AUSANGATE TREK – COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE HIGHEST TREK IN PERU
There are plenty of routes in Cusco that make a great alternative to the world-famous Inca Trail. If you compare them all, the Ausangate Trek is the highest and probably toughest, too. However, it’s also the most rewarding when it comes to scenery and natural beauty.
You’ll enjoy a large loop around the astounding and very imposing Ausangate mountain on an off-the-beaten-path trek that not many tourists venture on. This trek is perfect for those who like to get away from the crowds and enjoy a real adventure and challenge to see a lesser-visited part of Peru.
OVERVIEW
The Ausangate Trek follows a trail at a very high altitude, and most of the route is over 4,000 masl. The mountain itself is 6,384 masl and the trail goes all around the mountain and tends to start and end in Tinki or Upis.
There are a few variations of the trek, and we’ll go into more detail about them further on, but 5 days is the average and most hikers will cross the Palomani Pass and the Q’ampa Pass, both above 5,000 masl. You might head over more if you opt for a longer trek.
The trek is challenging but very rewarding, so all your efforts are really worth it. You’ll get some of the most outstanding views of the Andes and surrounding landscape and enjoy the route without bumping into too many, or any, tourists. Without a doubt, the almighty Ausangate mountain is the highlight.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Off-the-beaten-path trek with little to no other tourists
• Incredible views from a high altitude of the surrounding landscape
• Close up views of the amazing Apu Ausangate
• A real authentic trekking experience in the Andes
• First-hand experience of rural communities in the mountains
AUSANGATE TREK AT A GLANCE
• Difficulty: This trek is very tough in parts, especially when you head up to the highest altitudes. The terrain is mountainous and the air is thin, meaning you have to walk slowly and steadily. This trek isn’t a good idea for beginners and acclimatization is a necessity.
• Altitude: Nearly all the route is over 4,000 masl and you’ll cross at least 2 paths over 5,000 masl.
• Temperature: You can expect low temperatures of -15°C and even less in the evening. This is due to the high altitude.
• Weather: The climate is cold up here, and during the wet season (Nov to March) the trail can become slippery and muddy. However, in the dry season (Apr to Oct) it will be hard and dry.
• Duration: There are a variety of treks available ranging from 4 to 9 days.
• Accommodation: You’ll most likely be camping along the route at campsites, but there are some basic huts along the way.
• Permits: For the Ausangate trek, you don’t need any permits.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
The mountain of Ausangate was of great importance in Inca mythology and was seen as a God along with many other of the tall mountains in the area.
Quyllur Rit’i is a festival that attracts thousands of locals each year who go on a pilgrimage and dance up in the mountains about 20 km north of Ausangate at Qullqipunku mountain. It’s always one week before the Corpus Christi feast.
GEOGRAPHY
Ausangate mountain is in the Vilcanota mountain range in the Andes in Peru. It’s in the department of Cusco and about 100 km southeast of the city of Cusco. The elevation is 6,384 masl and it can be seen from the city on a clear day.
WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?
This trek is fantastic for those who are interested in seeing how small communities live in such a remote part of the country. You’ll be able to interact with them and spend time with the people there. It’s like no other trek in the region due to the sheer altitude and feelings of isolation from the rest of the world. It’s perfect to get away from daily life and enjoy a real adventure in the mountains. And, of course, the Ausangate mountain is extremely impressive.
WHAT WILL YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY?
This trek is a little different from the majority in Cusco where you see many Inca archaeological sites; you don’t see any here. Instead, you’ll get the most glorious views of the landscape, see a lot of native flora and fauna, and see locals working and living off the land in these remote parts of the country.
You’ll see some amazing examples of Mother Nature’s work including Ausangate mountain itself, Rainbow Mountain, and some stunning lakes and glaciers.
CLIMATE
Remember that on this trek you’re going to be at a very high altitude, so you should expect to feel chilly most of the time. The air is usually still but rain can be a little sporadic and it’s always unpredictable when it comes to the weather.
WHEN’S THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT?
The best time of year to do the Ausangate trek is during the dry season (April to October). This way, you don’t risk falling or slipping on wet, muddy trails and you won’t get rained on, probably. However, sometimes it might still shower, so you always need a raincoat. The skies will be clear and you’ll get awesome views of the landscape and Ausangate mountain.
WHAT TREKKING OPTIONS ARE THERE?
We’ve already mentioned there are various trips available, but let’s take a look at the 4 day Ausangate and Rainbow Mountain Route as an example of what to expect. This is one of the most popular trails to visit Ausangate and Vinicunca.
