The Ultimate Guide to the Ausangate Trek

What Makes the Ausangate Trek Special?

Beyond the Inca Trail: An Introduction to Ausangate

While the Inca Trail leads travelers to the historic marvel of Machu Picchu, the Ausangate Trek offers a different kind of pilgrimage. This is a journey into the raw, untamed heart of the Andes, a high-altitude circuit that circumnavigates one of Peru’s most sacred peaks. It’s a route defined not by ancient ruins, but by immense glaciers, jewel-toned lakes, and the profound silence of the wilderness. For those seeking a genuine expedition away from the well-trodden paths, Ausangate presents a challenge and a reward of unparalleled scale and beauty.

The Apu Ausangate: Sacred Mountain of the Andes

In Andean cosmology, the great mountains are not merely geological formations; they are powerful spirits, or Apus. Apu Ausangate (6,384 m / 20,945 ft) is one of the most significant deities in the Cusco region. Considered the lord of Cusco and the master of all mountains, it is a powerful entity that governs water, fertility, and the well-being of the local Quechua communities. To walk the path around its base is to be in the presence of this deity, and the trek itself is a form of permission and respect. This spiritual dimension adds a profound depth to the physical journey, connecting hikers to a belief system that has endured for centuries.

Unparalleled Scenery: Glaciers, Lagoons, and Rainbows

The landscape of the Ausangate region is nothing short of spectacular. The scenery is a dynamic canvas of extreme geography and vibrant color. You will walk beneath immense, creaking glaciers that cling to the mountain’s sheer faces and traverse vast, golden pampas where herds of alpacas and llamas graze peacefully. The route is dotted with dozens of glacial lagoons, each a unique shade of turquoise, emerald, or sapphire blue. Perhaps most famously, this region is home to the geological wonder of Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, where hillsides are streaked with mineral deposits of lavender, red, and ochre. The sheer visual diversity, from the stark white of the ice to the psychedelic hues of the earth, makes every day on the trail a visual feast.

Authentic Cultural Immersion and Fewer Crowds

One of the most defining features of the Ausangate Trek is its remoteness, which translates to a serene experience with far fewer hikers than on other popular routes. This solitude allows for a more intimate connection with the environment. More importantly, the trail winds through the ancestral lands of Quechua-speaking pastoralist communities. Here, life continues much as it has for generations, deeply intertwined with the land and their herds. You will encounter local arrieros (muleteers) with their animals, see women in traditional, brightly colored clothing weaving intricate textiles, and gain a quiet appreciation for a resilient and enduring culture. This is not a manufactured cultural show; it is an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the high Andes.

Ausangate Trek at a Glance: Key Facts

Quick Stats for Your Reference

Before diving into the detailed logistics of this incredible journey, it helps to have a clear overview. Here are the essential details of the classic Ausangate circuit to help you frame your expectations and begin your planning.

• Location: Cordillera Vilcanota, a stunning mountain range near Cusco, Peru.
• Total Distance: Approximately 70 kilometers / 43 miles for the classic circuit.
• Typical Duration: 4 to 6 days, depending on the itinerary and pace.
• Highest Altitude: The formidable Palomani Pass, reaching approximately 5,200 meters / 17,060 feet above sea level.
• Difficulty Level: Challenging to Difficult. This trek is physically demanding due to the sustained high altitude and multiple high passes, requiring excellent physical condition and proper acclimatization.
• Trekking Style: A remote, high-altitude camping experience. You will be far from towns and amenities, relying on a fully supported setup with tents and a dedicated crew.
• Best Time to Go: The dry season, from April to October, offers the most stable weather with clear skies and less precipitation.

Planning Your Ausangate Adventure

Transforming the dream of trekking in the Vilcanota range into a reality requires careful planning. From choosing the right season to deciding between a guided tour and an independent expedition, these logistical details are the foundation of a safe and memorable journey. This section will guide you through the essential considerations for organizing your Ausangate adventure.

When to Go: Best Seasons and Weather

Timing is everything in the high Andes. The weather patterns around Ausangate are distinct and have a significant impact on trail conditions, visibility, and overall enjoyment. Choosing the right window for your trek is the most critical decision you’ll make. For more detailed information, consult our guide on the Weather and Climate in Peru.

