the sacred mountain of Cusco
If you want to reach for the sky during your Peru adventures, our Ausangate treks are just what you need. No other trekking route in the country will bring you as close to the spirits of the mountain as the Ausangate Cusco Circuit, making your Andean experience sacred and amazing.
Reach for the sky on this hike from Cusco
The scenic trekking routes around Ausangate offer some of the most spectacular and remote treks in all of Peru. If you fancy lying next to llamas, taking selfies by turquoise lakes, and wandering in the shadow of Cusco’s highest peak, then come to Ausangate. Rainbow Mountain’s allure is also intoxicating, and it’s located in the same region, so if you want to extend your trip to Ausangate to include a visit to this colorful peak, that’s totally doable too!
Here’s a helpful overview of the Ausangate trek, so you know what to expect if you decide to take up the challenge. Yes, this is a bit of an epic undertaking, but don’t be discouraged. As you’ll discover below, advance preparation and a sense of adventure are all the tools you’ll need to conquer this classic Peruvian trek. It’s time to do your best!
In Andean spirituality, mountains, called apus, are highly revered and are believed to have a spirit. In fact, in Quechua, apu means lord. These powerful spirits are believed to protect the local population in the highlands. The Ausangate mountain meets 11 other sacred apus from the Cusco area, namely Salkantay, Mama Simona, Pillku Urqu, Manuel Pinta, Wanakawri, Pachatusan, Pikchu, Saksaywaman, Viraqochan, Pukin and Sinqa.
The path of the Apu Ausangate, or Ausangate Trek, is believed to be the deepest pilgrimage in the Andes and is one of the most famous treks in Peru. Traditionally, this spiritual journey takes place during the Qoyllur Rit’i festival, a Quechua festival that celebrates the stars in late May or early June (coinciding with the full moon). Specifically, it celebrates the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the night sky, marking the beginning of the harvest season. The Ten Nations, or brotherhoods, from the surrounding area gather for the occasion.
The best time for Ausangate treks is during the dry season, between May and September, when the weather is sunny rather than humid. The days tend to be clear, which makes the views and your photos even more spectacular. July and August are the driest and busiest months, but the trail never gets crowded as it is so remote.
The Ausangate trek is considered strenuous, with some dotted-out moderate days. The hike is classified as Grade C in difficulty, which involves altitudes between 14,800 and 16,400 feet (4,500-5,000 m) and 6-7 hours of walking per day. Many of the days have steep sections that cause a rapid increase in altitude in a short time. Anyone with a good level of fitness can manage this trek, but it is recommended that hikers have experience of multi-day treks at high altitudes.
Another factor to consider, besides the steep sections and lift passes over 16,000 feet, is the weather. The weather can be quite unpredictable, and blizzard conditions at the higher altitudes are not uncommon. Low temperatures and your tolerance for cold and snow are important to consider when determining your suitability for this trail.
If you want to hike Ausangate, it is very important that you take the correct equipment with you. The weather in this region is extreme, with everything from freezing temperatures to sunburn on the cards. The key is the altitude. When the sky is clear, the sun really burns, and when it’s windy, your skin will dry out in an instant. Nights are chilly, with temperatures always dropping below freezing, often in minus double digits.
Weather conditions can also change rapidly. One day you might be soaking up those rays, the next you’ll be wrapped up and battling the elements. The Ausangate Peru trek is one of the most challenging treks in South America and having good quality gear can be the difference between enjoyment and survival!
