optional)
- Pocket knife - Insect Repellent (High DEET content is best)
- Ski poles & protective covers (optional) - Personal toilet kit
- Money belt - Day sack & rain-cover
- Large waterproof kit bag for mule carried equipment
- Personal first aid kit to include: painkillers, plasters (band-aids), moleskin, anti-biotic cream, general anti-biotics (ask your GP), after-bite (tiger balm), anti-diarrhoea tablets, throat lozenges, re-hydration salts & personal medication.
(Amazonas Explorer carry an extensive first aid kit & Oxygen on all trips, but these are generally for emergencies only)

OPTIONAL CAMPA ASCENT:
- a pair of boots which are sufficiently rigid to take crampons securely
- crampons with front points; a medium length (60 to 75cms)
- ice-axe; - climbing harness,
- climbing sling - two screw-gate karabiners.

Please note:
· The mules carry all your heavy camping gear but this is inaccessible during the day so please bring a small day-pack to carry your personal day gear in - ie water-bottle, iodine tablets, camera, sun-block, insect repellent, light fleece and rain jacket.
· Any excess gear may be stored in Cusco at your hotel whilst trekking.
· Most good quality sporting equipment is unavailable in Peru so if anyone wishes to donate any outdoor clothes, sleeping bags etc they will be gratefully received by any of our staff.
· Amazonas Explorer also supports the recognised Scottish charity www.dentalprojectperu.org . This is founded by past client Jacqui Nimmo.

RECOMMENDED READING
The White Rock by Hugh Thomson,
Running the Amazon by Joe Kane.
Exploring Cusco by Peter Frost
The Inca Trail by Richard Danbury
Field guide to the birds of Machu Picchu by Barry Walker
Neo-tropical companion by John C Kricher
Exploration Fawcett - Colonel Percy Harrison Fawcett (Century 1988)
The bridge of San Luis Rey by Thorton Wilder
Conquest of the Incas by John Hemmingway
Into the forests of the night by John Simpson
Touching the void by Joe Simson
Heart of the Amazon - Yossi Ghinsberg
Inca Kola - Matthew Paris
Inca Gold by Clive Cussler
Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord by Loius de Bernieres
Realm of the Incas - Max Milligan

TO MAKE A RESERVATION
1. Complete the booking form making sure that the name on the booking form matches that on your passport.
2. Enclose a deposit of £200 per person plus any insurance premium and forward to Golden Hill Travel. If we are making international flight arrangements on your behalf full payment for the flight is required at the time of booking.
3. Upon receipt of your booking we will forward confirmation, an infopack and guide to Machu Picchu.
4. The balance is due not less than 8 weeks prior to departure.
5. Upon receipt of your final balance you will receive detailed joining instructions.

AND LASTLY PLEASE NOTE
The "Ausangate mountain trip'' travels through a remote and rarely visited part of Peru and we believe our clients should be aware that the remoteness that makes this trail so very special could also cause certain problems. Thus, whilst Amazonas Explorer endeavors to minimise the chances of anything unexpected happening, it has to be noted that no itinerary can or should be rigidly adhered to. This is the very nature of adventure travel and we expect our clients to be prepared for delays and slight alterations in our programmed events.
This expedition involves trekking over several high passes up to 5,200m, an optional climb of 5,500m and involves steep descents. It is recommended that all clients should have some previous trekking experience and should be in reasonable fitness.
Please note last minute international & internal flight changes, also excess baggage charges are out of our control. In all cases we will advise you of any changes in the itinerary as early as possible. We have taken all these possibilities into account when planning this expedition and have allowed sufficient leeway to enable us to successfully run this exceptional trip.
You should also be aware that adventure travel, in particular trekking and traveling in remote areas such as Southern Peru, does carry with it certain inherent risks that you, the client, will have to assume. You will have to take out adequate travel insurance to cover these risks and any costs incurred due to sickness, delayed flights and other factors out of Amazonas Explorer control.
A pre-departure meeting will be held on arrival in Cusco. It is highly recommended you attend. All clients will be asked to sign a risk assumption form and must provide a photocopy of their passport, Peru entry stamp and details of their travel insurance.

We look forward to seeing you in Cusco.