The What is Machu Picchu? Most tours will start in Cusco from where your operator will drive you southeast to Tinki (Tinqui). Nevado Ausangate is one of the most critical mountains in the high Andes as it serves as the primary freshwater source for Andean and downstream ecosystems, said Perry. Ausangate is one of the highest mountains in the Cusco region and is also an important cultural centre for the Andean communities. If you are looking for a stunning destination to take, Hello, ice adventurers! Some operators will press on for another 3 hours to the town of Tinki; however, most camp at Pajchanta for the night. If you want to take to one of the lesser known trails of the mystical Andes, reach out to our team and well be happy to include it in your upcoming Peru travel package. Lying 100 km / 62 mi south of Cusco is the impressive Cordillera Vilcanota. These two are bang in the middle of the dry season, but the nights get extremely cold. So if you like to explore new places, meet people and explore diverse flora and fauna, this is your place! The company has moved from championing exploration for the sake of discovery to protecting the planet, committing for the long term to support individuals and organizations using science to understand and devise solutions to todays environmental challenges. "Our tours are Fully Customizable and leave 365 days a year!". Day 8 is the final day of trekking. A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Tue afternoon. Your email address will not be published. She enjoys sharing her passion for all things nature-related. Given the high altitude of the campsites, temperatures drop considerably in the afternoon and especially at night, when they can drop to -10 C or even lower in the dry season. We recommend doing this trek with a guide. Temperature: Cold with varying temps throughout the day Difficulty: Challenging Considerations: Enjoy a great intro to Ausangate trekking without needing to commit to an overnight experience. Local legend tells of the baths medicinal properties. . Hi! The mountain range has several peaks over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) high, including the sacred Ausangate peak (6,372m / 20,906ft). Sometimes, the first and final meals are not included. In the dry months, daytime temperatures are usually mild and visibility is high. The route takes hikers over several high passes and down into low alpine valleys. Discover traditional Peruvian villages, herds of llamas, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. This doesnt mean youll be chilly all day. Its also when tourist season really picks up, but you can avoid crowds on this off-the-beaten-path route. However, if you have extra time to spare, it can certainly be added on. However, the odd shower will still occur, which is why this month is included in the rainy season. are designed to showcase all that this country has to offer. Camping Gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and cooking set): approximately 40 soles per day. The village is also home to some very picturesque natural thermal pools. Rainfall is still getting heavier in February, and during this month, a lot of the other trekking routes are closed, including the Inca Trail. It is recommended that you travel slightly later in the morning (around 8 am) to reach the mountain just after the crowds have thinned out. A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Mon afternoon. Another benefit of booking with a company is that you dont have to worry about carrying food or preparing meals. Please Note: If you are looking for a more authentic trail, you may want to skip this extension. The collaboration between Explorers to study all facets of the Amazon River Basin is critical to deepen our understanding of the Amazons dynamic environment, said Nicole Alexiev, Vice President of Science and Innovation Programs at National Geographic Society. As part of the snow assessment, the team collected samples to screen for microplastics in this remote and relatively pristine region. The combination of the two stations provide critical data to study climate-glacier interactions in the accumulation zone and characterize the extreme climate at the highest elevations in the Andes. Try to budget for about 300 soles ($80) for 6-7 days. Iceland is the perfect place!, Hey adventurers, are you planning a trip to Tanzania and considering a safari in the, Hello travelers! We work with the best local operator to offer, visiting the world famous Rainbow Mountains, alternative Inca Trail trails to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu entrance tickets, Ollantaytambo where you will check into a hotel, Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes guidebook map. The team was also joined by National Geographic Explorer and Photographer Tom Peschak who documented their efforts. Say goodbye to your guide and pack up your horses (and say thank you with a nice tip). In addition, the elevation changes significantly over a short space of time. The views of Ausangate from Arapa pass are stunning, so get your camera ready! Every year huge pilgrimages are made to the mountain. Weather can be friendly up there, but it soon turns either cloudy or sunny. It is considered an apu, or protective deity of the surrounding villages, as well as the most representative mountain of the region. Winds increasing (light winds from the WNW on Thu night, fresh winds from the WNW by Sat night). You can also find a form to contact a travel advisor to perfectly tailor your ultimate, The Ausangate