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Best travel season:
May - October
Trip duration:
22 days
From/To :
Cusco/La Paz
Trek duration:
11 days
Accommodation:
Hotel / Tent / Hut
Difficulty:
Moderate - Demanding
Difficulty
Moderate - Demanding
See our detailed Travel Notes (PDF Download)
Group size:
8 to 12 travellers
Tour leader:
Local, English-speaking mountain guides (UIAGM)
Tour leader
Local, English-speaking mountain guides (UIAGM)
Assistant guides depending on group size.
Private, local, English speaking tourist guide in Cusco and Machu Picchu (days 2 - 4).
Price:
€ 1.480,-
Andes Trekking and Mountaineering - Highlights
Go on a city tour of Cusco and visit Machu Picchu before the trekking - a great way to get acclimatised!
Trek around the mighty and colourful Peruvian Ausangate Massif, the "Rainbow Mountains", for five days and climb Hampa (5500 m).
Cross the border to Bolivia and visit Lake Titicaca.
Spend a day on the "Isla del Sol", the Island of the Sun, the cradle of Inca culture in Lake Titicaca.
Continue with a six-day trek and a little peak bagging in the Cordillera Real
Climb Huyana Potosí (6088 m) for the grande finale.
Enjoy the many historical and cultural highlights, both Peruvian and Inca - they’re an essential part of this charming tour besides the mountaineering and the scenic landscapes.
Detailed itinerary
DAY
1
Individual arrival in Cusco
Early in the morning individual arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru. After passport control and entry into Peru, you‘ll take a one-hour domestic flight to Cusco, the capital of the former Inca empire. Reaching your comfortable hotel in the historic old town of Cusco in the late morning, it’s time to rest and relax after the long trip.
In the afternoon, you can go on a short city stroll around Cusco to get your feet on the ground. Over dinner in the evening, the details of the next few exciting days will be discussed.
In the afternoon, you can go on a short city stroll around Cusco to get your feet on the ground. Over dinner in the evening, the details of the next few exciting days will be discussed.
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Cusco (3600 m) |
| Meals: | D |
DAY
2
Drive through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Today is the second day for acclimatising to the altitude. We’ll drive from Cusco north to the Sacred Valley, taking you to a lower altitude, which will help your body to acclimatise further. In the Sacred Valley, you’ll get immersed in the fascinating history and culture of the Incas and visit the impressive ruins of Chincheros and Maras as well as the antique but still working salt mines of Moray.
In the late afternoon, you’ll leave Ollantaytambo and go on a 1 1/2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, located in the valley of the Urubamba at the foot of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is located at an altitude of about 2100 m above sea level. The oxygen-rich air as well as the comparatively subtropical, sultry climate are a welcome change after the cold, dry air in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
In the late afternoon, you’ll leave Ollantaytambo and go on a 1 1/2 hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, located in the valley of the Urubamba at the foot of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is located at an altitude of about 2100 m above sea level. The oxygen-rich air as well as the comparatively subtropical, sultry climate are a welcome change after the cold, dry air in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
| Drive: | 90 km |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Aguas Calientes |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
3
The Inca citadel Machu Picchu
Today, you’ll experience your first cultural highlight of the trip, the visit to the mythical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Early at dawn, we‘ll take one of the first buses to the impressive ruins where a local guide will be waiting for us. The early morning start will give you enough time to experience and enjoy this unique wonder of the world while avoiding the big tourist rush.
Especially the moments just before and after sunrise and the first rays of sunshine on the impressive Inca citadel are spectacular. After an extensive sightseeing tour of the ruins, you get a chance to climb the 3060 m high Montaña Machu Picchu – the peak that towers above the citadel. You’ll reach the summit after about one hour and can enjoy a veritable bird‘s eye view of Machu Picchu from its top. The Urubamba River cuts through the deep, canyon-like gorge almost 1000 m below.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco. In the evening, you’ll arrive back in Cusco, the old Inca capital – tired but very happy after a definitely unforgettable day!