• Dry Season (April – October): This is widely considered the best time to trek. You can expect stable weather, clear blue skies, and incredible panoramic views. The days are sunny and pleasant for hiking, but be prepared for cold nights, with temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing. This is also the peak tourist season in the Cusco region, though Ausangate remains far less crowded than other popular treks. Check out the Best time to visit Peru for more insights.
• Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): These months can offer an excellent balance, providing the benefits of the dry season with potentially fewer trekkers on the trail. While the weather is generally good, there is a slightly higher chance of afternoon showers or an occasional dusting of snow compared to the core dry months of June to August.
• Wet Season (November – March): Trekking during this period is not recommended. Heavy and persistent rainfall (and snow at higher elevations) makes the trails muddy, slippery, and dangerous. Mountain passes can become impassable, and thick cloud cover often obscures the spectacular scenery you came to see.

Guided Tour vs. Independent Trekking

Once you’ve chosen your dates, the next major decision is how you will experience the trail. The remote and challenging nature of the Ausangate circuit means this choice heavily influences your safety and logistics.

Benefits of a Guided Tour

For the vast majority of trekkers, a guided tour is the most practical and enjoyable option. A reputable tour company handles all the complex logistics, allowing you to focus purely on the trek. Key benefits include:

• Logistics and Safety: Transportation, permits, campsite selection, and food are all arranged for you. An experienced guide provides route navigation and is trained in first aid and altitude sickness management.
• Gear and Comfort: Tents, cooking equipment, and a dining tent are provided. Mules or horses (managed by arrieros) carry the bulk of your gear, so you only need to carry a small daypack. Make sure you have the right gear by checking our What to pack for Peru guide.
• Cultural Insight: Local guides offer invaluable context about the sacred Apu, the Andean worldview, and the flora and fauna you encounter along the way.

The Challenge of an Independent Trek

Trekking Ausangate independently is a serious undertaking reserved for highly experienced high-altitude mountaineers. The route is not well-marked in many sections, and there is no infrastructure or support available. You must be completely self-sufficient, carrying all your own food, shelter, and navigation equipment. This requires expert-level map and compass skills, a deep understanding of acclimatization protocols, and the physical conditioning to carry a heavy pack at extreme altitudes.

How to Choose a Reputable Tour Operator

The quality of your tour operator can make or break your experience. With numerous companies in Cusco, it’s important to do your research and select one that prioritizes safety, ethics, and quality service.

Key Factors to Consider

• Safety Record and Protocols: A good company will have clear emergency procedures, carry an oxygen tank and a comprehensive first-aid kit, and ensure guides are certified in wilderness first aid.
• Ethical Treatment: Look for operators that guarantee fair wages, proper clothing, and appropriate weight limits for their porters and arrieros (muleteers). Responsible tourism is key.
• Group Size: Smaller groups generally offer a more intimate experience and allow for greater flexibility and attention from the guide.
• Verified Reviews: Check recent reviews on independent platforms to get an unbiased sense of the company’s performance and client satisfaction.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Don’t hesitate to contact potential operators directly. Their responsiveness and transparency are good indicators of their professionalism. Ask specific questions like:

• What is included and excluded in the price? (e.g., sleeping bags, trekking poles, park entrance fees)
• What is your acclimatization policy? Do you require a minimum number of days in Cusco?
• What are your emergency evacuation procedures?
• What is the guide-to-client ratio?
• Can you accommodate specific dietary requirements?

Budgeting and Costs for the Trek

The cost of the Ausangate trek can vary based on the tour operator, group size, and level of service. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, this often comes at the expense of safety standards and ethical treatment of staff. For a general idea of travel expenses, see our guide on the Budget to visit Peru.

Average Tour Costs

For a standard, all-inclusive 5-day Ausangate trek, you can expect to pay between $500 and $900 USD per person. Private tours will be more expensive. This price generally reflects a commitment to quality equipment, experienced guides, and fair treatment of the trekking crew.

What’s Included vs. Not Included

Understanding the fine print is essential for budgeting.

• Typically Included: Transportation from/to Cusco, a professional guide, a cook, arrieros and pack animals, all meals on the trek, quality tents and camping equipment (dining tent, etc.), and emergency oxygen.
• Typically Not Included: Personal sleeping bag and sleeping pad (often available for rent), trekking poles (rentable), tips for the crew, travel insurance, personal snacks and drinks, and the final meal in Cusco.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for the hard work of your trekking crew. While voluntary, it is highly encouraged if you are satisfied with the service. A common approach is for the group to pool their tips and distribute them at the end of the trek. As a general guideline, consider budgeting:

• Guide: $10 – $15 USD per day from the group.
• Cook: $8 – $10 USD per day from the group.
• Arrieros (Muleteers): $6 – $8 USD per day per arriero, from the group.

