BEAUTIFUL PERSPECTIVES FROM ON HIGH NOW

AUSANGATE TREK

When you get to the highest place, you gain the beauty of a higher perspective. Everywhere you go, there is a highest point for you to reach.

The Ausangate Trek is the highest place in Peru. It ranges from 13,200’ (4200m) to 17,000’ (5200m) high.

While the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trek are more famous (and now quite crowded), the more remote Ausangate Trek is the crown jewel of the Andes, offering exceptionally rich rewards. Stunningly beautiful and gloriously wild, this place is rarely traveled.

You can hike or ride a horse on the 57.5 mile (92 km) main trek. It will take 6 days, with local guides to help, spending your nights in tents along the way.

The trek is considered to be somewhat challenging, as you will traverse 5 mountain passes at varying altitudes and dramatic shifts in weather. Blizzards are not uncommon in patches on your route. Whether you hike or ride, pack horses carry your gear.

You will travel across diverse lands of the Cordillera Vilcanota -- some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, with thrilling wildlife, including bobcats and pumas.  You will experience remote Andean Quechua culture. You will find yourself blown away by breathtaking night skies.

You begin your journey in Cusco, where you will meet up with your guide. The trek itself starts in Tinqui. After a few hours of hiking, you get your first treat: a soak in the hot springs and sip cocoa tea at the village of Upis.

Arapa is the 1st mountain pass you will encounter, leading to the deep blue Lake Puma. The sacred Ausangate Mountain, on your left, is dotted with llamas, tended by local herders. Since pre-Inca times, it’s been a place of worship. Check out the annual Qoyllur Rit’I Festival, held here at the end of May.

Pucacocha is your 2nd pass, with condors circling above and vicuñas grazing along the way. Check out the incredible hanging glaciers, pieces of which crash into the lake below in spring and summer.

Chillca Pass is where the wild color of the striated sandstone mountains begins… but hang on, it gets wilder. The vibrant colors of Red Mountain valley await, with its desert ecosystem full of life that triumphs over adversities.

The piece de resistance, Rainbow Mountain, rises up ahead in the distance. When you reach it, you won’t believe your eyes.  

Next, chill out a bit at the magnificent Lake Ausangate, before heading through the Palomani Pass, passing by beautiful glacial tarns and lush green pampas, along the edge of the river. 

Your final pass to cross is Qampa, graced with sparkling turquoise lagoons, and glacial lakes where you can have a swim. See the giant Ausangate mountain now from a whole new perspective, along with views of Pacchanta Valley as you soak in the Pacchanta hot springs.

You will end up back at your starting point of Tinqui, then back to Cusco.

Machu Picchu Trek and FlashPack Connect are 2 excellent outfitters that can guide you and care for you on this pinnacle journey.

Here is a really beautiful short video from Contemporary Nomad and one from FlashPacker Connect.

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IMAGE CREDITS:

1. Image: by Brandon Morris, of FlashPacker Connect. Ausangate Trek. Vinicunca Mountains (aka Rainbow Mountains). Peru.
2. Image: Courtesy of Machu Picchu Trek. Ausangate Trek. Peru.
3. Image: by Edubucher. Ausangate Trek. Nevado Ausangate (Cuzco, Peru). The highest mountain in the Cordillera Vilcanota.
4. Image: by Brandon Morris, of FlashPacker Connect. Ausangate Trek. Ausangate Mountain, Peru.
5. Image: by Brandon Morris, of FlashPacker Connect. Ausangate Trek. Ausangate Mountain, Peru.
6. Image: by Brandon Morris, of FlashPacker Connect. Night Sky. Peru.
7. Image: by Marturius. Ausangate Trek. Hillside of Peruvian Ausangate Mountain. Peru.
8. Image: by Brandon Morris, of FlashPacker Connect. Ausangate Trek. Ausangate Mountain, Peru.
9. Image: by Brandon Morris, of FlashPacker Connect. Ausangate Trek. Lake Ausangate. Ausangate Mountain, Peru.
10. Image: by Brandon Morris, of FlashPack Connect. Ausangate Trek. Vinicunca Mountains (aka Rainbow Mountains). Peru.
11. Image: by Paulo Tomaz. Ausangate Trek.Cuzco. Cordillera Vilcanota, Laguna Sibinacocha. Peru.
12. Image: by Brandon Morris, of FlashPacker Connect. Lagoon Pool. Ausangate Trek. Ausangate Mountain, Peru.
13. Image: by Marturius. Ausangate Trek. Hillside of Peruvian Ausangate Mountain. Peru.
14. Image: by Eric Hanson. Courtesy of Machu Picchu Trek. Ausangate Trek. Vinicunca
15. Mountains (aka Rainbow Mountains). Peru.
16. Image: by BN App - Download now!
17. Image: by Arthur M. Pucacocha Lake - Cordillera of Vilcanota. Peru.