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Highlights
Experience the legendary, storied mountains of Peru on a 3-Day Lodge-to-Lodge Trek
Snap photos of gorgeous glaciated mountains from your perch in the wide valley of Pampa Uyuni.
See Vinicuna, the iconic and instantly recognizable Rainbow Mountain.
Climb to passes at over 5000m of elevation, challenging your body and increasing your skills.
Rest up in authentic mountain tambos, the trekking lodges that serve hikers in this region.
The Lodge to Lodge Incas Trek in Peru is an unforgettable three-day trek in the Vilcanota´s Cordillera of Peru on a route called the “Camino del Apu Ausangate.” This route takes you in close proximity to the highest Sacred Mountain in the Department of Cusco. The “Apu” is the Bearer of Life and Guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world.
Your Peruvian lodge to lodge treks will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry your gear. These are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca who are proud to share their land with you, as well as the spirit of their inspiring world. On your hikes and in our unique tambos, or Andean lodges, daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs who will introduce you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian dishes and produce. At night after your hikes, you’ll enjoy authentic vernacular music played by locals and the chance to admire the stars over your mountain paradise.
The Camino del Apu Ausangate
This high Andean Trek in Uchullucllo, Cusco welcomes hikers into the surreal landscapes of the Cordillera Vilcanota. Far away from the crowds of the Inca Trail, this traditional and lesser-travelled route unfolds in a region sacred to the Incas and best known for Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate.
With several start and end points, this trail ranges in distance and duration. That being said, no matter how long you spend on this trail, you are guaranteed to experience world-class lodge-based trekking, stunning natural scenery, and fascinating authentic encounters with local communities.
Why Choose Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking in Peru?
Picture grazing llamas, luminous starry skies, and a horizon dominated by some of Peru’s most famous mountains. If this sounds like a place you’d like to retire after a day of epic trekking then a lodge-to-lodge trek in Peru is the trip for you.
Compared to camping or hotel-based trekking trips, a lodge-based trek grants you the opportunity to tuck down for the night, nestled in the Andes, while enjoying cozy rooms and warm hospitality. In short, you’ll get the full experience of being immersed in the natural landscape without sleeping outdoors.
Lodge-based trekking is the perfect answer for those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Peru’s majestic mountains while still holding on to some of those creature comforts.
The Lodge to Lodge Incas Trek in Peru is an unforgettable three-day trek in the Vilcanota´s Cordillera of Peru on a route called the “Camino del Apu Ausangate.” This route takes you in close proximity to the highest Sacred Mountain in the Department of Cusco. The “Apu” is the Bearer of Life and Guardian of one of the most pristine mountain ecosystems in the world.
Your Peruvian lodge to lodge treks will be accompanied by llamas and horses that will carry your gear. These are owned by shepherds of the community of Chillca who are proud to share their land with you, as well as the spirit of their inspiring world. On your hikes and in our unique tambos, or Andean lodges, daily meals will be prepared by experienced chefs who will introduce you to a great variety of delicious Peruvian dishes and produce. At night after your hikes, you’ll enjoy authentic vernacular music played by locals and the chance to admire the stars over your mountain paradise.
The Camino del Apu Ausangate
This high Andean Trek in Uchullucllo, Cusco welcomes hikers into the surreal landscapes of the Cordillera Vilcanota. Far away from the crowds of the Inca Trail, this traditional and lesser-travelled route unfolds in a region sacred to the Incas and best known for Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate.
With several start and end points, this trail ranges in distance and duration. That being said, no matter how long you spend on this trail, you are guaranteed to experience world-class lodge-based trekking, stunning natural scenery, and fascinating authentic encounters with local communities.
Why Choose Lodge-to-Lodge Trekking in Peru?
Picture grazing llamas, luminous starry skies, and a horizon dominated by some of Peru’s most famous mountains. If this sounds like a place you’d like to retire after a day of epic trekking then a lodge-to-lodge trek in Peru is the trip for you.
Compared to camping or hotel-based trekking trips, a lodge-based trek grants you the opportunity to tuck down for the night, nestled in the Andes, while enjoying cozy rooms and warm hospitality. In short, you’ll get the full experience of being immersed in the natural landscape without sleeping outdoors.