Your guide will often help facilitate the tipping process to ensure it is distributed fairly among the entire support team.

The Classic 5-Day Ausangate Circuit: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

The 5-day circuit is the most popular way to experience the full majesty of the Ausangate region, offering a perfect balance of challenge and immersion. The following itinerary outlines a typical journey, though variations exist, including condensed 4-day versions or more leisurely 6-day treks that allow for extra exploration. Your specific route may differ slightly depending on your tour operator and camp logistics. For a broader overview of what to expect, see our guide to the Best Hikes in Peru.

Day 1: Cusco to Tinki and Upis

The adventure begins with an early morning departure from Cusco. The drive itself is a scenic journey, taking you southeast through the fertile Vilcanota Valley and past traditional Andean villages. After approximately three hours, you’ll arrive in the small town of Tinki, the main trailhead for the trek. Here, you’ll meet your arrieros (muleteers) and their mules, who will carry the bulk of the gear. The first day’s hike is a relatively gentle introduction, gradually ascending through high-altitude grasslands. It’s on this initial stretch that you’ll get your first breathtaking views of the sacred Apu Ausangate, its colossal, glaciated form dominating the horizon. The day concludes at the campsite in Upis (approx. 4,400m), where you can enjoy a therapeutic soak in the local hot springs while gazing at the mountain’s western face as the sun sets.

Day 2: Upis to Pucacocha

Today presents the first significant challenge and reward. After a hearty breakfast, the trail climbs steadily towards the first major mountain pass of the trek, the Arapa Pass (4,850m / 15,912 ft). The ascent is demanding but manageable with a slow, steady pace. Reaching the summit offers a profound sense of accomplishment and opens up a new vista of the Andean landscape. From here, the path descends into a stunning valley dotted with a series of vibrant, high-altitude lagoons. You’ll hike past the deep green waters of Yanacocha and the brilliant turquoise of Pucacocha, each lake a jewel set against a backdrop of glaciers and reddish-hued mountains. The campsite for the night is typically set near the largest of these lakes, Pucacocha, providing an incredibly scenic and tranquil place to rest.

Day 3: Pucacocha to Anantapata

This is often considered the most challenging yet spectacular day of the trek, as you’ll conquer the highest point of the entire circuit. The morning starts with an ascent towards the imposing Palomani Pass (5,200m / 17,060 ft). The air is thin, and every step requires focus and effort, but the panoramic views from the top are truly unparalleled. You’ll be surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Vilcanota, with Ausangate itself so close you feel you could almost touch it. After celebrating the achievement, a long descent follows into a remote, beautiful valley. You’ll pass by herds of alpacas and llamas grazing peacefully before arriving at the Anantapata campsite (approx. 4,650m), a secluded spot that showcases the raw, untouched beauty of the high Andes.

Day 4: Anantapata to Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate Cocha

An early start is essential today to reach one of the region’s most famous landmarks before the crowds arrive. A relatively short morning hike brings you to the viewpoint for the Rainbow Mountain. Seeing its mineral-striped slopes bathed in the soft morning light without the throngs of day-trippers is a magical experience. Many itineraries also include an optional but highly recommended detour through the Valle Rojo (Red Valley), a surreal landscape of deep crimson earth that feels like walking on another planet. After soaking in the incredible colors, the trek continues, looping back towards the great mountain. The day ends at the Ausangate Cocha campsite, nestled directly at the base of Ausangate’s magnificent southern face, where the sounds of shifting glaciers provide a natural soundtrack for the evening.

Day 5: Ausangate Cocha to Pacchanta and Return to Cusco

On the final day of hiking, you’ll tackle the last major ascent of the journey: the Jampa Pass (5,000m / 16,404 ft). The climb offers one last opportunity to admire the vast Andean wilderness from above. From the pass, it’s a long and steady descent into the Pacchanta valley, where the landscape gradually becomes greener and more populated with local communities. The trek concludes in the village of Pacchanta. Here, a well-earned reward awaits in the form of delightful natural hot springs, perfect for soothing tired muscles. After a final lunch with your trekking crew, you’ll board your private transport for the scenic drive back to Cusco, arriving in the early evening with a lifetime of memories from your journey around the sacred Apu.