Please note: The entrance tickets for the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu as well as for the ascent of Montaña Machu Picchu are subject to strict regulations and a non-negotiable quota. Therefore, ascent of Montaña Machu Picchu, especially, cannot be guaranteed. In case of late/short term bookings, there might be a shortage of tickets for the Montaña Machu Picchu - in this case you may not be able to climb the mountain, but you can still visit the citadel.
Especially the moments just before and after sunrise and the first rays of sunshine on the impressive Inca citadel are spectacular. After an extensive sightseeing tour of the ruins, you get a chance to climb the 3060 m high Montaña Machu Picchu – the peak that towers above the citadel. You’ll reach the summit after about one hour and can enjoy a veritable bird‘s eye view of Machu Picchu from its top. The Urubamba River cuts through the deep, canyon-like gorge almost 1000 m below.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Cusco. In the evening, you’ll arrive back in Cusco, the old Inca capital – tired but very happy after a definitely unforgettable day!
Please note: The entrance tickets for the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu as well as for the ascent of Montaña Machu Picchu are subject to strict regulations and a non-negotiable quota. Therefore, ascent of Montaña Machu Picchu, especially, cannot be guaranteed. In case of late/short term bookings, there might be a shortage of tickets for the Montaña Machu Picchu - in this case you may not be able to climb the mountain, but you can still visit the citadel.
| Ascent: | 750 m |
| Descent: | 750 m |
| Walking Time: | 4 - 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Cusco (3600 m) |
| Meals: | B |
DAY
4
Sightseeing in Cusco
Today, there will be time to visit Cusco and its surrounding sights, including the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman. A lot of sights can also be found in the old town, both from Inca times and the time of the Spanish conquest.
If you wish, you can also leave out some or all of the sightseeing and relax instead. Or alternatively, use the day for last preparations before you start trekking in the Cordillera Vilcanota the next day.
If you wish, you can also leave out some or all of the sightseeing and relax instead. Or alternatively, use the day for last preparations before you start trekking in the Cordillera Vilcanota the next day.
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Cusco (3600 m) |
| Meals: | B |
DAY
5
Start of the trekking tour in the Cordillera Vilcanota
After an early morning drive to Tinki (3900 m, about 3 hours), we’ll meet our trekking staff there. The luggage will be packed on mules and we’ll start the trekking tour together.
Today’s stage will take us through stunning mountain scenery, passing innumerable alpaca pastures until we’ll reach our beautiful camp site near Upis (approx. 4350 m), across from the impressive, glaciated north face of the Ausangate massif. There are small thermal springs quite close to our camp and you can take a bath to relax from the first trekking day in the Ausangate.
Today’s stage will take us through stunning mountain scenery, passing innumerable alpaca pastures until we’ll reach our beautiful camp site near Upis (approx. 4350 m), across from the impressive, glaciated north face of the Ausangate massif. There are small thermal springs quite close to our camp and you can take a bath to relax from the first trekking day in the Ausangate.
| Drive: | 3 h |
| Ascent: | 550 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 5 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Upis (4350 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
6
The west side of the Ausangate
A long day of walking will take us almost entirely around the glaciated Ausangate today. The 6384 m high mountain is the fourth highest in Peru and is referred to as "apu", meaning "holy mountain". In June, on the Christian Corpus Christi festival, the mountain becomes the scene of an annual pilgrimage, during which it is still venerated as a deity. Our trek takes us up to the 4770 m high Arapa Pass. From the pass, we’ll descend towards the lagoons of Pucacocha – the perfect place for our lunch break. The views of the glaciated faces of the Ausangate and the steel blue water of the lagoons are truly unique - this landscape is second to none! In the afternoon, the long, moderately steep climb up to the 4900 m high Apachanta Pass awaits us. From there, we’ll descend to our next camp at the beautiful lagoon Ausangatecocha (approx. 4600 m).
