Explore Ausangate Communities – 3 Days
3 Days
Explore Ausangate Communities – 3 Days
3 Days
3 Days from $ 200.00
Overview
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Ausangate region while visiting traditional Andean communities. Over three days, you’ll trek through high-altitude passes, colorful lagoons, and scenic valleys, experiencing local culture, alpaca and llama herding, and stunning mountain vistas.
This 3-day adventure is perfect for travelers seeking a combination of cultural immersion, nature, and moderate trekking at high altitudes in the Andes of Cusco.
Highlights
- Trek through high-altitude Andean landscapes with stunning mountain views
- Visit remote Quechua communities and learn about local traditions
- Experience alpaca and llama herding in their natural environment
- Discover glacial lagoons, rivers, and scenic valleys
- Observe Andean wildlife including llamas, alpacas, and native birds
- Enjoy cultural immersion with local families and traditional lifestyles
- Moderate trekking suitable for adventure travelers seeking nature and culture
Trip Details
Day 1 – Arrival & Cultural Welcome:
- Arrive at the Ausangate community and meet local residents
- Learn about traditions, history, and daily life
- Stay in a homestay with a local family
- Participate in cultural activities and enjoy a traditional Andean meal
Day 2 – Natural Exploration:
- Guided hike to glacial lakes and sacred Ausangate landscapes
- Picnic lunch in nature with cultural insights from your guide
- Return to the community for music, dance, and communal activities
Day 3 – Community Engagement & Farewell:
- Hands-on agricultural experience with local farmers
- Craft workshops: weaving, pottery, and creating handmade souvenirs
- Closing ceremony and farewell with the community
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Cultural - Welcome - Family
Departure from Cusco is at 6:00 AM by private transport, with a scenic 4-hour drive to Tinki. Upon arrival at the Ausangate community, you will be warmly welcomed by local Quechua families and introduced to the community’s history, traditions, and cultural practices. You will settle into a homestay with a local family, experiencing authentic Andean life and gaining a direct connection with their daily routines. The day includes participation in traditional ceremonies, storytelling, and enjoying a homemade Andean meal prepared by your host family.
Day 2: Exploration of Ausangate's Natural Beauty
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at 7:00 AM to prepare for the adventure ahead. Begin a guided hike through the stunning landscapes of Ausangate, passing glacial lakes, vibrant alpine vegetation, and dramatic mountain vistas. Your local guide will highlight the region’s natural wonders and share stories about its cultural and spiritual significance to the Andean communities.
Pause for a picnic lunch amid breathtaking scenery, enjoying the tranquility of the mountains while learning about Ausangate’s role as a sacred site and vital part of local life.
Day 3: Community Engagement and Farewell
Begin the day with an early breakfast with your host family at 6:00 AM before setting out on a 5-hour hike. Participate in a hands-on agricultural experience, working alongside community members in their fields and learning about traditional Andean farming practices. Join craft workshops to discover local skills such as weaving and pottery, creating your own handmade souvenirs with guidance from skilled artisans.
The experience concludes with a closing ceremony, where the community expresses gratitude for your visit, followed by farewells with your host family and local residents.
Notes Itinerario
- Departure from Cusco early morning each day.
- Moderate trekking: 3–5 hours per day at high altitude.
- Accommodation in homestays with local families, authentic Andean experience.
- Opportunity to participate in cultural activities, agricultural work, and craft workshops.
- Scenic landscapes: glacial lakes, alpine vegetation, mountains, and Andean wildlife.
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and traditional Andean dinners.
Included
- Private transportation from Cusco to the Ausangate community and return
- Accommodation in homestays with local families
- All meals during the program (breakfast, lunch, traditional Andean dinners)
- Guided hikes with an experienced local guide
- Cultural activities: traditional ceremonies, storytelling, and community interaction
- Hands-on experiences: agricultural work and craft workshops
- Entrance fees to community sites and local attractions
- Support from local community staff during the program
Recommendations:
- Be prepared for high-altitude trekking; allow time to acclimatize in Cusco beforehand.
- Dress in layers for variable weather: sun, wind, and cold temperatures.
- Bring comfortable trekking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Stay hydrated and carry a small water bottle during hikes.
- Respect local customs and traditions; photography may require permission.
- Bring personal medication and basic first-aid items.
- Light backpack recommended for daily hikes.
Not Included
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks outside the itinerary)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips for guides, hosts, or community staff (optional)
- Any extra activities not specified in the itinerary
- Flights or transport to/from Cusco outside the tour schedule
What To Bring
- Hiking poles (or you can rent one pair from us).
- Rain gear (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March).
- Comfortable hiking clothes, including warm clothes for the nighttime.
- Good hiking boots with protector ankle or similar, and one pair of flip-flops or light sandals.
- Sunblock and sunglasses.
- Hiking long sleeve T-shirts.
- Hiking trousers.
- Ear Plugs.
- Thermal layers (pants, t-shirt).
- Hiking socks.
- Water bottle or canteen.
- American dollars and Peruvian soles in cash.
- Sun hat, cap, and warm hat and gloves for the nighttime.
- Toilet paper, and face tissue paper.
- Credit or debit card.
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (e.g. Ibuprofen).
- Personal first-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Acetazolamide (Diamox), Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may take).
Private Service Pricing
| Persons | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $200.00 | BOOK NOW |
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