If you’re the kind of traveller who hears “5,000 metres above sea level” and thinks it sounds like a fun Tuesday, then the Ausangate Trek is calling your name. Loudly.
The Ausangate Trek isn’t your typical stroll-in-the-Andes kind of hike. No siree. Sure, there are no charming cafes along the way to grab an espresso when you need it, but you get something much much more rewarding.
Yep, it’s challenging alright, but the awesome landscapes, communities following ancient traditions, and the remote wilderness you experience along the way will trump anything you could imagine. You might even start to think someone turned the saturation filter up on your camera, but in reality, it’s right there in front of you. Big, bright, and beautiful.
That’s exactly why adventurers love it. We’re sure you will too.
Table of Contents
The Challenge
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Ausangate is hard. And we’re not talking the “oh, I’m slightly winded” kind of hard. We’re talking the “my legs are filing a complaint” kind of hard.
A majority of the route sits at over 4,500 m / 14,764 ft, so every limb will feel heavier and every breath feels a little harder than the last.
But here’s the thing. That challenge? It’s addictive!
With each step, you feel like you’re getting something even bigger back, like you’re on some ancient pilgrimage. And you know what? You can make things a little easier for yourself by properly acclimatizing.
Exercise and hike practice circuits at home, arrive in Cusco a few days before the trek, and stay hydrated and walk steadily along the route. With these tips, the Ausangate Trek becomes not only doable but incredibly rewarding.
The Beauty
Right, we’ve established that the Ausangate Trek is a challenge. There’s no denying that. But that challenge is couterbalanced by the out-of-this-world natural wonderland in front of your eyes.
Picture a painter with a giant canvas and no restraints whatsoever. That’s a little what you can expect on the trek.
On your hike, you’ll see:
- Lakes in such vivid hues of turquoise, emerald, and deep sapphire they look photoshopped.
- The colorful Rainbow Mountain and its lesser-known but equally spectacular colorful friends.
- White and silver glaciers that drape the sides of Apu Ausangate, watching over the valleys below.
- Vast, rolling plains home to herds of camelids who look at you as though you’re the funny looking one!
- Starry skies that make you realise you definitely underestimated the Milky Way until now.
And that’s not all. In fact, you know what? Every day on this trek offers a new experience. A new kind of magic. One minute you feel like you’re stepping foot on Mars, the next you’re faced with ice walls glowing pink when the sun comes up.
The Reward
So, you’re up for the challenge and you know you’re in for some incredible sights. And if that wasn’t enough to make you wanna strap on your hiking boots and run for the hills (by which we mean the Andes), then maybe the sense of achievement will be.
Completing the Ausangate Trek isn’t just a travel achievement. It’s a lifetime achievement. You’ll walk away from this adventure with:
A Deep Connection With Mother Nature
Ausangate is sacred in Andean traditions. Locals call it an Apu, which means a sacred mountain spirit that looks over the landscape and protects them. You can feel its immense presence in the wind, the silence, the colors, and simply the sheer magnitude of everything in the area.
A New Perspective On The World
Hiking along the trail, you realise how small you are in the world, in a good way of course. Everything feels immense, huge, and powerful, really making you appreciate the natural world and our planet.
Photos Of A Lifetime
Yep, there’s no doubt about it. Your friends will think you’ve used a filter. No. They won’t believe you when you say you didn’t. But the landscape really is that stunning!
Bragging Rights
Because let’s face it, you’ve earned them! Not everyone chooses a trek that’s so remote with air so thin your thoughts echo. You did it and certainly deserve to shout about it.
So, Is The Ausangate Trek For You?
You don’t just stumble upon the Ausangate Trek by accident. No one wakes up in the morning, stretches, and casually says to themselves, “You know what sounds relaxing? Hiking above 4,500 metres for several days.” (Although if you do, good on you!)
This hike is for a particular kind of adventurer. The kind that gets a little sparkle in their eye at the thought of long climbs, harsh climates, and landscapes that leave you breathless.
So are you ready to take on the Ausangate Trek? Ask yourself…
Do you thrive on challenges?
If you want to push your limits, feel your heartbeat in your ears, and discover that you’re a lot more capable of things than you thought, Ausangate could be what you’re looking for. It demands resilience, determination, and a sense of humour when your legs start negotiating with you.
Do you love the remote and untouched?
Wilderness doesn’t get much purer than this. No crowds. No shops. No WiFi. Just you, the trek, and the occasional alpaca judging your pace. If the idea of stepping off the grid makes your heart skip a bit, get booking your hike!
Does scenery matter to you (a lot)?
Let’s face it. You’re not coming for a gentle stroll in the hills. You’re coming to see the Andes at their most dramatic. If you’re the sort of person who gasps at mountain views or takes 200 photos of a single lake because the lighting keeps changing, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in visual heaven.
Do you want to immerse yourself in local, rural communities?
Ausangate isn’t just a mountain. It’s a sacred Apu. If you’re curious about local traditions, respectful of their spiritual beliefs, and excited to learn through experiences, this route offers a powerful conneciton to the Quechuan way of the world.
Do you want to earn rewards the hard way?
Some treks hand you views on a silver platter. Ausangate makes you work for them, and that makes every moment feel bigger. If you’re someone who gets satisfaction from grit and effort, you’ll find this trek super fulfilling.
Do you want to tell a story that never gets tiring?
Let’s be real here. Trekking the Ausangate circuit guarantees you years of dinner party conversation, and if they ask to see photos, you’ll have a bunch!
In short: If you crave comfort, cappuccinos, and a popular route, Ausangate might be a “maybe later.” But if you’re ready to step into a remote world that challenges and transforms you, this trek is undeniably for you.
It’s Time To Take On Apu Ausangate
Ausangate isn’t just a trek. It’s an adventure that leaves you sore, smiling, and already planning your next trip.
Ready to take on the challenge? The mountains are waiting. And trust us. They’re spectacular!
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