| Ascent: | 800 m |
| Descent: | 450 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Ausangate |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
7
In the Rainbow Mountains over the Palomani Pass
A scenically very varied stage takes us up to the 5140 m high Palomani Pass today. After about 2 hours, you’ll reach the top of the pass and once again, there will be no end to your amazement: The surrounding bare mountain landscape glows in all kinds of mineral colours you can imagine: from red, brown and yellow to green and bluish tones. Additionally, you can take in the glaciated faces of the Ausangate. The lagoons make additional dots of bright colour in this outstanding canvass of beauty. After a long rest, we’ll descend to meet our staff again and enjoy a well-deserved lunch.
In the afternoon, a short stage will take us to our next camp site on the south side of the Ausangate massif.
In the afternoon, a short stage will take us to our next camp site on the south side of the Ausangate massif.
| Ascent: | 600 m |
| Descent: | 600 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Ausangate |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
8
To Hampa base camp
Another short stage takes us back over Hampa Pass (5080 m) to the north side of the massif. You’ll climb past the snowfields of Callangate and Pucapunta to Hampa Pass. Here, surrounded by steep ice faces, you’ll be right in the heart of the massif. From the pass, we’ll descend to our camp at the foot of the Hampa at about 4800 m.
In the afternoon, you‘ll have time to rest and to prepare for tomorrow‘s easy but long ascent of Hampa. The 5500 m high mountain will be the highlight of the trekking tour in the Cordillera Vilcanota.
In the afternoon, you‘ll have time to rest and to prepare for tomorrow‘s easy but long ascent of Hampa. The 5500 m high mountain will be the highlight of the trekking tour in the Cordillera Vilcanota.
| Ascent: | 450 m |
| Descent: | 250 m |
| Walking Time: | 4 - 5 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Hampa Base Camp |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
9
Ascent of Hampa (5500 m) and end of first trekking tour
We‘ll start the long ascent of Hampa early in the morning. After walking over scree and steep moraines for about 2 hours, you‘ll finally reach the glacier, where you’ll need to put on your crampons. After two more 2 hours over the rather flat glacier, you‘ll reach the summit slope of the 5500 m high Hampa. The final summit ridge is up to 40° steep and requires confidence with walking with crampons. Soon, you‘ll reach the snowy dome of the summit. Once at the summit, you‘ll enjoy the wonderful, wide panorama and the sublime feeling of having climbed such a beautiful high peak in this impressive mountain landscape. After a good rest, we‘ll take a different route back to base camp, where our staff awaits us with a well-deserved lunch.
In the afternoon, we‘ll descend to the small village of Pachanta (approx. 4400 m). Pachnta has wonderful thermal springs for a relaxing bath after a long day.
In the evening, our staff will serve us a traditionally prepared Pachamanca: alpaca meat cooked in an earth oven. Besides enjoying a meal, we also thank Apu, the mountain god, for the successful trekking with this traditional sacrifice.
In the afternoon, we‘ll descend to the small village of Pachanta (approx. 4400 m). Pachnta has wonderful thermal springs for a relaxing bath after a long day.
In the evening, our staff will serve us a traditionally prepared Pachamanca: alpaca meat cooked in an earth oven. Besides enjoying a meal, we also thank Apu, the mountain god, for the successful trekking with this traditional sacrifice.
| Ascent: | 650 m |
| Descent: | 1050 m |
| Walking Time: | 8 - 10 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Pachanta |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
10
Return to Cusco and free time
A newly built gravel road now connects the small village of Pachanta with Tinki, so we can finish our circumnavigation of the Ausangate massif in Pachanta. After breakfast, we‘ll say goodbye to our local team and our bus will take us back to Cusco. We’ll arrive in the early afternoon and check in at our hotel. The afternoon is at your disposal.