Day 1: Cusco / Upis / Upis Thermal Baths
On day one you’ll begin by heading to Urcos, the capital of the Quispicanchi province, and then continue to Upis (3,799 masl / 12,464 fasl), where you begin walking. You’ll see the Ausangate glacier right away and be swept away by emotions, meet local people in traditional clothing and see herds of llamas and alpacas along the way, have lunch at the Upis thermal baths (4,198 masl / 13,776 fasl) and where we’ll spend the first nice. You can enjoy the afternoon relaxing in the springs and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Day 2: Upis Thermal Baths / Abra Arapa / Pukaqocha Camp
Today, you’ll begin walking to Abra Arapa in the company of Ausangate. You can observe the incredible landscape and maybe even see a condor or two in mid-flight. You’ll visit the lagoons of Yanaqocha (black lagoon) and Pukaqocha (red lagoon) and see several waterfalls, too.
You’ll be spending the night in Pukaqocha, so once here you can rest and explore the stunning surroundings and enjoy the lakes.
Day 3: Camp Pukaqocha / Abra de Pukaqocha / Camp Ananta
Day 3 is an exciting one. You’ll be heading to the Pukaqocha Pass (5,050 masl / 16,571 fasl) and get the most wonderful views of the mountain range and colorful lakes. You’ll then head down slowly to camp and take in the landscape, snap plenty of shots, and see plenty more llamas and alpacas.
Day 4: Ananta Camp / Rainbow Mountain / Quesiuno / Cusco
It’s the last day and you’ll be making your way to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain before all the tourists get there. Enjoy the stunning view of the multicolored mountain and then head back to Cusco to your hotel.
WHAT ALTERNATIVE TREKS ARE THERE?
If you enjoyed this trek and want to do another just like it, or want something challenging but not at quite such a high altitude, the best 2 alternatives are:
The Salkantay Trek 5 Days
The Choquequirao Trek 5 Days
WHAT TO TAKE
Use this packing list when you’re getting ready to leave for the trek to make sure you have everything you need to take with you. There’s no going back once you’re high up in the mountains.
• Tent – invest in a top-quality tent that isn’t likely to leak if it rains or tears in strong winds. You also want a model that’s quick and easy to put up and takedown.
• Sleeping bag – you need a sleeping bag that can resist very low temperatures to keep you warm on chilly mountain nights.
• Sleeping mat – if you’re a regular camper, you’ll know that the ground isn’t comfortable, so an easy-to-roll-up mat is essential. Opt for an inflatable mattress for more comfort.
• Thermal underwear – you’ll need it at this altitude to stop the wind from getting to your bones.
• Thin layers – we recommend thin layers for shirts, pants, and anything else so you can take them off and put them back on as your temperature changes.
• Thick socks – if your feet are cold, your whole body will feel the chill. Keep them wrapped up warm.
• Hiking boots/shoes – you need some quality footwear to help you walk on the mountainous terrain and to stop any slips and falls. We recommend worn in shoes or boots because a new pair isn’t always comfy, to begin with.
• Sun gear – even though you’ll feel chilly, you’re very close to the sun, so it’s essential you use factor 50+ sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Good camera – this one is a bit of a no-brainer, but you’ll want to capture as much of your mountain adventure as possible, so an excellent quality camera or a phone with a high-quality one will do the job.
• Plenty of food – if you go with a company, you’ll have all your meals provided for you, but you’ll still need snacks. Think nuts, energy bars, dried fruit, etc, to keep your energy levels up. If you go alone, take lightweight options that are easy to carry.
AUSANGATE TREKKING TIPS
We’ve compiled some top tips to make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible and to help you plan the best you can.
ACCLIMATIZATION
We cannot stress enough the importance of getting acclimatized when you’re going to walk at such a high altitude. Failure to do so could mean you suffer from altitude sickness and can’t continue or can’t start the hike, to begin with.
We recommend you get to Cusco a few days before your trek starts to help acclimate properly. Let your body adjust to the altitude by walking around the city and going on other one-day hikes first. Visiting Humantay Lake is a good option.
FITNESS
You do need to be relatively fit for this trek. Walking at high altitudes takes its toll on anyone, so the fitter you are the better your body should handle it. We suggest you start a small exercise routine every day before you come and enjoy some hikes over a few days back home before you come to Peru.
HYDRATION
Drinking enough water is absolutely essential. At high altitude, you’ll tire quickly and need water to recuperate energy. You’re also close to the sun, even if you feel cold, and this will dehydrate you further. You can become ill quickly up here when you don’t drink enough H2O.
CAMPING GEAR
Any equipment you take with you needs to be able to withstand cold temperatures that go much colder than 0°C. Use a thick sleeping bag and a tent that can withstand plenty of wind and rain should it appear.
NAVIGATION
If you plan on going alone on this trek, you’ll need to make sure you have an excellent map and reliable GPS. There’s little to no cell phone reception up in the mountains, and the last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no one to help.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
When you plan to go on a trek like Ausangate, you must get travel insurance. If you want to travel with a tour operator, they likely won’t let you on the trip without it. Health care is also very expensive in Cusco, so in the unlikely event you were injured, you might need to spend the rest of your savings on recovery.
