Ausangate Trek Peru 2022
ESSENTIALS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE TREKKING EXPERIENCE THROUGH THE AUSANGATE TREK AND THE 7-COLORED MOUNTAIN
Ausangate Trek is ideal for trekking lovers because it contains in its challenging route beautiful landscapes as well as the rewarding interaction with the local people and its strong cultural components that easily surpass the highest expectations of an epic journey.
The peculiarity of the Ausangate trek, compared to the other treks that can be done in the Cusco region that include Inka archaeological sites, and which starts at 4200 m. and ascends to about 5200 m., is to enjoy throughout the journey of unparalleled landscapes; lakes, pristine glaciers, jagged peaks and snow-capped mountains, valleys and colorful mountains that allows a deep contact with the rugged ancient nature. In addition, there is the opportunity to observe the endemic fauna consisting of 20 species of birds, black-winged Andean geese, the majestic Andean condor, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas (wild relative of the alpaca), and the vizcacha (a type of chinchilla that resembles a rabbit). All this creates a configuration that can be described as completely sublime.
In recent years the farmers in the Ausangate area have charged an entrance fee, thus allowing investment in security measures and infrastructure that have made the area a much safer place. Although Ausangate is not as well known as the Inka Trail and the Salkantay Trek. Lately passionate trekking adventurers opt for its route since its natural environment remains practically untouched. This makes the experience in this part of the Andes quiet and picturesque.
HOW TO GET TO AUSANGATE?
It is necessary to take a public bus from Cusco to Tinki. The bus terminal is located 10 minutes (by cab) from the city of Cusco. The company is called SIWAR, a bus leaves every 20 minutes and the prices are reasonable. Make sure that the destination of the bus is Ocongate, which is a larger town than Tinki and is located before Tinki. Check that the bus will continue to Tinki. Travel time by bus is approximately 4 hours on the road to Puerto Maldonado. Tinki is located at about 3,575 meters and accommodations and restaurants are scarce. We recommend leaving Cusco at 5 a.m. and starting the hike the same day to the first camp called Upis.
ACCLIMATIZATION FOR THE AUSANGATE TREK
Since the Ausangate Trekking requires daily high mountain passes. At least three acclimatization treks are recommended before undertaking the magnificent adventure. The best way to achieve this goal is to hike to Cristo Blanco in the city of Cusco (3,700 m) and do the Maras Moray trek, both of which are located at higher altitudes than Cusco.
Do not sabotage your trip in order to save a couple of days, it would be a bad decision. Altitude sickness can make your adventure an adverse experience. Therefore it is best to take the necessary precautions, that is, take the recommended time to get used to the altitude and then start the long walk of this incredible route.
BEST TIME TO DO THE AUSANGATE TREK
The best season for trekking in the Ausangate region is from April to November. This is to maximize the amount of clear days since most of the activities we recommend take place outdoors. However, the favorable weather attracts more hikers and if you want to enjoy these beautiful places in an exclusive way, it is recommended to make the hike in the last days of March or in the month of December. Keep in mind that you can do the Ausangate trek at any time of the year (if you do it on your own) and that prices increase (in the agencies that offer the trek) due to low demand because it is more difficult to find daily departures.
January and February are the worst months to go on this adventure. Due to the constant rains (which is why the Inka Trail is not accessible during this season). Hail and thunderstorms are also common and even become much more intense, increasing the chances of the experience becoming completely terrifying.
TAKING A TOUR VS. GOING ALONE
The advantages of scheduling a hike with a travel agency stand out at first glance, since they have a large staff of professional guides who safeguard the integrity of the adventurer throughout the entire tour, since they take care of even the smallest details, sometimes cumbersome, so that the globetrotter only worries about enjoying the entire journey and thus enriching the experience to the point of making it indelible. On the other hand, there is the possibility of doing the hike on one’s own. To carry out this trek the necessary requirements are that you have previously done treks above 4000 m. to have adequate equipment, to stock up on sufficient food supplies and to be fluent in Spanish and/or Quechua. In this way you will avoid misunderstandings and bad intentions, which as we know, happen anywhere in the world.
In case you decide to make the trek without the timely provision of a travel agency. The tips to follow are: hire a muleteer and pack the necessary supplies and food in the pack animals. These can be hired while in Upis village. Tomas, a local inhabitant and muleteer for more than 10 years, is a good choice since he knows the area like the back of his hand, in addition to being fluent in Spanish and Quechua. His cell phone number is +51 935 379 967.
Book your Ausangate Trek trip here with an authorized Travel agency.
WEATHER IN AUSANGATE
Due to the geographical conditions of the Andes the weather here can be, and almost always is, unpredictable and the Ausangate Trek trek involves a temperature oscillation between 10-20º C during the day if it is sunny, to 05-10º during the day if it is not sunny. Being at high altitude it is not hot but the sun is intensely strong which makes this condition the biggest battle. On the other hand, the temperature drops significantly in the afternoon and especially at night, reaching -10°C or even lower in the dry season. That is why warm clothing is required for this hike.
The repercussions of global warming are not unknown in this area of the Andes causing unexpected rains in the dry season. Considering this phenomenon, we suggest the use of waterproof clothing and also the use of covers of the same material to cover your belongings (portable electronic devices and other equipment and clothing) that are transported in the pack animals, in order to protect them and avoid damage due to possible downpours. In addition to the use of this material, it is suggested to provide yourself with plastic or several Ziploc plastic bags (the agency that provides the services will verify that all this is done), in this way, taking into account these precautions, the tour will be much more pleasant.
