ausangate trekking
1.- INTRODUCTION TO AUSANGATE TREKKING
1.1.- Location and Geography
The Ausangate Trekking experience allows you to know the most important and highest mountain in Cusco, with its 6384 meters above sea level is considered the protective mountain of the whole region. Located on the southwest side of the city is considered by many travelers as paradise for the challenge it represents with a complicated geography in certain parts. Although it has many starting points, the traditional version begins in the town of Tinki, place from where you can appreciate the snow-capped mountain in an imposing way.
ausangate trekking location
1.2.- What is Ausangate Trekking?
Although for many travelers the Ausangate Trekking is a new challenge that pushes their capabilities to the limit, in the Andean belief it is much more than that, it is not only a symbol of nature but it is also considered a spiritual icon of high importance for the communities that live in the surroundings. The mountains that can be appreciated during the Ausangate Trekking are considered Apus, superior spirits that inhabit the snow-capped mountains and have the role of protecting the valleys or nearby cities. The purpose of the Ausangate Trekking is to reach the base of Ausangate, the snowy mountain considered the source of life and balance because the water produced from here sustains agriculture in many sectors or local populations.
It is so important that the Ausangate Trekking Peru is combined with a very important religious festival, the festival of Qoyllur Rit’i, this is celebrated every year between May and June, is a pilgrimage that brings together thousands of people who by devotion travel the 8 kilometers to his shrine at the base of the mountain, is an ancient practice that is still performed and for the adventurers who decide to live the experience of Ausangate Trekking Peru is a perfect complement.
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2.- DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
2.1.- Classic 5-Day Route
Living the Trekking Ausangate adventure is crazy, but crazy is what life is all about. Choosing Ausangate Trekking for your next adventure offers you not only unique landscapes and views but also a taste of Andean life. Every step you take during the trek will bring you closer to communities that live in these amazing surroundings and you will be able to interact with them and learn more about their life and customs.
Day 1: Cusco – Ocongate – Tinqui – Upis
The Ausangate Trekking experience starts very early in the morning with the pick up from your hotel (between 06:00 am – 06:30 am), the transport takes you first to the Tinki sector where the first stop is made and you get to know the village and see how the local people wear their typical costumes. Then you continue the journey along a trail to a parking area that is regularly where all travelers begin the Ausangate Trekking. There the support team (muleteers and acemilas) will be waiting for you to coordinate security details and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Before starting the Ausangate Trekking a small ceremony of permission request is made to the mountains so that during the whole way they protect you and that the experience is safe. After this we start the Trekking Ausangate from the first sector called Upispampa where you can see many streams and incredible mountains until we reach the village of Upis where our first camp awaits you, the afternoon is used to visit the Upis Lake or just rest at the base of the great snowy.
- Distance: 7 kilometers
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Demanding
upis 1st day
Day 2: Upis – Puca Cocha- Ananta
The second day of the Trekking Ausangate Peru experience begins earlier, at 05:00 am the support team brings you an energetic coca tea to your tent to start with lots of energy. After getting everything ready, you delight breakfast with an incredible view of the sunrise and the trek begins again. The first challenge of the day is to reach the Arapa pass (4958 meters above sea level), then descends to Lake Pucacocha where the cook went ahead and has ready the food for lunch, continues the Ausangate Trekking now ascending to the second challenge, the Pucacocha pass (5000 meters above sea level) and finally descend to the village Ananta where the support team already installed the camp for the day. At sunset you enjoy local stories and legends while having a privileged view of rivers, glaciers, alpacas and local people.
- Distance: 14 kilometers
- Hiking time: 9 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
pucacocha 2nd day
Day 3: Ananta – Rainbow Mountain – Ausangate Cocha
The day of the reward within the Trekking Ausangate arrives, the day begins at 04:00 am with the usual coca tea. After you enjoy a varied breakfast you get to ascend again to the Surini pass (5051 meters above sea level). From this place you can already see colorful mountains in the surroundings as well as the popular rainbow mountain. When descending you can reach Circle Lake where there is a trail that takes you to the base of the rainbow mountain where you can see why it is considered one of the places you should visit before you die. At the end of the visit we continue our way to Alqatari where the camp awaits.
