Where is the trailhead?
From Cuzco (3326m), travel S.E. to the small village of Tinqui (3800m) 5-8 hours by bus — over some bad & bumpy roads.
You can start the hike as you step off the bus or stay overnight in Tinqui as we did.
hostel in Tinqui
How do I get there?
That is the BIG & EXPENSIVE question for foreigners.
In 2005 the cheapest flights we found to South America were into Lima, Peru.
From there it is an easy flight to Cuzco — fares are kept as low as US$60 one way due to the competition between a number of airlines.
Recommendation? If you are flying in to Lima we suggest you connect directly to Cuzco. You can acclimatize there 3400m (11,600 feet) anticipating the two highest passes on the Circuit, both above 5000m!
Most hikers choose to travel overland if they have enough time. (Better for acclimatization.) Many bus companies compete on the Lima <> Cuzco route. The mountain highways have improved vastly over the years.
More transportation options in our Details section.
What does it cost to hike Ausangate?
Note: Big fluctuations with US currency make this section inaccurate. Use it only as a general guideline.
The big cost for foreign hikers is travel to Peru. The hike itself is comparatively inexpensive. Peru is an inexpensive country.
NEW - US$3 fee to hike Ausangate is collected in Tinqui
Counting everything to and from Cuzco, in 2005 costs were:
For tenting independently, carrying your own pack, budget a minimum of US$50 for:
+ bus Cuzco <> Tinqui return = US$6 (20 soles)
+ hostel in Tinqui one night = US$3 / person (10 soles)
+ trailhead fee in Tinqui = US$3 / person (10 soles)
+ hostel at the hotsprings night 4 = US$1.50 / person (5 soles)
+ entrance to hotsprings night 4 = US$.60 / person (2 soles)
+ tenting = free
+ food = US$35 / person
The Ausangate Circuit is far cheaper than the Inca Trail with guides & porters (US$220+ in 2005).
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You can hire pack animals & guides in Tinqui less expensively than though an agency in Cuzco — and more of the money gets to the folks who actually do the work.
In 2005 you needed to budget about US$8 / day for a horseman/guide (arriero) and US$8 / day / horse. A bargain, though we normally prefer to carry our own packs.
It seemed to us that stiff competition in Tinqui was keeping prices lower than in other places in Peru. Large groups of Israeli hikers bargain hard for the lowest price possible.
If you are happy with the service you get, tip generously up to 25% of the negotiated price. (The rate should be closer to US$10 / day for both arriero & horse.)
Note that they do not seem to rent burros in Tinqui. This is horse country! And horses make much better ambulances for you than burros if something does go wrong.
If you prefer to sign on with a fully supported trekking company, you will find packages in Cuzco for between US$150 to $400.
Most hikers start in Cuzco (near Machu Picchu) — also spelled Cusco & Qosqo), Peru. 