Mastering the Altitude: Acclimatization is Key

The single most important factor for a successful and enjoyable Ausangate trek is proper acclimatization. The entire route is at a very high elevation, often crossing passes above 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Rushing this process is not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous. Taking the time to let your body adapt is a non-negotiable part of your preparation. Understanding the weather and climate in Peru is also vital for any trekker.

Why Acclimatization is Non-Negotiable

As you ascend, the air pressure drops, meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules in each breath you take. Your body needs time to adjust to this lower oxygen level. This process, known as acclimatization, involves producing more red blood cells to carry oxygen more efficiently through your bloodstream. Without this adjustment period, you risk developing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), or worse, more severe altitude-related illnesses.

A gradual ascent is the only way to facilitate this adaptation. It allows your body’s systems to catch up with the changing environment, significantly reducing the risks and making the physical exertion of the trek more manageable. Think of it as a fundamental part of the journey, not just a preliminary step. For those planning their trip, knowing the best time to visit Peru can also aid in acclimatization.

How to Prepare in Cusco Before Your Trek

Cusco, situated at approximately 3,400 meters (11,152 feet), is the perfect natural laboratory for acclimatization. Arriving here a few days before your trek begins is essential.

• Minimum Recommended Stay: Plan to spend at least two to three full days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before starting the Ausangate trek. This gives your body a crucial head start.
• Recommended Activities: On your first day, take it very easy. For subsequent days, engage in light activities. Gentle walks around Cusco’s historic center or a visit to nearby ruins like Sacsayhuaman are excellent options. These gentle exertions encourage your body to adapt without over-stressing it. Exploring these sites aligns with the best things to do in Cusco.
• Hydration and Diet: Drink plenty of water and the local remedy, coca tea (mate de coca). Avoid heavy meals and alcoholic beverages for the first 48 hours, as they can inhibit the acclimatization process and contribute to dehydration.

Recognizing and Responding to Altitude Sickness (AMS)

It’s important to be able to recognize the early signs of Acute Mountain Sickness, as prompt action is key to preventing it from worsening. The symptoms often feel similar to a hangover and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.

• Common Symptoms: The most common signs include a persistent headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, unusual fatigue, and loss of appetite.
• The Golden Rule: If you are experiencing symptoms of AMS, do not ascend further. Pushing onward to a higher altitude can turn a mild case into a severe one very quickly. Rest at your current elevation until you feel better.
• Communicate and Descend: Always inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell. They are trained to recognize and manage altitude sickness. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, the most effective treatment is to descend to a lower altitude.

On-Trek Tips for Staying Healthy

Once you are on the trail, maintaining good habits will help your body continue to perform well at extreme altitudes.

• Hydration is Crucial: Aim to drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day. Your crew will provide boiled, safe water. Sipping coca tea during breaks and in the morning is also a traditional and effective way to help with altitude.
• Pacing: Walk at a slow and deliberate pace. There is no prize for finishing first. Adopting a steady rhythm, often described as “pole, pole” (slowly, slowly), conserves energy and allows your body to function more efficiently with less oxygen. This mindful approach is also key for many of the best hikes in Peru.
• Eat Well: You will be burning a significant number of calories. Even if the altitude dampens your appetite, it’s vital to eat the hearty, high-carbohydrate meals provided by your cook. Your body needs the fuel to stay warm and strong. Experiencing the gastronomy of Peru is a highlight for many travelers.

Essential Packing List for the Ausangate Trek

Packing correctly for the Ausangate Trek is crucial for your comfort, safety, and enjoyment. You’ll be trekking in a remote, high-altitude environment where weather can change in an instant, from brilliant sunshine to freezing winds and snow. The key principle is layering with high-quality, lightweight gear. What you don’t carry on your back in your daypack will be carried by the mules in a duffel bag (usually provided by the tour operator), so pack smart and efficiently. A comprehensive what to pack for Peru guide will be invaluable.

Clothing and Layers

The layering system allows you to adapt to fluctuating temperatures throughout the day. You’ll add layers during cold mornings and at high passes, and remove them during strenuous ascents or when the sun is strong.

