AUSANGATE TREK FAQS
WHAT IS THE AUSANGATE TREK LIKE?
is probably one of the most beautiful and complete trails that Cusco has, there is 55 km in total that you can do in 4 or 5 days, along this hike you can see turquoise lagoons, glaciers, llamas, alpacas running, chinchillas, and the imposing snowy ausangate with an altitude of 6385 meters above sea level.
It is one of the best experiences to connect with nature and its enigma.
The perfect combination is to do this trekking with the famous mountain of 7 colors where you will spend 5, 6, and 7 incredible days.
AUSANGATE TREK PREPARATION
without any doubt, the best recommendation is to do physical exercises before doing this trekking running ravines, going up and down hills if you have it in your country or running at least 10 km per day, and thus be prepared to not have problems, and for people who suffer from the heart is not recommendable to do it because this trail is the highest in Cusco.
To be able to acclimatize is good to be in Cusco for 1 day or 2 days, and also the other option is to start your plans from Arequipa, Puno, and then come more acclimatized to Cusco and be better adapted to the altitude.
BEST TIME TO HIKE AUSANGATE TREK
the best time for hiking is between the months of April to September, with very sunny days and perfect for taking good pictures and seeing the mountains more clearly in all their glory these months are the high season, and the months of October to March are the months of the rainy season and there are companies that still offer this trail and is not recommended because during the day is cloudy with rain and the road is slippery.
I CAN DO THIS TRAIL ON MY OWN?
the answer is of course, yes, having good camping and trekking equipment and a GPS, with maps where they can help you in the right directions where to go, camp, etc.
The ausangate trail is not well marked and unfortunately you can get lost when it is cloudy.
The best option is to book with a company expert in this trekking and also to have a better experience as GO TREKS PERU has the best professionals.
In general, this trekking is to be able to learn and know more about the Inca culture.
WEATHER ON AUSANGATE TRAIL
The weather in the Andes is very unpredictable because of the geography that we have, in the ausangate trek trail during the day are sunny days so you will need to use sunscreen, and during the night can reach temperatures below 0 degrees.
in general, is to have Good trekking equipment to not have problems with the cold and heat and it is always necessary to have enough water to drink, the recommendation is to have 2 liters per person to avoid dehydration.
CHOOSING AUSANGATE TREK
The Ausangate trail is divided into two well-marked categories: short (2-4 days) and long (5-7 days) with a colorful mountains. If you have time, we recommend that you choose a 5-7 day route. This option is the most complete because in this trail you will be able to visit beautiful lagoons and the snow-capped Ausangate and the incredible mountain of colors.
Short Ausangate Trek (2-4days)
Also known as small Ausangate Treks, these shorter trails are intended to offer hikers a sort of “best of” sample of the Ausangate region in a shorter period of time. These routes usually focus on Lake Puca Cocha, the Ausangate glacier, and the Arco Iris mountain is somewhat complete.
Full Ausangate Trek (5-7 days)
The longer treks will take you through mountains and places that are rarely seen by hikers, a complete circuit so you can appreciate some of the high peaks from multiple angles and take amazing pictures. During the day you will see breathtaking views of glaciers and during the night, the milky way at its best from 4,000 meters to 5,200 meters.
INCREDIBLE VIEWS EVERY DAY?
For people who love to take pictures, this amazing trail will give you incredible gifts of turquoise lagoons, snow-capped mountains, llamas, alpacas, and the popular colorful mountain
WHERE TO LEAVE THE LUGGAGE DURING THE TREK?
Different hotels have a place to leave your luggage when you go out for a day trip, the other option is to leave it at the GO TREKS PERU office and when you come back you can pick it up without any problem.
HOW HARD IS AUSANGATE TREK?
The main reason Ausangate is considered difficult is that the entire hike is at a high altitude. This route is probably not suitable for novice hikers. It is considered one of the most difficult, however, if you have done other treks before you should have no problem.
RENTING TREKKING AND CAMPING GEAR FOR AUSANGATE TREK IN CUSCO
there are many places to rent in Cusco, the best option is to rent around the square and the best known for quality and price is the famous speedy Gonzales that is on procuradores street.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Put your smartphone on airplane mode. no phone signal and to save battery life.
Drink enough water, it is very important to hydrate yourself as we will be walking at 4000 masl and during this trek, there are streams where you can recharge water and important to have purifying tablets is important when walking at high altitude.
Be very attentive to the weather. Conditions can change for hours at high altitudes in the Andes. Always have warm layers and waterproof layers on hand. This is especially important when climbing and traversing high passes.
Carry a first aid kit, an equipment repair kit, and a blister treatment kit in your backpack, but we have them too.
Carry a good amount of your favorite sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses, and wear a buffalo to protect your head and neck and help block the wind.
This hike is not recommended for children because they may have trouble walking, but if your child enjoys hiking at high altitudes, you can do it.
The higher altitude also means colder, near-freezing temperatures, so be prepared. If you decide to hike for several days, be sure to bring very warm clothing.
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain will be in the morning or early afternoon, just after sunrise or before sunset.
Do not go to Rainbow Mountain in the afternoon during the rainy season because of the lighting. Due to the high concentration of minerals. There is a high probability of being affected by lighting.
What To Bring
- A good day pack: such as Eagle Creek Afar Backpack (An appropriate pack to carry your personal belongings.)
- Original passport (International Student Identity Card “ISIC” if applicable)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended but not required
- Lighter trekking boots (with good ankle support)
- 3 pairs of trekking pants (not jeans), 1 hiking, 1 cotton–which is just enough. Please spray both pairs with an insect repellent spray before the trip.
- Layers for variable temperatures especially at night.
- 1 rain jacket: The first night the temperature can be as low as – 5 degrees Celsius/23 degrees Fahrenheit. A rain jacket can be helpful because there are rainy days even in the dry season!
- 1 warm/winter jacket (Thermals: wool socks/gloves, scarf, and woolen hat for cold nights).
- 4 pairs of underwear, and 6 pairs of socks (Bamboo or cotton/nylon-blend socks dry faster than 100 percent cotton, which lose their softness when air-dried.) It is nice to have a couple of extra pairs of socks to change into at night when you’re not hiking. Also, we recommend bringing both really heavy hiking socks and lighter socks, as well as the weather, which is variable, so you want to make sure you’re not too cold or too hot.
- 4 t-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts
- 1 good sleeping bag liner which is super lightweight and easy to pack. This definitely does its job!
- Travel-size tissues and wet wipes.
- Iron tablets and pills for altitude sickness. Several people on the hike have varying degrees of altitude sickness and both of these remedies (in addition to the coca tea) are very helpful in alleviating the symptoms.
- Sun protection cream (SPF 45 or higher recommended).
- Bug spray with 30% DEET in it–which you need, but it doesn’t work very well. The issue with Cusco outdoor is that most of the bugs are not mosquitoes. They are these small flies you can’t even see that leave weird bites that first look like you pricked your finger and then blow up into itchy red bumps. Unfortunately, these bugs seem to bite you no matter what kind of spray you put on, so bringing some anti-itch ointment could be helpful.
- Re-usable plastic or metal water container or a hydration pack such as Camelback
- Water (Only for the first day of the hike, as we will provide you with water throughout the rest of the hike).
- Camera
- A headlamp to navigate camp in the evenings and pre-dawn mornings with spare batteries
- Bandages or moleskin
- Flip flops to change into at night. Your toes will thank you!
- Toiletries
Medication (Imodium AD or something for your stomach) because some people get an upset stomach on the trek. Also, Ibuprofen