mountain trek, traversing one of the biggest mountains in all of Peru, is like a dream from start to finish. Youll most likely stop along the way in Ocongate or Qatca for a drink and to experience the local culture. You might want to bookmark this page for future reference. AUSANGATE WEATHER. It could be sunny one minute and then start pouring it down or even hailing the next. August 3, 2022 Washington, D.C. (August 3, 2022) Today, the National Geographic Society announced the placement of a weather station just below the summit of the Nevado Ausangate at 6,349m/ 20,830ft now the highest weather station in the tropical Andes. Feel free to share my article with friends or link to your blog. Mossy passes and glaciers add to the mystical feel of this route. We suggest that you take a minute to read our detailed article on altitude sickness and acclimatization. . At this elevation of Ausangate, temperatures can reach lows of -15 C and lower at night. Basically, you will only be paying for transport, food, and equipment rental. Temperature during the first hours of our . Acclimatization is the key factor in ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable trek. During the day it can get quite warm if the sun is out; anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. For every trek you go on, you need to make sure you have a rain jacket or lightweight poncho. Its truly a sight to behold. More progressed cases can result in vomiting, shortness of breath and high altitude cerebral edema, which is associated with lethargy, nausea and disorientation. Image: Trekkers camping near a laguna in the majestic cordillera Vilcanota on the Ausangate circuit by sergejf is licensed under CC BY 2.0. The Ausangate is the highest mountain in Cusco and the fifth largest in Peru. Try particularly for July or August, the driest months of the year. Food Supplies (including gas for cooking): 100-150 soles ($30-$45). The nighttime temperatures range between 14 F / -10, whereas the day temperature reaches 77 F / 25 C. Best time to hike Ausangate 7 lakes Login. Ausangate Mountain stands with 11 other sacred apus of the Cusco area, namely Salkantay, Mama Simona, Pillku Urqu, Manuel Pinta, Wanakawri, Pachatusan, Pikchu, Saksaywaman, Viraqochan, Pukin and Sinqa. During this month, the showers will begin, although theyll be a little sporadic and wont happen every day. You cant fly directly to Ausangate. The weather is unpredictable in the andes. After reaching the pass, you will stop for a light lunch. All the hikers on the team can pool their tips and then hand to the trekking team, who will distribute among themselves. This trek takes you to high altitudes and you'll experience very low temperatures at night. The best time to do the Ausangate trek, and all Peru hiking tours, is between May and September. It is a 500m (1,640 ft) ascent up the pass. In Andean spirituality, the mountains, called apus, are highly revered and believed to have a spirit. You will rise early and begin your day passing herds of vicunas, alpacas, and llamas. Approximately 6-7 hours of hiking time. They can also enjoy the magnificent gastronomy of the place, such as a succulent Pachamanca a la tierra. Rainbow Mountain, or Montaa de Siete Colores, is a very popular destination. The equipment and packing list for the Ausangate trek is similar to that for other Cusco hikes. Hikers should be prepared for a range of weather conditions, including sunshine, rain, and even snow. But remember, at Ausangate, youre at a very high altitude and among the glaciers, so dont expect it to get too hot. Wind will be generally light. Youll also need to protect yourself from the sun as youre much closer to the UV rays. Bus from Cusco to Tique: 10 soles ($3) each way. This engagement was reinforced with the launch of the Perpetual Planet initiative in 2019, which initially focused on individuals who contribute to a better world through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, on safeguarding the oceans through a partnership with Mission Blue, and on understanding climate change as part of its association with the National Geographic Society. From here, you will descend down to the shores of lake Singrenacchocha (4560m / 14,961 ft). If you venture out to trek in Ausangate during this time of year, youll need a warm sleeping bag and plenty of clothes for the evenings. The Ten Nations, or brotherhoods, of the surrounding areas all gather for the occasion. This has been going on for centuries. The changes happening on Ausangate are especially important in understanding the fluctuations and adaptations of the entire Amazon River Watershed.. You can still visit Rainbow Mountain on a day tour from Cusco. This means group sizes are usually small if not completely private. Day 4 is a slightly easier trek. Looking for a day tour? It is important to keep in mind the crowds and higher elevation (higher than any other point on the classic Ausangate) to decide if youd like to add this portion to your Ausantage hike. This is a great location to spot solitary condors and marvel at their enormous size! She enjoys hiking, horseriding, 4x4 driving and kayaking. The Ausangate hike traces through high elevation landscapes ranging between 10,334 ft to as high as 16,800 ft above sea level. The National Geographic and Rolex partnership supports expeditions to explore the planets most critical environments. 