Lodge-based trekking is the perfect answer for those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in Peru’s majestic mountains while still holding on to some of those creature comforts.
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Lodge to Lodge Incas Trek in Peru Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco to Anantapata
Early in the morning, you will leave Cusco on a bus ride along the lush Vilcanota River Valley and on to the town of Checacupe. After a visit to its Colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception, you’ll start ascending the Pitumarca Valley through the spectacular Japura Gorge that leads to Chillca. You will start the trek near the Ausangate Community, from which you will see the south face of the sacred Ausangate Mountain as you continue towards the red sandstone formations of the Nevado del Inca.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Ausangate (4,800m/15,748ft)
Distance: 2.5 hrs, 5km
Meals: Lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 2 Anantapata to Huampococha
After breakfast, take the trail to another mountain pass. Dropping down, you’ll hike by Lake Kayrawiri, surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and the great valley below. Striations of colour are embedded in the hillsides. Then you will go on to Cerro Laya Grande via the massive Glacier del Inca, admiring the most striking colours in the sediments of Vinicunca (commonly known as the “Rainbow Mountain”). Eat lunch here in this unique landscape.
On your way to the next tambo, you will see hundreds of Andean geese nesting in the cliffs of Anta and the flatiron formations of Apu Labrayani near Huampococha Tambo, where you will spend the night at the Camino del Apu Ausangate.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Ausangate (4,800m/15,748ft)
Distance: 6 hrs, 10.1km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 3 Huampocochato- Cusco
After a last climb over the Anta Pass, you will gradually make your descent. In this section, the first crops and houses come into view. The landscape changes quickly as the red sandstone formations are followed by the carsten erosion of limestone, forming a one-of-a-kind stone forest, and a perfect habitat for “vizcacha” (members of the chinchilla family). By the time you get down the valley, your bus will be waiting for the return trip to Cusco.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4.5 hrs, 8.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Lodge to Lodge Incas Trek in Peru Price and Dates
This guided lodge to lodge Incas Trek in Peru is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the number of people in your group. Prices below are per person.2024 Departures:
- Group of 2: USD1970 per person
- Group of 3: USD1510 per person
- Group of 4+: USD1240 per person
Accommodation on the Lodge to Lodge Incas Trek in Peru
This trek is based in lodges with spectacular views. The rooms in the lodges are double.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy and those willing to have single rooms will need to pay a supplement of USD262.
What’s Included in the Lodge to Lodge Incas Trek in Peru?
Meals
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and snacks are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 2 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes private transport for you to Chillca and back to Cusco. It does not include flights to and from Peru. While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a daypack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail.) Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag to the next lodge.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Waterproof bags for the baggage carried by llamas
- First aid kit and oxygen
Not included
- Flights to and from Peru/Cusco, or any kind of transport before or after completion of the program
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- How hard is the Lodge-Based Mountains of the Incas Trek?
- How can I prepare to hike at high elevation?
- When is the best time to travel to Peru for this tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Peru?
- Are meals included on the Lodge-Based Mountains of the Incas Trek?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?
- Is the Lodge-Based Mountains of the Incas Trek in English?
- Where does the Lodge-Based Mountains of the Incas Trek end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Peru?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Peru?
We rate this tour as a 5/5. You will need to be able to hike 3-6 hours in high elevation conditions for consecutive days, and we recommend a preliminary 2-day acclimatization stage for your body prior to the trek if possible.
There are a few things you can do to make hiking at high elevation more comfortable: arrive at the tour starting point early for an initial acclimatization stage. The recommended length of this stage depends on the altitude you’re used to, but generally 2-3 days is recommended. Drink lots of water while hiking. If you start to experience a headache, nausea, dizziness, or confusion, let your guide know right away. They will be equipped to handle any signs of altitude sickness as required.
We recommend that you travel between April and November when the weather is most favourable for hiking.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and snacks along the way are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete Cusco International Airport (CUZ) from where you will be taken up to Chillca.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The trekking ends in Chillca from where you’ll be transported back to Cusco.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Andean Lodges is a Cusco-based company, founded in 2006 in association with the people of the peasant communities of Chillca and Osefina. The company’s goal is to offer unique trekking and lodging experiences on the Apu Ausangate Route, with a focus on community-based rural tourism, and to promote the development of these communities.
