Description
The Ausangate Trek (5 Days) is undoubtedly one of the most impressive scenic trails in Cusco, offering an experience far from the beaten path. The snow-capped Ausangate Mountain rises as the highest peak in Cusco, reaching an impressive 6,372 meters (20,906 feet) above sea level.
Known locally as one of the “Apus,” Ausangate was sacred to the Incas and continues to be revered by Andean communities today. Every year, thousands of pilgrims hike to the small church in the Sinakara Valley. On clear days, the sacred peak of Ausangate dominates the southern horizon of Cusco.
The Ausangate Trek (5 Days) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you through pristine wilderness. The trail offers captivating views from the very beginning and leads you across high mountain passes surrounded by glacial lakes and hot springs. This journey also provides an opportunity to witness the lifestyle of remote Andean communities, where people maintain a pastoral way of life by herding alpacas and llamas.
These communities continue to practice “Ayni,” which means reciprocity in Quechua. This concept extends to their relationships with both people and nature. To ensure a good harvest, they make offerings to the Apus.
Although the trail does not lead to Machu Picchu, it can be even more intriguing than the Inca Trail.
Ausangate Trek Difficulty
The Ausangate Trek is classified as a challenging experience, with high mountain passes ranging from 4,700 to 5,200 meters (15,420 to 17,060 feet) above sea level. The trek involves crossing two major high points: Apara Pass at 4,850 meters (15,912 feet) and Palomani Pass at 5,165 meters (16,945 feet).
Altitude sickness is a serious concern on this trek. We strongly recommend spending at least 3–4 days acclimatizing in Cusco before beginning the trek.
We also recommend consulting your doctor about the use of Diamox, a medication commonly used to help prevent altitude sickness. Local people often chew coca leaves, which may seem unusual to visitors, but coca leaves have traditionally been used as a mild stimulant to help alleviate thirst, hunger, pain, and fatigue without producing the psychoactive effects associated with cocaine.
Best Time for the Ausangate Trek
Ausangate is the highest mountain in Cusco and forms part of the Vilcanota Mountain Range (Cordillera Vilcanota) in the Andes. This region experiences two distinct seasons: a dry season and a wet season.
The Peruvian highlands receive significant rainfall from December to March, which can make the trails slippery and more challenging. Therefore, the ideal time to undertake the Ausangate Trek is from April to November, during the dry season.
Why Choose Tayra Tours Cusco?
Tayra Tours Cusco is a reliable adventure tour operator in Cusco. We have specialized guides for all our high-altitude treks. Our guides are local experts who were born and raised in Cusco and have extensive knowledge of the region’s customs, traditions, and first-aid practices.
