Ausangate is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region and is also an important cultural centre for the Andean communities. Every year huge pilgrimages are made to the mountain. This has been going on for centuries.
The peak of the mountain is 6,385 masl, but we won’t go quite that high. On this hike you’ll come close to nature and feel the connection while you observe the impressive views that surround you. You’ll get to observe some fascinating bird species and other wildlife along the way as well as spectacular landscapes.
Unlike other hikes, this is more about nature and its beauty rather than Inca ruins. This is a quieter trek in the Cusco region and you can enjoy peace and tranquility. It’s perfect for those who love outdoor trekking adventures.
All of our horsemen are from Upis, which is the starting point of our trek. We make sure to employ responsible people that are serious about what they do. This way, they do an excellent job at transporting everyone’s items along the trail with mules and are in charge of getting your gear safely to each campsite where it will be waiting for you.
Our horsemen are very content with us receiving a good salary and benefits at the end of each season. Peru Hike provides all the mountain gear and uniforms to the horsemen. These guys can be of great help in an emergency because they know the area and trail like the back of their hand.
Peru Hike relies on an extensive network of highly trained guides and expert ambassadors as a premise to guarantee excellence in our services. We are fully conscious that an excellent guide is key to making your trip a memorable
experience, which is why we are extremely demanding when recruiting and regularly training our guides.
In all of our trekking trips, the chef ensures high-quality meals on time, an adequate diet both in its quality and quantity. The secret lies in the careful selection of our team of chefs, whose top-quality restaurant background,
creativity and passion for their jobs provide an unequalled touch to all of our meals. We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every
trip.
We do not have set menus since we wish to give our chefs the chance to create, innovate and surprise our clients through delicious dishes in every trip. We provide general guidelines, guest information on dietary restrictions and
preferences and, most especially, the tools for a constant updating of our cooks’ knowledge in both Peruvian and International cuisine through specialization courses and training.
Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our spacious Eureka tent. All our tents are built to be four man tents, but you will only have to share with one other trekker. This leaves a lot of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffels.
They are an A-frame design, with entrances on both sides of the tent. They also include a vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks. We are proud to be the only company to use these
tents.
Here are the top highlights that you’ll enjoy on the excursion:
One of the things that makes this trek more challenging is the altitude. You’ll reach Condor Pass at 5,400 masl, so you need to make sure you’ve prepared for the high elevation in advance. You can do this by arriving in Cusco a few days before to acclimate. Failing to take this into consideration could leave you feeling sick on the trek or even unable to go.
There’s no doubt that on this trek through the Andean mountains you’ll see some incredible sights. Expect to see lakes, snowy mountain peaks, and rolling hills. Don’t forget your camera to capture it all.
The weather in the mountains can change a lot. In the days you’ll feel the sun beating on your face. Make sure you use a lot of protection from it as you’re much closer to it up here. In the nights it will get chilly, so make sure you have the right clothing. It may also rain, so a lightweight poncho is a must in your backpack.
Being away from the city means you’ll be going back to basics. You’ll be camping along the route, so won’t have proper bathrooms or showers. In some spots you’ll find places to buy water and maybe some simple snacks, but it’s best to take enough with you from the start.
Even though this trek isn’t the most difficult in the region, you’ll be walking long distances at high altitude. The days can feel long, so know that you’ll feel tired along the way.
Ausangate Mountain is about 100km to the south-east of Cusco. It’s 6.385 masl and towers over the nearby mountains. It can be seen from the city of Cusco and is the highest mountain in the region.
The Ausangate Trek is moderately challenging, so is suitable for most hikers. You do need to be in a good physical condition but it isn’t as tough as some other treks. You’ll be hiking long distances and at high altitude, so you need good stamina
The most difficult obstacles to overcome will be the high altitude and possibly tough weather conditions, especially in the rainy season.
Now for a few facts about this adventurous trek.
Read on for some useful tips to help you get ready for your trek.
Finally, when you’ve got your trek booked, take a look at these recommendations to make sure you’ve got all you need.
Make use of our packing lists for treks to make sure you have everything you need without going over the weight limit. It can be tough to know exactly what you need when leaving town for a few days.
This is a must as most tour operators won’t allow you on their tours without one. You’ll also find that if you fall ill or have an accident and aren’t insured, the healthcare in Peru is expensive.
The further ahead you plan the better prepared you’ll be. This also gives the tour operator or agency you choose to travel with the chance to make sure they have a guide free for your trip. Hoping to book upon arrival in Cusco could mean you miss out as there isn’t anyone available.
Some people like to hike in the warm sun, and others in colder climates. From May to October is the dry season in Cusco. The sun is warm in the day but the nights get very cold. If you decide to come between November and April, you’ll be trekking during the rainy season. This can make the trail a little slippery and the general climate is a little warmer.
You’ll be well-fed on the trip, but packing extra snacks means you can get a quick boost of energy whenever you need it on the trail. Think of high calorie energy snacks like chocolate, nutrs, and dried fruits.