Ausangate is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region and a sacred place for many Andean communities. For centuries, people have made pilgrimages to the mountain, continuing traditions that remain an important part of Andean culture today.
Rising to 6,385 meters (20,948 feet), Ausangate offers an extraordinary high-altitude trekking experience. Although we won’t reach the summit, you’ll hike through spectacular landscapes surrounded by towering mountains, turquoise lagoons, glaciers, and vast highland valleys. Along the way, you may also encounter fascinating Andean wildlife and bird species.
Unlike treks focused primarily on archaeological sites, Ausangate Treks are centered on nature, culture, and the breathtaking beauty of the Andes. With fewer visitors than some of the region’s more famous routes, this is a quieter and more immersive adventure for travelers who enjoy hiking, wildlife, spectacular scenery, and the great outdoors.
We consider the Ausangate trek to be of moderate difficulty, with some days being more demanding than others. The main challenge is the high altitude, which can make even short distances feel much longer. You will also encounter steep uphill sections that can be particularly exhausting at this altitude.
It also depends on how many days you choose for the Ausangate treks.
Yes. You’ll need to make sure you carry enough water for the first morning of your trek. After this, we’ll provide boiled water for you to refill your bottle or hydration pouch at every meal and campsite. The water is clean and safe to drink, so you can stay hydrated without worrying about water quality.
Make sure you bring a reusable bottle or Camelbak to use throughout the trek. We prefer to avoid single-use plastic bottles whenever possible to help protect the environment and keep the trekking routes clean.
If you need extra water at any point, you’ll occasionally find small kiosks along the route selling bottled water and snacks.
One of the aspects you will likely enjoy most during the trek is the food. Many travelers are surprised by the variety and quality of the dishes prepared by our professional chefs, even deep in the mountains.
At every meal, you will have a variety of dishes to choose from, all made with fresh, local ingredients and including all the essential food groups for a balanced diet.
If you have any allergies or dietary preferences, simply let us know before the trek begins. We will ensure your meals are prepared with this in mind, so you can enjoy the same quality and variety as the rest of the group.
You certainly won’t go hungry during the Ausangate treks, and you will have the opportunity to sample various traditional Peruvian dishes along the way.
Although everything is prepaid and included in the package, you should definitely bring some extra cash for the hike; around 400 Peruvian soles is sufficient. Don’t bring US dollars, as they aren’t usually accepted in the country’s rural areas.
You might not end up spending anything, but it’s always a good idea to carry money in case of an emergency or if you need to buy something along the way.
If you plan to check your emails or communicate with friends and family along the route, it is best to do so before starting the hike; although there are places with Wi-Fi available for 10 soles, they are not always open, as the areas we visit are rural.
No. There are no places to charge electronic devices along the Ausangate hiking trail. We recommend bringing a portable battery if you have cameras or phones you want to keep charged.
No, there are no showers on the Ausangate route. In any case, it would likely be too cold to shower; however, we provide water in the mornings or afternoons so you can wash up, and we recommend bringing a small towel or wet wipes.
You can rent a horse. However, we recommend letting us know in advance so we can arrange and secure a horse for you.
Yes. However, this depends on whether we already have a group departing on your preferred day. Since this hike isn’t as popular as others, we don’t always have daily departures; we need a minimum of two people to form a group. That said, if a group is already organized, you are more than welcome to join! (If there are no groups for your preferred date, we can arrange a private hike.)
The weather along the Ausangate route can change rapidly due to the high altitude. You may encounter intense sun, low temperatures, wind, and occasional rain or snow—sometimes all in a single day. During the dry season (May to October), days are typically sunny with clear skies, while nighttime temperatures at higher-altitude campsites can drop well below freezing.
During the rainy season (November to April), temperatures are somewhat more moderate, but precipitation—both rain and snow—is more frequent, especially between December and February. Regardless of when you hike, we recommend bringing warm layers, waterproof clothing, gloves, and sun protection to be prepared for changing mountain conditions.
Yes. There are restrooms along the trail. Trek Ausangate Company also carries portable toilets for you to use along the route if needed.
We recommend a minimum age of 12 for this hike. As long as your child is active and accustomed to walking frequently at home, they should have no trouble.
Given the somewhat demanding nature of the hike and the weather conditions…
If you wish, we can also arrange a personalized hike tailored to you and your children, with lower physical demands and taking mountain weather conditions into account.
Yes, without a doubt! The Ausangate treks is one of the best alternative routes in the Cusco region. It is ideal for those looking to step off the beaten path and escape the large crowds often found on the more popular trails.
After days of hiking that require some physical effort, you will be rewarded with absolutely incredible scenery. You will be able to admire snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lagoons, and a wide variety of local flora and fauna.
This depends largely on when you visit Cusco, Peru. The classic full route is the 5-day Ausangate trek, which covers the entire circuit (including Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley, and the Seven Lagoons).
However, if you are short on time, we offer other options—such as 4, 3, 2, and 1-day treks—that allow you to visit the highlights.
