Claire Dean
Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
Packing List For The Ausangate Trek, Cusco Peru
Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 2023-03-06
A trek to Ausangate mountain is one of natural beauty, living history, and ancient customs and beliefs, dating back to Inca time and beyond. This 6-day trek is recommended for seasoned hikers only, who have experience hiking at high elevations and are used to camping in extremely cold conditions. Ausangate is actually the 5th tallest mountain in Peru, standing at 6393 meters above sea level and this hike will circumnavigate the mountain itself, and also visit the world-famous Rainbow Mountain.
Ausangate Trek
Found 100 km / 62 mi south of Cusco is the impressive Cordillera Vilcanota. This mountain range has several peaks over 6,000 meters high, including the sacred Ausangate peak (6,372m). Ausangate is the highest mountain in the Cusco region and the 5th highest mountain in Peru. The Ausangate mountain itself is considered a sacred mountain or "Apu" by locals. Since pre-Inca times (see Inca trail history), the mountain has been a place of worship. The mountain is also where the Qoyllur Rit’I Festival happens at the end of May. This is held on the opposite side of the Cordillera Vilcanota, in the Sinakara Valley. The festival draws over 10,000 pilgrims each year. This deity of Cusco is celebrated through traditions and offerings. Specifically, the pilgrimage celebrates the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation in the night sky, marking the beginning of the harvest season. This is what you should pack for this awe-inspiring Ausangate trek!
Lake on The Ausangate Trek
Ausangate trek: Packing List.
Clothing
- Comfortable hiking pants
- Down jacket or a warm jacket
- Fleece top/sweater
- Good hiking boots with protector ankle or similar.
- A pair of flip-flops or light sandals (hiking sandals are recommended).
- Hiking long-sleeve T-shirts and shirts. (one for each day)
- Thermal base layer
- Hiking socks
- Sun hat or cap
- Warm hat for the nighttime
- Gloves for the nighttime
- Bandana
- Underwear
- Bathing suit in case you want to go to the hot springs in Pacchanta.
- Rain gear (especially if traveling in the wet season, from October to March) Goretex jacket, Goretex pants, Goretex boots, Goretex gloves.
Trekking Gear
Personal Care Items
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses.
- Hands sanitizer gel.
- ChapStick (lipstick)
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Biodegradable soap
- Wet Wipes
- Toilet Paper
Toiletries
Gear
- Day Pack
- Sleeping bag liner.
- Hiking poles rubber-tipped (or you can rent a pair from us).
- Ear Plugs
- Reusable plastic bags (to keep everything dry).
- Pack liners to waterproof bags
- Camera
- Battery Chargers
- Torch
- Snacks
Ausangate
