This is the trek you want if you’re more interested in seeing the Andes and don’t need archeology to be part of the experience.

In Quechua, an apu is a sacred mountain. Ausangate is the most important apu in the Cusco region, along with Salkantay. This area still has many Andean people who graze their alpaca on the mountain. Some still farm the lower slopes, though only a few varieties of potato will grow at such a high altitude.

The trek is usually a 4 day loop circumnavigating the peak. I strongly recommend going with an experienced guide. Due to the alpaca, there are hundreds of trails to follow, though most of them don’t lead anywhere. You are well above treeline, so you always have a relatively good view of where you’re going. Most of the trail is between 4,000 m (13,000ft) above sea level and 5,000 m. (16,400ft) during the day and the campgrounds are down at about 4,000.

You usually end at the hot springs in the town of Pacchanta. Plan on a few hours in Pacchanta and even consider spending the night there. It’s a beautiful town and the hot springs are just what your feet need after four days on the trail.

This is an incredibly beautiful trek. You can read about my experience hiking around Ausangate from November, 2020 on this blog.

Practicalities

There are many agencies who offer the Ausangate trek. For info on selecting an agency - see Cusco Trek Agencies