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Highlights
Hike through the Vilcanota’s Cordillera of Peru for four epic days on the lodge-based Three Tambos Trek
Gaze upon glaciated mountains from your perch in the wide valley of Pampa Uyuni.
Earn unbelievable views of the “Apu,” a sacred mountain whose image you won’t soon forget.
Climb to passes at over 5000m of elevation, challenging your body and expanding your skills.
Rest up in authentic mountain tambos, the trekking lodges that serve hikers in this area of Peru.
The Lodge-Based Three Tambos Trek an amazing four-day tour 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 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 Lodge-Based 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 Lodge-Based Three Tambos Trek an amazing four-day tour 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 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 Lodge-Based 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.
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Lodge-Based Three Tambos Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Cusco to Chilla, First Tambo
Begin with an early morning departure from Cusco along the fertile Vilcanota Valley to the town of Checacupe. After a visit to the colonial temple of the Immaculate, start ascending the Pitumarca Valley along the spectacular Japura Gorge that leads to Chillca, where you will be greeted by the community. From here, it is a short and easy walk to the first tambo. Once at the lodge, there will be time to relax and enjoy the music provided by the locals of Chillca.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Chillca
Distance: 1.5 hours, 3.3km
Meals: Lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 2 Chillca to Anantapata, Second Tambo
Your hike begins at 8:30 in the wide valley of Pampa Uyuni, where impressive glaciated mountains loom above the valley offering majestic views. After passing the Ausangate River you will go to the Astanapata community. Tremendous views of the glaciated south face of the Apu will inspire you as you continue towards the red sandstone formations of the Nevado del Inca.
Overnight, stay in the Anantapata Tambo, located right at the bottom of an imposing mountain.
Overnight Location: Lodge at Apu Ausangate
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
Day 3 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 4 Huampococha – Cusco
A spectacular part of the trail finds you hiking in the middle of mountains with red, ochre, and blue strata. This section offers a glimpse of the marvellous geological wonder of this part of Peru. Be on the lookout for groups of fascinating vicuñas, as they are frequently spotted in this isolated area.
After a picnic lunch, the bus will be ready for your return trip to Cusco.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4.5 hrs, 8.3km
Meals: Breakfast
Lodge-Based Three Tambos Trek Price and Dates
This guided tour to Peru is run as a private tour for your group, therefore the prices depend on the number of travellers in your group. Prices below are per person.2024 Prices:
- Group of 2: USD2310 per person
- Group of 3: USD1790 per person
- Group of 4+: USD1490 per person
2025 Prices:
- Group of 2: USD2410 per person
- Group of 3: USD1890 per person
- Group of 4+: USD1590 per person
Accommodation on the Lodge-Based Three Tambos Trek
This trek is based in lodges with spectacular views. The rooms in the lodges are double occupancy.
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 wishing to have single rooms can pay a supplement of USD350.
What’s Included in the Lodge-Based Three Tambos Trek?
Meals
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and snacks are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 3 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 Three Tambos Lodge-Based 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 Three Tambos Lodge-Based Trek?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Cusco to start this tour?
- Is the Three Tambos Lodge-Based Trek in English?
- Where does the Three Tambos Lodge-Based Trekend?
- 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 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.
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 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.