• Base Layer: Two to three moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms are essential for managing sweat and staying warm. Merino wool is an excellent choice for its warmth, breathability, and natural odor resistance.
• Mid Layer: A fleece jacket or a lightweight down vest provides insulation. This is your primary warmth layer, perfect for wearing around camp or during chilly moments on the trail.
• Outer Layer: A high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket and pants are non-negotiable. This shell layer will protect you from rain, snow, and the biting winds common at high passes.
• Trekking Clothes: Pack two to three pairs of comfortable hiking pants and several trekking shirts (a mix of short and long-sleeved). Avoid cotton as it retains moisture and can make you cold.
• Extremities: Your hands, head, and feet get cold first. Pack a warm beanie (fleece or wool), a sun hat or cap for sun protection, warm gloves or mittens, and four to five pairs of quality wool hiking socks to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.

Footwear

Your feet are your most valuable asset on the trek. Investing in the right footwear and breaking it in properly before your trip will make a world of difference.

• Hiking Boots: Choose waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support. Most importantly, they must be well broken-in to avoid painful blisters. Do not show up with brand-new boots.
• Camp Shoes: After a long day of hiking, you’ll want to give your feet a break. A pair of comfortable sandals, crocs, or lightweight sneakers are perfect for wearing around the campsite in the evenings.

Gear and Equipment

While your tour operator will provide the main camping equipment like tents, certain personal items are essential for you to bring.

• Sleeping Bag: The nights are frigid at this altitude. A 4-season sleeping bag with a comfort rating of at least -10°C (14°F) is required. You can usually rent these in Cusco if you don’t own one.
• Backpack: You will need a daypack of around 25-35 liters to carry your daily essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and extra layers. Your remaining gear will go into a larger duffel bag, which the mules will carry.
• Trekking Poles: Highly recommended. Poles significantly reduce the strain on your knees, especially during steep descents, and provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
• Headlamp: An absolute must-have for navigating around camp after dark and for early morning starts. Remember to bring extra batteries.
• Water Storage: A water bottle or a hydration reservoir (like a CamelBak) with a total capacity of at least 2 liters is necessary to stay properly hydrated.

Health and Personal Items

These items will help you stay healthy, comfortable, and prepared for minor issues on the trail.

• First-Aid Kit: Your guide will have a comprehensive kit, but it’s wise to bring a personal one with essentials like blister treatment (moleskin), pain relievers (ibuprofen), antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any personal medications you require.
• Sun Protection: The sun’s UV rays are incredibly strong at high altitudes. Pack high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+), polarized sunglasses, and SPF lip balm to protect your skin and eyes.
• Toiletries: Keep it simple. A toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable wet wipes (for a quick “wash”), and a small quick-dry towel are sufficient. Consider bringing hand sanitizer as well.

Life on the Trail: What to Expect Daily

The Ausangate trek is a journey into a world governed by the rhythms of the sun and the mountains. While the hiking is demanding, life on the trail is structured to support your efforts, providing comfort and sustenance in a remote, high-altitude environment. Understanding the daily flow helps you prepare and fully appreciate this unique experience.

A Typical Day on the Trek

Each day follows a well-orchestrated routine designed for acclimatization, energy conservation, and enjoyment. The support of a dedicated crew of guides, cooks, and arrieros (muleteers) allows you to focus on the hike and the incredible landscapes.

• The Morning Wake-Up: Your day typically begins around 5:30 or 6:00 AM with a gentle wake-up call from a crew member. Often, they will bring a cup of hot coca tea directly to your tent—a traditional and welcome way to start a cold Andean morning.
• Hearty Meals: After packing your personal duffel bag, you’ll head to the dining tent for a substantial breakfast. Expect options like porridge, eggs, pancakes, fruit, and bread. Lunch is a multi-course affair, often set up in a scenic spot along the trail. Dinner is the main event, a three-course meal to replenish your energy after a long day of hiking.
• The Hiking Rhythm: The trekking itself is done at a slow and deliberate pace. Guides will constantly remind you to walk slowly to conserve energy and aid acclimatization. The day’s hike is usually broken into segments of one to two hours, with short breaks to rest, hydrate, and take in the views.
• Arriving at Camp: You will typically arrive at the next campsite in the mid-afternoon. Your tents will already be pitched by the swift-moving crew. A “happy hour” with tea, coffee, and snacks like popcorn or biscuits follows, giving you time to relax and socialize before dinner. Evenings are for stargazing in the clear mountain sky before an early night’s rest.

