This lodge to lodge trek called the 'Camino Del Apu Ausangate' provides a unique trekking experience, off the beaten path, in the Cordillera Vilcanota. This is a remote and unspoiled high mountain paradise in the Andes, close Cusco. It offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a few days in harmony with nature and isolated Andean shepherds, combined with the comfort of cozy, eco-friendly Andean Lodges.
This high altitude trek takes you through what has to be some of the world's most stunning landscapes. And it makes use of four newly built community owned lodges way up in the mountains. So you can do a great day's trekking without having to spend the night out in tents. Your bags and anything we need with us is transported by llamas and mules. For people that are active and love trekking and mountain scenery this is a great alternative to the well trodden Inca Trail.
The lodges are also refered to as 'Tambos' which is a term used by the Incas for the resting places located along their amazing highway system that once covered large parts of South America. They are purpose built comfortable lodges, different from other constructions usually found in isolated high mountain treks. Three of the lodges have the same design, consisting of a solid two-storey building, made mostly with rocks from local quarries. Eucalyptus-logs and all the wood used in the construction had to be carried a long way from lower elevations of the Cusco region, since there is hardly any vegetation at these altitudes. Burned roof-tiles and other construction material too, had to be brought in from Cusco and Lima.
The fourth lodge, Antanapata Tambo, is quite different from the other three lodges, it is a one-storey building with a pre-fabricated wooden structure upon a solid stone base. It was constructed by the Chillca community with a government grant, and is now integrated in the 'Camino Del Apu Ausangate' project. The lodges are all built into their natural surroundings and are quite spacious. Each lodge centres around a reception, a dining-room/bar, and a resting area. They have 10 just twin-bedded rooms with warm duvets, and plain, essential furniture (beds, tables, chairs,…) made of local mahogany wood. The walls are painted in warm colors and decorated with native textiles. All rooms have windows with panoramic views of the Vilcanota mountain range, and tiled bathrooms including ceramic toilets, sink, and a shower.
This trip has been designed taking into consideration both the environmental and social impact of tourism which is one of the resons Tribes recommends this trek near cusco. We think it is an excellent example of community involvement bringing a fabulous experience to the traveller as well as real worth to the community.
Environmental impact is reduced to a minimum by using alternative and eco-friendly technologies. Bio-degradable detergents are used in bathrooms and restaurants, and all human waste is processed in bio-digesters. Organic residues are collected in the community of Chillca and treated for compost, and all inorganic material is taken out to the recycling plant located near Cusco.
Due to labour contribution, land valuation, and direct investment, the communities of Chillca and Osefina own almost a fifth of the shares of the company that operates this trek. The profits generated will be used to improve education and living conditions in general. The project has created 24 full-time jobs and 30 or more temporary employment opportunities. Furthermore, it creates a market for alpaca products, as well as traditional woven textiles manufactured by the women of the communities. The direct jobs created in the first year represent some 60,000 dollars in salaries. In five years all professional services should be provided by the community members.