- Distance: 13 kilometers
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Difficulty: Demanding
rainbow mountain 3rd day
Day 4: Ausangate Cocha – Quinsacocha – Jampa
You start the day with a varied breakfast that gives you energy after a night’s rest. This is undoubtedly the most challenging day of the entire Ausangate Trekking, you get to overcome the Palomani Pass (5300 meters above sea level) which gives many travelers a new record in heights visited. You will literally feel like you are touching the sky as this is the highest point in the entire Cusco region. From this place you can see extensive canyons and Andean valleys, even if you are lucky you can see condors flying. Continuing downhill you will also see glaciers, streams, rivers, lakes and local fauna such as alpacas, chinchillas and local people until you reach the sector of Huchuy Phinaya where lunch awaits you. Finally this day of Ausangate Trekking ends continuing the trail until you reach Surapampa where the camp awaits for you to rest comfortably.
- Distance: 14 kilometers
- Hiking time: 9 hours
- Difficulty: Challenging
quimsacocha 4th day
Day 5: Jampa – Pacchanta – Cusco
The last day has arrived, after having breakfast calmly you finish getting things ready to pass the last obstacle of the Trekking Ausangate, the Jampa pass (4900 meters above sea level), this part lasts about 3 hours and is the place where you can appreciate the last part of the trail. When descending you can also enjoy the view of the 7 lagoons of Ausangate and finish the trek in the village of Pacchanta, here you enjoy our last lunch and say goodbye to our support team.
This place is also popular because it has hot springs which makes the 5 day experience incredibly rewarding, you can enjoy free time in one of its pools until the guide tells you it is time to return. The transportation will be waiting for you in the parking lot and for 3 hours you will be taken back to Cusco to your hotel.
- Distance: 12 kilometers
- Hiking time: 6 hours
- Difficulty: Demanding
pacchanta hot springs 5th day
3.- TREK HIGHLIGHTS
The Trekking Ausangate Peru adventure includes not only views of unique and exclusive landscapes that only you can enjoy, but also unique places around the world, among the main places that you can appreciate are:
- Ausangate Snow-capped Mountain
- Ausangate Cocha
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinincunca)
- Pacchanta Hot Springs
- Groups of Alpacas and Llamas
- Local people
llamas and alpacas
4.- HEALTH AND SAFETY
Remember that the Ausangate Trekking Peru experience is not for everyone, even for the most prepared travelers, altitude sickness can be a problem, for this reason some safety measures are recommended:
- Arrive in the city of Cusco at least 3 days before so you can acclimatize to the altitude calmly.
- Stay hydrated before, during and after the Trekking Ausangate Peru experience, it helps your body to stay oxygenated and prevent discomfort such as headaches or dizziness.
- The first day of your arrival, try to eat only a chicken diet such as soup or grilled chicken, it will prevent you from having an upset stomach.
- You can consume coca tea, but not in excess, 3 or 4 cups a day will be enough.
coca tea
5.- OVERCOMING THE CUSCO PROTECTOR CHALLENGE
“The 7 lagoons of Ausangate that are located at the base of the great snow-capped mountain contain colors that are very colorful to the naked eye such as turquoise green, blue, pink and even black. This is produced because the waters contain decomposed rocks and unique pigments that give them this striking appearance.”
6.- FAQS ABOUT AUSANGATE TREKKING
How difficult is the Ausangate Trekking Peru?
This experience is one of the most challenging activities that Cusco has, it is not for beginners so before choosing it you should consider your skills and if you feel you are capable of completing it.
Do I need a guide for the Ausangate Trek?
It is not regulated that you need a guide but it is definitely the best option. To walk these trails without a person who knows the way is crazy, you can get the services of a guide in the travel agencies of Cusco.
What is the best time of year to do the Ausangate Trek?
The best time of the year is during the dry season (May – October), this time of the year has a more stable climate with no rain or snow storms. During the rest of the year it is common to see how the weather changes from one moment to the next and can be dangerous.
best time to hike
How high is the highest point of the Ausangate Trek?
The highest point of the entire Ausangate Trek is the Palomani Pass, 5300 meters above sea level.
Can I see Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) on the Ausangate Trek?
In the traditional trekking options to Ausangate you can see and even visit the Rainbow Mountain, however there are options that do not, for this reason before choosing your option make sure that the route mentioned indicates this destination.
The Trekking Ausangate Peru is considered as the closest experience to the Andean belief, not only for the beautiful landscapes but also for the spiritual importance it represents, you can be part of this in your next adventure. Auri Peru is a company that specializes in providing you with unique experiences, contact us now and find out more, we will be happy to assist you.
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