Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 06-03-2023
A trek to Ausangate mountain is one of natural beauty, living history, and ancient customs and beliefs, dating back to Inca time and beyond. This 6-day trek is recommended for seasoned hikers only, who have experience hiking at high elevations and are used to camping in extremely cold conditions. Ausangate is actually the 5th tallest mountain in Peru, standing at 6393 meters above sea level and this hike will circumnavigate the mountain itself, and also visit the world-famous Rainbow Mountain.
Ausangate Trek
Found 100 km / 62 mi south of Cusco is the impressive Cordillera Vilcanota. This mountain range has several peaks over 6,000 meters high, including the sacred Ausangate peak (6,372m). Ausangate is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and the 5th highest mountain in Peru. The Ausangate mountain itself is considered a sacred mountain or "Apu" by locals. Since pre-Inca times (see Inca trail history), the mountain has been a place of worship. The mountain is also where the Qoyllur Rit’I Festival happens at the end of May. This is held on the opposite side of the Cordillera Vilcanota, in the Sinakara Valley. The festival draws over 10,000 pilgrims each year. This deity of Cusco is celebrated through traditions and offerings. Specifically, the pilgrimage celebrates the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the night sky, marking the beginning of the harvest season. This is what you should pack for this awe-inspiring Ausangate trek!
Lake on The Ausangate Trek
Packing List
Clothing
Comfortable hiking pants
Down jacket or a warm jacket
Fleece top/sweater
Good hiking boots with protector ankle or similar.
A pair of flip-flops or light sandals (hiking sandals are recommended).
Hiking long-sleeve T-shirts and shirts. (one for each day)
Thermal base layer
Hiking socks
Sun hat or cap
Warm hat for the nighttime
Gloves for the nighttime
Bandana
Underwear
Bathing suit in case you want to go to the hot springs in Pacchanta.
Rain gear (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March) Goretex jacket, Goretex pants, Goretex boots, Goretex gloves.
Trekking Gear
Personal Care Items
Sunblock
Sunglasses.
Hands sanitizer gel.
ChapStick (lipstick)
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Biodegradable soap
Wet Wipes
Toilet Paper
Toiletries
Gear
Day Pack
Sleeping bag liner.
Hiking poles rubber-tipped (or you can rent a pair from us).
Ear Plugs
Reusable plastic bags (to keep everything dry).
Pack liners to waterproof bags
Camera
Battery Chargers
Torch
Snacks
Ausangate
Book The Ausangate Trek here!
