The Ausangate Trek In Peru

The Ausangate Trek in Peru, is a 36 km (22.37 mi), looping hike through some of the most beautiful scenery and highest peaks of the Peruvian Andes. Over the course of roughly one week, you will hike through some of the wildest and most remote areas in Peru. Along the way you will pass over mountain ridges, descend into andean valleys, hike along the shores of glacial lakes and explore andean Peruvian villages.

You will also get to see snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, some of Peru’s most rare and exotic wildlife and the stunning Rainbow Mountains of Vinicunca as you go. A number of guides also add the option of visiting Machu Picchu to the end of the trek, allowing you to cross yet another iconic site off of your bucket list.

Here are 6 tips for you to consider before you start planning for this once-in-a-lifetime mountaineering adventure!

1.- Routes and duration: The standard route usually takes about four days and is fairly strenuous due to the high altitude at which you will be the ausangate trek in Peru.

However, there are a number of variations depending on your physical fitness and how long you want to travel. Some travel agency offer single-day treks along parts of the trail and others include it as part of larger itinerary of the whole region.

2.- Starting point and distance: The Ausangate trail begins and ends in the village of Tinqui. The whole loop, which circumnavigates Mount Ausangate is about 36 km (22.37 mi). Over the course of this distance, you generally will be hiking between 4.000 and 5.000 meters above sea level with some sections exceeding 5.000 m. The overall elevation gain for the ausangate trek is about 2.800 meters.

3.- Required physicality and difficulty: Due to the high altitude at which this trek takes place, it is considered fairly difficult. The Ausangate trail is not appropriate for first time trekkers. However, if you are a strong walker and completed moderate treks before, you should be fine.

All participants should be in good shape before making this trek and should also arrive in Cusco a few days before they plan to begin in order to properly acclimatize. Many guided treks will include days for acclimatization at the beginning of the itinerary.

Weather conditions and acute mountain sickness are two things that all trekkers should be aware of before they begin. Weather conditions in the higher altitudes can change quickly and even in the dry season, storms are not uncommon.

4.- Accommodation along the way: The most common practice for this trek is camping in tents along the way.

5.- Best time to go and weather: The best time for this ausangate trail is during Peru’s dry season, which runs from April to November. Of these months, June, July and August generally have the warmest temperatures and best weather. The conditions are usually good enough in April and October too, but the nights will be much colder.

This trek is both long and remote, so even during peak months there should not be much traffic on the trails.

6.- What to do in the surrounding area: The region of Peru surrounding Cusco offers numerous activities for adventurers. For one, it is the base point for just about every guided tour of Machu Picchu. It is also right nearby the Salkantay trail, which is one of Peru’s other world-renowned trekking routes.

Here you can check all the different options for guided hiking trips starting from Cusco.