| Drive: | 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Cusco |
| Meals: | B |
DAY
11
Drive to Puno at Lake Titicaca
Today’s long drive across the Altiplano to the village of Puno, located on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, takes us through very interesting and varied scenery. We’ll make several stops during the drive, e.g. for a visit of the ruins of Rakchi, the so-called Sistine Chapel of the Andes or for the great views from the pass La Raya – they are definitely worth a stop. In the evening, we’ll reach Puno at Lake Titicaca, the largest mountain lake in the world. We’ll check into a hotel for the night.
| Walking Time: | approx. 350 km / 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Puno |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
12
Isla del Sol in Bolivia
After a quick breakfast, we’ll get on the road once more for another 2 hours, to the Bolivian border. After the border formalities, we’ll continue to the village of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. A boat will take us to Isla del Sol.
After climbing Inca stairs and walking past the fountain of eternal youth, we’ll arrive at our beautiful lodgings after about 45 minutes. We’ll spend a relaxed evening, enjoying a wonderful view of the Cordillera Real.
After climbing Inca stairs and walking past the fountain of eternal youth, we’ll arrive at our beautiful lodgings after about 45 minutes. We’ll spend a relaxed evening, enjoying a wonderful view of the Cordillera Real.
| Drive: | 2 - 3 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Isla del Sol |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
13
Day hike on the Island of the Sun
During a beautiful day hike, we’ll explore the 14 km2 large Isla del Sol. After about 3 hours, we’ll reach the ruins of a small settlement at the western end of the island, situated on its crest. The Isla del Sol plays an important role in Inca mythology since the sun god Inti is said to have left his children, the first Incas, there.
After lunch, we’ll take a boat back to mainland Copacabana and check into a nice hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your disposal.
After lunch, we’ll take a boat back to mainland Copacabana and check into a nice hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at your disposal.
| Ascent: | 250 m |
| Descent: | 300 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Copacabana |
| Meals: | B L |
DAY
14
To Laguna Khotia-Ajwani and start of the second trekking tour
After an unhurried breakfast, we’ll leave Copacabana for the Cordillera Real. After about 4 hours of driving we’ll reach our destination, the beautiful lagoon Khotia-Aywani and set up our camp at about 4600 m.
In the afternoon, there will be time to explore the surroundings on your own.
In the afternoon, there will be time to explore the surroundings on your own.
| Drive: | 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Khotia Ajwani |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
15
To the Laguna Janchallani
Today, we’ll hike southeast through largely untouched mountain scenery, towards the Condoriri area.
We’ll cross a 4850 m high, nameless pass. From the pass, in the distance, you can already see the final destination of our trek: 6088 m high Huayna Potosí. In the afternoon, we’ll reach the beautiful lagoon Janchallani and set up this night’s camp at about 4600 m.
We’ll cross a 4850 m high, nameless pass. From the pass, in the distance, you can already see the final destination of our trek: 6088 m high Huayna Potosí. In the afternoon, we’ll reach the beautiful lagoon Janchallani and set up this night’s camp at about 4600 m.
| Ascent: | 400 m |
| Descent: | 400 m |
| Walking Time: | 5 - 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Janchallani |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
16
Via Pico Austria to Condoriri base camp
From our camp site, we’ll climb past several small lakes to the pass of Pico Austria (approx. 5150 m). Another hour of walking takes us up to the summit of the "Austrian Mountain" (5321 m). After a total of 3 to 4 hours of walking, you’ll reach the summit. Overwhelming views reward you for a long day of hiking: You can take in the glaciers of the "Condor Head" (Cabeza del Condor, also called Condoriri) and the other peaks of the Cordillera Real as well as Lake Titicaca and the enormous plain of the Altiplano.
The descent from the summit to camp takes about two hours. Camp will be situated at beautiful Laguna Chiarkhota (about 4600 m). We’ll spend two nights there. This gives us the chance to ascend Pico Tarija, or Pequeño Alpamayo.
