What is Ausangate trek? An excellent option for those who couldn’t secure a spot on the Inca Trail or are looking for a different trekking route? This route, which varies in distance from 40 to 70 km / 25 to 44 miles depending on the version chosen, is considered one of the most challenging in the Cusco region due to its high altitude.
This tour usually begins in the historic center of Cusco, where most travel agencies pick up their passengers from their hotels. They then head towards the community of Upis, where the hike officially starts.
Ausangate trek: A trekking alternative for those seeking extreme challenges
What is the Ausangate trek?
The Ausangate trek is one of the less conventional routes that does not provide the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu due to its location. If you wish to visit it, you will need to purchase an additional service specifically for this. This route offers destinations much more related to nature, with the presence of the snow-capped Ausangate throughout the journey and spectacular views of it from the various mountain passes, which are also the highest points of the route.
Fun fact: The Ausangate mountain, whose name comes from the Quechua word “Awsanqati” meaning “creator of the waters,” is known as the fifth highest mountain in Peru, with an impressive height of 6,385 meters (20,948 feet). Its glaciers feed the Vilcanota River, hence its peculiar name.
Snow-capped Ausangate mountain with alpacas grazing on a green slope under a bright blue sky in the Peruvian Andes.
Where is the Ausangate trek located?
The Ausangate Trek is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, in the Cusco region of Peru. This trek circles the snow-capped Ausangate, a mountain of significant importance not only geographically but also spiritually for the local communities, who consider it an apu (sacred mountain). The maximum altitude of the mountain is 6,372 meters (20,945 feet), making it the fifth-highest mountain in Peru. The area where the trek takes place is high-altitude, featuring a varied climate ranging from extreme cold at higher elevations to more temperate conditions in the lower sections.
How to get to the starting point (Upis) from Cusco
- Private transport: Most tour agencies pick up hikers from their accommodations in Cusco and transport them in private vehicles to Upis, or the trek’s starting point according to the selected agency’s itinerary. This journey takes approximately 3-4 hours and follows the Cusco-Ocongate road, passing through valleys and offering panoramic views of the mountain range. Along the way, it is possible to observe small Andean villages and the landscape transition from green areas to more arid and mountainous regions.
- Independent travel: More experienced hikers who wish to travel independently can take a local bus from Cusco to Ocongate and then arrange a shared transport or taxi to Upis. This method is less common and requires prior knowledge of the area, as well as well-planned logistics to ensure safety and avoid delays or various issues.
Hikers trekking on a rocky slope with the snow-covered Ausangate mountain in the background.
Characteristics of the Ausangate trek
The Ausangate Trek is known for its high altitude, rugged terrain, and vast extent, making it one of the most challenging treks in the Cusco region. The complete route is approximately 70 km (43 miles) and can be completed in an itinerary of 4 to 7 days, depending on the pace and acclimatization stops.
Altitude and Highest Points of the Ausangate Trek
Average altitude: The Ausangate Trek takes place at an average altitude of 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), so it is crucial to acclimatize properly in Cusco before starting. There are multiple routes and versions of the trek, and the altitude of the highest points may vary depending on the chosen option.
The Ausangate Trek is a high-altitude adventure, with landscapes of glaciers, rivers, and snowy peaks. Ideal for those seeking a challenge in nature and a connection with Andean culture.
Main mountain passes in different versions of the Ausangate Trek:
- Palomani Pass: This is the highest point on most routes, reaching approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). It is one of the most challenging sections and offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and surrounding glacial lakes.
- Arapa Pass: On some routes, such as the one passing through Upis and Arapa Pass, it reaches an altitude of 4,850 meters (15,912 feet). This pass is commonly one of the first and allows hikers to observe stunning lakes and landscapes.
- Pucacocha Pass: In certain itineraries that include the Pucacocha valley, this pass is at 5,050 meters (16,561 feet), offering views of colorful mountains and glaciers, creating a spectacular panorama.
- Ananta Pass: Some versions of the trek combine the Ausangate route with the Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) route, passing through the Ananta Pass, located at 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). This pass provides a preview of Vinicunca and is ideal for those wanting to explore multiple points in a single trip.
Altitude Considerations
The variety of routes in the Ausangate Trek allows travelers to choose the one that best fits their interests and experience level. However, all routes exceed 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), so it is essential to acclimate in Cusco, ideally spending two or three days in the city at 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) to adjust before starting any version of the trek.
Duration of the Trek
- The duration of the trek varies between 4 and 6 days, depending on the itinerary. Shorter routes tend to focus on covering the essential points, such as the main lakes and mountain passes, while longer routes include additional visits to valleys and less-traveled areas, providing a more comprehensive experience of the Andean landscape and culture.