24/7 in-trip support. The Ausangate trek of four days is one of Peru's best options to explore the native life of the Andes. The Ausangate Trek is a high altitude 70km hike in the Peruvian mountains near Cusco with an average altitude of over 4000m. During this time, there is a mix of rain and sunshine. The weather can be quite unpredictable, and blizzard conditions at the higher altitudes are not uncommon. Approximately 9 hours of hiking time. In the day, the sun will be strong. Wind will be generally light. In total, Manu National Park is home to almost 2 million hectares of nature. This list ensures that you have everything you need for a guided trek without overburdening yourself. Dry season spans from May to November, where skies are clear, days are cool, and the nights get very cold. Be warned that the trail might still be slippery from all the showers. Our ultimate goal is to uniquely illuminate the critically important role this region plays in stabilizing the health of the planet while elevating solutions to ensure its protection.. Youll also have the chance to bathe in hot springs and view the treks signature Rainbow mountains! Photo by Peru for Less. The Ausangate, due to its altitude, was revered by the Incas as a tutelary god, an 'apu'. Next, you will start crossing the Mapacho river. The trek is classified as Grade C in difficulty, which implies altitudes between 14,800 to 16,400 ft (4500-5000 m) and 6-7 hours of hiking per day. Welcome to my complete guide to hiking Perus Ausangate Trek. highest weather station installed in the southern and western hemispheres near the summit of the Tupungato Volcano in Chile. You can breathe a sigh of relief, the Ausangate trek does not require permits like the one needed to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Cusco for a fabulous Peruvian adventure to remember. Triunfo Street 346, Main Square of Cusco, Peru. The best glaciers in Iceland that you cant miss. Please Note: Planning on hiking the Ausangate solo? We hope these tips and information have helped you to know a little more about this beautiful place and encourage you to live the adventure, because it is really worth it. Many of the days have steep sections that cause rapid altitude gain in a short time. This makes it the highest mountain in the entire Cusco region. To secure your spot, its always a good idea to book a bit in advance during this time of year. Mainly fresh winds. Image: Ausangate Landscape by Petr Meissner is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Happy trekking! Many thin layers of clothing to take on and off as you warm up/cool down. The dry season is considered from May to November, with mostly sunny days and blue sky. Our expeditions in Peru Vinicunca also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, or more simply Rainbow Mountain was discovered four years ago when the snow covering it melted, revealing the natural beauty of the rock beneath. Manu National Park: What makes it special? A voyage to Ausangate mountain is one of natural beauty, living history and ancient spirituality. Ausangate mountain itself is considered a holy mountain (or mountain spirit) by locals. This part of the trek would bring you to a soaring 17,060 feet above sea level. From here its a gentle descent towards your lunch spot before you reach the town of Pacchanta where youll be rewarded with a dip in the towns mineral rich thermal baths a perfect chance to relax after a long, demanding day of hiking. Generally hikers leave the bulk of their belongings safely in storage at their, Tipping is not mandatory on a guided Ausangate Trek, but it is highly recommended. as a side excursion. An expanding portfolio of other partnerships embraced by the Perpetual Planet initiative now include: the Under The Pole expeditions, pushing the boundaries of underwater exploration; the One Ocean Foundation and Menkab, both protecting cetacean biodiversity in the Mediterranean; the Xunaan-Ha Expedition, shedding light on water quality in Yucatn, Mexico; the B.I.G expedition to the North Pole in 2023, gathering data on threats to the Arctic; Hearts In The Ice, also collecting climate change information in the Arctic; the Monaco Blue Initiative that brings together experts on solutions for ocean conservation. However, with the rainy season approaching, youre a little more likely to get wet. Each lake in the region is colored differently. Please Note: This trek is not suited for first-time trekkers. Because it is more rugged and remote, the Salkantay Trek is significantly less populated than the Inca Trail. Certain sections of the trek are so steep that youll need to get off and walk beside your horse. The village is an extremely authentic insight into traditional Peruvian culture where local village people make their living here from herding and farming. Follow the river as it gently descends to Mallma at 4,230 meters / 13,878 feet. Luckily, were coming to the end of the wet season now, and theres a dramatic decrease in the amount of rainfall. The weather forecast for Ausangate is: A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Tue afternoon. W To talk about the Plazas de Armas of Peru, is to talk about history, tourism, art, culture and recreation of each locality where they are located. Chefs and all meals during the trek will also be included in the price. To see the weather forecasts for the other elevations, use the tab navigation above the We sell virtually all services available in Peru, Galapagos, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. Check out our list of the top 27 best treks in Peru, with hikes like Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain, Laguna 69, Inca Trail, Kuelap, Huayna Picchu and more.