Ausangate Trekking Tours Peru

As the creators of Tour Leaders Peru Adventure, we don’t just lead tours; we curate life-changing expeditions. Unlike the crowded Inca Trail, Ausangate offers a raw, spiritual connection to the “Apu” (Sacred Mountain).

Local Mastery: 100% Peruvian-owned and operated with deep roots in the Ocongate and Pitumarca communities.

Safety First: Our guides carry oxygen, satellite phones, and specialized high-altitude first aid kits.

Sustainable Travel: We follow strict Leave No Trace principles to protect the Vilcanota mountain range.

The Ausangate Trek is classified as strenuous to difficult. While the terrain is not technically “climbing,” the challenge lies in the sustained high altitude.

Elevation: You will spend the majority of the trek above 4,000m (13,123ft).

Passes: Most itineraries involve crossing multiple passes higher than 5,000m (16,400ft), such as Palomani Pass.

Conditioning: Hikers should be in excellent physical shape and have prior experience with multi-day trekking.

A standard Ausangate circuit typically takes 4 to 6 days to complete, covering approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles).

The 5-Day Circuit: This is the most popular option, allowing for a steady pace and time to visit the 7 Lagoons and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).

The 7-Day Extended Trek: Includes deeper exploration into the Sibinacocha Lake region for those seeking total isolation.

Absolutely. For hikers who prefer solitude over crowds, Ausangate is often considered superior to the Inca Trail.

Scenery: It offers some of the most diverse landscapes in Peru—from neon-blue glacial lakes to red desert mountains and massive ice walls.

Culture: You encounter authentic Andean culture where locals still wear traditional dress and maintain ancient customs.

Flexibility: Because permits are not restricted like the Inca Trail, it is easier to book last-minute or customize your route.

Yes, it is legally possible to trek Ausangate without a guide, but it is not recommended for most hikers.

Navigation: Trails can be faint and easily obscured by snow or fog.

Safety: There are no permanent ranger stations or medical facilities on the route.

Logistics: Managing pack horses, high-altitude cooking, and emergency oxygen is complex. Hiring a local expert like Tour Leaders Peru ensures your safety and supports the local economy.

You shouldn’t be “worried,” but you must be deeply prepared. Altitude sickness (AMS) can affect anyone regardless of fitness level.

Prevention: The golden rule is to spend at least 2–3 days in Cusco (3,399m) before starting the trek.

Symptoms: Watch for persistent headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, or shortness of breath.

Hydration: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily. At high altitudes, your body loses moisture much faster through respiration.

Coca tea (mate de coca) has been used by Andean cultures for millennia to combat “soroche” (altitude sickness).

The Science: Coca leaves contain alkaloids that act as a mild stimulant and vasodilator. This helps increase heart rate and improve oxygen uptake in the blood, which compensates for the lower oxygen pressure at high altitudes.

How to use: Drink 1–2 cups in the morning, but avoid it late at night as the stimulant effect can interfere with sleep.

Unlike the Inca Trail, Ausangate does not require a government permit. However, entry fees are paid directly to local communities to support their conservation efforts.

You need professional-grade cold-weather gear. Essential items include a 0°F rated sleeping bag, waterproof trekking boots, thermal layers, a down jacket, and high-SPF sun protection.

Yes, our 4-day and 5-day itineraries specifically include a sunrise visit to Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and the Red Valley, allowing you to see these landmarks before the day-trip crowds arrive.