What is the Ausangate trek price? When planning our trips, one of the first things to consider is the cost of the trek and whether it fits into our budget. This will largely determine the type of comfort we seek and other aspects that may interest us when deciding whether to do the trek independently or with a travel agency.
An important point to consider is that most travelers choose to do this trek with the support of a travel agency. In another blog titled “What to Bring to the Ausangate trek“, we discuss why using a travel agency can be a great option. However, if you prefer to do the trek on your own, there is no restriction. The Ausangate trek is an open route, so you are free to hike it independently as long as you are familiar with the trail.
Ausangate Trek Price: How to Plan Your Budget?
When planning your trip to the Ausangate trek, one of the most important questions is: how much will it cost? The price will depend on various factors, such as the length of the trek, whether you go independently or with a travel agency, and the level of comfort you choose for your adventure. This guide will provide the necessary information to help you make the best decision for your budget and preferences.
What Factors Affect the Ausangate Trek Price?
Several factors influence the Ausangate trek price, including:
- Duration of the trek: Prices vary depending on the number of days (it can range from 1 to 6 days).
- Included services: This can include guides, transportation, food, camping gear, and entrance fees for certain trekking areas.
- Type of tour: The prices will differ depending on whether you opt for a group tour or a private one.
- Agency vs. Independent: The cost will vary if you choose to do the trek with a travel agency or on your own.
Ausangate Trek Price with a Travel Agency
If you plan to hike the Ausangate trek with a travel agency, great! There are many agencies offering different versions of the trek, so finding one that suits your preferences and offers the comfort you’re looking for shouldn’t be difficult.
Important note: Make sure the travel agency you choose is a direct operator of the Ausangate trek. Not all agencies are, and there’s a risk that you could end up doing the trek with a different company than the one you hired, which could result in a different or incomplete service.
Hiring an agency for the Ausangate trek is a popular option among travelers because it simplifies the organization, provides greater safety, and allows you to enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics. Prices can vary among agencies, but here’s an estimate based on the length of the trek:
- 4-Day Ausangate Trek: Between 430 USD and 500 USD.
- 5-Day Ausangate Trek: Between 520 USD and 600 USD.
- 6-Day Ausangate Trek: Between 650 USD and 750 USD.
- 1-Day Ausangate Trek (short version): Between 40 USD and 100 USD.
Note: These prices are for group tours, where you’ll share the adventure with other travelers. If you prefer a more personalized service, private tours are available for an additional cost, typically ranging from 70 USD to 150 USD on top of the standard price. The price you choose will affect the quality and comfort of the service. Therefore, it’s essential to pick the right travel agency. You can check online reviews to see if the agency has a good reputation and offers quality service.
What is Included in the Price of a Trek with a Travel Agency?
The prices mentioned above usually include, depending on the travel agency, the following services:
- Transportation: From Cusco to the starting point of the trek and back.
- Professional guide: Specializing in the Ausangate trek route.
- Meals: Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during the trek.
- Camping gear: Tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and basic equipment.
- Porters, Horses, and/or Mules: To carry camping and cooking equipment.
- Entrance fees: If required for places like the Pacchanta hot springs.
Useful tip: It is crucial to choose a travel agency that is a direct operator of the Ausangate trek. Some agencies subcontract other companies, which can affect the quality of the service.
Ausangate Trek Price for Independent Travelers
If you’re a more independent traveler and prefer to do the Ausangate trek on your own, the cost will likely be lower. However, you will need to plan more thoroughly and have the right contacts for the services you may need along the way. Some of these services include:
- Transportation: The cost to travel from Cusco to the starting point and back ranges between 40 USD and 60 USD.
- Food: There are no restaurants along the route, so you’ll need to bring your own supplies or find food in nearby villages, which are usually small and have very limited dining options. Estimate around 25 USD per day for the duration of the trek.
- Camping gear rental: If you don’t have your own equipment, rentals in Cusco cost around 20 to 30 USD per day.
- Optional guide: If you decide to hire a guide, it could cost between 50 USD and 100 USD per day.
Important recommendation: Doing the trek independently is ideal for those who already have experience with high-altitude trekking. If you are not familiar with the route or the region’s weather conditions, it’s better to consider going with a travel agency to avoid unnecessary risks.
Additional Costs to Consider
Besides the trek, if you plan to extend your trip and visit other destinations such as Machu Picchu, you should also consider the following additional expenses:
- Train ticket to Machu Picchu: Between 60 USD and 120 USD per way.
- Machu Picchu entry fee: Between 54 USD and 80 USD, depending on the season and type of ticket.
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes (if you plan to stay overnight): From 20 USD per night in a hostel to 200 USD in more luxurious hotels.
Now that you have a clearer idea of how to budget your trip, make sure to choose the best option, whether going solo or with a travel agency.
Which Ausangate Trek Route and Price Suit You Best?
Depending on your budget and available time, you can choose the trek duration that best fits your needs:
- 1-Day Version: Perfect for those with limited time who want a quick experience on the Ausangate route. The Seven Lakes trek is an ideal option here.
- 4- to 5-Day Versions: The most popular choice. These durations represent the classic versions, offering a full immersion in the breathtaking landscapes of Ausangate.
- 6-Day or Longer Versions: Ideal for those seeking a more relaxed, challenging, and deeply immersive experience in the wild, rugged geography of the Andes, visiting lesser-known and enigmatic places.
Final Tips for Organizing Your Trek
When planning your Ausangate Trek, it’s essential to compare different travel agency options to ensure you pick the one that best suits your needs. Researching thoroughly and reading online reviews will help guarantee you receive quality service and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Also, keep in mind that the best time to do this trek is between May and September when the weather is more stable and the conditions for hiking are favorable. If you decide to do the trek independently, make sure you are well-equipped: the weather in this region is extreme, and having the right clothing and good camping gear is not optional, but essential for your safety and comfort.
Finally, if your plan includes a visit to Machu Picchu or a private tour, be sure to make your reservations well in advance, as availability is limited, and it’s easy to run out of space during the high season.
No matter your budget, the Ausangate Trek offers a unique and unforgettable experience in direct contact with nature and the ancestral culture of the Andes. The cost is worth every moment lived on this majestic route, so don’t hesitate to make this journey a reality. Plan well and set out on the adventure. It’s your moment to discover the greatness of Ausangate!