What is you average participant like?
The average age of participants on our Group Treks is 47 years.  Most are between the late 20s and early 60s, although the range is about 10 to 76.  The gender gap is fairly evenly split with slightly more women than men. About 40% of participants sign up alone, 40% sign up with a partner, and 20% as a family.  Most importantly, however, is this: most people who join us for the first time are nervous about the "group tour" experience but most alumni rate it as one of the best parts of their vacation.  You'll never know until you try.

What about trip leaders and tour guides?
Our experienced local bilingual trip leaders/guides are the key to making each trip a unique adventure and we provide the very best. They have in-depth knowledge of the language, customs, culture and history. They take great pleasure in sharing their insights and expertise and will make your adventure an unforgettable experience. Leaders are detail oriented, making sure everything runs safely and smoothly

When should i hike ausangate?

The best time to hike is from May to September in the dray dry season

How difficult is the trekking?
The “Camino del Apu Ausangate” is a somewhat demanding high mountain trek off the beaten path. Therefore you should be in good health and physical condition. The difficulties are mostly related to the altitude, ranging from 13,000 to 16,700 ft / 4,000 to 5,100 m at the highest pass. Be prepared to climb up and down with significant altitude changes during the course of the day.

How many days are needed for acclimatization?
Before you leave for the trek, allow yourself at least 3 to 4 days in higher altitude. Cusco and its surrounding, the Sacred Valley (Urubamba) and Machu Picchu are ideal places for acclimatization. On request we can suggest several alternatives and help you organize a program (please see our “Acclimatization Programs”).

Will altitude affect me?
It’s difficult to predict how altitude will affect you, reactions are very individual and independent of age and physical condition. Above 10,000 ft. / 3,000 m common symptoms are: headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, difficulty sleeping etc. Following simple rules upon arriving in Cusco, 11,100 ft. / 3,400 m, should help reduce initial disturbances (resting, slower walking, light meals, plenty of water, tea, and less alcohol etc.).
Before departing you should research high mountain medicine and maybe buy one of the widely approved products (like “Diamox”). If you have any doubt, please consult a physician.

What are the elevations on the trek?
The highest point of the trip accurs the 3rd day on the Palomachayoc-Pass at approximately 16,700 ft. / 5,100 m. The highest lodge, the Machuracay Tambo, lies at 15700 ft. / 4,800 m.

How long are the daily hiking-distance?
The dayli distances on the trail vary from around 6 to 11 miles / 10 to 16 km per day. Upon arrival from Cusco by bus on the first day, there is a short hike of about 2 miles / 3 km to the Chillca Tambo.

What kind security measures do you take on the trail?
The “Camino del Apu Ausangate” is making great efforts to provide its clients with an unforgettable and safe journey. In our lodges and on the trek, we use radio communication and we always take along oxygen and essential first aid equipment. Besides the llamas, that carry a large part of our gear, groups are also followed by horses, so weary participants can continue the trip on horseback.

Do I have to carry my own luggage?
While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a day pack (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. 

Are we hiking on an Inca-trail?
Long before the Incas, the routes around Ausangate and the Cordillera Vilcanota were used by the local folk. Furthermore, in this part of the cordillera the trails are important trading routes between agricultural settlements and shepherding communities. In any case, the “Camino del Apu Ausangate” is definitely not one of the over traveled and over regulated treks in the Cusco area.

What will the climate be?
There are only two seasons in this latitude, a dry one and a wet one with plenty of rain (and snow on high altitude) that last approximately from November to March. We normally only operate from April to October, when there are good chances for excellent weather. Occasional rain-showers can occur at any time of the year.

What temperature do I have to expect?
Year-round temperatures in the Andes vary very little during the daytime, but there can be considerable changes between day and night. Temperature in the dry-season (our wintertime) often drop below freezing during the nights. Although, it can be quite warm and pleasant during daytime. Nights are very long and cold in this latitude, which allows a great overnight stay in our warm Andean Lodges.

How eco-friendly are the lodges?
From the start of our planning, it was our concern to reduce environmental impact to a minimum, by using alternative and eco-friendly technologies. Bio-degradable detergents are used in bathrooms and restaurants, and all human waste is processed in “bio-digesters” (which, as a side product, leave an excellent fertilizer). These anaerobic digestion tanks could also be used in the future to produce bio-gas (methane).
Organic residues are collected in the community of Chillca and treated for compost. All inorganic material is taken out to the recycling plant located near Cusco. By teaching the locals the values of their environment we are protecting and preserving biodiversity. For example, as llamas are employed as cargo animals, we are supporting traditional methods of transport and providing job opportunities.

How is sustainable tourism incorporated in this project?
The “Camino del Apu Ausangate” began as a price-winning, socially motivated business venture. It is probably one of very few projects in Latin America that directly involves peasant and shepherding communities as equal partners in a commercial enterprise. The Chillca community, due to labor contributions, land valuation and direct investment, owns almost a fifth of the shares of the company. The profits generated will be used by the community to improve education and living conditions.
Our project has created 24 full-time jobs and 30 or more temporal employment opportunities. Furthermore, it creates a market for the alpaca meat and fleece products, as well as traditional woven textiles, manufactured by the women of Chillca and Osefina. The direct jobs created the first year will represent some 60,000 dollars in salaries. In five years all professional services should be provided by the community members.