ausangate leadership vigil

leadership training with an expedition capstone

cultural immersion. mountain expedition. ancestral healing. men’s work.

OVERVIEW

Like most pilgrimages, this expedition won’t be a vacation. Instead, this is an intense expedition to one of the most sacred sites in the world that will mentally, physically, and spiritually test you every day, ultimately creating personal breakthroughs.

The road to Ausangate, a sacred mountain spirit of the Inca, is one of the most profound pilgrimages in the Andes. We will ascend and descend through the mountain range, finding sweeping vistas, thermal lakes, mystical glaciers, green mossy passes, and enormous snowy mountains. Along the way, we’ll catch glimpses of interesting wildlife, like condors, chinchillas, and llamas. We’ll also come across hidden villages richly embedded in centuries-old traditions.

The trek has altitude between 14,800 to 16,800 ft (4500-5000 m), with the highest campsite elevation at 15,255 feet, and 6-7 hours of hiking per day. Many of the days have steep sections that cause rapid altitude gain in a short time.

Another factor is the weather. The weather can be unpredictable, and blizzard conditions at the higher altitudes are common.

The trek is just one aspect of this journey. Every day, we’ll engage in sacred men’s work through conscious breath, embodiment practices, and counsel time. You’ll be trained physically, but also mentally and spiritually.

Cultural Immersion. Ancestral Healing. Mountain Initiation. Divine Nourishment. Men’s Work.

Consider this a leadership training in the high grounds.

call schedule

THURSDAYS. 5 - 7 PM PT / 8 - 10 PM ET

February 22 | MARCH 14 | APRIL 18 | MAY 30

trek Itinerary*

Day 0 - ARRIVAL

We’ll meet in Pisac. Depending on when everyone gets in, we’ll meet for lunch and/or dinner, make sure everyone’s packed right, sort out any last minute logistics, and get ready for the next day early.

We’ll also open our ceremonial journey together.

Day 1

After shuttling from Pisac, we’ll trek to the archeological site of Tipon with its impressive water fountains, irrigation systems, and other marvels of pre-Columbian engineering. We’ll continue on to the ancient settlement of Pikillaqta, followed by the beautiful lake of Huacarpay and the town of Andahuaylillas with its famously decorated church, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. We’ll camp at the town of Tinki.

Trek Time: Approximately 3 hours

Day 2

First big day. On the way, we’ll pass by the beautiful ecological landscape of Quinsapucyu and the mountain Huarmisaya. After lunch, we’ll have an opportunity to hike mystical thermal lakes and marvel at the uniqueness of its surrounding glaciers.

Trek Time: Approximately 7 hours

Day 3

The most challenging day of the trek. We’ll start on a steep trail that leads up to a high mountain pass at Arapa with outstanding views of the entire mountain chain. After Arapa pass, we’ll approach a series of beautiful Andean lakes. In the afternoon, we’ll make another climb to the Ausangate pass before descending towards our campsite at Ausangatecocha.

Trek Time: Approximately 9 hours

Day 4

We’ll begin the approach to the highest point of the trek, the pass at Abra Palomani. At the top, we will be at a breathtaking 16,800 feet above sea level, enjoying unique views of the vast mountain chain that runs below us. From here, we’ll begin descending to the settlement of Huchuy Phinaya and continue on a gentler gradient through high flat land until reaching our campsite in the shadow of snow-capped Hatunpampa mountain.

Trek Time: Approximately 9 hours

Day 5

We’ll trek towards the second high pass of Abra Janca, dominated by the peak of Colquecruz. From here, it’s a gentle descent towards the town of Pacchanta where we’ll be rewarded with a dip in the town’s mineral rich thermal baths.

Trek Time: Approximately 8 hours

Day 6

We’ll head back to Pisac together in the morning.

Later in the day, we’ll close our ceremonial journey together.

For those continuing onto Machu Picchu…

Decompression Day

Rest

Travel Day

Travel to Aguas Calientes by Train

Ceremony Day

Machu Picchu Ceremony

Travel Day

Travel from Aguas Calientes by Train

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE Trek?

The trek is classified as Grade C in difficulty, which implies that it’s fit for those with some experience in multi-day expeditions. Many of the days will have steep sections that cause rapid altitude gain in a short time.

can i join if i haven’t done multi-day expeditions before?

It depends on your physical and mental aptitude. We will have porters carrying our supplies, but this is still a fairly intense expedition. If you have never been on a trek before, this might not be the right time. If you’re unsure, fill out the application and I’ll get back to you.

can i join if i haven’t done men’s/women’s work before?

Yes, as long as you’re willing to trust the process, be supportable, and supportive. This experience is less about your experience in prior mens/womens work and more about willingness to dive deep. We’ll go as deep as you’re willing to go.

can i bring my partner to this?

In order to maintain a gender balance, there’ll be an even ratio of men to women. You can bring your partner as long as the specific quota for their specific gender isn’t filled.