The descent from the summit to camp takes about two hours. Camp will be situated at beautiful Laguna Chiarkhota (about 4600 m). We’ll spend two nights there. This gives us the chance to ascend Pico Tarija, or Pequeño Alpamayo.
| Ascent: | 700 m |
| Descent: | 700 m |
| Walking Time: | 6 - 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Chiarkhota |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
17
Ascent of Pico Tarija (5330 m) or Pequeño Alpamayo (5450 m)
Breakfast will be very early today and we’ll start out immediately afterwards, the light of our headtorches accompanying us in the dark. After about 1 1/2 hours of walking over rocks and scree, we’ll reach the tongue of Tarija glacier. This is where you’ll put on your crampons, rope up and start walking your pick in hand.
Ascending the moderately steep glacier, we’ll travel around the occasional crevasse until we reach the wide saddle below Pico Tarija at sunrise. All that’s left now is a short climb up the slope that separates us from the narrow, rocky peak of Pico Tarija. After four hours of total walking time, we’ll finally stand on top of Pico Tarija - time for a good, long rest!
You’ll be taken by the impressive views of the mountain world of Bolivia and the Cordillera Real. The close summit of Pequeño Alpamayo and its faces, especially, will draw you in! Ambitious mountaineers will have the opportunity to climb Pequeño Alpamayo via the southwest ridge, too. The ridge is about 50° steep and you’ll need to tackle another 150 m of altitude difference. If conditions are good, plan for about one additional hour for climbing from the summit of Tarija to the summit of Alpamayo (not to be confused with its namesake in Peru). If you’re a seasoned mountaineer, climbing Pequeño Alpamayo is definitely worth the effort! You can only ascend Pequeño Alpamayo if the conditions on the mountain are favourable and ascending is, of course, optional.
We’ll descend the way we came up and reach base camp for a late lunch. You can spend the afternoon in or around camp.
Ascending the moderately steep glacier, we’ll travel around the occasional crevasse until we reach the wide saddle below Pico Tarija at sunrise. All that’s left now is a short climb up the slope that separates us from the narrow, rocky peak of Pico Tarija. After four hours of total walking time, we’ll finally stand on top of Pico Tarija - time for a good, long rest!
You’ll be taken by the impressive views of the mountain world of Bolivia and the Cordillera Real. The close summit of Pequeño Alpamayo and its faces, especially, will draw you in! Ambitious mountaineers will have the opportunity to climb Pequeño Alpamayo via the southwest ridge, too. The ridge is about 50° steep and you’ll need to tackle another 150 m of altitude difference. If conditions are good, plan for about one additional hour for climbing from the summit of Tarija to the summit of Alpamayo (not to be confused with its namesake in Peru). If you’re a seasoned mountaineer, climbing Pequeño Alpamayo is definitely worth the effort! You can only ascend Pequeño Alpamayo if the conditions on the mountain are favourable and ascending is, of course, optional.
We’ll descend the way we came up and reach base camp for a late lunch. You can spend the afternoon in or around camp.
| Ascent: | 650 m |
| Descent: | 650 m |
| Walking Time: | 7 - 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent, Chiarkhota |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
18
Over a scenic pass to Laguna Tuni
Today’s leg of our trek takes us further towards Huayna Potosí. Along the way, you’ll cross a pass about 5000 m high, affording impressive views of the west side of Huayna Potosí – weather permitting. After a short rest on the pass, we’ll desend through typical landscapes of the Altiplano to the long Laguna Tuni, where a bus will be waiting for us.
We’ll pass Laguna Esperanza and the dramatic, ice-covered west side of Potosí. After 1 1/2 hours of driving, we’ll reach Huyana Potosí base camp (approx. 4800 m). We’ll stay overnight in a hut, spend a relaxing evening before retiring to the dormitory (mattresses).