Food, Water, and Sustenance

The quality of food on the Ausangate trek is consistently a pleasant surprise for many hikers. Despite the remote conditions, trekking chefs are masters at creating diverse and delicious meals that are both comforting and high in the carbohydrates and proteins needed for high-altitude exertion.

• Peruvian Cuisine: Expect a wonderful introduction to Peruvian flavors. Meals often feature quinoa soup, trout, chicken dishes, various potato preparations, and fresh vegetables. The food is thoughtfully prepared to be easily digestible at altitude.
• Handling Dietary Restrictions: Reputable tour operators can almost always accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies. It is crucial to communicate these requirements clearly and in advance at the time of booking.
• Water Safety: Staying hydrated is paramount. Your crew will provide safe, purified drinking water throughout the trek. Each morning, at lunch, and upon arriving at camp, they will supply boiled water for you to refill your bottles or hydration reservoirs. It is not safe to drink directly from streams or springs.

Camping and Facilities

Accommodations on the Ausangate trek are exclusively camping, immersing you fully in the natural environment. The facilities are basic but functional, providing necessary shelter and comfort after a day on the trail.

• The Camp Setup: Tour companies provide high-quality, 4-season tents, usually shared between two people, which offer good protection from wind and cold. A larger dining tent with a table and stools is set up for all meals, providing a communal space to eat and relax away from the elements.
• Toilet Facilities: Do not expect flushing toilets. Most tour operators provide a private toilet tent, which is a small, upright tent containing a portable chemical toilet or a simple dug latrine. While hiking during the day, you will rely on the “Inca toilet,” which means finding a discreet spot in nature. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

Ausangate Trek FAQs

How difficult is the Ausangate Trek compared to the Inca Trail?

While both treks are challenging, they present different types of difficulty. The Inca Trail is known for its thousands of stone steps, particularly on the second day, which can be grueling on the knees. Its highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, is at 4,215 meters (13,828 ft).

The Ausangate Trek, by contrast, is considered more physically demanding overall, primarily due to its consistently high altitude. The entire circuit remains above 4,000 meters, and you will cross several passes over 5,000 meters. The terrain is more remote and rugged, with fewer structured paths than the Inca Trail. In short, if the Inca Trail is a test of endurance on stairs, the Ausangate Trek is a test of your body’s ability to perform in a high-altitude, low-oxygen environment.

Do I need a permit for the Ausangate Trek?

No, unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Ausangate Trek does not require a government-issued permit. This provides much greater flexibility for booking. However, you will pass through lands belonging to local communities, and tour operators pay small entrance fees to these communities, which is typically included in your tour price. If trekking independently, you should be prepared to pay these fees directly.

Is there cell phone service or Wi-Fi available?

You should plan to be completely disconnected from the outside world. Due to the trek’s remote nature, there is virtually no cell phone service or Wi-Fi along the entire route. This digital detox is a significant part of the experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the landscape. Reputable tour companies will carry a satellite phone or radio for emergency use only.

Can I rent gear like sleeping bags and trekking poles in Cusco?

Yes, absolutely. Cusco is a major hub for outdoor adventure, and there are dozens of rental shops where you can find quality gear. Most tour operators also offer rentals for key items, which can be a convenient option. You can easily rent:

• Four-season sleeping bags
• Inflatable sleeping mats
• Trekking poles
• Duffel bags

When renting, always check the equipment’s condition, especially the temperature rating of the sleeping bag, to ensure it is suitable for the cold nights on the trek (a -10°C / 14°F rating is recommended). For more advice on what to bring, check out our guide on what to pack for Peru.

What kind of wildlife might I see?

The Ausangate region is a haven for high-Andean fauna. The most common and guaranteed sightings will be vast herds of alpacas and llamas, which are central to the local economy and culture. Keep an eye out for the more elusive and graceful vicuñas, the wild ancestors of the alpaca. You may also spot vizcachas, a relative of the chinchilla that resembles a rabbit with a long, curly tail, often seen sunbathing on rocks. Birdwatchers can look for Andean geese, crested ducks, and the mighty caracara. If you are exceptionally lucky, you might even see an Andean condor soaring high above the mountain passes.