The Ausangate Trek is a captivating 4-day adventure that promises to immerse trekkers in the stunning beauty of Peru’s Ausangate mountain range. Priced at $850 per person, this small group experience is led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, taking participants on a journey through breathtaking landscapes like the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. With a focus on responsible tourism and the respectful treatment of porters, the trek offers comfortable accommodations and essential amenities, ensuring a memorable exploration of this spectacular region. What makes the Ausangate Trek so alluring, and why is it a must-consider for adventurous travelers in Peru?
This experience made our list of the 9 Best 4 Day Tours In Peru.
Key Points
- 4-day trekking experience in Peru’s Ausangate mountain range, with a price of $850 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Immersive journey led by knowledgeable, English-speaking guides, featuring highlights like Arapa Pass, Rainbow Mountain, and Red Valley.
- Comfortable accommodations, including private cabins and two campsites, with essential gear and amenities provided.
- Emphasis on responsible tourism practices, such as respectful treatment of porters and environmental care.
- Comprehensive preparation guidance, including physical, mental, and gear recommendations, to ensure a successful and enjoyable trek.
Overview and Pricing
The Ausangate Trek is a 4-day journey that allows adventurous travelers to explore the stunning landscapes of Peru’s Ausangate mountain range.
Priced at $850 per person, this trek offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also take advantage of the reserve now & pay later option.
The small group size, ranging from 2 to 8 participants, ensures a personalized experience led by a live English-speaking guide.
With respectful treatment of porters, top-notch equipment, and portable toilets, this 100% local company trek provides a well-rounded adventure in the Andes.
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Trek Details
This 4-day trek takes adventurous travelers on an immersive journey through the stunning Ausangate mountain range.
With a small group size of just 2 to 8 participants, you’ll be led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide.
The trek highlights include respectful treatment of porters, top-notch equipment, and the use of portable toilets.
Over the course of the trek, you’ll hike to Arapa Pass, observe wildlife, and challenge yourself with a trek to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley before returning to Cusco.
Throughout the journey, you’ll enjoy the comforts of private cabins, Puca Cocha campsite, and Kayrawiri campsite.
Daily Itinerary
Travelers embark on a four-day adventure, beginning with a 2-hour private van ride from Cusco to Tinqui, followed by a 3-hour hike to Upis, where they’ll spend the night in private cabins.
The next day, they’ll hike to Arapa Pass, observing wildlife along the way, before reaching the Puca Cocha campsite.
The third day presents a challenging hike with views of Rainbow Mountain, leading to the Ananta and Kayrawiri campsites.
On the final day, they’ll explore Rainbow Mountain, visit the Red Valley, and return to Cusco around 3:00 pm.
Included Amenities
For this trek, a satellite phone and English-speaking guide with radio communication are included. Plus, the package provides a professional cook, mules for equipment transport, and a personal allowance of 7 kg. Meals, access fees, private transportation, and essential gear such as sleeping mats, first aid kits, and hygiene products are also covered. The included amenities ensure a comfortable and well-supported trekking experience.
Included Amenities | ||
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Satellite Phone | English-Speaking Guide | Radio Communication |
Professional Cook | Mules for Equipment | 7 kg Personal Allowance |
Meals & Access Fees | Private Transportation | Essential Gear |
Packing List
When packing for the Ausangate Trek, hikers should bring along a variety of essential items.
Sunglasses and a hat are crucial for protecting against the sun’s glare. Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes are a must, as are a change of clothes and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent will help ensure a pleasant experience. Hikers should pack a warm jacket, as the temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations.
A sleeping bag, cash, and a daypack for carrying essentials during the day are also recommended. Binoculars can enhance wildlife viewing opportunities.
With the right gear, trekkers can fully enjoy the beauty of the Ausangate region.
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Trekking Preparation
To ensure a successful Ausangate trek, hikers must thoroughly prepare both physically and mentally. Proper training is essential, as the trek involves challenging terrain and high altitudes. Hikers should focus on cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility to build endurance. It’s also important to become acclimated to the altitude by spending time in high-elevation areas before the trek. Plus, hikers should familiarize themselves with the gear and equipment needed for the trek, ensuring they are comfortable using it.
Physical Preparation | Mental Preparation |
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Cardio exercises | Research the trek |
Strength training | Manage expectations |
Altitude acclimation | Positive mindset |
Experienced Guides
The Ausangate trek is led by experienced, English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable about the local terrain, wildlife, and cultural traditions.
They use satellite phones and radio communication to ensure the safety and well-being of the trekkers. These guides are skilled at navigating the challenging mountain paths and can provide valuable insights into the local flora and fauna.
They also work closely with the porters to ensure the smooth transportation of equipment and supplies.
With their expertise and attention to detail, the guides create an unforgettable experience for trekkers, allowing them to fully enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Ausangate region.
Responsible Tourism
Responsible tourism is a key focus of the Ausangate trek. The tour operator prioritizes respectful treatment of local porters, using top-notch equipment, and providing portable toilets to minimize environmental impact.
They’re a 100% local company, ensuring that the economic benefits stay within the community. The small group size of 2-8 participants allows for a more intimate and personalized experience, reducing the carbon footprint.
Guests are encouraged to pack biodegradable products and dispose of waste responsibly. The trek also provides access fees to the Ausangate private grounds, supporting the preservation of this stunning natural landscape.
Responsible tourism is at the heart of this immersive Andean adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Trek Suitable for Children?
The 4-day trek may not be suitable for young children due to the challenging hiking terrain and high altitudes. It’s recommended for older children with previous hiking experience and good physical fitness, accompanied by their parents or guardians.
Can I Buy Local Handicrafts During the Trek?
While the Ausangate Trek 4 Days doesn’t offer formal opportunities to purchase local handicrafts, hikers may have the chance to interact with indigenous communities and support their artisanry during the trek.
Is There an Option to Hire a Porter?
Yes, there’s an option to hire a porter. The trek package includes mules to transport up to 7 kg of personal belongings, but you can hire a porter to carry your full backpack if needed.
How Do We Adapt to the High Altitude?
To adapt to high altitude, it’s important to acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, rest well, and avoid overexerting oneself. Guides can provide tips on proper pacing and monitoring symptoms to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.
What Safety Precautions Are in Place?
The tour operator provides safety precautions like satellite phones, radio communication, first aid kits, and oxygen tanks. They also have experienced guides who monitor participants’ health and adjust the pace as needed to account for the high altitude.
Recap
The Ausangate Trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Peru’s stunning Ausangate mountain range. Priced at $850 per person, this 4-day small group adventure boasts breathtaking landscapes, comfortable accommodations, and experienced English-speaking guides. With a focus on responsible tourism and porter welfare, trekkers can embark on a memorable and immersive journey through this spectacular region, creating lasting memories of their time in the Andes.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Hiking & Trekking Tours in Peru
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