We’ll pass Laguna Esperanza and the dramatic, ice-covered west side of Potosí. After 1 1/2 hours of driving, we’ll reach Huyana Potosí base camp (approx. 4800 m). We’ll stay overnight in a hut, spend a relaxing evening before retiring to the dormitory (mattresses).
| Drive: | 1,5 h |
| Ascent: | 400 m |
| Descent: | 400 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Hut, Huayana Potosí BC |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
19
Ascent to Huayna Potosí high camp
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll have time to go through the equipment and get organized for tomorrow’s climb. After a fortifying lunch, we’ll ascend to high camp at 5200 m. This takes about 2 hours. We’ll stay overnight in a simple but clean and comfortable hut (mattress on the floor or bunk beds).
In order to get some sleep before the long climb the following day, we’ll snuggle up in our sleeping bags early.
In order to get some sleep before the long climb the following day, we’ll snuggle up in our sleeping bags early.
| Ascent: | 300 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 2 h |
| Accommodation: | Hut, Huayana Potosí HC |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
20
To the summit of Huayna Potosí (6088 m)
After a very early breakfast, we’ll start the long ascent of the 6088 m high Huayna Potosí. The hut is located right next to the glacier, where we’ll put on our crampons and rope up in small teams.
Even if Huayna Potosí is often called an easy 6000er, the ascent should not be underestimated – it is long and the elevation is considerable! A short steep slope (approx. 45°, 20 m) is the first difficulty on the normal route.
You’ll reach the summit slope at sunrise (approx. 45 - 50°, 150 m altitude difference). Depending on the conditions, we’ll either tackle this last hurdle directly or bypass it by climbing the exposed summit ridge.
After 5 to 6 hours, you’ll finally reach the prominent summit at over 6000 m - the surrounding mountains and peaks of the Cordillera Real are literally at our feet. Enjoy the views of the Bolivian Andes and relish this highlight of your mountain trip!
After a rest on the summit, we’ll descend to base camp in a few hours. From there, we’ll drive to La Paz - it’s only 25 km away. We’ll check into a comfortable hotel – you can look forward to a well-deserved summit celebration!
Even if Huayna Potosí is often called an easy 6000er, the ascent should not be underestimated – it is long and the elevation is considerable! A short steep slope (approx. 45°, 20 m) is the first difficulty on the normal route.
You’ll reach the summit slope at sunrise (approx. 45 - 50°, 150 m altitude difference). Depending on the conditions, we’ll either tackle this last hurdle directly or bypass it by climbing the exposed summit ridge.
After 5 to 6 hours, you’ll finally reach the prominent summit at over 6000 m - the surrounding mountains and peaks of the Cordillera Real are literally at our feet. Enjoy the views of the Bolivian Andes and relish this highlight of your mountain trip!
After a rest on the summit, we’ll descend to base camp in a few hours. From there, we’ll drive to La Paz - it’s only 25 km away. We’ll check into a comfortable hotel – you can look forward to a well-deserved summit celebration!
| Drive: | 1,5 h |
| Ascent: | 400 m |
| Descent: | 400 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Hut, Huayana Potosí BC |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
21
Free time in La Paz
This day is at your disposal in order to explore the big city of La Paz on our own. It is worthwhile to visit the colourful markets where you can also find souvenirs. In the evening, we’ll get together again and during our last dinner together, we’ll celebrate the great trip we’ve had.
| Accommodation: | Hotel, La Paz |
| Meals: | B D |
DAY
22
Flight home or onward journey
Transfer to the airport of La Paz depending on your flight and return home or onward journey.
| Meals: | B |
Difficulty rating - altitude acclimatisation - preparation
Difficulty
Moderate to Demanding
Technical difficulty
Trekking: Moderate
No alpine difficulties, good sure-footedness required. Most of our trek follows good and beautifully laid out routes without technical difficulties. There will also be some easy backcountry terrain. Very few passages on narrow and steep routes need to be tackled.
Mountaineering: Demanding
This trekking gives you the opportunity to climb three glaciated peaks. Therefore, you definitely need to have experience of using crampons, ice axe and rope before you go on this trip - previous mountaineering experience is truly a must.
