Qampa (5500m)

ICE CLIMBING

2 days, 1 night(no experience necessary)

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

On this two day and one night tripyou’ll experience otherworldlylandscapes and travel throughvirtually untouched territory onfoot past lagoons and mountainsthrough high Andean terrain inthe Ausangate zone. The last legis ice climbing to the top of thesnowy peak of Qampa mountain –a great first time ice climbingexperience!

Price: 2 pax Soles 610 or $2203 pax or more Soles 560 or $200

* Previous ice climbing experience notnecessary

DAY 1 – CUSCO – TINKI – BASE CAMP

The first day begins early with a 3 hour drive to Tinki to purchase any last minute supplies, and then it’sjust 1 hour further to the thermal baths near the town of Ausangate to load up the horses and begin thetrek. To the base camp it is a 4-5 hour hike generally uphill past Andean farms and lagoons, thelandscape becoming more rugged and untouched along the way. A mid-day stop will be made to eat are-energizing box lunch before trekking the last leg of the trip to the first campsite, located at 4800meters. Upon arrival the guides will unload the horses and pitch the tents so that everyone can take awell needed rest to adjust to the altitude. A hot dinner will be served and before heading to bed you’ll begiven a hot water bottle to help keep warm during the night – it’ll be an early 4am rise, so it’s best to getas much sleep as possible.

Day 1:Meals Included: Lunch, snacks, dinnerTotal trekking time: 4-5 hoursCampsite altitude: 4800 meters

DAY 2 – BASE CAMP – THE PEAK – CUSCO

Today will be a tough day of trekking which will beginbefore sunrise with a 4am breakfast and hot coca tea. Thefirst two hours of the climb are the hardest as youscramble up steep inclines on rugged, rocky terrain. Youwill finally reach the beginning of the ice pack as the sun isrising, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountainchains. Here you will take a break and try to catch yourbreath as the guides prepare the ice-climbing gear. Aftereveryone has suited-up and a safety orientation has beengiven along with a demonstration of the equipment the iceclimbing begins!

Time to peak: 2-3 hoursDay 2 starting altitude: 4800 meters

THE CLIMB – 4800 to 5500 meters

The ascent will be taken at a moderate pace to allow formaximum security. In some places extra safety precautionswill be taken while crossing small crevices and rockypatches. Your guide will be close by at all times to ensure thatthe equipment is being used properly and safely. It can behard to breath at such high altitudes so breaks will be takenfrequently according to the needs of the group.

THE PEAK!! – 5500 meters

THE DESCENTAfter taking a lengthy pause at the peak to eat a snackand take photos you’ll begin the descent back to basecamp where a hot meal will be waiting. After eatingand packing up camp you’ll begin the trek back to thecar, this time taking a different route passingcrystalline lakes with awesome views of Ausangatemountain. After another 4 hours of trekking you’llarrive back at the vehicle relieved and ready to sleepduring the journey back to Cusco (arriving approx9:30pm).

Day 2:Ice climbing time: 4 hoursTotal climbing/trekking time: 12 hoursMax altitude reached: 5500 metersMeals included: breakfast, lunch, snacks

INCLUDED:-Transport Cusco – Ausangate – Cusco- 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, snacks- Ice climbing equipment: crampons, harnesses, ropes, ice picks, hiking boots, gators, wind pants, jackets, gloves- Camping equipment: 2-3 person tents, mattresses, mess tent- Professional and experienced mountaineer / climbing guide- Mules to carry camping equipment

NOT INCLUDED:-Breakfast 1st day, dinner 2nd day- Water for the first day (for the evening and second day there will be boiled water for drinking and filling bottles).- Tips for your guides- Sleeping bag – we can rent you one for US$15 for the trip

WHAT TO BRING:. A small backpack with changes of clothes for the whole trek.. Rain jacket or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco). 2 pairs of wool socks (they stay warm even when they are wet). Comfortable, lightweight shoes for camp. Warm clothes, including jacket, fleece. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.. Sleeping bag, ($15 rental for the whole trip). Walking sticks (optional) can be rented from Loki - $7 each one. Flashlight/headlamp and extra batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions). Camera, film and extra battery. Hat to protect you from the sun, rain and cold. Sun block. Sunglasses. Water bottle. Personal medical kit. Toilet paper. Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli (all for sale at the MEGA supermarket). Cash in Soles for snacks, water, etc in Tinki. Coca leaves, aspirin or altitude medication for help with altitude sickness.

0051 84 984908272 EMERGENCY NUMBER ENGLISH/SPANISH SPOKEN

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QAMPA INFO:

DAY 1: Walking time: 4-5 hours,Max altitude: 4800 metersMeals: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks

DAY 2:Walking/climbing time: 12 hoursMax altitude: 5500 metersMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks

1 night camping