Mountaineering

Day one we will head out in the morning to the community of Tastayoc (approximately 2.5 hours in the car from Cusco). From the car, we will walk 4 kilometers of our base camp where we will set up tents and begin our classes. You will learn all about the equipment, knots, and the use of the rope on the glacier.

Day two we will go to the Helencoma glacier for the day to practice different techniques. First we will learn how to use crampons and practice walking on ice and snow. Next we will also practice what to do if you fall on the glacier. And finally, we will go to an ice wall where we can learn how to build an anchor system in the ice or snow and learn to ice climb.

Day three we will have the opportunity to climb a summit and put to practice everything you’ve learned. We will leave very early in the morning to cross two glaciers and climb up the morraine to the summit of Helencoma Mountain. We will then go down, pack up base camp, and return to the car where you will return.

This course can be offered in different mountains, not only Helencoma.

The snow-capped Mountain Pumahuanca (5,350 m.s.n.m. / 17,552 ft.) is one of the mountains in the Cordillera Urubamba. It is located northwest of the city of Cusco. With its majestic setting and wild nature, this mountain is rarely climbed, but offers an accessible challenge for people who are starting out in the world of mountaineering.

Day One: Urubamba - Yanahuara Valley - High Camp of Pumahuanca

We will start leaving at 7:00am from Urubamba in a 4x4 vehicle for approximately 2 hours until we reach the valley where we will find Millpo lake and we begin to walk towards the high camp near the edge of the glacier. Once we arrive, we will set up our high camp and rest.

Day Two: High camp - Pumahuanca summit - Urubamba

We will start the day very early, waking up around 2:00 am, having a light breakfast, and beginning our approach to the glacier at 3:00 am. We will put on the safety equipment and begin the ascent with a beautiful vista of the snow-capped mountains of Cordillera Urubamba, continue the ascent until we reach the summit, we will enjoy a few minutes there and we will descend safely to our Base Camp, where we will take a rest and lunch and we will descend to return to Urubamba.

Ausangate is important within the Andean cosmomvision because this massive peak in the Andes, like all the mountains in this mountain range, is considered an "Apu" which is a sacred mountain that protects us. The people of the Andes are aware that there is nothing that this great mountain with its great height cannot see, just as the Andean People understands that from its extensive glaciers the masculine energy is born and allows Mother Earth to be fertilized.

Ausangate is one of the most important mountains in Southern Peru. Before climbing Ausangate, we will begin with acclimatization climb on Qampa and Mariposa.

Day 1: Cusco- Pacchanta.

Day 2: Hike to Mt. Qampa Base Camp

Day 3: Ascent of Nevado Qampa

Day 4: Hike to Mt. Mariposa Base Camp

Day 5: Climb Mt. Mariposa

Day 6: Hike to Mt. Ausangate base camp and rest.

Day 7: Climb to Mt. Ausangate Base Camp

Day 8: Climb to summit of Mt. Ausangate

Day 9: Return to Cusco

Recommendations

• A GOOD ACCLIMATATION IS MANDATORY.

• Make sure you have all the necessary equipment.

Safety

• We will have transportation waiting for us at the end of the road.

• Satellite communication device.

• First aid kit

Additional services

Acclimatization itineraries (acclimatize by getting to know Cusco)

• Porter for Ausangate from the end of the road to the moraine field to make a deposit that awaits us at that point on day 6 of the itinerary. Maximum 15 kg.

• Food service at Ausangate base camps and moraine.

• Use of Lodges in all bases except Ausangate Moraine Camp.

• Equipment rentals