You’ll walk over moraines and terrain shaped by the glaciers to get to the glaciers themselves, so you need to be a good walker accustomed to rough and rocky terrain (sure-footedness).
Ascending Hampa and Tarija is mostly straightforward: You’ll walk over moderately steep firn and ice. Merely the final, 35° steep flank up to the summit of Hampa may be a challenge. The ascents of Huayna Potosí (6088 m) and Pequeño Alpamayo (5450 m, optional), on the other hand, should not be underestimated in their alpine technical difficulty.
If you wish to skip the summits you can of course do so - they are not obligatory. Decide according to how well and strong you feel.
Please note: There will be enough experienced mountain guides for roping up in teams of 3 or 4 mountaineers on the more challenging climbs (e.g. Huyana Potosí). With enough guides at hand, mountaineers of similar fitness levels can join, rope up and travel together.
You’ll walk over moraines and terrain shaped by the glaciers to get to the glaciers themselves, so you need to be a good walker accustomed to rough and rocky terrain (sure-footedness).
Ascending Hampa and Tarija is mostly straightforward: You’ll walk over moderately steep firn and ice. Merely the final, 35° steep flank up to the summit of Hampa may be a challenge. The ascents of Huayna Potosí (6088 m) and Pequeño Alpamayo (5450 m, optional), on the other hand, should not be underestimated in their alpine technical difficulty.
If you wish to skip the summits you can of course do so - they are not obligatory. Decide according to how well and strong you feel.
Please note: There will be enough experienced mountain guides for roping up in teams of 3 or 4 mountaineers on the more challenging climbs (e.g. Huyana Potosí). With enough guides at hand, mountaineers of similar fitness levels can join, rope up and travel together.
Fitness and stamina
Demanding
Daily ascents of up to approx. 1000 m in altitude difference. Daily descents of up to approx. 1200 m in altitude difference. Most stages will be less. Do not underestimate the walking distances on the trekking days. Walking times can add up to a daily 8 hours, when climbing one of the peaks up to 12 hours (Huayna Potosí). Most stages, however, are shorter. You do need a very good level of fitness - it’s truly a must.
Please note: In the course of the trip, you’ll probably feel the physical strain of consecutive days of trekking. To allow for some rest and regeneration, we planned some time at cozy hotels between the two high peaks.
We attach great importance to an excellent and thorough acclimatisation to the high altitude. Therefore, the itinerary includes a number of important acclimatisation days (sightseeing day in Machu Picchu and Cusco) and acclimatisation stages (e.g. trekking around the Ausangate).
Only if you are acclimatised properly can you climb the rewarding mountain tops in our itinerary – Hampa (5350 m) or Tarija (5350 m) and Huayna Potosí (6088 m) plus enjoy the entire trek.
Please note: In the course of the trip, you’ll probably feel the physical strain of consecutive days of trekking. To allow for some rest and regeneration, we planned some time at cozy hotels between the two high peaks.
We attach great importance to an excellent and thorough acclimatisation to the high altitude. Therefore, the itinerary includes a number of important acclimatisation days (sightseeing day in Machu Picchu and Cusco) and acclimatisation stages (e.g. trekking around the Ausangate).
Only if you are acclimatised properly can you climb the rewarding mountain tops in our itinerary – Hampa (5350 m) or Tarija (5350 m) and Huayna Potosí (6088 m) plus enjoy the entire trek.
Altitude acclimatisation
The high altitude of the Andes makes acclimatisation one of the biggest challenges of this trip. It starts in Cusco at an altitude of approx. 3600 m. In the course of the trek you will be spending some days above 4500 meters and trek to 6000 m or above. To minimise the risk of acute mountain sickness, a thorough and successful acclimatisation is of the utmost importance. Only if you are acclimatised properly can you climb the rewarding peaks of this trip – Hampa (5350 m) or Tarija (5350 m) and Huayna Potosí (6088 m). Our itinerary includes important acclimatisation days - days for your body to adapt to the high altitude.
