Overview
Ausangate Circuit 6 Days:
This very special alternative trek takes you alongside the spectacular snow-capped “Apu” of Ausangate (6.372m/20900ft) and takes you over mountain passes, through awesome mountain scenery, authentic Andean villages, hot springs and turquoise lakes. This alternative route to the classic Ausangate circuit still offers the most spectacular views of this sacred Andean mountain before it deviates towards the impressive Sibinacocha Lagoon, leaving tourist crowds behind and entering an almost uninhabited area where you can truly commune with nature. The hike ends in Phinaya, a small and remote Andean community with just horses and bicycles as transportation. An unforgettable trail for lovers of mountain trekking, or those searching for something different and away from the increasingly popular traditional Ausangate trek.
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FAQs
You just need to remember that you are able to go at a speed that is comfortable for you. Take your time, pace yourself, and enjoy. Ausangate Trek is considered as a moderate hike; not a technical hike but high altitude may affect some people.
We recommend the use of trekking poles, especially for those passengers with known knee problems. There are multiple times during the trek that a trekking poles is handy, be it ascending a mountain or walking along the rough trails.
It's impossible to predict who will be affected by altitude. Your ability to adapt to high altitude is determined by your genetic makeup and has little to do with fitness or health. Most people will have no problems as long as they take the time to acclimatize properly. A full 2-day trip spent in Cusco (3,399 masl), taking it very easy and drinking plenty of water is enough for some people but if you can arrange to have minimum 2-3 days in case of any travel disruptions as well, then this is what we recommend as there is also so much to do here! The highest point you will get to while hiking Ausangate reaches 5,280 masl on the 2nd day.
The Ausangate trek does Not require permits as the Inca Trail, but it is important to reserve in advance.
We recommend that you purchase a 1.5 – 2 liter bottle of water to take with you on the first day. Every night during the trek, we will boil water so you can refill the same bottle every morning before setting out. If you are planning to drink from any streams or waterfalls, we strongly suggest you bring water purification tablets or filters.
Some people actually like to go during the rainy season because there are fewer tourists but we say please be prepared for wet weather and have suitable clothes and equipment. Possibly snow, so be prepared for a possible change of route if a pass is deemed impassable by the guide. We do not recommend this trek in the months of January, February and March.
Yes or yes we recommend taking extra money, tips for the trekking staff, souvenirs, snacks, bottled water, drinks, etc. You should take at least 300 soles as emergency money.
Our cooks prepare excellent high-energy meals appropriate for a trek of this nature. The menu usually includes pasta, rice, chicken, fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of oatmeal, eggs and other breakfast foods. Vegetarian alternatives are available upon request at the time of booking.
Completely fluent in English. Our guides are also one of the most popular aspects of our tours some of them being historians and archaeologists and all demonstrate a great passion for their culture and heritage.
This tour is not recommended for children because they may have trouble walking, but if the child enjoys hiking at high altitudes, they can do it.
If you have medical problems, you should consult your doctor and indicate that you want to or are planning a hike in the Peruvian Andes and the height is 5040 m (16,400 ft) above sea level. If you have medication, you must bring it with you to continue your treatment.
Horseback is available as an option at an additional cost of $20usd per day for those who have not built up stamina for long distance hiking or who may not have time to acclimatize. (This option requires advanced notice)
All luggage not needed for the hike should stay in Cusco. All hotels are very accommodating and quite used to storing luggage on site. But we have storage in Cusco where we can keep all your belonging.