In case you are hiking on your own, make sure you have in mind and comply with the supply of all the necessary paraphernalia to carry out the tour under the unseasonable rains.
ENTRANCES TO AUSANGATE
The journey to Ausangate includes the transit through several communities and these communities are responsible for the maintenance of the route, as well as offering camping services, bathrooms and even night guards, for which you have to pay and are already stipulated rates. Obviously, a guided hike may or may not include the respective payment of these fees. Be clear about this before contracting the services of a travel agency.
Entrance fees for Ausangate Trek 4 Days
- Andamayo Community: Passing through its territory S /. 10.00 per person
- Upis Community: Camping and passing through its territory S /. 10.00 per person
- Huayna Ausangate Community: Camping Puca Cocha S /. 10.00 per person
- Chillca Community: camping and passage of its territory S /. 10.00 per person
- Pampa Chiri Community: Visit Rainbow Mountain S /. 10.00 per person
- Chilliwani Community: Visit Red Valley S /. 10.00 per person
- Hot Springs: 10.00 per person
Tickets for Ausangate Trek 6 Days
- Andamayo Community: Passing through their territory S /. 10.00 per person
- Upis Community: Camping and passing through their territory S /. 10.00 per person
- Huayna Ausangate Community: Camping Puca Cocha S /. 10.00 per person
- Chillca Community: camping and passage of its territory S /. 20.00 per person
- Pampa Chiri Community: Visit Rainbow Mountain and camping S /. 20.00 per person
- Chilliwani Community: Visit Red Valley S /. 10.00 per person
- Hot springs: 10.00 per person
CHOOSING AUSANGATE TREK
You can choose between two categories to carry out the extraordinary Ausangate trek: short (2-4 days) and long (5-7 days). In case you have time, we suggest you to choose the 5-7 days route because the itinerary offers views and landscapes that will leave you speechless.
Ausangate Trek complete (5-7 days)
The charm of the long treks, which encompass the complete circuit, is that you can appreciate the variety of high peaks from multiple angles, as well as traversing mountain passes, at least one and even up to two per day, of altitudes from 4,000 m (13,000 ft) to 5,200 m (17,600 ft).
Ausangate short trek (2-4 days)
These shorter routes, also known as Mini Ausangate Treks, are intended to provide hikers with a “better” sample of the Ausangate region in a short and intense span. The tendency of this route focuses on circulating around the Puka Qocha Lake, the Ausangate Glacier and the 7-color mountain.
DO YOU GET TO SEE INCREDIBLE SCENERY EVERY DAY?
The rewards of Ausangate every day and its entire route, which is above the tree line, include panoramic views of the beautiful mountain scenery. Clearly a magnificent opportunity for those who love to take pictures and leave their luggage during the trek.
LEAVING YOUR LUGGAGE BEHIND DURING THE TREK
Most accommodations and travel agencies will allow you to leave your large suitcases or luggage in their storage for the time you are doing the Ausangate trek and then pick them up on your return.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE AUSANGATE TREK?
One of the reasons why the Ausangate Trek is considered difficult is precisely because of the high altitude trek. It is probably not suitable for hikers who have recently decided to opt for this activity. Therefore, it is recommended that you have previously done moderate trekking.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT RENTAL IN CUSCO
If you prefer to rent equipment in Cusco rather than take it with you around the world, we recommend two camping and trekking equipment rental stores located half a block from the main square.
- ROSL, is located at Procuradores Street # 394, Cusco 08000, Peru.
- SPEEDY GONZALES, is located at Procuradores # 393, Cusco 08000, Peru.
USEFUL INFORMATION
- Put your smartphone in airplane mode. There is no connectivity throughout the hike.
- Drink enough water, it is important when hiking at high altitude. It is recommended to drink at least two to three liters per day at high altitudes. There are many streams and rivers along the route, but we recommend bringing water purification tablets. Due to the large number of alpacas and llamas throughout the mountains, there is no telling how clean the water is. Nothing could be much worse than getting sick at high altitude or having a running stomach.
- Be hypervigilant of the weather. Conditions in the Andes, and especially at high altitude, can change at any time. Always have your warm clothes and waterproof jackets readily accessible. This is especially important when climbing up and over high passes.
- Have a first aid kit, gear repair kit, and blister treatment kit ready to carry in your pack.
- Bring a healthy amount of your favorite sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and wear head and neck protection to help block the wind.
- This tour is not recommended for children because they may have trouble walking. But if your child enjoys walking at high altitude, he/she can do it.
- If you have medical problems you should consult your doctor and indicate that you want to or are planning a trek in the Peruvian Andes and the altitude is 5040 m (16,400 ft) above sea level. If you have medications, you should take them with you to continue your treatment.
- The higher elevation also means colder, almost freezing temperatures, so be prepared. If you decide to trek for several days, be sure to wear very warm clothing.
WHAT TO BRING TO AUSANGATE TREK:
- Day pack with a rain cover.
- Torch / headlamp.
- Extra socks (wool is best).
- Hiking pants and layers of shirts.
- Rain pants.
- Bathing suit.
- Camping shoes / sandals: to wear in the evenings.
- Camping pillow.
- Waterproof trekking shoes.
- Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat and gloves).
- Plastic poncho.
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (pants, shorts, T-shirts).
- Sun hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Lip balm.
- Camera / extra battery.
- Water bottles such as Nalgene.
- Basic medicines.
- Soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Walking sticks.
- Personal belongings.
- Medical kit (for emergencies)
- Electricity and charging batteries
- Personal snacks.
- Cash (if you wish to buy souvenirs).