Why choose the Ausangate trek?
This route is ideal for advanced hikers looking for a physical challenge and an impressive natural environment, away from more crowded routes like the Inca Trail.
Comparison with other popular routes
- Inca Trail: This trek combines iconic archaeological sites like Runkuracay, Wiñay Wayna, and Machu Picchu with natural landscapes, attracting many visitors. In contrast, the Ausangate Trek focuses exclusively on untouched nature, with glaciers, colorful lagoons, and vast plains. It is less crowded, allowing for a more serene and authentic experience, ideal for those seeking to connect deeply with nature without the crowds.
- Salkantay Trek: Although the Salkantay Trek offers a variety of landscapes, from tropical zones to snowy terrain, it is still a relatively popular and commercial route. The Ausangate Trek, on the other hand, takes place at higher elevations and maintains an atmosphere of solitude and authenticity. Local communities, preserving a traditional lifestyle, offer hikers a unique opportunity to interact with Andean cultures in a less touristy and more challenging environment.
Benefits of choosing this route if you seek an extreme challenge
- Immersion in Nature with landscapes featuring glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and plains where alpacas graze.
- Authentic cultural connection through interaction with local communities that maintain an ancestral lifestyle, in a natural setting.
- Less developed route with higher altitudes, ideal for hikers looking to push their limits and experience a high-mountain adventure away from the crowds.
Key Aspects of the trek
The Ausangate Trek is known for its diverse and dramatic landscapes, which include glacier views, lakes of different colors, and elevated mountain passes that offer a panoramic view of the mountain range.
This route, ideal for escaping the routine, offers several natural destinations along the way.
Landscapes: Snow-capped peaks, lagoons, and mountain passes
- Glacial lagoons: During the trek, hikers encounter lagoons fed by the melting glaciers. The most notable are Laguna Azulcocha and Ausangatecocha, whose turquoise and emerald waters contrast with the white of the snow-capped peaks.
- Mountain passes: The main ones are Palomani Pass (5,165 m / 17,000 feet) and Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,912 feet). These crossings not only present a physical challenge but are also privileged spots to observe the grandeur of the Peruvian Andes and capture spectacular photographs.
- Local fauna: It is common to spot native animals like vicuñas, condors, and chinchillas, as well as alpacas and llamas grazing on the slopes, adding a unique component to the experience.
Local culture: Andean communities and traditions
- The communities of Upis, Pacchanta, and others along the trek maintain ancestral practices such as the offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Visitors can participate in these ceremonies and learn about the Andean worldview and the respect for the apus, which are central to local spirituality.
What to expect on the Ausangate trek?
Physical and mental preparation is key for this trek due to the extreme altitudes and changing weather.
Difficulty and required physical preparation
- The trek is considered advanced level, due to the altitude ranging from 4,200 to 5,200 meters (13,779 – 17,060 feet) and the weather conditions, which can include freezing temperatures at night. It is recommended to spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco to acclimatize before starting the trek, to minimize the risks of altitude sickness, which can include symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and nausea.
Weather and what to pack
- Weather: During the dry season (May to September), daytime temperatures can reach 15°C (59°F), while at night, they drop to -10°C (14°F) or lower at the higher camps. In the rainy season (November to March), although nighttime temperatures are slightly warmer, the rains are intense and frequent, making the trails slippery and dangerous.
- Essential gear: It is crucial to bring thermal clothing, waterproof jackets, a sleeping bag suitable for extreme temperatures (minimum -15°C / 5°F), and trekking poles. It is also recommended to carry purified water or purification tablets, as water from streams and lakes may contain harmful bacteria and minerals.
This exhaustive development covers the essential and detailed aspects of the Ausangate Trek, ensuring that tourists have complete information to prepare properly and enjoy this challenging adventure in the Peruvian Andes to the fullest. Would you like me to continue with the following points or expand on any particular detail?
Deep Connection with Nature on the Ausangate Trek
The Ausangate Trek is more than just a hike; it is an immersive experience into the majesty of the Peruvian Andes. It is a unique opportunity to challenge your limits, connect with nature in its purest form, and experience the ancestral Andean culture far from the tourist crowds. With landscapes that include impressive glaciers, turquoise lagoons, and native wildlife, this trek takes you to heights and views that you won’t find on more conventional routes like the Inca Trail.
If you are an experienced hiker looking for an extreme and authentic adventure, the Ausangate Trek is for you. Be sure to acclimatize well in Cusco and prepare to face altitudes that exceed 5,000 meters, all while immersing yourself in the tranquility and spirituality of this sacred land.
Embark on this journey and discover the Ausangate Trek, an adventure that will test your spirit and connect you with the deepest essence of the Peruvian Andes!
Written by: AdminGustavo
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