Ausangate

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The western face of Ausangate Mountain

 

Ausangate is the most representative mountain of Cusco. Its climate is 6.372 on main sea level with large lakes with blue-green glow. There are also stone shrubs, which make the place look like a very modern paradise. Walking through the mountain of Ausangate is an indescribable adventure, and it is impossible not to be impressed by the beauty of perpetual snow. You will often find rocks at an altitude of 5000 meters and also with ice rocks which descend in magnificent ways and form lakes of ice. The route of Ausangate is one of the most attractive of Cusco.

Location:
Located in the Cordillera Vilcanota and is one of the most difficult to reach 6,350 m.a.s.l.
Altitude:
Ocongat 3,433 m.a.s.l.
Mawayani 4,059 m.a.s.l.
Santuario 4,800 m.a.s.l.
Gruta de la Virgen 4,900 m.a.s.l.
Nevado de Qolquepunco 5,471 m.a.s.l.
Distance:
The daily distances on the trail vary from around 6 to 11 miles / 10 to 16 km per day. Upon arrival from Cusco by bus on the first day, there is a short hike of about 2 miles / 3 km to the Chillca Tambo.
Weather:
There are only two seasons in this latitude, a dry one and a wet one with plenty of rain (and snow on high altitude) that last approximately from November to March. We normally only operate from April to October, when there are good chances for excellent weather. Occasional rain-showers can occur at any time of the year.
The temperatures in the Andes vary very little during the daytime, but there can be considerable changes between day and night. Temperature in the dry-season (our wintertime) often drop below freezing during the nights. Although, it can be quite warm and pleasant during daytime. Nights are very long and cold in this latitude.
Flora and Fauna
Agriculture is intensive and focuses on the production of a wide variety of tubers, among which are the goose and potatoes. Many llamas can be seen throughout the circuit, offering a unique touch to the local landscape.

Tour
Ausangate Trek

Tips & Useful Information

Health
– We recommend to not drink water from the tube, it is better to buy a bottle of water to prevent contracting any harmful parasites or water-borne illnesses. Also you have to be sure to travel with water purification tablets or boil water for 15 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
– We suggest to bring lemon candies, or drink coca leaf tea, to avoid the high sickness (Soroche).
– We suggest you visit your doctor for a medical examination before you make this trek.
– If you suffering a heart illness do not try to do this trek.
Security

-we suggest to buying a travel insurance.
– Be sure to hire a professional guide, with a travel agency.
– Be sure to bring the necessary stuff for this kind of trek.
RECOMENDATIONS
-Personal Sleeping Bag
-Back Pack and Day pack
-Hiking shoes
-Rain coat / poncho
-Water bottle, flash light, hat, sun block, sunglasses
-Warm/Thermal clothes
-Bathing Suit.
-Chocolates, candies or other snacks
-Photo Camera + Films, Binoculars
For the trip
– To join this trek you should be in good health and physical condition. The difficulties are mostly related to the altitude, ranging from 13,000 to 16,700 ft / 4,000 to 5,100 m at the highest pass. Be prepared to climb up and down with significant altitude changes during the course of the day.
– Before you leave for the trek, allow yourself at least 3 to 4 days in higher altitude. Cusco and its surrounding, the Sacred Valley (Urubamba) and Machu Picchu are ideal places for acclimatization.
– While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a day pack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories you might need on the trail.) Horses and llamas will carry your duffle bag to the next campsite.
Festivities
Coyllur Riti Festival
In the Andes of southern Peru, between the snowy peaks of Ausangate and Sinakara is located Coyllur Riti Sanctuary, known by the population of the area as Taytacha Quyllur rit’i (Lord of the glittering snow). To the Andean people, the hills and mountains are sacred attributes. This is called Apus deities (Lord) holders of kamaq (life force), cattle owners, whose power extends over a large geographical area. The Apu Ausangate, the most powerful in the area, is the birthplace of alpacas and llamas, controls the fertility of animals and their authority radiates throughout this region.
Each year, days before the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi, head to this place thousands of indigenous peasants, climbing up the snow line, about 4.700 meters, where it develops a party in honor of the Lord of Coyllur Riti. The pilgrims climb the mountain from on Saturday, the eve of Sunday of the Holy Trinity. The faithful turn to the Lord Coyllur Riti for health, to promote the fertility of their animals or to ensure the agricultural crop year.

More information

Inca Trail History Cusco Inca Trail

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