Ausangate means “snow star,” and this 4-5 day trip around the holy mountain of Ausangate is without a doubt one of the most varied, beautiful, and daring in South America. Add easy access from Cusco and hot springs on the first and end days, and you’ve got yourself a terrific Peru vacation trip. This Ausangate circuit is wilder, more dramatic, and less touristic than the Inca Trail, making it excellent for hikers and adventure visitors in Peru(Ausangate Circuit Trek).
Located
The Ausangate Massif is located in Peru’s Vilcanota mountain range, which is one of the country’s most isolated and hostile locations. Tinqui, the nearest town, is only 4 hours away from Cusco thanks to a new road. Once off the beaten path, you’ll find yourself in a remote environment where alpacas outnumber humans and where electricity and modern life have had minimal influence.
Also See: Beautiful Treks in Ladakh
Ausangate is regarded as one of the top hikes in the world. Because to its blend of traditional cultures and breathtaking environment. Every day on your walk, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of glaciers descending to the passes, turquoise lakes, and rugged peaks. The second day begins with a high track over a magnificent desert scene of pastel colours. And with Ausangate’s snow gleaming beyond. Rolling brown puna and green marshy valleys with stone corrals and traditionally costumed children herding alpacas may be found below.
High Altitude
Ausangate is a high-altitude journey that should not be attempt by anyone who are untrain or unacclimatize. The route is above 14,300 feet (4400 m) in elevation. It is including campsites, and two of the four high passes are over 16,400 feet (5000 meters). Even though the nights are chilly, the days are bright and sunny, especially between May and September. It’s a hard environment with little creature comforts. The advantage of remaining high is that the walk has less ups and downs than a typical Andes hike. Despite its proximity to Cusco, the Ausangate receives few tourists because to its secluded location. It is making it a fantastic and exciting adventure hike. Also explore about Tarsar Marsar Trek and Spiti Valley Tour .
Culture
Ausangate is the highest peak in the area, and on clear days, it can be seen from Cusco as an eerie white mountain. It’s no surprise that Ausuangate, or Apus, is consider sacred by Peru’s indigenous people. An Apus is a creature that defends and feeds the inhabitants of the area. Ausangate is regard the pakarina, or site of origin, for alpacas and llamas, and is one of the most significant Apus. The immensely spiritual Q’eros people reside in the valleys of Ausangate.
This Quechua-speaking society claims to be direct descendants of the Incas. Their isolation has allow them to maintain many beliefs and customs, to the point that the Q’eros have been designate as a Peruvian national treasure. Pahcamama (mother earth) is still rever by the people, and Queros shamans are rever across the Andes. At the annual Qoyur Riti Festival, these old spiritual beliefs are on full display. The trek to a glacier at 15, 580 feet (4,750 m), which takes place in May or June, attracts large crowds but few visitors.
Trekking the Ausangate Circuit is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through a timeless scenery and culture. It’s not as long as Nepal’s Himalayan treks, but it’s an underappreciated gem among South American hikes.
