Whoever looks at the viewpoints of Ausangate will discover the thousand colors that this unique mountain shows. A true geological gem that is slowly getting more international visitors.
It is a magnificent backdrop of one of the most desirable hiking trails in the world for its beauty. And all this just 100 kilometers from Cuzco, Peru.
We are talking about Ausangate, the fourth highest mountain in Peru with 6,372 meters of altitude above sea level. The mineral outcrops (iron oxides, copper sulphates and others) converge to create an almost surreal image.
The Inti Raymi in Cuzco
The Incas believed that from this mountain and the lakes that surround it, the masculine energy that fertilizes the Pachamama, Mother Earth, was born. And here are the sources of the Vilcanota river that flows into the Amazon.
The apu Ausangate is then the bearer of life and, in addition, the guardian of one of the most varied ecosystems in the world. Its name means copper in Quechua and is still considered a sacred mountain by local people. In fact, it is still one of the most important pilgrimage centers for the descendants of the Incas.
What are apachetas?
There lives the Community of Chillca constituted by shepherds of vicuñas and alpacas who have inherited almost 7,000 years of cultural traditions. They begin to attend visitors and offer guided walks by pastors, and the possibility of sharing the daily life of work with the flames.
The hiking route that surrounds the Ausangate mountain is a wonderful 4-day hike that borders huge glaciers and dozens of mountain ranges, which can be done independently or through an agency in Cuzco.
Those who want to practice climbing and reach their top, however, will see that requires some experience and technical equipment. The normal ascension path runs along the south face and is quite complex since it requires almost vertical ice climbing. Lately they have opened routes on all their faces, all highly technical. To climb this mountain you do not need a special permit.
Hiking in ausangate and rainbow mountain:
- Ausangate trek Peru
- Rainbow mountain trek
When is the best time to hike to Ausangate?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2020 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
Other hiking tours than Ausangate
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trekto Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
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