The Ausangate Trek is one of Peru’s most popular high-altitude trails and is lesser-known compared to the Inca Trail. You'll find excitement on this Andean trail southeast of Cusco as you explore remote mountain passes, valleys, and sights of Rainbow Mountain.
As an adventurous traveler, the trail offers a combination of physical challenges and natural beauty. This hike demands substantial altitude gains that exceed 4,000 meters, requiring greater effort than a simple walk. If you're up for a physical, yet rewarding challenge, the Ausangate Trek is one you'll be talking about for years to come!
Ausangate Trek: The Route and What to Expect
The Ausangate Trek will take between 4 to 6 days based on your walking speed and the path you select. The complete route encircles the Ausangate mountain for approximately 43 miles while ascending beyond 5,000 meters. The challenge is intense, but the rewards you'll gain will make it absolutely worth it!
Imagine yourself around turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, and expansive valleys where llamas and alpacas roam freely. As you imagine the wildlife, your trek will take you through tiny Quechua villages where traditional lifestyles still hold true.
The landscape around you will include rocky paths, steep climbs through cold mountain passes, and high-altitude plains. While on the trail, you'll experience challenging conditions due to its high elevation.
With being elevated so high above the world, you'll instantly feel connected with your natural surroundings and ancient mountains. The experience will leave you feeling humbled and inspired, giving you a good reason to catch your breath and take it all in!
Natural Wonders on the Trail
The Ausangate Trek displays some of the most incredible natural features of the Andes Mountains. You'll begin your journey climbing a windswept mountain and passing snow-capped peaks.
Shortly after, you'll find yourself relaxing in a steaming thermal spring in complete silence. What would a trek be if you didn't get to experience the wildlife, too?
On this trek, you'll see many llamas and alpacas that serve as unofficial mascots of the area. As a lucky traveler, you might get to see majestic condors flying above or spot wild vicuñas that resemble shy llamas with exceptionally fine wool. During this trek, you get the sensation of strolling through scenes straight out of a nature documentary.
In Andean mythology, Ausangate mountain is sacred because it functions as an Apu or mountain spirit who safeguards nearby communities. It also provides water and fertility to the territory. The Qoyllur Rit’i festival attracts local pilgrims because it merges indigenous customs with Catholic practices into a grand celebration near the mountain's base.
Preparing for the Ausangate Trek
When packing for the Ausangate Trek, you'll need to put a lot of thought into what to bring, mainly because of the altitude. This trek doesn’t mess around! You will spend many days above 13,000 feet and cross passes that exceed 5,000 meters, making acclimating your body to the elevation essential.
Many travelers recommend staying in Cusco for 2–3 days before starting the Ausangate Trek. To help yourself adjust to the high altitudes, you should stay relaxed and drink plenty of water.
When packing, it's important to remember that quick weather shifts can occur at high altitudes, where blazing sun transitions to freezing wind within minutes. Your clothing should include a reliable base layer, paired with an insulating middle layer and a waterproof outer covering.
Your essential gear should include a sleeping bag suitable for low temperatures and durable hiking boots that fit well. You should also pack a hat, gloves to protect against the cold, and sunblock since the sunlight is harsh at high altitudes.
The best time to visit Peru is from May through September, corresponding to the dry season. During the dry season, the weather stays sunny and clear during the day, providing clear views and safer hiking trails.
Even though the nights are chilly, hiking during the dry season proves superior to navigating through muddy trails during the unpredictable rainy season. The Qoyllur Rit’i pilgrimage happens in late May or early June if you enjoy festivals; however, it does bring larger crowds.
Guided Tours vs. DIY
Your choice between a guided tour and independent trekking in the Ausangate will depend on your experience level and your ability to handle high-altitude trekking. While guided tours provide structure and support for trekkers, DIY treks allow you to enjoy flexibility. However, they also require additional personal responsibility.
Most guided treks include everything, such as transportation to the trailhead, experienced local guides, cooks, meals, tents, and sleeping pads. Navigating the remote mountain terrain and facing unpredictable weather at elevations above 5,000 meters demands confidence that you might not possess. In this case, it's recommended to have an experienced guide with you.
The DIY approach allows you full decision-making power throughout your journey, whether you're planning to travel alone or with friends. The DIY option allows you the freedom to establish your own itinerary and experience complete silence during your Andes trek.
This trail does not require permits similar to the Inca Trail, but demands thorough preparation. The trail markers are not consistently visible, so carrying a map or GPS device is crucial. While Gaia GPS provides substantial assistance during your trek, you should still bring a physical map as a backup.
Bring your own camping equipment, food, and a dependable water filtration system. Although you'll find streams and glacial runoff for water sources, all water will require treatment before you use it.
When planning your hike through Ausangate, it is critical to prioritize responsible trekking practices. Showing respect is essential when passing through traditional villages or when you pause at ceremonial sites.
Responsible trekking means taking all trash with you from the trail and maintaining low noise levels. You should also avoid contact with sacred altars and preserve the natural environment exactly as you discovered it.
Additionally, when selecting a tour company, you should opt for those dedicated to sustainable tourism that employ local staff members. Many tour companies pay fair wages and follow eco-friendly practices such as reducing plastic waste.
The Experience: Challenges and Rewards
The Ausangate Trek will demand your full commitment to challenge and push you, but it will ultimately offer rewards that extend far beyond physical achievements. Even experienced hikers can find high-altitude conditions to be challenging.
However, after the intense trek, something shifts. Perhaps the moment comes when you reach the top of a ridge and discover a turquoise lake nestled between snow-capped mountains. You become completely silent as you stand between stone formations and endless sky, while the wind wraps around you.
The best moments happen when nature makes you pause in awe of its beauty, while it makes you realize your tiny place in the world and your fortune to experience it. The Ausangate Trek provides an intense feeling of being alone in nature. It is less crowded and allows you to walk along the mountains with only occasional alpaca noises interrupting the silence.
Ausangate Trek: FAQs
1. How long is the Ausangate Trek?
The total distance of the trek measures about 43 miles and takes approximately 4 to 6 days to finish, based on your walking speed and route choice.
2. How hard is the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek presents significant challenges mainly due to its high-altitude conditions. The Ausangate Trek involves hiking at heights between 13,000 to 17,000 feet, which remains difficult even for fit individuals.
3. Do I need a guide for the Ausangate Trek?
Not necessarily. The Ausangate Trek is doable as an independent trek if you bring your own gear, have strong navigation skills, and high-altitude hiking experience. Hiring a guide simplifies and secures your experience when traveling to high altitudes and isolated landscapes.
4. What’s the best time to hike the Ausangate Trek?
The best time to hike the Ausangate Trek runs between May and September, with dry season conditions. Your trip will feature better weather and trail conditions while avoiding rain and snowstorms.
5. Is Rainbow Mountain part of the trek?
Yes! You can take a side trip to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) through many Ausangate routes during the trek or as a day hike before or after the trek.
6. Are there any permits required for the Ausangate Trek?
The Ausangate Trek stands apart from the Inca Trail because it does not require special permits. However, small entrance fees may be required by local communities at various checkpoints along the trail.
7. Will I see wildlife on the Ausangate Trek?
Yes! During your trek, you might see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, vizcachas, and condors. The region is also home to a diverse collection of Andean plants and animals.
8. What are the accommodation options when taking the Ausangate Trek?
Although some guided treks provide lodge-based alternatives, travelers may stay at these lodges because of limited availability. If camping, you need to bring your own equipment or you can rent it through a service provider.