Arriving in Cusco at 3600 m can be quite difficult due to the altitude - expect mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite) in the first few days of the trip. The symptoms will wear off after a few days as your body adapts to the altitude - that’s why we start the trip with culture-filled acclimatisation days in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Arriving in Cusco at 3600 m can be quite difficult due to the altitude - expect mild symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite) in the first few days of the trip. The symptoms will wear off after a few days as your body adapts to the altitude - that’s why we start the trip with culture-filled acclimatisation days in Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Please make this process easy for your body by
• starting the journey in good health and well-rested,
• avoiding any unnecessary efforts during the first days of the trek,
• walking relatively slowly, especially when ascending,
• drinking lots of liquids (water),
• trusting and following the instructions and advice of your guide.
Requirements and preparation
This trip is ideal for experienced mountaineers with a good level of fitness, used to day hikes of up to 1400 m of ascent/descent in the Alps and who do not shy away from longer tours of 1800 m of ascent/descent either. You already have experience in glacier travel and may have even been mountaineering in the Swiss or French Alps.
More demanding passages or steep firn flanks of up to 50° do not scare you off.
You follow a regular exercise regime of (endurance) sports and may already have (several days of) trekking experience in altitudes around or above 5000 m. If you would like to cross the "magic" line into territory above 6000 m, this trip is right for you! Endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: Regular running (jogging), cycling and long mountain hikes carrying an anverage daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) are best for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
If it’s been a while since your last glacier tour, we recommend a refresher course. You could either attend a glacier practice course or get yourself a mountain guide for a guided tour in the Eastern or Western Alps. We are happy to help you find a mountain guide for guided mountain tours.
More demanding passages or steep firn flanks of up to 50° do not scare you off.
You follow a regular exercise regime of (endurance) sports and may already have (several days of) trekking experience in altitudes around or above 5000 m. If you would like to cross the "magic" line into territory above 6000 m, this trip is right for you! Endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: Regular running (jogging), cycling and long mountain hikes carrying an anverage daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) are best for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
If it’s been a while since your last glacier tour, we recommend a refresher course. You could either attend a glacier practice course or get yourself a mountain guide for a guided tour in the Eastern or Western Alps. We are happy to help you find a mountain guide for guided mountain tours.
07.08. - 29.08.2021
Available
PLEASE NOTE: Prices quoted are land only and do not include international flights. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until the departure is showing 'Guaranteed' or 'Almost full'.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's included
- Local, English speaking mountain guides (UIAGM) - assistant guides depending on group size
- Private, local tourist guide in Cusco and Machu Picchu - days 2 to 4
- Local staff on the treks: cook, mules and their handlers - approx. 15 kg luggage allowance per traveller
- Porters for the climb to Huayna Potosí high camp
- Selected good 3* and 4* hotels in the cities, towns and villages - twin-share rooms incl. breakfast
- Meals in the cities, towns and villages according to the itinerary - welcome dinner in Cusco and farewell dinner in La Paz included
- Camping in spacious TRAVEL TO MOUNTAINS tents - two travellers share a three-person tent
- Two nights on mattresses in dorm rooms in simple huts at Huayna Potosí
- Full board while trekking and mountaineering - provided by our experienced kitchen staff
- All sightseeing including entrance fees according to the itinerary - Sacred Valley, Macchu Picchu, Cusco
- All transports and transfers by private minibus - including airport transfers in Cusco and La Paz
What's not included
- International flight to Peru and return from Bolivia
- Travel insurance - You can take out travel insurance and/or trip cancellation/interruption insurance through Travel to Mountains.
- Meals (lunch and dinner) in the cities/town/villages according to the itinerary
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Single room supplement: € 200,- - Solo travellers: If available, a room can be shared with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please request this at the time of booking.
- Surcharge for singel tent use: € 75,-
- All other costs not listed under "What's included"
- Costs incurred for itinerary changes due too clients actions/decision
